NASA announced Friday night that it is again delaying the Boeing Starliner capsule’s return to Earth from the International Space Station.
NASA did not immediately announce a new undocking date, but indicated the return of Starliner’s crew, astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, won’t come until July.
In a blog post, the federal space agency said the move “allow(s) mission teams time to review propulsion system data.”
“Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft remains cleared for return in case of an emergency on the space station that required the crew to leave orbit and come back to Earth,” the post said in a sign that the spacecraft is still considered viable.
President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are set to debate on June 27 at 9 p.m. EDT, marking their first face-off in four years. The debate occurs significantly earlier than usual, as both candidates chose to bypass the Commission on Presidential Debates. A second debate is slated for September 10, hosted by ABC.
Context and Stakes
Trump has recently indicated that he does “not want to underestimate Biden,” while his supporters have started to undermine Biden’s performance with baseless claims about his use of performance enhancers. Biden aims to counter months of negative press concerning his age and declining poll numbers. At 81 and 78 years old respectively, Biden and Trump are the oldest presumptive nominees in U.S. history, with national polls showing a tight race between them. According to Decision Desk HQ and The Hill’s forecast, Trump has a 58 percent chance of winning the presidency, compared to Biden’s 42 percent.
Debate Hosting and Viewing
Host and Moderators: CNN will host the debate in Atlanta, moderated by Jake Tapper and Dana Bash, co-hosts of CNN’s “State of the Union.”
Audience: There will be no live audience present at the debate.
Broadcast and Streaming: The debate will be broadcast live on CNN, CNN International, CNN en Español, and CNN Max. It will also be available for streaming on CNN.com for those without a cable subscription.
Debate Rules and Format
Microphone Control: Microphones will be muted except during the designated speaking time for each candidate. The moderators have the authority to enforce timing and maintain a civilized discussion.
Agreed Rules: Both candidates have agreed to these rules, a response to the chaotic nature of the 2020 debates which featured frequent interruptions and confrontations.
Stage Position and Speaking Order: Biden will stand on the right side of the stage, and Trump will deliver the closing remarks. The speaking order and podium positions were determined by a coin toss.
Qualification Criteria and Exclusions
Eligibility Requirements: Candidates needed to meet constitutional requirements: being at least 35 years old and a natural-born U.S. citizen. Additionally, they had to file a statement of candidacy with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) and appear on enough state ballots to reach 270 electoral votes. A candidate must also have polled at least 15 percent in four separate national polls of registered or likely voters.
RFK Jr. and Other Candidates: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. did not meet the qualification criteria and has lodged a complaint with the FEC, alleging collusion among Biden, Trump, and CNN to exclude him. Jill Stein of the Green Party has also filed a similar complaint. Despite Kennedy’s claims of qualifying for 310 electoral votes, many states have yet to confirm his eligibility on their ballots.
A groundbreaking small trial published in the journal Nature Medicine reports two potential firsts for Parkinson’s disease: a diagnostic test and an immune-based treatment akin to a vaccine. Although the research is in its early stages, the findings are generating excitement for advancements in a disease that currently lacks effective diagnostics and treatments.
The key focus of both innovations is alpha-synuclein, a protein that, in its abnormal form, aggregates in the brains of Parkinson’s patients and damages nerve cells crucial for motor and cognitive functions. Despite long-standing awareness of this protein’s role in Parkinson’s, finding ways to measure and target it has been challenging.
The Potential Parkinson’s Vaccine
Florida-based biotech company Vaxxinity has developed a vaccine, referred to as an active immune medicine, designed to train the immune system to specifically attack the misfolded, abnormal versions of alpha-synuclein while sparing the normal forms. This approach aims to enable patients’ bodies to treat themselves.
“The idea is that patients should recognize their own misfolded proteins, and it is personalized because their own immune systems are doing the work,” explained Dr. Mark Frasier, chief scientific officer at the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, which funded the study.
The Parkinson’s Diagnostic Test
Researchers at the University of Texas and Vaxxinity have developed a new diagnostic test using cerebrospinal fluid samples to measure levels of abnormal alpha-synuclein. If the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) grants full approval, it would become the first test for diagnosing Parkinson’s disease. The FDA had previously classified it as a breakthrough device in 2019 to expedite access to this innovative technology.
“Without such a test, you’re kind of shooting in the dark,” said Mei Mei Hu, CEO and co-founder of Vaxxinity.
Alpha-synuclein has been difficult to measure due to its relatively small amounts and tendency to clump inside cells. The new test circumvents these issues by using normal forms of the protein to amplify the signal of misfolded proteins, which are then detected using a fluorescent probe. This creates a biomarker to stand in for the treatment effect.
This advancement could allow early identification of Parkinson’s patients, making it possible to start treatments when they might be most effective. Further research aims to refine the test to indicate not just the presence of Parkinson’s, but also the potential risk of developing the disease.
Study Findings
The trial, conducted by the University of Texas, the Mayo Clinic, the Michael J. Fox Foundation, and Vaxxinity, involved 20 Parkinson’s patients. It primarily assessed the safety of the vaccine approach, offering preliminary hints about its effectiveness. Participants received three shots over nearly a year, with some receiving different doses of the treatment and others a placebo.
Results showed that those receiving the vaccine generated more antibodies against abnormal alpha-synuclein than those given the placebo, with antibody levels increasing about four months after the vaccinations began.
“What is unique about our technology is that it can stimulate the immune system to produce very, very specific antibodies against toxic forms of alpha-synuclein, and do it in a safe way, which is reassuring,” said Jean-Cosme Dodart, senior vice president of research at Vaxxinity and lead author of the study.
Approximately half of the patients showed high antibody levels against misfolded alpha-synuclein, particularly those who received the highest vaccine doses. These patients also scored the highest on motor and cognitive tests. Although the small sample size limits the assessment of symptom changes, researchers believe that longer follow-up and potentially higher or more frequent doses could improve these scores.
“This paper demonstrates that in a small number of people, the vaccine is having an impact on misfolded alpha-synuclein, which is really exciting,” said Frasier. “We are now in the biological era for Parkinson’s disease.”
Canadian actor Donald Sutherland, renowned for his roles in films such as “The Hunger Games” and “Don’t Look Now,” has died at the age of 88 following a prolonged illness. His son, actor Kiefer Sutherland, shared the news, expressing his deep sorrow and admiration for his father.
“With a heavy heart, I tell you that my father, Donald Sutherland, has passed away. I personally think one of the most important actors in the history of film,” Kiefer Sutherland said. “Never daunted by a role, good, bad or ugly. He loved what he did and did what he loved, and one can never ask for more than that. A life well lived.”
Donald Sutherland’s illustrious career spanned over five decades and included nearly 200 film and television credits. His passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and fans alike.
Actor Rob Lowe, who co-starred with Sutherland in the miniseries “Salem’s Lot,” praised him as “one of our greatest actors.” “It was my honor to work with him many years ago, and I will never forget his charisma and ability,” Lowe wrote on Twitter.
Cary Elwes, who worked with Sutherland in the 2001 television film “Uprising,” expressed his grief on Instagram. “Our hearts are breaking for you,” he told Kiefer. “So grateful to have known [and] worked with him. Sending our love.”
Sutherland was born in New Brunswick, Canada, and began his career as a radio news reporter before moving to London in 1957 to study at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. He gradually made his mark with small roles in British film and television before rising to prominence with performances in war films like “The Dirty Dozen” (1967) and “Kelly’s Heroes” (1970), as well as the classic “MAS*H” (1970).
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed his condolences, recalling his awe upon meeting Sutherland. “My thoughts go out to Kiefer and the entire Sutherland family, as well as all Canadians who are no doubt saddened to learn, as I am right now,” Trudeau said. “He was a man with a strong presence, a brilliance in his craft, and truly, truly a great Canadian artist.”
US President Joe Biden also paid tribute, calling Sutherland a “one-of-a-kind actor who inspired and entertained the world for decades.”
Director Ron Howard, who collaborated with Sutherland on the 1991 film “Backdraft,” lauded him as “one of the most intelligent, interesting [and] engrossing film actors of all time.”
Jane Fonda, Sutherland’s co-star in the 1971 thriller “Klute,” shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram. Describing him as a “brilliant actor” and recalling their shared experiences, including an anti-Vietnam War tour, she said, “I am heartbroken.”
Helen Mirren, who starred opposite Sutherland in the 2017 film “The Leisure Seeker,” remembered him as a “friend” and “one of the smartest actors I ever worked with.” In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, she remarked on his “wonderful enquiring brain” and “great knowledge on a wide variety of subjects,” adding, “He combined this great intelligence with a deep sensitivity, and with a seriousness about his profession as an actor. This all made him into the legend of film that he became. He was my colleague and became my friend. I will miss his presence in this world.”
Donald Sutherland leaves behind a legacy of extraordinary performances and an indelible impact on the world of cinema.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Multiple parts of I-45 and Beltway 8 will be closed while a roadway rehabilitation project starts this week.
The Texas Department of Transportation Houston District announced the $8.3 million project will begin Friday and is expected to be completed in Spring 2025.
TxDOT warns commuters that many will experience delays and encourages drivers to take alternate routes.
The department said I.S.I. Consulting, Inc. will be extending west of Hardy Toll Road to east of Aldine Westfield Road.
I-45 North Freeway northbound connector ramp to Beltway 8 eastbound: Total closure from 8 p.m. on Friday, June 21, until 5 a.m. on Monday, June 24.
I-45 North Freeway northbound connector ramp to Beltway 8 westbound: Total closure from 8 p.m. on Friday, June 21, until 5 a.m. on Monday, June 24.
I-45 North Freeway southbound connector ramp to Beltway 8 eastbound: Total closure from 8 p.m. on Friday, June 21, until 5 a.m. on Monday, June 24.
Beltway 8 eastbound entrance ramp from Greenspoint Drive/Greensgate Drive and Northchase Drive: Total closure from 8 p.m. on Friday, June 21 to 5 a.m. on Monday, June 24.
Beltway 8 eastbound entrance ramp from Imperial Valley Drive: Total closure from 8 p.m. on Friday, June 21 to 5 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 16.
Beltway 8 eastbound main lanes between Ella Boulevard and Imperial Valley Dr.: Multiple alternate lanes closed from 9 p.m. on Friday, June 21, to 5 a.m. on Monday, June 24.
Beltway 8 eastbound from Imperial Valley Dr. and the entrance ramp from Hardy Frontage Road: Total closure from 9 p.m. on Friday, June 21 to 5 a.m. Monday, June 24.
Beltway 8 eastbound connector ramp to Hardy Toll Road northbound: Total closure from 9 p.m. on Friday, June 21, to 5 a.m. Monday, June 24.
Beltway 8 eastbound exit to Aldine Westfield Road: Total closure from 9 p.m. on Friday, June 21, to 5 a.m. Monday, June 24.
Beltway 8 westbound main lanes between Aldine Westfield Rd. and Imperial Valley Dr.: One left inside lane closed from 9 p.m. on Friday, June 21, to 5 a.m. Monday, June 24.
Omaha, Neb. — Texas A&M’s baseball team is making waves as they head into their first-ever College World Series (CWS) final. The Aggies will face Tennessee on Saturday, aiming for their maiden title in a thrilling matchup between two teams that have never won the series.
Two years ago, the Aggies achieved a milestone by finishing among the top four teams in the CWS for the first time. Now, under the guidance of head coach Jim Schlossnagle, they have progressed even further, reaching the final unbeaten through the tournament’s double-elimination phase.
In an intriguing twist, Tennessee head coach Tony Vitello, a former assistant to Schlossnagle at TCU, will lead the Volunteers against his former mentor. Vitello’s tenure at Tennessee has transformed the team into formidable contenders, making their third CWS appearance since 2021.
Texas A&M’s path to the final has been marked by dominant pitching. Key performances from left-handers Ryan Prager and Justin Lamkin have seen the Aggies through critical games, with Prager’s standout six-inning no-hit performance against Kentucky in the semifinal being particularly noteworthy. Prager, recovering from a Tommy John surgery that sidelined him in 2023, boasts a 2.88 ERA this season with 118 strikeouts over 93 2/3 innings.
As the series approaches, neither team has announced its starters, but it is expected that Prager will start for Texas A&M, while Tennessee’s Chris Stamos, a transfer from the University of California, may take the mound for the Volunteers. Tennessee’s strategy includes saving their top pitchers for the crucial latter stages of the best-of-three series, potentially giving them an edge if the series extends to a third game.
Offensively, the Aggies have had to adapt after losing standout outfielder Braden Montgomery to an injury during the Super Regional. Despite these setbacks, players like Jace LaViolette, who continues to play through a hamstring issue, have stepped up. LaViolette, a first-team Freshman All-American last season, has impressed with 28 home runs this season.
Tennessee, known for their robust and sometimes controversial style under Vitello, enters the series with a reputation as the “bad boys” of college baseball. Vitello, a two-time college baseball coach of the year, is celebrated for his fiery demeanor and successful tenure.
Game 1 of the CWS final is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday, broadcast on ESPN, with Game 2 airing on ABS at 2 p.m. on Saturday. The Volunteers are the betting favorites, with a -160 money line at DraftKings Sportsbook, while the Aggies stand at +124.
As these two storied programs prepare to clash, fans can expect a high-stakes series filled with compelling storylines and top-tier baseball talent.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Now that Alberto is gone, our weather and water along the Gulf coast is starting to return to normal.
Tide levels will continue to slowly drop on Friday, but a high rip current risk remains.
Temperatures Friday morning will be in the mid 70s then warm into the low 90 in the afternoon sunshine. Those warm temperatures will trigger more scattered heavy downpours. These showers will be small by heavy as they quickly move off to the west.
How is our weekend weather looking?
Overall we’re in better shape this weekend than we were this past week. Lows will start in the mid 70s, highs will reach into the low 90s both days. There’s only a 10% chance of a shower on Saturday, but it climbs to 30% on Sunday with moisture levels back on the rise. Tide levels will still be elevated along the coast, and a rip current risk will remain.
What else is happening in the tropics?
We will also be watching the Bay of Campeche this weekend into next week as another tropical low spins up in nearly the same spot Alberto did. Right now there is a 60% chance of development over the next 7 days, but it could send more rain toward Texas, especially South Texas. There is also another area off the coast of Florida near the Bahamas we’re monitoring for development too. For more on that, head to our Daily Tropical Weather Updatepage.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Chris Pezman will not get to see the University of Houston’s sophomore season in the Big 12 and beyond.
On Thursday, UH announced it would not retain the athletics director, marking what the university president called a necessary decision.
“He has been a pivotal part of our entry into the Big 12 Conference and championed the success of student-athletes on the field and in the classroom,” UH President Renu Khator said. “This was a difficult but necessary decision as we navigate a paradigm shift in collegiate athletics.”
In addition, the university announced the start of a national search for the next person in charge of intercollegiate athletics.
Pezman, a UH graduate and former Cougars football captain, held the position for six years, with milestones in the men’s basketball and track and field programs as major highlights during his time.
However, success wasn’t across the board. The football program earned one top-25 finish during Pezman’s tenure. He also oversaw two head coaching changes for Cougars football, hiring Dana Holgorsen in 2019 and Willie Fritz this past offseason.
UH also became a Big 12 member but needed to catch up in providing facilities, namely in football, comparable to its new conference mates. A $130 million football facility that broke ground last year is still under construction.
The university also announced Raymond S. Bartlett, senior vice president for administration and finance, will serve as interim director for athletics amid the search.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The two people detained Thursday in connection with the strangulation of 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray, whose body was discovered in a north Houston creek earlier this week, are now charged with capital murder, police announced.
This comes less than 48 hours after the Houston Police Department released pictures of two male persons of interest in the case.
Thursday afternoon, HPD held a press conference in which it was announced that two men, Johan Jose Rangel Martinez and Franklin Jose Pena Ramos, were arrested and face capital murder charges for their alleged roles in the 12-year-old’s death.
Lt. Stephen Hope said surveillance video and other evidence helped them identify the suspects. Hope said the two men started their evening at a Northborough-area restaurant together. They then left the restaurant on foot and were walking southbound, which is when they were first seen on camera. HPD released those images on Tuesday.
The suspects were later seen meeting with Jocelyn and talking for a few minutes on Kuykendahl Road. Later, Rangel Martinez and Pena Ramos, along with Jocelyn, walked to a convenience store.
ABC13 obtained surveillance images that appear to show 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray’s l…Show more
After a few minutes, all three of them walked to a bridge, which is where HPD said the 12-year-old was murdered.
Rangel Martinez and Pena Ramos then continued walking to their residence, leaving Jocelyn behind.
After days of investigating, on Thursday, authorities arrested the two men at 13355 Northborough Drive at the Canfield Lakes Apartment. They were detained and taken in for questioning. Meanwhile, crews remained at the apartment complex looking for additional evidence of the crime, which was found, but police would not immediately release those details.
Jocelyn’s body was found Monday off West Rankin Road near the North Freeway, walking distance from where she lives, after investigators believe she snuck out of her home around 10 p.m. on Sunday. Her mother last saw her when she went to bed, according to police.
Houston police said surveillance images of that evening helped lead them to the suspects. Police said both men were seen walking with the y…Show more
Despite the two men’s arrest, authorities are still asking for the public’s help with any information.
“We are still asking for more help from the public for anybody who might have seen something or might know something, however small, to reach out to us,” acting HPD Chief Larry Satterwhite said.
Mayor John Whitmire also took a moment to address the community for their help but also mentioned all eyes are on the court system now.
“We’re gonna be watching you; the rest have taken place, and the charges have been filed. Now, we want the justice system to do its job. If there was ever a circumstance where you do not give someone bail, this is it,” Whitmire said. “There are circumstances allowed if you can prevent bail. Take in consideration flight risk. Take in consideration the severity of this crime. So I’m gonna be monitoring the court system. I want these suspects to have their day in court. I want them to be held accountable and I want it done sooner than later.”
On Wednesday, ABC13 spoke to Jocelyn’s grandmother, who said, “We really want justice for her. We are asking for everyone’s help.”
She describes her as an incredibly kind and loving girl. The family recently came back from their annual vacation at Garner State Park.
Later in the day, ABC13 spoke to the girl’s mother.
“She’s meant to be here. She’s supposed to be here,” Alexis Nungaray said. “She had aspirations for life. She loved everyone, was so kind. Greatest friend. Very goofy.”
Alexis Nungaray doesn’t believe her daughter knew the men caught on surveillance camera.
“She’s not one to be aggressive and be like, ‘Stop talking to me,'” she said. “She is very shy and quiet and keeps to herself. I felt like she maybe didn’t want to be rude, and that’s why she was pacing back and forth and safely get away from the situation. She unfortunately got caught with the wrong people at the wrong time.”
Jocelyn was reportedly talking to her 13-year-old boyfriend on the phone around midnight when he heard her talking with two adults.
Alexis Nungaray added that she tracked her daughter’s phone to a nearby skatepark when she realized she was missing.
Billie Jackson was driving home from dropping her husband off from work on Monday morning when she says she made the disturbing discovery.
“I drove past, and when I looked up the creek, I thought it was a mannequin. I did a U-turn, and I stopped on the bridge, put my flashers on, looked down, and realized it was someone. I parked right here and called 911 immediately,” she said.
The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences determined Jocelyn died by strangulation.
Authorities urge anyone with information about the girl’s death to contact Crime Stoppers of Houston at 713-222-TIPS(8477).
