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Indictment of former Texas Lottery director dismissed by Travis County District Attorney days later

AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Gary Grief, the former executive director of the Texas Lottery Commission who was accused of conspiring to defraud Texas lottery players, was indicted by a grand jury in Travis County last month on a felony charge for abuse of official capacity related to an April 2023 lottery win. But the Travis County district attorney’s office dismissed the case for “prosecutorial discretion.”

Assistant District Attorney Rob Drummond signed the motion to dismiss the case just three days after the grand jury indictment. Nexstar reached out to the Travis County DA’s office for an explanation for the dismissal and are waiting to hear back.

Nexstar also asked the office if District Attorney José Garza had any say about the motion to dismiss or if ADA Drummond acted on his own.

Grief retired in 2024 just before a Houston Chronicle investigation revealed a group of investors were able to purchase nearly every single number combination to almost guarantee a $95 million jackpot in an April 2023 Lotto Texas drawing. Lotto Texas is a draw game where players select six numbers between 1 and 54.

The indictment accuses Grief of “intentionally and knowingly misuse government property, services, personnel, or a thing of value belonging to the government” in the April 22, 2023 Lotto Texas drawing.

Jodie Comer to star in Damon Lindeloff’s new HBO series, ‘The Chain’

Jodie Comer attends The 2025 Fashion Awards presented by Pandora at the Royal Albert Hall on Dec. 1, 2025, in London, England. (Lia Toby/Getty Images)

Jodie Comer is the first link in The Chain.

The actress is set to star in the upcoming HBO series The Chain from creator Damon Lindelof. Comer will play Rachel in the limited series, which is based on the bestselling book by Adrian McKinty.

Comer's casting was announced in an Instagram post on Thursday.

"Meet Rachel," the caption reads. "Jodie Comer stars in #TheChain, the new Damon Lindelof limited series based off the book by Adrian McKinty."

McKinty's 2019 book follows a suburban mom, named Rachel, who has to consider the unthinkable when her daughter is kidnapped. While details on the show are being kept under wraps, a press release from HBO says Lindelof is "expanding the mythology of McKinty’s award-winning thriller."

HBO ordered The Chain back in January. At the time it was announced, Lindelof said, “From the moment I heard the wild and original premise of Adrian’s book, I was shocked, surprised and angry I hadn’t thought of it myself."

He continued, "I’ve always wanted to try to adapt a great thriller and this one has all the dark, weird, exhilarating touches that fire up my imagination."

Actor Johnny Flynn cast to play Paul Simon in new film ‘The Road Home’

Paul Simon circa 1986 (Photo by Ebet Roberts/Redferns)/Johnny Flynn attends party for "The Motive And The Cue" December 18, 2023. (Photo by Matt Keeble/Dave Benett/Getty Images)

Ripley star Johnny Flynn has been cast to play Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Paul Simon in the new movie The Road Home, according to Deadline.

The film, directed by Bill Condon, is centered around trumpeter Hugh Masekela, played by South African actor Thabo Rametsi, who toured with Simon in support of his 1986 Grammy Award-winning album, Graceland.

The film will also star Cynthia Erivo as vocalist Miriam "Mama Africa" Makeba, who was married to Masekela in the '60s and also toured with Simon, and Guy Pearce, who plays anti-apartheid advocate Archbishop Trevor Huddleston. Huddleston called for a boycott of Simon, claiming he violated the United Nations cultural boycott of the country by partially recording the album in Johannesburg.

“For me, there are very few stories that could come closer to home than this. I was born in Johannesburg and moved to London in 1985 – just before the album Graceland was released,” says Flynn, also known for his work in Emma and Lovesick. “The music of South Africa – and especially that of Hugh Masekela and Miriam Makeba IS the sound of my childhood. And Graceland was the most played cassette in our car growing up.”

He adds, “It’s such an honour to be invited to tell this story with artists that I admire so much. It’s the story of hope and the power of music.”

Dylan Sprouse, Barbara Palvin expecting first child together

Barbara Palvin and Dylan Sprouse are seen at the Hotel Martinez during the 79th annual Cannes Film Festival on May 14, 2026, in Cannes, France. (Arnold Jerocki/GC Images via Getty Images)

Barbara Palvin and Dylan Sprouse are expecting their first child together.

The model and The Suite Life of Zack and Cody star announced that Palvin is pregnant with their first child in an Instagram post on Thursday.

In the post, which Palvin created and collaborated on with Sprouse, the happy couple pose for the camera while they both hold Palvin's baby bump. They are dressed up to attend the 79th annual Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France. Palvin wears a light blue gown while Sprouse is suited in a tuxedo.

The carousel continues with an ultrasound photo of their baby, whose hands look to be raised in the rock music hand gesture, colloquially known as heavy metal horns.

In the post's final photo, both Palvin and Sprouse copy the same hand gesture. The post is captioned with three heavy metal horns emojis.

ABC News has reached out to Sprouse's rep for comment.

Sprouse and Palvin were married on July 15, 2023, in Palvin's home country of Hungary.

In August 2025, Palvin shared that she'd had surgery for endometriosis in an Instagram post.

"For some years now I’ve been dealing with the difficulties that can come with my periods. Fatigue, severe pain, heavy and irregular flow, sleepless nights on the bathroom floor. I thought this was just how it works for me,” Palvin wrote. “[The surgery] helped me a lot, and I’m grateful I did it. Early diagnosis and treatment are very important to prevent long-term complications, and now I’m more mindful about my body to act fast if needed.”

Palvin ended her post by saying she is "excited about this new chapter of my life and now ready to get back to work."

Lake Tyler Memorial Day ceremony

Tyler — The Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce and its Veterans Committee invite you to a Memorial Day Ceremony on Saturday, May 23, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at The Boulders at Lake Tyler, on McElroy Road.

As we mark 250 Years of Freedom, we remember that liberty comes at a cost. This year’s theme, 250 Years of Freedom, 250 Years of Sacrifice, honors the 1.4 million Service Members who died defending our nation, as well as the families and loved ones they left behind. Continue reading Lake Tyler Memorial Day ceremony

CHRISTUS Health has a medical first

TYLER – CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital continues to lead the way in advancing patient care through innovation, becoming the first hospital in the nation to employ the new V2 Swoop Portable MRI, utilizing the newest FDA cleared software inside an operating room during a pituitary tumor resection.

The groundbreaking procedure was performed by Dr. Todd Patrick, chief of neurosurgery, marking a significant milestone in surgical precision and patient-centered care.

By bringing advanced imaging directly into the operating room, the Swoop system allows surgeons to capture real-time images during procedures, improving decision-making, reducing the need for repeat imaging and enhancing overall surgical outcomes. Continue reading CHRISTUS Health has a medical first

Lufkin Animal Services receives grant to provide low-cost sterilization services

ANGELINA COUNTY (KETK) — The City of Lufkin Animal Services was recently awarded a $150,000 grant to expand its spay-and-neuter services across Angelina County.

According to the City of Lufkin, the grant was provided by the Texas Health and Human Services’ Public Health Region and will allow the shelter to provide low-cost sterilization services. The service will help reduce overpopulation and decrease shelter intake.

Through the grant, residents will only pay $25 to have their pets spayed or neutered, with the remainder of the treatment covered by the shelter, the city said. Along with making sterilization services more affordable for pet owners, the grant will also help in reducing the stray and unwanted animal population in Angelina County.

“This funding is a tremendous opportunity to make a lasting impact on animal welfare in our community and across the region,” Lufkin Animal Services Manager Morgan Williams said. “By increasing access to spay and neuter services, we are taking proactive steps to reduce homelessness among pets, improve public safety, and support healthier communities.”

Residents can schedule the first round of sterilization services by contacting the Lufkin Animal Shelter at 936-633-0218. A $25 deposit fee will be required for each appointment.

School bus hits pole in Livingston; 3 taken to hospital

LIVINGSTON (KETK) — Two students and a school bus driver were taken to the hospital after a Thursday morning crash in Livingston involving a school bus and a pole.

According to the Livingston Independent School District, the crash happened early Thursday on Highway 59 in front of the hospital when one of their buses struck a road post. EMS evaluated all students at the scene, and parents were notified.

Two students and the driver were transported to the hospital for further evaluation. The remaining students were taken to their campus on another bus.

“We appreciate the quick response of emergency personnel and school staff in ensuring the safety and care of our students,” the school district said.

Will Smith to star in ‘Supermax’ for Amazon MGM Studios

Will Smith attends the 'Emancipation' Los Angeles premiere at Regency Village Theatre on Nov. 30, 2022, in Los Angeles, California. (Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)

Will Smith has found his next role.

The actor is set to star in the upcoming action-thriller film Supermax for Amazon MGM Studios, ABC Audio has confirmed.

Pineapple Express and Halloween director David Gordon Green will helm the film, which is set to stream worldwide on Prime Video. Amazon MGM Studios acquired the rights to the movie from Miramax.

Smith will star as Rex in the film, which is described to be "a propulsive and twist-laden action thriller." It follows two FBI agents who investigate a murder that has taken place inside the world's most secure prison.

Casting on the movie is currently ongoing and production is set to start in mid-August.

David Weil and David J. Rosen, who are known for their work on the TV shows Hunters and Invasion, wrote the film. Smith will produce the movie for his company Westbrook.

Supermax will mark Smith's first onscreen appearance since the 2024 film Bad Boys: Ride or Die. That movie was his first major film part after the 2022 incident in which he slapped presenter Chris Rock onstage at the 94th Academy Awards. It was the same night he won his best actor Oscar for portraying Richard Williams in the biopic King Richard.

David Rancken’s App of the Day 05/14/26 – Clario!

Are you looking for an all-over smartphone protector? Get David Rancken’s App Of The Day. It’s called Clario. You can find Clario in the Apple Store and Google Play below.

2 arrested in Polk County after firearms, narcotics found inside home

POLK COUNTY (KETK)— Two people were arrested in Polk County on Tuesday after over 15 pounds of marijuana and over 100 THC vape pens were found inside their home, along with several firearms.

According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, deputies conducted an investigation at the home of Mohammad Shoaib and Komal Jiwani in Onalaska on Tuesday after obtaining a probable cause warrant.

During the search, officials allegedly discovered 16 pounds of marijuana, 115 THC vape pens, and several multiple marijuana edible products, which were packaged to resemble candy and snack items that would appeal to children. Several firearms were also found inside the home, according to officials.

The sheriff’s office alleged that the edible products were located throughout the home and were easily accessible to young children living there.

Shoaib and Jiwani were arrested following the search of their home and charged with the following offenses:

*Possession of marijuana
*Manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance
*Three counts of child endangerment

“The Polk County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to aggressively targeting the illegal distribution of narcotics within our communities,” Sheriff Byron Lyons stated. “Investigations involving narcotics that are accessible to children are especially concerning and will continue to be a top enforcement priority.”

In brief: Noah Wyle reveals ‘The Pitt’ season 3 timeline and more

Noah Wyle is letting fans know what they can expect in season 3 of The Pitt. Deadline reports that Wyle took to the stage at the Warner Bros. Upfront on Wednesday and revealed the time period when season 3 will take place. “It’s set in early November, just before the holidays, ushering in a whole new set of emergencies and confrontations and complications,” the outlet reports Wyle said. It seems there's no place like the hospital for the holidays, according to Wyle, who also said the third season is about to start production ...

The teaser trailer for The Hawk has arrived. Netflix has released the official teaser for its upcoming comedy series starring Will Ferrell as golfer Lonnie “The Hawk” Hawkins. Also starring in the show are Molly Shannon, Jimmy Tatro, Fortune Feimster and Luke Wilson. It follows 2004's #1 golfer as he attempts to make the greatest comeback in the history of the sport ...

In other Netflix news, the streaming service has renewed its shows Big Mistakes, My Life with the Walter Boys, Quarterback and Running Point for new seasons. It also announced that season 11 of Love is Blind will take place in Boston ...

Bonrad is so back. We have our first official look at Christopher Briney and Lola Tung in character as Conrad and Belly in The Summer I Turned Pretty film. Prime Video released the photo as a way to mark cameras rolling on the upcoming movie, which will officially conclude the story that was told in the three-season romance series. "Did you miss them? The Summer I Turned Pretty movie is now in production," the post's caption reads ...

Scoreboard roundup — 5/13/26

(NEW YORK) -- Here are the scores from Wednesday’s sports events:

NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION
Cavaliers 117, Pistons 113

NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE
Wild 3, Avalanche 4

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
Yankees 0, Orioles 7
Angels 2, Guardians 4
Rockies 10, Pirates 4
Nationals 8, Reds 7
Phillies 1, Red Sox 3
Rays 3, Blue Jays 5
Tigers 2, Mets 3
Cubs 1, Braves 4
Royals 5, White Sox 6
Marlins 9, Twins 5
Padres 3, Brewers 1
Diamondbacks 5, Rangers 6
Mariners 3, Astros 4
Cardinals 2, Athletics 6
Giants 0, Dodgers 4

Colman Domingo says ‘Michael’ biopic ‘was not an easy shoot’

Colman Domingo attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 4, 2026, in New York City. (Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)

Colman Domingo is opening up about the making of the biopic Michael.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter published on Wednesday, Domingo talked about what it was like to portray Joe Jackson, Michael Jackson's father, in the biopic about the King of Pop.

“This was not an easy shoot, I will not shy away from that,” Domingo said. To transform into his character, Domingo wore heavy prosthetics and colored contact lenses, and shaved his mustache into a thin line.

Additionally, Michael underwent heavy script rewrites and many reshoots. As part of the changes, Domingo's role became more integral to the film. The story evolved to center on the friction between Joe and Michael.

“Every time the film was changing in some way, shape or form, there were discussions with me just to make sure that we're clear about the story we're telling,” Domingo said.

Even though its production was different than any other project he had been a part of previously, Domingo said he is proud of the film.

"[The movie] has become an examination of how Michael became Michael, before we deal with anything else. Everyone thinks there’s one way to tell his story, and there isn’t. One can’t deny Michael’s genius and his extraordinary legacy in the music industry,” Domingo said.

Michael earned $217 million worldwide during its opening weekend. The film didn't tell all of the pop star's life story, however, leaving the door open for more to come.

When asked about making a sequel to Michael, Domingo said, "I will want to know what story we will be telling in part two."

Michael is available to watch in theaters now.

Polk County man gets 25 years for sex offender registration violation

POLK COUNTY, Texas (KETK)– A Polk County resident was sentenced to 25 years in prison on Tuesday after failing to comply with his sex offender registration requirements.

According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, a detective who was assigned to monitor registered sex offenders discovered in November 2025 that a 55-year-old Rayford Ellis had failed to comply with sex offender registration requirements, prompting an investigation to be opened.

The detective later became aware that Ellis had not completed his required annual 2024 registration verification through the sheriff’s office. As the investigation continued, detectives issued a compliance check at his residence, but no contact was made.

An arrest warrant was eventually obtained for Ellis, and he was taken into custody in Cleveland, Texas and charged with failure to comply with his sex offender registration requirements.

Following a sentencing hearing on Tuesday, Ellis was sentenced to 25 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

“The goal of the sex offender registry is to protect the community and its members from sexual predators,” the Polk County District Attorney’s Office said. “For the registry to work and help protect those it’s intended to protect, offenders must comply with the law. When they fail to comply, our office will hold them accountable. Our office will continue working with law enforcement and the community to ensure their safety.”