In the midst of escalating oil prices driven by the conflict in Iran, the Trump administration is contemplating a temporary halt on the federal gas tax, Energy Secretary Chris Wright announced on Sunday. This initiative received backing from President Donald Trump on Monday.
“I think it’s a great idea,” President Trump stated during a phone call with CBS News. “We’re considering removing the gas tax for a certain period, and once gas prices decrease, we’ll gradually reintroduce it.”
In Florida, law enforcement detained almost 24 people following a tumultuous teen gathering that spiraled into chaos over the weekend.
The chaos erupted in Tampa’s Curtis Hixon Park on Friday evening, where a large group of teenagers caused “major disturbances, brawls, and other problems in the park and nearby areas,” as reported by the Tampa Police Department.
Police officers were quickly sent to the location, supported by air patrols to oversee the situation. Body camera footage captured the frenzied scene as officers swiftly intervened and began making arrests.
“Our city will not tolerate such irresponsible and unlawful conduct,” stated Chief Lee Bercaw. “What started as a sizable gathering rapidly turned into disorderly behavior that endangered others.”
Authorities apprehended 22 individuals during the teen takeover at Curtis Hixon Park in Tampa, Florida, on May 8, 2026. (Tampa Police Department)
The incident led to 22 individuals between the ages of 12 and 21 years old being taken into custody, with only four of the arrestees over the age of 18, police said.
Police officers responded to a teen takeover in Tampa, Florida, on May 8, 2026, deploying air patrols and making arrests to control the situation. (Tampa Police Department)
The arrests were on various charges, including affray, possession of narcotics, resisting without violence and unlawful possession of a weapon, according to the Tampa Police Department.
Police in Tampa, Florida, took 22 individuals aged 12 to 21 into custody during an incident, with four of the arrestees over 18, authorities said. (Tampa Police Department)
Authorities also seized two firearms and one vehicle from the scene.
“Parents need to know where their children are and who they are with,” Bercaw added. “Unfortunately, the poor decisions made by these 22 individuals last night could have lasting consequences that follow them well into adulthood.”
Fox News Digital reached out to the Tampa Police Department for comment.
In Pennsylvania, a man faces charges for allegedly igniting a house fire that resulted in a fatality, reportedly spurred by a woman’s rejection of his romantic overtures.
Robert Shane Zimmerman was apprehended on May 6 following a devastating fire that swept through a home in Mifflin County. The tragic incident claimed the life of Brandy Phillippe and left two other individuals hospitalized with severe injuries, as noted in a statement from the Lewistown Police Department.
Authorities responded to an emergency call about the fire around 11:55 p.m. on May 6 and discovered that several occupants were trapped inside. One man, suffering from severe facial injuries, managed to escape by leaping from the second floor. He was subsequently airlifted to a burn trauma center due to internal burns to his throat. Meanwhile, another woman was found clinging to a second-floor window, according to police reports.
Despite the perilous situation, the woman initially refused to jump, ultimately losing consciousness due to smoke inhalation and falling to the concrete below, sustaining critical injuries, authorities reported.
After firefighters managed to douse the flames, they discovered the body of a 44-year-old woman inside the home. The Mifflin County Coroner’s office later confirmed the victim’s identity as Phillippe in a statement, revealing that she had attempted to escape the inferno but was ultimately trapped.
Although her cause of death was still undetermined, the coroner’s office said it was investigating her death as a homicide.
Police said investigators honed in on Zimmerman—known to others by the nickname “Tranny B”—after multiple witnesses reported that the 40-year-old had allegedly been in the house before the fire “professing his love for a female who was living in the attic of the residence.”
“It was reported that Zimmerman became upset when he was rejected by the female and he began setting several items on fire on the first floor of the residence,” police said. “During a subsequent investigation, witnesses reported hearing Zimmerman making admissions to starting the fire as well as seeing him standing in a nearby alley watching the residence begin to burn.”
Police said Zimmerman was also spotted on surveillance footage.
The woman who Zimmerman professed his love to survived the fire and was taken into custody on a prothonotary warrant in another case.
Zimmerman—who officers noted smelled like ash and smoke—was located at a boarding house where he lived and taken into custody on an outstanding warrant, according to the police statement.
He then allegedly told investigators he’d ingested fentanyl and began to display signs of overdosing. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment and was later returned to the police station for questioning about the fire once the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshall declared the blaze to be the result of arson.
“Zimmerman was questioned and made several incriminating statements,” police said. “Zimmerman claimed that he could not recall any details at the exact time the fire started but was able to make several statements about events immediately before and after the fire started.”
Police said he also had a “strong emotional response” after learning that one resident died in the fire.
Zimmerman is currently being held at the Mifflin County Correctional Facility on the outstanding warrant. Police said additional charges are expected to be filed in connection to the arson and death. It’s unclear whether he has retained an attorney.
JASPER, Ala. (WIAT) — Authorities have arrested a man from South Korea, charging him with the rape and sexual abuse of a 13-year-old girl he reportedly met online in Walker County.
The suspect, 24-year-old Hyeonsoo Ko, was taken into custody last Wednesday, facing multiple charges related to sex crimes involving a minor, which allegedly occurred in August. At the time of his arrest, Ko was residing in downtown Birmingham.
Based on court documents, Ko is said to have connected with the young girl via Snapchat last year. In August, he allegedly traveled from Birmingham to Jasper to engage in sexual activities with the minor. Investigators report that the girl met Ko in his vehicle, where he had brought a weed pen and several cans of Twisted Tea, an alcoholic iced tea, reportedly with the intention of engaging in sexual acts.
Records from the court suggest that Ko had sexual encounters with the victim on at least two separate occasions.
Ko now faces the following charges:
Ko is being held at the Walker County Jail on $250,000 bond.
The breathtaking Napa Valley estate once owned by the late San Francisco Giants owner Peter Magowan is now up for sale, listed at $13 million. This comes seven years after Magowan’s passing due to cancer.
Magowan, who passed away on January 27, 2019, at the age of 76, acquired the expansive 20-acre property in Helena, California, in 1992. It became the primary home for him and his wife, Debby Magowan, for many cherished years.
Following the loss of her husband, Debby has chosen to sell the estate, which includes 15 acres of lush vineyards growing sauvignon blanc, cabernet, and petit verdot. The main residence is an impressive structure, offering over 7,100 square feet of living space.
The home features seven bedrooms, six full baths, and two half baths. Built in 1990, it is equipped with high ceilings, a wet bar, resort-style pool, hot tub, three wood-burning fireplaces, and sweeping views of the surrounding mountains.
Recently, the property has been enhanced with modern conveniences, including a smart home system and various sustainable upgrades to improve its eco-friendliness.
The home was “designed for both relaxed living and large-scale entertaining,” according to the listing description. “The property features expansive indoor-outdoor spaces, a resort-style pool and spa, a major outdoor kitchen pavilion, and a dedicated catering kitchen, all surrounded by curated gardens, lawns, and vineyard views.”
Created with the utmost privacy in mind, the property is accessed via a long, gated driveway that offers incredible views of the vineyard, slowly climbing a hill to reach a Mediterranean-style dwelling, which is beautifully framed by lush trees.
A water feature at the center of a circular driveway sets the tone for the luxury amenities to come.
The large entryway is given an upscale touch courtesy of a sparkling chandelier, before opening to the primary living area, which features soaring ceilings, exposed wooden beams, modern lighting, and a fireplace.
French doors open to a central courtyard, complete with a shaded seating area that serves as the perfect place to relax with a morning coffee or treat guests to an evening glass of wine.
That space is just one of many living areas, which include a wood-paneled library with a cozy fireplace and backyard access.
Custom built-ins cover the walls and provide a beautiful space to display an impressive collection of books.
The chef’s kitchen features a farmhouse aesthetic, complete with light wooden cabinetry, a breakfast nook, and state-of-the-art appliances.
Enormous windows fill the space with light, while a split barn door opens to the backyard—and another outdoor entertaining space, which has been outfitted with a large dining table.
The primary bedroom features enough room for a king-sized bed, several windows, and a cozy fireplace. The en suite bathroom comes with a large marble vanity and soaking tub.
There is also a game room, which boasts an air hockey table and plenty of seating options.
Moving outside, there is a patio with a seating area that overlooks the sparkling pool and lush greenery.
Elsewhere on the grounds, there is a rose garden, several trees, and a tennis court. Flowers can be found throughout the landscaped yard, adorning idyllic archways and growing up the side of the house, adding a truly romantic feel to the property.
An enormous pool, complete with multiple areas for loungers, is equipped with its own outdoor bar area and kitchen, while a separate pool house provides yet another space for guests to relax.
The pool house is currently configured to serve as an additional living room, complete with its own kitchen and a fireplace.
There is also a sizable covered patio with multiple spaces for sitting, as well as lighting fixtures that ensure it can be used well into the night.
A tennis court and viewing area complete the impressive outdoor amenities.
“With its blend of lifestyle amenities, agricultural value, and turnkey functionality, the estate presents a compelling opportunity for a full-time residence, weekend retreat, or legacy Napa Valley compound,” the listing adds.
Magowan and a group of investors purchased the San Francisco Giants from Bob Lurie in 1993 for $100 million, which saved the team from relocating to Florida.
Shortly after taking ownership of the team, Magowan signed free agent Barry Bonds to a six-year, $43.75 million contract, which, at the time, was the most in baseball history.
He also led the effort to build what is now known as Oracle Park, which opened its doors in 2000.
Magowan served as the managing general partner for 16 seasons until his retirement in 2008.
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The 21st century has been a golden era for fantasy films, with the 2010s contributing significantly to this genre. During this decade, audiences were treated to the thrilling conclusions of the “Harry Potter” series, the enchanting “How to Train Your Dragon” animated film, and the epic journey of “The Hobbit” trilogy. These movies have become cultural touchstones, celebrated for their storytelling and visual splendor.
Yet, the 2010s also gave rise to a host of fantasy films that, despite their artistic merits, didn’t quite capture widespread attention. These include adaptations of beloved books and projects that drew from popular mythologies. Although they garnered praise from critics, their box office results were less than stellar, hinting at a disconnect between critical acclaim and audience turnout.
While these films may not top the list of all-time fantasy greats, they certainly deserve a second look. Crafted by renowned directors and inspired by the works of acclaimed authors, these films carry meaningful themes that resonate with diverse audiences. Prepare to embark on a magical journey as we highlight some underrated fantasy films from the 2010s that merit more recognition.
One such film is “A Monster Calls,” adapted from Patrick Ness’s novel. This poignant tale centers on a young boy named Conor, played by Lewis MacDougall, who is grappling with his mother’s (Felicity Jones) terminal illness. Amidst his struggles with school bullies and his own emotional turmoil, Conor is visited by a mystical creature voiced by Liam Neeson. This monster shares stories that help Conor navigate the haunting nightmares he has about his mother.
Unlike typical fantasy narratives, “A Monster Calls” doesn’t revolve around a brave protagonist or fantastical battles. Instead, it explores the internal conflict of a boy facing the harsh realities of loss. The film delves into themes of acceptance and grief, portraying these complex emotions with sensitivity and depth—elements that are often missing in children’s cinema but are beautifully rendered here.
Based on the novel of the same name by Patrick Ness, “A Monster Calls” follows tween boy Conor (Lewis MacDougall) as he comes to terms with his mother’s (Felicity Jones) terminal illness. He is struggling hard with that, and when combined with being bullied at school, Conor is not in a good place. However, a monster begins to visit him, telling him different stories (in Liam Neeson’s stately voice) in an attempt to help him work through a nightmare he has about his mom.
“A Monster Calls” isn’t a traditional fantasy movie. There isn’t a daring hero or an otherworldly being able to battle the monster Conor encounters. Rather, this is a monster that forces the young boy to confront his emotions surrounding his mother’s likely death. It’s a story about acceptance and the complexity of grief, important emotions that aren’t always portrayed in children’s films, and it’s done well.
Despite strong critics and audience reviews, an 86% and 81%, respectively, on Rotten Tomatoes, the 2016 project doesn’t get the respect it deserves. While it wasn’t entirely a box office bomb, it significantly underperformed when compared to the reviews, earning $47 million against a $43 million budget, and most of that was from the international box office. With such little attention then, it shouldn’t be a surprise that audiences don’t think about it now.
“The BFG” is an adaptation of a Roald Dahl book. Sophie (Ruby Barnhill) is kidnapped by a giant she sees in an attempt to make sure she doesn’t reveal that the creatures actually exist. However, the nice giant who takes her becomes her friend (voiced by Mark Rylance). He protects her from the other giants who want to eat her, showing her what he can do with the gift of dreams.
Stories with giants appear throughout the fantasy genre. “Harry Potter” has the notable half-giant character Rubeus Hagrid, and later introduces other giants, and “Jack and the Beanstalk” is a classic fairy tale. “The BFG” features giants in both negative and positive lights while taking audiences on a fantastical journey about friendship, kindness, and standing up for the “little” guy. Unfortunately, a competitive opening weekend likely contributed to “The BFG” being forgotten by fantasy fans.
It didn’t matter that legendary director Steven Spielberg directed the movie, that it was based on a popular childhood book, or that critics gave it a 74% on Rotten Tomatoes. Opening against “The Legend of Tarzan,” which boasts a stacked cast with Margot Robbie and Samuel L. Jackson, and the next installment of the “The Purge” franchise, in addition to “Finding Dory” still being in theaters, set “The BFG” up for disappointment, and it ended up becoming one of Spielberg’s biggest bombs. Families didn’t turn out as expected to see it, leading to the movie to be wrongfully forgotten.
Rooted in the legend of King Arthur, “The Kid Who Would Be King” is about Alex (Louis Ashbourne Serkis), a bullied tween who pulls the sword from the stone and then gathers a child army to fight off Morgana (Rebecca Ferguson) as she rises from the underworld. He trains his fellow students on how to use a sword, pulls his sword out of a bathtub much to his mother’s surprise, and even gathers his own knights of the “round” table.
The movie is a classic epic urban fantasy. It’s the kind of story that’s perfect for kids, watching as someone finds his own inner strength and saves the world, which is always strong messaging. There’s comedy, action, interesting creatures, and tons of swords — everything it needs to be a fun family film.
While critics loved the flick, giving it a 90% on Rotten Tomatoes, audiences weren’t as favorable, leaving it at 56%. This disagreement became clear at the box office, with “The Kid Who Would Be King” only bringing in $32 million against a $59 million budget. Poor audience reactions, combined with M Night. Shyamalan’s “Glass” taking the top spot for the weekend and January generally being considered a “dump month” to release a movie in, destined a strong children’s film to obscurity when it yet deserves more.
The Norwegian film “Trollhunter” (not to be confused with the Netflix film “Troll”) follows college students making a documentary. They are hoping to make a movie about a local poacher (Otto Jesperson), but instead find the titular mythical creatures, and they are not the friendliest guys. They’re also likely behind the “bear attacks” their project was going to be about. The group meets someone who has also seen the trolls, which helps them learn more about their new documentary subject.
“Trollhunter” is a found footage fantasy film, which isn’t common. Though found footage is typically associated with the horror genre, it works well here as the students stumble into something they weren’t searching for. It makes the fantasy feels closer to home, not set in a fictional kingdom, and it’s executed well.
Though reviews are positive, with an 83% and a 72%, respectively, from critics and audiences, on Rotten Tomatoes, it had a limited theatrical release in the United States, which impacted its reach. The darker nature of the film, combined with it being in the found footage style, might cause people to believe it’s a horror movie when they stumble across it, which would further influence the potential audience. Unfortunately, its bold choices, the very ones that make “Trollhunter” unique, kept it from the popularity it deserves as a fantasy project.
Paramount Pictures
Directed by Martin Scorsese, “Hugo” is about the titular young boy (Asa Butterfield) and his father (Jude Law) trying to fix a machine that resembles a human. However, after his father’s death, Hugo lives with his uncle (Ray Winstone), and moves on to fixing clocks in order to finish the machine. He eventually begins working for a toy store, earning the parts he needs to fix what would be his last connection to his father, and Hugo discovers the toy store owner has a hidden past in the film industry.
“Hugo” is filled with whimsy, following a boy who, despite the hardships he’s faced, hasn’t let it make him bitter. He still views the world like the child he is, which makes for something that comes across a bit lighter than other fantasy stories. Focused more on technology and machinery rather than beasts or knights, many might actually consider it to be steampunk. But at its heart, it’s a fantasy adventure that’s somehow also a love letter to movies.
Critics adored the film, awarding it a 93% on Rotten Tomatoes. Unfortunately, the positive reviews didn’t drive families to the box office. “Hugo” earned $185 million at the box office against a $156 million budget. While this initially seems good, when marketing and other expenses are considered, the project didn’t perform as well as expected at the box office, likely due to misleading trailers. Despite this, it remains a Scorsese box office bomb that everyone needs to watch at least once. “Hugo” definitely deserves more respect for how well it captures childlike wonder.
SUGAR GROVE, Va. (WJHL) — Authorities apprehended a man on Sunday night in Smyth County, who was previously identified as a fugitive from West Virginia. The arrest followed a dramatic chase during which the suspect allegedly shot at deputies’ vehicles.
As per a statement from the Smyth County Virginia Sheriff’s Office, deputies were alerted to a vehicle theft in Sugar Grove around 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, prompting them to issue a “Be on the Lookout (BOLO)” alert.
Within roughly an hour, a Smyth County deputy spotted the stolen vehicle in Marion. Upon attempting to initiate a traffic stop, the driver reportedly chose to flee, sparking a pursuit.
In a dramatic turn of events, two Miami police sergeants who were instrumental in a landmark $22 million drug bust have initiated a federal lawsuit. This legal action centers around the 2026 film “The Rip,” featuring Hollywood heavyweights Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. The officers claim the movie misrepresents them as corrupt law enforcement officials, drawing on the real-life case they were involved in.
The lawsuit targets Artists Equity, the production company established by Damon and Affleck, along with Falco Pictures, another key collaborator in the film’s creation. Notably absent from the lawsuit is Netflix, the platform responsible for the movie’s distribution.
Promoted as “inspired by true events,” “The Rip” dramatizes the Miami-Dade narcotics unit’s discovery of $21.9 million concealed within orange buckets behind a false wall. Nevertheless, the lawsuit contends that the film’s storyline, which suggests criminal wrongdoing by the officers, is entirely fictitious.
In the film, both Affleck and Damon assume the roles of Miami narcotics officers, a portrayal that has evidently struck a nerve with the real-life counterparts who were part of the historic cash seizure. On set, the actors are seen stepping into the shoes of these investigators, a role that has now become the center of this legal dispute.
The actual investigation took place in 2016, with officers executing the seizure at the residence of a gardening supply store proprietor suspected of being involved in a marijuana trafficking operation. This operation marked a record-breaking cash seizure for the Miami-Dade Police Department, now known as the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office.
In the movie, members of the narcotics unit face suspicion for allegedly stealing some of the money under false pretenses and for their own benefit. It also depicts a fictional DEA agent implicated in the murder of a Miami police lieutenant, who himself is killed by Affleck’s character later, without due process.
Read the complaint:
Ben Affleck and Matt Damon on set as Miami narcotics investigators in “The Rip,” a 2026 movie partly inspired by the historic seizure of $22 million in alleged marijuana proceeds. (Claire Folger/Netflix © 2024)
While the film had a fictionalized twist, the lawsuit contends that it included enough real-world facts to damage the reputations of Jason Smith and Jonathan Santana, including location settings, details about the false wall, the cash being found in orange buckets, and a loaded Tech 9 firearm stashed with the cash.
Smith was the sergeant supervising the real investigation. Santana was the lead detective and has since been promoted to sergeant as well. Their names are not used in the movie, but the lawsuit alleges they were the basis for the characters Damon and Affleck play on screen.
According to the lawsuit, after the movie trailer’s release, a county prosecutor contacted one of them asking, “whether any allegations of theft had ever been made in connection with the case, and further stated that his office would be looking into it.”
They allege they have also faced questions about “how many buckets they kept,” whether they used stolen money to pay for home improvements, and the lieutenant’s murder.
Matt Damon attends Netflix’s “The Rip” New York premiere at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center, on Jan. 13, 2026, in New York City.
“I can’t believe you killed another cop,” a county prosecutor allegedly told one of the plaintiffs after the movie came out, according to the lawsuit.
On top of that, the film allegedly credited a department member who had no connection to the investigation and was paid for his consulting.
Smith and Santana are seeking damages exceeding $75,000 for allegations of defamation and emotional distress. The lawsuit also accuses Hollywood as a whole of negatively depicting police on screen, noting that police departments around the country are struggling with hiring and officer retention.
Damon and Affleck themselves have publicly said police are “underappreciated” and “underfunded” in an interview with Howard Stern promoting the movie.
Prior to the lawsuit, they had asked for a public retraction and correction and either a prominent disclaimer attached to the film or an end to its distribution.
Ben Affleck and Matt Damon attend the premiere of “The Rip” at Alice Tully Hall in New York City on Jan. 13, 2026. (Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images)
The film’s producers countered that it was a fictionalized movie that carried a disclaimer already and that the characters are not real people.
Lawyers for Smith and Santana have until tomorrow to file an amended complaint to satisfy the judge’s jurisdiction concerns, according to court documents. If they fail to meet the deadline, the case would be dismissed.
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(NewsNation) — President Donald Trump has confirmed his intention to seek a temporary halt on the federal gas tax in response to persistently high fuel prices amid ongoing tensions with Iran.
“I believe it’s a fantastic idea,” Trump remarked during an interview with CBS News.
The current federal gas tax stands at 18.4 cents per gallon for regular gasoline and 24.4 cents per gallon for diesel. To implement this pause, Trump will require Congressional approval. Interestingly, the proposal has garnered some support from Democratic lawmakers.
“The administration is committed to exploring all possible avenues to reduce fuel costs for Americans,” Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated in a conversation with NBC on Sunday. “We are continually evaluating various strategies and have already initiated several actions.”
Wright’s remarks arrive as fuel prices remain stubbornly high. According to AAA, the national average price for regular gasoline held steady at $4.52 per gallon as of Monday.
He said energy prices could remain elevated for months and noted that prices may fall once shipping traffic resumes through the Strait of Hormuz.
“When we start to get a free flow of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, energy prices will come down,” Wright said.
Trump has previously said higher prices would be temporary, promising the economy would “snap back” once U.S. action in Iran is complete.
Some states have already suspended gas taxes to ease costs, including Indiana in April and Georgia in March.
When Sarah’s cat disappeared, a glimmer of hope emerged when she got a message from someone claiming to have spotted her feline friend.
However, the individual had used artificial intelligence to generate images of a cat resembling hers, and they were demanding money in return.
“If this can happen to me, it can happen to anyone else,” she shared with 9News.
Her black cat, Cinda, who is 16 years old, went missing from Middle Street in Kingsford, Sydney, at 9 p.m. on May 5.
The person who reached out to Sarah via email insisted they had “found” her beloved pet.
They posted photos that looked like the cat in a car and on a sofa.
But when Sarah questioned them further, they said they wanted $200, with some to be paid by Apple gift card.
”They were like ‘I spent my last buck on her’. They were like, ‘Are you going to compensate me?’” she said.
And while like any cat owner Sarah said she’d hand over any amount of money to get her cat back, she started to get suspicious.
She said the photos didn’t seem to be her cat.
“I just knew it wasn’t her,” she said.
She showed them to her boyfriend who also realised something wasn’t right.
The messages were also written with strange grammar.
When Sarah questioned them, they threatened they would “go and sell her”.
Sarah said she was onto them but went ahead with their demands to meet at a local supermarket.
She went with her mother but nobody turned up.
“I’d give everything I have for her but we knew it was a scam, ” she said.
While the police told her there’s nothing they can do, she also reported what happened to Scamwatch.
She’s warning other pet owners to beware.
“What they’re doing is extortion and it’s a crime,” she said.
“I would say question it – don’t just rely on your own judgement.”
Cinda has green eyes, and one of her eyes has brown discolouration. Underneath the black fur on her neck is sparse white fur.
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