New ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street’ film in the works at Paramount Pictures

A cosplayer dressed as Freddy Krueger from 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' during the first day of Comic Con at Javits Center on Oct. 7, 2021, in New York City. (Roy Rochlin/Getty Images)

Get ready for another Nightmare on Elm Street.

Paramount Pictures has closed a deal for the U.S. rights to adapt the original screenplay for A Nightmare on Elm Street, ABC Audio has learned.

The U.S. rights are being licensed from the Wes Craven estate, which includes Iya Labunka and Jonathan Craven.

This deal marks the first project for Paramount Primal, a new genre label at the company set to be led by J.D. Lifshitz and Raphael Margules.

The currently untitled film is in priority development at the label. While plot details have not been revealed, the movie will be set in the world of A Nightmare on Elm Street and will be based on the original film's screenplay.

Labunka, Jonathan Craven and Marc Toberoff will produce while Lifshitz and Margules will executive produce for Paramount Primal.

“Jonathan and I are so excited to be partnering with J.D. and Rafi along with the terrific team they’ve assembled at Paramount Primal. We look forward to bringing the world of Wes Craven’s Nightmare on Elm Street to a new and completely engaged generation of fans," Labunka said. "We know that Wes would have been thrilled to see how horror is taking its long overdue place in the cultural canon. We can’t wait for all of us to sit together in a dark theatre — around the campfire of today — as the next chapter of the Nightmare story unfolds."

In a statement, Lifshitz and Margules said, "We can’t remember a time before we were fans of Wes Craven. The fact that Iya and Jonathan have entrusted us with this opportunity to help usher a new story into this world is an honor beyond words. We look forward to working alongside them to bring a terrifying new nightmare to audiences everywhere—and to welcome Freddy home."

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

A midseason mystery for the New York Liberty, despite a 2nd Commissioner’s Cup title

NEW YORK (AP) — The WNBA season is at its midway point and no team has been more of a mystery than the New York Liberty.

The Liberty have proven they can beat the elite teams in the league with victories over Minnesota and Las Vegas. New York became the first team to win the Commissioner’s Cup championship twice with a victory over Las Vegas this month.

They’ve also shown inconsistencies with losses to Seattle, Toronto and Portland. New York has lost three straight games.

Injuries have caused problems again for New York as prized free agent acquisition Satou Sabally has been limited to 13 games so far. She hasn’t played since June 25 while dealing with another concussion. The Liberty also missed star guard Sabrina Ionescu for the early part of the season first with an ankle injury and then a back issue.

Betnijah Laney-Hamilton has been working her way back from a knee injury that kept her out all of last season.

The Liberty sit at 13-11 and are currently in seventh place in the standings. It’s a spot they aren’t accustomed to and one that they didn’t expect to be in.

New York can take some solace that Las Vegas was in a similar position last season, hovering at .500 before winning 16 consecutive games to close out the regular season last year en route to their third WNBA championship.

Power poll rankings

The Golden State Valkyries have taken over the top spot in the power poll for the first time in the franchise’s two-year history. Golden State went 3-0 last week with road wins in Washington, Toronto and Connecticut. Minnesota fell to second. The Lynx were followed by Dallas, Las Vegas and Indiana. New York, Atlanta and Washington were next. Toronto was ninth and Los Angeles 10th. Portland, Chicago, Phoenix, Seattle and Connecticut rounded out the poll.

Change of leadership

Los Angeles has been struggling this season and parted ways with general manager Raegan Pebley on Sunday. Pebley was hired as GM in January 2024 without any previous executive experience. The Sparks were 39-66 during her tenure, which included firing coach Curt Miller in September 2024 after two seasons. He was succeeded by Lynne Roberts, who went 21-23 in her first season last year.

The Sparks currently are 10-11, including consecutive wins over the Indiana Fever and Chicago Sky. They are ninth in the WNBA standings and have not made the playoffs since 2020. The franchise won league championships in 2001, 2002 and 2016.

Player of the week

Paige Bueckers of Dallas was the AP player of the week. The guard averaged 23.7 points, 7.7 assists and 6.3 rebounds to help the Wings win all three of their games last week. Other players receiving votes included Kelsey Mitchell of Indiana and Janelle Salaun of Golden State.

Record breaking week

Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve secured the most regular-season wins in WNBA history with a victory over the Connecticut Sun last week. She broke a tie with Mike Thibault atop the all-time wins list. Reeve had said it was a distraction to her team leading up to the record-breaking win, which took three tries to achieve.
Game of the week

Golden State at Indiana, Wednesday. The Valkyries will close out their road trip with a stop in Indiana to face the Fever, who are returning home after a 3-1 west coast swing. Indiana swept a pair of games from Las Vegas on the trip.

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AP WNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball

Boil water notice after storm disruption

MABANK – A boil water notice has been issued for a portion of the City of Mabank following a storm on Monday morning that disrupted a pump station. According to the city, residents within the Elm Grove Pump Station jurisdiction are subject to the boil water notice and are asked to bring any water intended for cleaning or consumption to a vigorous rolling boil for at least two minutes before use.

In lieu of boiling their water, the city said residents may also purchase or obtain water from an alternative source until the notice is revoked. A notification will be sent out by the public water system once the boil water notice is no longer in effect, according to our news partner KETK.

Those with questions regarding the boil water notice can contact the City of Mabank Water Department at 903-887-241.

Former Canton Eagle drafted in 1st round of MLB Draft by Seattle Mariners

CANTON, Texas (KETK) — During the MLB Draft over the weekend, former Canton Eagle Ace Reese was selected by the Seattle Mariners with the 24th overall pick.

Reese will be joining the Mariners organization after spending the past two seasons playing third base for the Mississippi State Bulldogs. During his final season with the Bulldogs this past spring, Reese led the team with 24 home runs and 74 RBI’s while also concluding the year with a .336 batting average.
East Texas women celebrate America’s 250th birthday

Before his stint with the Bulldogs, Reese began his college career with the University of Houston, where he recorded hits in 12 out of his first 13 games with the Cougars and was named to the All-Big 12 Freshman Team following his lone season in Houston.

After being selected by the Mariners on Saturday, Reese joins former MLB pitcher Colton Brewer as the second Canton High School alumnus to be taken in the MLB Draft.

Two former East Texans were also selected during the draft this past weekend. Former Rusk Eagle pitcher Ross Davis was selected in the 20th round by the Baltimore Orioles and former Livingston Lion Damian Ruiz, who was drafted in the ninth round by the Cincinnati Reds.

Gov. Abbott apoints new Angelina County judge

ANGELINA COUNTY, Texas (KETK)– A Lufkin city attorney was appointed on Monday by Gov. Greg Abbott as the new judge of the 217th Judicial District Court in Angelina County

Kristi Skillern will be entering the position, replacing Judge Robert Inselmann, who recently announced his retirement after serving as the 17th District Court judge since 2015.

Skillern enters the position after winning the Republican Primary runoff this past May against Stephen Walker and will begin her tenure once Inselmann’s officially concludes at the end of 2026.
Family still searching for missing Gilmer man after 20 years

Prior to becoming a city attorney, Skillern served as in-house counsel for State Farm Insurance and as defense counsel for Stradley & Wright and Smith and Knott PC. Skillern also holds a law degree from St. Mary’s School of Law and is a member of the State Bar of Texas and the American Bar Association.

Outside of her judicial career, Skillern is an active member of the Lufkin community, serving as a volunteer for the Salvation Army and the First Baptist Church of Lufkin.

Entry into ICE 287(g) program discussed

BROWNSBORO — During a town hall meeting for the City of Brownsboro on Monday evening, city officials discussed the possibility of their police department entering the 287 (g) program. The 287(g) Task Force Model is a partnership with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that allows increased local law enforcement to enforce U.S. immigration laws, including identifying and processing immigrants with pending or active criminal charges.

Our news partner KETK reports that during the meeting Brownsboro residents were given the chance to ask questions and share their thoughts on the city’s consideration of entering the 287(g) program.

Brownsboro Police Chief Scott Myntti was also present at the town hall, where he provided residents with more details about the program and discussed the possibility of Brownsboro becoming the newest East Texas city to enter into 287(g). A decision on whether or not Brownsboro will enter the program has not yet been made, and it is uncertain at this time when that decision will be reached.

30 years for uploading child pornography

30 years for uploading child pornographyBULLARD – A man was sentenced to serve 30 years in state prison on Monday after he was arrested for uploading pornographic images of children as young as one year old to his Google account in February. Dakota Reece was arrested after a Cybertip was received by the Smith County Sheriff’s Office on Jan. 8 from Google Inc. The tip reported Reece had uploaded 61 files of child pornography to Google Photos in 2025, according to our news partner KETK.

“All 61 media files were photos or videos of nude children ranging in age from approximately 1 year old to approximately 14 years old in provocative positions […] as well as adults engaging in [sexual acts] with children as young as 1 year of age,” Reece’s arrest documents read.

Reece’s phone was searched under a warrant on Feb. 2. Law enforcement learned from an email on the phone that their account had been disabled after it was flagged for containing harmful content. Continue reading 30 years for uploading child pornography

DPS seeks information on police impersonator

POLK COUNTY, Texas (KETK) — The Texas Department of Public Safety is seeking any victims of a person who allegedly impersonated law enforcement and conducted traffic stops in Deep East Texas.

DPS is actively investigating reports they’ve received of a police impersonator in the area. The person allegedly conducted traffic stops while driving an unmarked black 2022 Jeep Gladiator on U.S. Highway 190 in Walker, San Jacinto and Polk counties.

DPS told KETK News that they are still working to identify the suspect.

Anyone who believes they have been pulled over by a person driving the 2022 Jeep is asked to contact the Conroe DPS Criminal Investigations Division by phone at 346-260-9824 or by email luke.williams@dps.texas.gov.

Driver arrested after synthetic urine, cocaine found in vehicle

HOUSTON COUNTY (KETK) — A Houston County driver was arrested on Sunday after law enforcement allegedly found synthetic urine and cocaine in his vehicle.

The Houston County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to Highway 19 South near Lovelady after receiving reports of a reckless driver and a suspicious person. When they arrived, a deputy detained the driver, who was showing signs of being in medical distress.

Before towing, the vehicle was checked, where they found a Tylenol bottle containing suspected cocaine residue and a bottle that appears to have a bottle of synthetic urine, the sheriff’s office said.

Witnesses said the driver crossed into oncoming traffic, forcing another driver to leave the roadway to avoid a head-on collision. The suspect then allegedly exited his vehicle and attempted to open the doors of other vehicles and would run into oncoming traffic while saying people were trying to kill him.

Once arrested, the suspect was identified as Sergio Ortiz, who was first taken to a medical center before being taken into the Houston County Jail.

Ortiz has been charged with: Possession of a controlled substance, reckless driving and possession of a substance designed to falsify drug test results

“We encourage anyone who observes reckless or suspicious activity to immediately contact the Houston County Sheriff’s Office so deputies can respond and help keep our community safe,” the Houston County Sheriff’s Office said.

Houston man guilty of drug trafficking in Homeland Security investigation

BEAUMONT – A Houston man has pleaded guilty to federal drug trafficking violations following a Homeland Security Task Force investigation in the Eastern District of Texas, U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs announced. Indolfo Hernandez, 36, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine before U.S. Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn on July 10, 2026.

According to information presented in court, in January 2024, law enforcement began investigating a drug trafficking organization that was distributing large amounts of methamphetamine throughout Texas and neighboring regions. The organization, based in Houston and operating within the Eastern District of Texas, was led by Hernandez. During the investigation, law enforcement seized more than 16 kilograms of methamphetamine that had been distributed by Hernandez and his co-conspirators.

This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. Through historic inter-agency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders.

In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. Hernandez faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison at sentencing. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of an investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.

Robbery attempt goes sideways

Robbery attempt goes sidewaysSMITH COUNTY – A man has been taken to the Smith County Jail after allegedly admitting to using meth before colliding with several vehicles and attempting to rob a gas station.

According to our news partner KETK and the Smith County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to an incident in Tyler on Thursday, where a white Ford truck allegedly rammed another vehicle multiple times before fleeing the area. Law enforcement was then told the suspect had gone to a Texaco gas station on Highway 69.

When law enforcement arrived at the initial scene, they spotted a black SUV on the side of the road with visible damage. The owner of the SUV directed them to where the suspect had left. Continue reading Robbery attempt goes sideways

‘Ted Lasso’ star Cristo Fernández makes professional US soccer debut

Actor and footballer Cristo Fernández prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 32 match between South Africa and Canada at Los Angeles Stadium on June 28, 2026, in Inglewood, California. (Katelyn Mulcahy - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Ted Lasso star Cristo Fernández made his professional soccer debut in the U.S. over the weekend.

Fernández made his debut for El Paso Locomotive FC in the team's match against New Mexico United at Southwest University Park in El Paso, Texas, on Saturday. The actor played fan-favorite Dani Rojas in the Apple TV+ series.

As Fernández entered the game, a broadcaster calling the match described the moment as "what everybody came to see tonight ... the long anticipated debut."

"Cristo Fernández: 'Fútbol is life!'" another chimed in, referencing Dani's famous catchphrase in Ted Lasso.

Fernández came on in the 79th minute of the game, which his club ultimately lost 2-0. Fernández recorded a yellow card in the 87th minute, according to the game statistics.

Fernández, 35, joined the USL Championship side after completing what the club described as an "extensive" two-month trial.

During that stretch, the Mexican actor and forward trained regularly with the team and appeared in a preseason match against New Mexico United.

"Yes, it's really him," Fernández's player biography on the El Paso Locomotive FC website states.

Long before his acting career took off, Fernández began a promising soccer career, playing youth soccer for Mexican club Guadalajara Estudiantes Tecos Club and Puerto Rico's Guayama FC before injuries ultimately sidelined him, according to ESPN.

He later decided to pursue acting while attending university in Mexico, and eventually moved to England, where he graduated from the Guildford School of Acting at the University of Surrey.

In recent years, Fernández has shared his journey back to soccer on social media, posting videos of himself training with professional clubs across the country, including teams connected to Major League Soccer organizations.

In an interview posted to social media back in May, Fernández opened up about the opportunity to play for El Paso Locomotive FC.

"I love the city. I love the team. It's a dream come true," he said at the time.

He added, "Since day one they welcomed me, they let me compete, and they treated me like another player, and it's a great team."

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

FBI offers reward for information on deceased newborn at Electric Forest music festival

An FBI logo on a podium seen during a press conference at Los Angeles FBI Office on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 in Los Angeles, CA. (Ronaldo Bolaños / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

(DETROIT) -- The FBI announced it is joining an investigation into the death of an infant who was found dead in a toilet at the Electric Forest music festival last month. The agency is offering a $15,000 reward for new information on the case.

The FBI's Detroit Field Office, alongside Michigan State Police, is seeking information regarding the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for the death.

The newborn was found in a portable restroom on the campgrounds of the festival on the morning of Sunday, June 28, the final day of the four-day festival, according to Michigan State Police. The festival took place in Rothbury, Michigan, in the western part of the state near Lake Michigan.

Preliminary autopsy findings indicate the infant was viable and born alive, Michigan police reported.

The child was identified by police as a "neonate," an infant in the first 28 days after birth.

An employee of the restroom vending company found the deceased infant when conducting routine maintenance on the restrooms, ABC News' Grand Rapids affiliate WZZM 13 reported.

"Investigators believe there are individuals with important information relevant to this case who may be reluctant to come forward," Michigan State Police wrote on X. "The MSP continues to seek the public's assistance and encourages anyone with information to report it."

Information regarding the incident can be reported at Michigan.gov/MichTip or by calling 1-855-MICH-TIP (1-855-642-4847).

In a Facebook post, Electric Forest urged the public to share new information with police, writing it is "heartbroken" by the tragic event.

Michigan State Police requested the public not speculate on social media as investigators work to determine what happened.

"We are confident that continued investigative efforts, combined with forensic science, will ultimately lead to the identification of the person responsible," Michigan State Police said.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Man sentenced for solicitation

TYLER – For asking two young girls to change his diaper last summer, an East Texas man received a 16-year prison sentence. On Monday, Whitehouse resident Wesley Worl, 47, entered a guilty plea to the charge of solicitation to commit indecency with a child (sexual contact). After that, he received a 16-year sentence for the crime.

Worl was upgraded from a third-degree felony to a second-degree felony, which carries a sentence of two to twenty years, according to the prosecution, because he had previously served time in prison.

After review by the appeals staff of the DA’s office, the state declared that this was the most serious charge Worl could face for what transpired. The 475th District Court’s Judge Taylor Heaton stated that although he was reluctant to accept the plea agreement, Worl could receive the maximum sentence possible for this crime. Worl was mandated to register as a sexual offender for the duration of the legal requirement.

An 11-year-old girl reported to police on July 29, 2025, that she and her friend were riding their bikes close to Andy Woods Elementary School and Pollard Park in Tyler. Continue reading Man sentenced for solicitation

Michael Jackson biopic ‘Michael’ surpasses $1 billion

'Michael' (Courtesy of Lionsgate)

Can’t beat it! The Michael Jackson movie has hit another milestone.

Michael has surpassed the $1 billion mark at the box office, becoming the first biopic to cross that threshold.

In June it claimed the title of highest-grossing biopic of all time, taking over from the Oscar-winning film Oppenheimer. It’s also the highest-grossing musical biopic of all time, surpassing Bohemian Rhapsody, and the biggest film ever for Lionsgate.

“Audiences have embraced the film from the beginning, turning it into a unique cultural phenomenon in theaters around the world,” Lionsgate Motion Picture Group chair Adam Fogelson said in a statement. “Their passion speaks to the enduring appeal of one of the greatest recording artists of all time, and it underscores the continued strength and vitality of the theatrical moviegoing experience.”

Director Antoine Fuqua called the milestone “a deeply humbling moment.”

"This achievement belongs to everyone who came together with a shared vision to honor one of the greatest artists the world has ever known,” he continued in a statement. “I am profoundly grateful to the audiences around the globe who embraced this film, showed up in theaters, and connected with this story across generations and cultures. This historic milestone is a testament to the enduring power of cinema to bring us together, and it is a chapter in movie history I will never forget.”

The movie, starring the King of Pop’s nephew Jaafar Jackson in the title role, debuted in April with an impressive $217 million globally.

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Tom Cruise transforms in ‘Digger’ official trailer

The poster for Tom Cruise's upcoming film, 'Digger.' (Warner Bros. Pictures)

Dig up the official trailer for Tom Cruise's new film, Digger.

Warner Bros. Pictures released the new trailer for the upcoming film on Monday. It finds Cruise completely transformed into the character Digger Rockwell, a billionaire who has a thick Southern accent, a potbelly and combed-over white hair.

Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) director Alejandro González Iñárritu helmed the movie. It is his first English-language feature since The Revenant.

Digger follows "the most powerful man in the world" who "embarks on a frantic mission to prove he is humanity’s savior before the disaster he’s unleashed destroys everything," according to an official description.

The trailer starts with Cruise's Digger enjoying a lavish lifestyle inside of his mansion. We soon learn that the company he owns is responsible for an ecological disaster that is likely to cause a nuclear war.

Digger then sets out to try to save the world, despite how unlikely the possibility may seem.

"If we can't control the course of nature, at lease we can control the narrative," Digger says. "When all else fails, you hit ’em with the truth. You know, the hard truth. Just bang, bang, bang!"

The film's ensemble cast includes Sandra Hüller, John Goodman, Michael Stuhlbarg, Riz Ahmed, Jesse Plemons, Sophie Wilde and Emma D’Arcy.

Iñárritu also produces the film, which he co-wrote with his Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) co-writers Nicolas Giacobone and Alexander Dinelaris, along with Sabina Berman. Cruise also serves as a producer.

Digger arrives in theaters on Oct. 2.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Trump wants Lindsey Graham’s sister to finish his Senate term

Lindsey Graham rides on the back of a golf cart with his sister Darline Graham Nordone (C) during the Iowa State Fair on August 17, 2015 in Des Moines, Iowa. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

(WASHINGTON) -- President Donald Trump said on Monday he wants Lindsey Graham's sister, Darline Graham Nordone, to be his temporary replacement in the Senate.

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster announced around the same time as Trump's post that he will be making an announcement about who is appointing to the Senate seat at 4 p.m. on Monday

ABC News has reached out to McMaster's office about Trump's push for Nordone to be Graham's replacement. ABC News has already reached out to Nordone for comment.

Trump wrote in a social media post that he made his recommendation to McMaster, and said it would a "fabulous tribute" to Graham.

Separate from the temporary replacement to complete Graham's term, South Carolina will hold a special election on Aug. 11 to replace Graham as the Republican nominee on the general election ballot this November.

Graham and his sister shared an incredibly close relationship. After their parents died when Graham was only 22 years old, he took on a caretaker role for his younger sister, becoming her legal guardian.

Nordone, in a recent video for Graham's reelection campaign, said of her brother, "He's always been there for me, no matter what."

It is not immediately clear if Nordone has any political experience or aspirations. According to The New York Times, Nordone is a mother of two and has worked to help people with disabilities find jobs. 

Graham's office announced over the weekend that the longtime Republican lawmaker had died suddenly at the age of 71. Preliminary findings from the Medical Examiner of the District of Columbia said the senator died from an "aortic dissection due to arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease."

Trump, in an interview with "Fox and Friends" on Monday morning, called Graham a "friend" and praised his work on shepherding through the nomination of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh during his first term.

"He had fun with politics, but he was really good at it," Trump said of Graham. "And then when he got angry, like he did in the case of Brett Kavanaugh, it was so impactful."

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

‘Love Island USA’ season 8 crowns winners

Trinity Tatum and Bryce Dettloff are crowned the winners of 'Love Island USA' season 8. (Ben Symons/Peacock)

(SPOILER ALERT) Still they rise!

Fan-favorite contestants Trinity Tatum and Bryce Detloff were crowned the winners of Love Island USA season 8 during Sunday night's finale of the reality dating competition series.

Emmy-nominated host Ariana Madix named Tatum and Detloff the winners of the season before awarding them the $100,000 prize.

The winners coupled up on day one inside of the villa. Throughout the season their connection blossomed, with Detloff eventually asking Tatum to be his girlfriend. He confessed his love for her during their date on finale night. Tatum immediately reciprocated by telling Detloff she also loves him.

Contestants Aniya Harvey and Carl Schmidt were the runners-up, while Melanie Moreno and Sincere Rhea got third place, and Kayda Bosse and Zach Georgiou came in fourth.

While this is the end of season 8, the Islanders are set to reunite at the Love Island USA season 8 reunion special, which will be co-hosted by Madix and Andy Cohen.

According to Peacock, the reunion special will bring together "this season’s winners, fan-favorite couples, and this year’s bombshells for an up close and personal look back at their experience in the villa."

The season 8 reunion special will premiere Aug. 31 on Peacock.

Additionally, the spinoff series Love Island: Beyond the Villa has been renewed for season 3. The new season will premiere in 2027 with its cast to be confirmed later in 2026.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Hollywood remembers ‘Jurassic Park’ star Sam Neill

In this Oct. 11, 2019, file photo, actor Sam Neill attends a press conference at the Sitges Fantastic Film Festival in Sitges, Spain. (Borja B. Hojas/Getty Images, FILE)

The Hollywood community is remembering Sam Neill following news of his death Monday.

Toni Collette, who starred with Neill in 2014's A Long Way Down and 2002's Dirty Deeds, called Neill a "legend" in an Instagram tribute.

"I love you, dear Sam. You hero. You legend. You sweetheart. Our great friend. You are already missed so very much. Continue in peace wherever you are," Collette wrote.

Richard E. Grant, who co-starred with Neill in 2019's Palm Beach, remembered his longtime friend in an Instagram post.

"Knew @samneilltheprop for 3 decades and finally worked with him on PALM BEACH in 2018," Grant captioned the post, which included several photos of Neill. "An officer and a Gentleman in the truest sense. Guided and helped me through a very difficult time in my Life."

He added, "Sail on, kind Sir."

Jurassic World director Colin Trevorrow, who worked with Neill on 2022's Jurassic World Dominion, described Neill as a "deeply soulful and beautiful man."

"He was a friend and collaborator at a challenging time, and his strength gave us all strength," Trevorrow wrote in an Instagram tribute. "I'll remember him for his tranquility, his love of wine, and for the calm assuredness he brought to his characters. It's not every lifetime you get to befriend a legend. Forever grateful."

Fellow New Zealand actor Karl Urban expressed condolences for Neill's family and friends in a comment on Instagram.

"Sam was truly brilliant. An inspiration for many who followed in his trailblazing footsteps," he wrote. "A beautiful man, a national treasure who gave so much to New Zealand and the to world. God speed Sam."

Neill died Monday at the age of 78, according to a statement shared on the actor's social media account.

The veteran actor had revealed publicly in 2023 that he had undergone treatment for blood cancer, including taking a monthly chemotherapy drug, but had announced he was cancer-free in April this year.

In a statement released Monday, Neill's family and loved ones said the actor was cancer-free when he died.

"Sam was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterised his whole life," the statement read. "The loss was sudden and unexpected but blessed by the fact that Sam remained cancer free."

The statement also expressed "deepest gratitude to the staff at St Vincent's Private Hospital for their incredible care."

"More details will be shared later, but for now, on behalf of the family, we ask that you respect their privacy as they navigate this immeasurable loss," it added.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

‘Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro’ judge Mark Ballas spills all on new spinoff

Mark Ballas stars in 'Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro.' (Disney/Maarten De Boer)

It's time to head back to the ballroom for the new Dancing with the Stars spinoff, The Next Pro.

The brand-new series, which premieres Monday night on ABC, follows young professional dancers competing for the chance to become a pro on Dancing with the Stars.

Mark Ballas serves as a judge on the new series. He caught up with ABC Audio on the red carpet of the 2026 Disney Upfront, where he spilled details on what fans can expect.

"It's a fascinating show, because it feels like Dancing with the Stars, which it kind of is, but it's also very different because of the format," Ballas said. "We're looking for a pro that's gonna take on the role of being a pro on Dancing with the Stars. Which is very complex, it's very nuanced."

How exactly does The Next Pro do this? Ballas said "the show did a really great job of setting up challenges for these dancers."

"Whether it's from choreographing, group work, chemistry, teaching challenges, these are the things that you face as a pro on Dancing with the Stars," Ballas said.

He isn't the only judge. His mother, Shirley Ballas, sits beside him to help determine who has what it takes.

"My mother is one of the most elite Latin American dance coaches in the world," Ballas said. "Having her level of expertise on the panel is always an asset. No one knows the craft more than her."

That being said, Ballas teased they approached the job in different ways.

"She's been on the side as a judge, and I've always been on side as the pro," Ballas said. "We had a couple of disagreements out in the field ... but we also agreed a lot. She's very good at what she does, she's very direct. And when you're improving on being a professional in this field, you need that."

Disney is the parent company of ABC and ABC News. 

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

100 million Americans expected to be under dangerous heat this week

An ABC News graphic shows the forecast on Monday, July 13, 2026. (ABC News)

(NEW YORK) -- Dangerous heat from Los Angeles to Boston is expected to impact more than 100 million Americans this week.

Multiple cities in the West, from Utah to Montana, experienced their hottest temperatures on record Sunday afternoon, shattering previous heat records.

The preliminary high temperature in Salt Lake City was 109 degrees F, breaking the previous all-time record high of 107 degrees, previously set in 1960, 2002, 2021, and twice in 2022. Temperature records for the city go back to 1874.

Billings, Montana reached a preliminary high temperature of 111 degrees on Sunday afternoon, shattering the previous all-time high of 108 degrees set on July 14, 2002.

In Miles City, Montana, the temperature rose to a preliminary high of 115 degrees on Sunday afternoon, also shattering its previous all-time high of 111 degrees set on June 26, 2012.

For reference, the hottest temperature ever recorded in the state of Montana is 117 degrees, observed in the town of Medicine Lake on July 5, 1937, and in Glendive on July 20, 1893.

A heat dome has set up over the Northern Plains, with extreme heat and humidity over America's northern tier.

An extreme heat warning is in place through Thursday for Minneapolis, Minnesota, with daily high heat index up to 100 possible.

Other extreme heat warnings are in place from Utah to the upper peninsula of Michigan.

In Utah, places like Zion Canyon could feel like 110 today, while Salt Lake City and Billings reach above 100.

Fargo, North Dakota, is under an extreme heat warning for a heat index as high as 110 today and Tuesday.

The heat index for places like Calumet, Michigan, and Duluth, Minnesota, could reach near 100.

On Tuesday, Detroit, Michigan, is under an extreme heat watch for a heat index near 107.

In the Northeast, a heat wave is set to begin on Tuesday, with three or more days of temperatures over 90 degrees for New York City, Philadelphia and D.C.

A heat advisory is in place for at least Tuesday and Wednesday across much of the Northeast due to heat indices around 100 expected.

The upper Northeast will be hottest on Tuesday with a heat index of 100 to 104 from Rochester to Albany to Boston.

New York City to D.C. is likely the hottest on Wednesday with heat indices near 100 in NYC and near 105 in D.C.

Out West, Southern California is under heat alerts through Thursday.

Temps will reach 85 to 90 across the coastal valleys and up to 105 for the interior valleys through Tuesday.

Wednesday and Thursday will be hotter, with temps in downtown LA reaching the middle to upper 90s and interior valleys reaching up to 105.

Tuesday severe weather threat for northern New England

Fueled by the extreme heat and humidity and a sinking cold front from Canada, severe storms capable of destructive winds over 70 mph, large hail large than ping pong balls and a strong tornado or two will move over northern New England.

A level 3 of 5 risk is in place from northeast New York through northern Vermont, northern New Hampshire, and northern Maine on Tuesday afternoon and evening. It includes Burlington, Vermont; Plattsburgh, New York; Caribou, Maine; Colchester, Vermont; and Massena, New York.

Storms are most likely after 5 p.m. ET and continuing into the night as the cold front sinks south.

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In brief: ‘Obsession’ gets streaming release date and more

Obsessed with Obsession? You're in luck. Fans of Curry Barker's horror film will be able to watch it at home starting on July 17 on Peacock. The hit movie stars Michael Johnston, Inde Navarrette, Cooper Tomlinson, Megan Lawless and Andy Richter. It's made over $400 million at the global box office after two months in theaters ...

House of David has been renewed for season 3 on Prime Video. Season 2 of the biblical drama starred Michael Iskander as David, alongside Ali Suliman as King Saul, Ayelet Zurer as Queen Ahinoam and Stephen Lang as Samuel. Season 3 will find David's journey come full circle from "outcast shepherd to fierce warrior, to his ultimate destiny as King," according to an official description from Prime Video ...

Elle Fanning is teaming up with Julianne Moore. Deadline reports the actresses are set to star in the upcoming film Moonsong: A Life In Seven Verses. Rebecca Miller will write and direct the film that tells the story of famous children's book author Margaret Wise Brown, the writer of classics like Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny ...

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‘Moana’ sails to #1 at the box office

Catherine Laga'aia as 'Moana' live-action 'Moana.' (Disney)

Disney’s live-action Moana topped the box office this weekend, although with lower numbers than expected.

The film, which stars Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and newcomer Catherine Laga’aia, brought in $43 million to debut at number one, Box Office Mojo reports.

According to Variety, that amount was well below the projected $60 to $65 million the film, with a budget of $250 million, was expected to take in. It's also well below previous Disney live-action remakes, including 2025’s Lilo & Stitch, which debuted with a box office of over $100 million.

Last week’s number one, Minions & Monsters, brought in another $20.5 million to land at two this week, with Toy Story 5 at three with $18.5 million.

Another new release, the supernatural horror film Evil Dead Burn, debuted at four with a $13.7 million, followed by Young Washington, at five, with $6.4 million.

Here are the top 10 films at the box office:

1. Moana -- $43 million
2. Minions & Monsters -- $20.5 million
3. Toy Story 5 -- $18.5 million
4. Evil Dead Burn -- $13.7 million
5. Young Washington -- $6.4 million
7. Obsession -- $3.8 million
8. Supergirl -- $3.6 million
9. Disclosure Day -- $3.2 million
10. Backrooms -- $1.5 million

Disney is the parent company of ABC News.

Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Keystone Pipeline system’s operator agrees to pay a $26.9M penalty over a major Kansas oil spill

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A proposed legal settlement with the U.S. government would require the Keystone Pipeline system’s operator to pay a $26.9 million civil penalty over a major oil spill in Kansas in December 2022 and spend about $40 million more to prevent future accidents.

The agreement would resolve allegations from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Kansas that South Bow, based in Canada, violated U.S. and state clean water laws. The rupture dumped nearly 13,000 barrels of heavy crude oil into a creek running through a rural pasture in Washington County, Kansas, about 150 miles (241 kilometers) northwest of Kansas City.

The accident was the largest onshore crude pipeline spill in the U.S. in nine years and surpassed all 22 previous ones on the same pipeline system combined, according to a 2021 report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office. The total amount of oil spilled would have nearly filled an Olympic-sized swimming pool.

South Bow also would pay Kansas more than $3 million for environmental restoration projects under a proposed decree filed Friday in U.S. District Court in Kansas. A judge would have to approve the proposed decree after a 30-day public comment period.

“The oil spill blanketed land and water, rendering the waterway lifeless and useless and requiring extensive cleanup and remediation,” Jeffrey Hall, the EPA’s assistant administrator for its enforcement office, said in a statement. “The substantial penalty reflects the seriousness of the environmental harm.”

South Bow spokesperson Sara Hunter said in an emailed statement Sunday that the company “proactively” launched its response to the spill before receiving formal directives from government officials, including “comprehensive environmental remediation” completed in February 2024. She also said that since the spill, the company has done more than 12,000 miles (19,312 kilometers) of pipeline inspections and 400 excavations to examine pipe and make repairs where necessary.

“This work reflects our ongoing commitment to the safe, reliable operation of our pipeline system and to continuously strengthening pipeline integrity,” she said.

The company that built the pipeline, TC Energy, spun off South Bow as a separate firm in 2024, after the Kansas cleanup was done.

No pipeline workers or area residents were injured in the spill, and officials said public water supplies weren’t affected. However, a complaint filed Friday by the U.S. government along with the proposed settlement said more than 2,700 animals were harmed or killed. The area is home to an endangered species, the long-eared bat.

In a May 2023 report for the U.S. government, an engineering consulting firm said that a bend in the Keystone system where the spill occurred had been “overstressed” since its installation in December 2010 — likely because construction activity itself altered the land around the pipe. The complaint filed Friday in court said soil under the pipe had been “improperly compacted” and that while the company re-excavated the site in 2013, it did not replace that section of pipe.

The 2,689-mile (4,327-kilometer) Keystone system carries thick, Canadian tar sands oil to refineries in Illinois, Oklahoma and Texas.

In April, President Donald Trump gave the go-ahead for South Bow and another company to build a second pipeline from Canada to Wyoming, a smaller version of a massive $8 billion pipeline project known as Keystone XL blocked by former President Joe Biden’s administration in 2021 over environmental concerns.

Missing man has been found

Missing man has been foundUPDATE: The Longview Police Department said Tommy Madewell was found on Monday after he was last seen on July 8.

LONGVIEW – Longview PD is currently searching for Tommy Madewell, a white man, who was last seen leaving the CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Medical Center at around 4 p.m. on July 8. When he was last seen, Madewell was wearing a button down shirt, khaki shorts and a brown pair of shoes.

Anyone with information about his location is asked to contact Longview PD at 903-237-1199.

Community mourns 12-year-old killed in shooting with vigil

NACOGDOCHES (KETK) — A Nacogdoches elementary school hosted a vigil on Sunday to honor the life of a fifth-grade student who was shot and killed over the Fourth of July weekend.
Community mourns 5 victims of Highway 155 crash near Lake Palestine

The vigil for 12-year-old Redarion Davis took place at 6 p.m. on Sunday in the Emeline Carpenter Elementary school parking lot where fellow students, staff, family and friends gathered together to honor his memory.

“It’s not easy to hurt. It won’t go away. The pain won’t stop taking place but it lets the family know that the community, his school and friends are there for them and with them,” Zion Hill Baptist Church pastor Donald Lacey said on Sunday.

Davis sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the head after being involved in a shooting on the fourth of July and later died from related injuries, the Nacogdoches Police Department confirmed.

The Nacogdoches Police Department said 19-year-old Zamarion Douglas has since been arrested and charged with injury to a child in connection to the shooting.

Rep. Moran mourns death of Senator Graham

Rep. Moran mourns death of Senator GrahamTYLER – United States Congressman Nathaniel Moran of Tyler mourned fellow Republican and United States Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, after the senator died on Saturday night. Graham, a four-term United States Senator, was 71 when he died of a “brief and sudden illness” on Saturday evening. Moran said he was saddened by Graham’s death and lauded the senator’s support for the American military around the globe.

“Saddened to learn of the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham. He gave more than two decades of incredible service to the people of South Carolina and to this country,” Moran said on Sunday. “As a staunch defense and foreign policy hawk, he correctly understood the critical role America plays in defense of the cause of freedom. My prayers are with his family, his staff, and all who loved him.”

As Moran noted, Graham was a prominent supporter of the United States’ foreign military aid to countries like Ukraine and Israel. Graham had visited both Ukraine and Israel several times over his four terms in the United States Senate and had just returned from his most recent visit to Ukraine this week when he died. Continue reading Rep. Moran mourns death of Senator Graham