HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — An 80-year-old man was hospitalized after being shot by his neighbor for allegedly tampering with belongings on his porch, according to the Houston Police Department.
HPD officers arrived at the 1500 block of Damarlee Lane just after 8:30 p.m. and found the victim suffering from a gunshot wound to the stomach.
According to officials, the victim and the person who fired the gun, a 73-year-old man, reportedly had a spat in early June. Police say it was due to the 80-year-old victim rummaging through the 73-year-old’s property. That situation did not escalate at the time.
Police said that on Saturday, the same incident happened, but the 80-year-old somehow got underneath the shooter’s carport and began going through his personal belongings.
The 73-year-old then hears something and walks outside, armed with a small pistol, police said. He then confronted the 80-year-old, who swung at him with a cane, causing the 73-year-old to open fire once, hitting the 80-year-old, HPD said.
Police said the shooter did call 911 and is cooperating with law enforcement.
The 80-year-old was transported and is expected to be OK, HPD said.
The district attorney’s office will determine if charges will be filed.
The number of people traveling for the Fourth of July is expected to set a new record, according to projections from AAA.
AAA predicted in a Thursday press release that 70.9 million people will travel 50 miles or more the week of July 4. This is 5 percent higher than the number of people who traveled for the holiday last year and up 8 percent from 2019’s numbers, according to the.
“With summer vacations in full swing and the flexibility of remote work, more Americans are taking extended trips around Independence Day,” said Paula Twidale, the senior vice president of AAA Travel. “We anticipate this July 4th week will be the busiest ever with an additional 5.7 million people traveling compared to 2019.”
AAA forecasted that a record 60.6 million people will travel by car for the holiday, which is 2.8 million more than those who traveled by car last year. It is also up from the number of people who traveled by car in 2019, when 55.3 million people did so.
The organization noted in its report the number of people traveling by air has reached a new high, with 5.74 million people predicted to fly to their Fourth of July celebrations. This is 7 percent more than last year.
Around 4.62 million people are planning to travel for Independence Day by other methods — including buses, cruises and trains — per the report.
AAA noted that the travel period for the holiday is June 29 to July 7. The company said this is the first year the travel period is a longer timeframe because there are two weekends included.
Travel around the Fourth of July holiday last year also saw a record-high forecast from AAA, which projected that 50.7 million people would travel.
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.
