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Texans Receiver Jayden Higgins Reportedly Tears ACL

Michael Esparza
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Texans Receiver Jayden Higgins Reportedly Tears ACL

The Jayden Higgins injury delivered a major setback to the Houston Texans before the 2026 regular season. The second-year wide receiver reportedly tore his ACL during Tuesday’s joint practice with the Las Vegas Raiders.

The injury is expected to end Higgins’ season. However, the Texans had not announced an official recovery timetable as of Wednesday afternoon.

Jayden Higgins Injury Happened During Joint Practice

Higgins suffered the injury during team drills Tuesday at the Houston Methodist Training Center. The session was the Texans’ first scheduled joint practice of the summer.

The receiver went down during a red-zone play and received attention from the training staff. Higgins later left the field without assistance.

Houston initially described the problem as a leg injury that required further evaluation. ESPN reported Wednesday that Higgins suffered a torn ACL.

The Texans have not released details about possible surgery or rehabilitation. A confirmed ACL tear would prevent Higgins from contributing during Houston’s upcoming season.

Injury Halts Promising Second-Year Campaign

Higgins appeared ready to take a larger role after a productive rookie year. The 6-foot-4 receiver finished the 2025 regular season with 41 receptions, 525 yards and six touchdowns, according to his official Texans profile.

Houston selected Higgins with the No. 34 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. He became an important red-zone target and showed steady improvement during the second half of his rookie season.

That progress continued during training camp. Higgins built a stronger connection with quarterback C.J. Stroud and regularly worked with the starting offense.

Earlier in August, Higgins made several catches against All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. during practice. He also scored against Stingley in a one-on-one drill. The performance made Higgins one of Houston’s early camp standouts.

Texans Must Adjust Their Receiver Rotation

Higgins was positioned to play a significant role alongside Nico Collins. His size, catch radius and ability near the goal line gave Houston a different option within the passing attack.

The Texans must now reorganize their receiver rotation. Jaylin Noel and Xavier Hutchinson could receive more opportunities behind Collins. Houston may also evaluate its younger receivers before final roster decisions.

Tank Dell remains another possible option, but the team has carefully managed his workload following his serious 2024 knee injury. Dell missed the entire 2025 season during his recovery.

Higgins’ absence also removes valuable depth behind Collins. It could lead Houston to explore available veterans or monitor players released by other teams before the regular season.

Houston Loses a Rising Offensive Contributor

The Jayden Higgins injury changes the outlook for a Texans offense that expected more from its young receiving group. His development had provided optimism after a strong finish to his first NFL season.

Houston still has time to adjust its personnel and offensive plans. However, replacing Higgins’ size and scoring ability will require contributions from several players.

Texans fans should monitor the team’s official channels for confirmation, roster moves and further updates about Higgins’ recovery.

ZZ Top Drummer Frank Beard Dies at 77 as Band Confirms Tour Will Continue

Que Onda Editorial
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ZZ Top Drummer Frank Beard Dies at 77 as Band Confirms Tour Will Continue

Frank Beard, the longtime drummer for Houston rock band ZZ Top, died Tuesday, Aug. 18, at age 77. The Frank Beard death was confirmed by the band and his publicist, Bob Merlis.

Beard died at his ranch in Richmond, Texas, while receiving hospice care. Family members were by his side. A specific cause of death had not been announced as of Wednesday.

Frank Beard’s signature sound shaped ZZ Top

Beard joined guitarist Billy Gibbons and bassist Dusty Hill as ZZ Top took shape in Houston in 1969. His steady backbeat became a defining part of the band’s blues, boogie and hard-rock sound.

The trio built an international audience with songs including “La Grange,” “Tush” and “Cheap Sunglasses.” Later hits included “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” “Sharp Dressed Man” and “Legs.”

Gibbons remembered Beard as a close friend, collaborator and naturally innovative drummer. He said Beard’s signature backbeat helped keep “ZZ on top.”

“The band of which he was part for six decades is going to keep on keeping on as he had wished,” Gibbons said.

ZZ Top sold more than 50 million records during Beard’s career. The group also placed six songs at No. 1 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Airplay chart.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inducted Beard, Gibbons and Hill in 2004. The honor recognized a remarkably stable lineup that had performed together for more than three decades.

Hill died in 2021 at age 72. Elwood Francis, the band’s longtime guitar technician, later assumed bass duties.

Concert plans following Frank Beard death

ZZ Top canceled its Aug. 18 concert in Sandy, Utah, and its Aug. 19 performance in Colorado Springs. Those cancellations followed Beard’s death and earlier concerns about his health.

The group also canceled an Aug. 5 Hollywood Bowl appearance. Organizers initially cited personnel matters, while later statements connected the cancellation to Beard’s health.

However, the band said its wider The Big One! Tour will continue. ZZ Top plans to resume performances with two Texas concerts at ACL Live at The Moody Theater in Austin.

The first Austin show is scheduled for 8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22. A second performance is set for 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23. Keyboardist Mike “The Drifter” Flanigin is listed as the supporting act.

Additional dates remain posted on the official ZZ Top tour calendar. They include stops in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, New York, Vermont and several other states through September.

The band had already performed some recent concerts without Beard because of his health problems. ZZ Top has not announced a permanent drummer to succeed him.

Concert listings can change quickly following a major announcement. Ticket holders should check directly with venues or authorized ticket sellers for refund, rescheduling and performance updates.

Beard is survived by his wife, Debbie Meredith, and three children. His death marks another major loss for Texas music. However, his unmistakable rhythm remains part of ZZ Top’s enduring connection to Houston and rock audiences worldwide.

‘Flash drought’ possible as triple-digit heat wave begins in Houston

ABC13 Houston
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‘Flash drought’ possible as triple-digit heat wave begins in Houston

A triple-digit heat wave is settling into Houston, keeping rain chances slim to none over the next 10 days.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The hottest and driest stretch of summer is upon us, and this will increase the risk of a rapid onset of drought conditions known as a “flash drought.”

We’ll start off Wednesday with lows in the upper 70s, then temperatures Wednesday afternoon will climb to around 100 degrees, the first of 9 straight triple-digit days we are predicting to occur. Peak heat index values will range between 103 and 107 degrees in most places. There will be less moisture in the air, so the sea breeze is less likely to kick off any showers or thunderstorms like it did south of Houston on Tuesday.

Are we going to be dealing with triple-digit heat all week?

Yep. High temperatures will likely hit 100 or higher every day left this week…and most of next week, too. Humidity levels will also increase by the weekend, pushing the heat index higher. A Heat Advisory may be issued by the National Weather Service later this week.

How hot will it get this weekend?

Unfortunately, it looks like this weekend could bring the hottest weather of the entire heat wave. For now we have high temperatures peaking around 102 degrees both days, but we are seeing evidence those highs could get as hot as 105 degrees.

Is there any rain in the forecast?

Yes, but they are slim. We’ve got a 10% chance for rain on Friday and Saturday, and that’s about the best we can do for this week. Next week we have a 20% chance of rain on Friday as the heat dome slides back to the west and moisture levels rise.

What should I know about the potential for a flash drought?

First, it’s important to understand what a flash drought is. This is what we call it when a drought suddenly develops over 1 or 2 weeks of hot, dry weather instead of the usual 1 or 2 months it takes a more typical drought to develop. This means if you want to keep drought-sensitive vegetation alive, you will need to provide the water. You might also consider providing low amounts of water to your home’s foundation to help stabilize the soil moisture and prevent movement in the ground that supports your foundation. This is especially important if your soil is mostly composed of clay.

Are there any signs that this hot, dry pattern will break any time soon?

We see a glimmer of hope that the pattern could budge some toward the end of next week, which is why we have an “optimistic” high of “just” 99 and a 20% chance of rain in the forecast.

“This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.”

More than half of people in the Harris County Jail have mental health indicators, data shows

ABC13 Houston
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More than half of people in the Harris County Jail have mental health indicators, data shows

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — More than half of the people in the Harris County Jail have some indication of mental health issues, according to the county’s jail data. But what options are there to stop a cycle of crime and protect the public?

ABC13 reported on two recent violent crimes that raise questions about how Harris County handles people with serious mental health needs.

Surveillance video obtained by ABC13 showed 28-year-old Joshua McDaniel knock a victim to the ground, then repeatedly stomp and strike him.

McDaniel is accused of attacking four people along State Highway 249 in about 24 hours last month.

Court records showed he’s been in and out of jail for more than a dozen charges over the past 10 years, many of them for violent crimes.

A previous assault charge where he was accused of assaulting an older person was dismissed after a material witness chose not to testify, according to the DA’s office.

Though official court records show McDaniel was referred to a mental health program, the DA’s office said he was taken there so he wasn’t put out on the street. However, the DA’s office said that the center wasn’t intended to treat him, because he needed more serious care that the center could not provide.

According to the Harris County jail dashboard, 77% of people in the jail have a mental health indicator.

“Mental health, that could be depression, anxiety, it could be suicide attempts or it could be some kind of very serious psychosis,” University of Houston Law Center Criminal Law Professor Sandra Guerra Thompson said.

The dashboard showed 17% of the jail population are unhoused as well.

Earlier this month, investigators said an unhoused man attacked a 74-year-old walking to work in the Medical Center.

The victim told police the suspect appeared to be talking to himself before threatening him and allegedly beating him.

The suspect also had a lengthy violent criminal history as well, and went in and out of jail over the years.

But while inside the criminal justice system, what does mental health treatment look like?

“Primarily we’re talking about diagnosis and medication, and you really don’t have an opportunity to do a whole lot of other therapeutic interventions in a carceral setting like that,” Thompson said.

Thompson said there’s no simple fix.

“Incarceration is probably the least therapeutic kind of setting that you can have. Just the whole notion of putting someone in custody for therapy is… there’s a dissonance there. However, we do have mental health professionals,” Thompson said. “Before they’re even seeing a judge or anything, they’re already being assessed by mental health professionals.”

The DA’s office ultimately stressed the importance of more funding for mental health treatment and wrote in a statement to ABC13 that read in part:

“Too many families have had to endure the horrific burden of a criminal justice system that is ill-equipped to provide meaningful mental health treatment to potential offenders until it is too late.”

“This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.”

Man wanted, charged with murdering woman, injuring 3 others in Sunnyside, HPD says

ABC13 Houston
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Man wanted, charged with murdering woman, injuring 3 others in Sunnyside, HPD says

An accused killer is on the run after Houston police say he ambushed a group inside a car at a Sunnyside home, killing one woman and wounding three others.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — An accused killer is on the run after Houston police say he ambushed a group inside a car at a Sunnyside home, killing one woman and wounding three others.

Kendrick Maurice Williams, 51, is charged with murder and three counts of aggravated assault in the shooting that killed Rosalyn Williams and critically wounded her husband, Marcus Williams. Two other women were shot, including Williams’ girlfriend, Ashley Taylor.

Police say the violence began after Williams got into a physical fight with his girlfriend. Rosalyn’s mother, Sabrina Davis, told Eyewitness News that her daughter went to pick Taylor up and get her away from Williams.

“And it’s not the first time she went and picked her up,” Davis said. “He said he was going to shoot my house up.”

According to court records, surveillance video shows Williams waiting near the car after the group arrived at the home on Fairland. It was around 2:30 a.m. on Sunday. Investigators say he opened fire with a shotgun, shooting four times into the vehicle before walking around it and shooting Marcus Williams, who was crouched near the driver’s side.

Rosalyn Williams died at the scene. Marcus Williams was taken to Ben Taub Hospital with multiple gunshot wounds. The other two women were also hospitalized.

Days later, shattered glass from the car’s shot-out windows remained scattered across Davis’ driveway, along with a bouquet, delivered by a man, she said, with a disturbing message.

“When he dropped it off, he said, ‘I know where he is, but I’m not going to tell you,'” she said.

Court records show Williams has a criminal history stretching back decades, and ABC13 found three previous family-member assault cases involving three different women dating back to 2009.

Williams, who is not related to the victims, is now wanted on four warrants, and Davis says she can’t feel safe until he’s caught.

“I just hope they get him soon,” Davis said.

Anyone with information on Williams’ whereabouts, or in the case, is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or speak anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

“This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.”

Houston Public High Schools Earn Top Marks in U.S. News Rankings

Que Onda Editorial
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Houston Public High Schools Earn Top Marks in U.S. News Rankings

Houston public high schools earned prominent positions in the new 2026-27 U.S. News & World Report rankings. Carnegie Vanguard High School led the region and reached No. 25 among public high schools nationwide.

The Houston Independent School District also secured six of the first eight places in the Houston-area rankings. The results highlight the strong performance of the district’s specialized magnet and early college campuses.

Carnegie Vanguard Leads Houston Public High Schools

Carnegie Vanguard ranked first in the Houston metropolitan area. The HISD magnet school also placed among the nation’s top 25 public high schools.

The latest result represents a significant national gain. Carnegie Vanguard ranked No. 42 in the 2025-26 edition. It has remained one of Houston’s highest-rated campuses for more than a decade.

Located near downtown Houston, Carnegie Vanguard serves students identified as gifted and talented. Its academic program includes Advanced Placement courses across core subjects. Students must complete at least 10 AP courses and an independent research project.

The school reports a 100% on-time graduation rate, according to its official campus profile. Carnegie Vanguard has also received recognition from the Texas Education Agency and Magnet Schools of America.

Six HISD Campuses Place in the Top Eight

HISD campuses occupied six of the eight highest positions in the Houston metro ranking. Along with Carnegie Vanguard, the group included several of the district’s selective and specialized schools:

  • DeBakey High School for Health Professions
  • Challenge Early College High School
  • Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts
  • Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy
  • Eastwood Academy

The strong showing continues a familiar pattern for HISD. In the previous U.S. News ranking, the district claimed the first six positions in the Houston area.

DeBakey offers a college-preparatory program focused on health sciences. Its location near the Texas Medical Center provides students with access to specialized learning opportunities.

Challenge Early College allows students to earn high school and college credit. Kinder HSPVA combines traditional academics with intensive training in music, theater, dance, visual arts and creative writing.

Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy emphasizes leadership and college preparation. Eastwood Academy offers a small-school environment with advanced academic options.

Kerr High School in Alief ISD and Harmony School of Innovation in Katy were the two non-HISD campuses among the region’s top eight.

How U.S. News Evaluates High Schools

U.S. News & World Report evaluates nearly 24,000 eligible public high schools. The publication ranks close to 18,000 campuses at the national, state and metropolitan levels.

The rankings use six measures of school performance. Those factors include college readiness, college curriculum breadth and graduation rates. State assessment results and outcomes for underserved students also affect each school’s score.

College readiness receives the greatest weight. That measure examines participation and performance in Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate programs.

However, rankings represent only one source of information for families. Academic programs, admissions requirements, transportation and student support can also influence a school choice.

Houston families can review individual campus profiles and application requirements through their school district. Many of the region’s highest-ranked campuses require a separate magnet or school-choice application.

The new rankings give Houston schools national visibility as the academic year begins. They also offer families another tool for comparing public education options across the region.

Houston plastic surgeon facing four malpractice suits in one year

ABC13 Houston
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Houston plastic surgeon facing four malpractice suits in one year

Houston Plastic Surgeon Lawsuits Follow Patient Deaths, Severe Injuries

Multiple Houston plastic surgeon lawsuits have raised questions about Dr. Dare Ajibade’s cosmetic surgery practice. Court records reviewed by KTRK’s 13 Investigates connect Ajibade to allegations involving two patient deaths and severe complications.

Ajibade has denied performing negligent surgery in one case. Representatives for Ajibade and the clinics have also said they cannot comment on pending litigation or patient matters.

Family Files Lawsuit After Mother’s Death

Susan Easley underwent liposuction with Ajibade at a Virginia facility in May 2024. Her son, Gavin Easley, said he spoke with her after the Friday procedure.

After several days without contact, Gavin and his wife found Susan dead inside a Washington, D.C.-area hotel bathroom on May 13, 2024.

The medical examiner ruled that Susan experienced sudden cardiac death related to cardiovascular disease following laser-assisted liposuction and a fat transfer.

A lawsuit filed by her family alleges the procedure lasted more than six hours. It also claims Susan received an unsafe amount of lidocaine and left the facility prematurely.

According to the lawsuit, Susan later called the clinic to report nausea and vomiting. The filing alleges staff did not direct her to an emergency room.

Ajibade denied performing negligent surgery in a civil court response. He also generally denied the lawsuit’s allegations.

Houston Plastic Surgeon Lawsuits Detail Other Cases

Adebola Britt, 49, experienced cardiac arrest after a November 2025 procedure at DVA Plastic Surgery in Houston’s Montrose neighborhood, according to her family’s attorney.

A 911 caller reported that Britt was not breathing. She died five days later, on Nov. 12, 2025.

The Harris County medical examiner listed her cause of death as sudden death following abdominoplasty and liposuction procedures. Britt’s family retained an attorney but had not filed a lawsuit when KTRK published its investigation.

In another case, the family of 27-year-old Junis Maldonado filed a medical malpractice lawsuit in San Antonio on June 23, 2026.

The lawsuit alleges Maldonado suffered seizures and cardiopulmonary arrest during a May liposuction procedure. Medical workers resuscitated her, but the filing claims she experienced a brain injury caused by insufficient oxygen.

According to the lawsuit, Maldonado now has a tracheostomy and feeding tube. Her doctors reportedly expect permanent cognitive, neurological and physical disabilities.

A spokesperson representing Ajibade and the clinic said patient safety remains their highest priority. The spokesperson declined to discuss the pending case.

Fort Worth Patient Alleges Burns

Rosa Caldera traveled from Fort Worth to Houston for a $15,000 liposuction procedure in 2024. Her lawsuit alleges the surgery lasted approximately 10 hours.

Caldera said she awoke in extreme pain before an ambulance transported her to a hospital. She was initially admitted to intensive care and remained hospitalized for two days.

After returning home, Caldera underwent skin graft surgery for a third-degree abdominal burn, according to her lawsuit. She said her physical recovery took about one year, while the emotional effects continue.

Ajibade did not directly respond to KTRK’s questions about the cases. An unsigned clinic email cited patient privacy.

Texas Medical Board Previously Took Action

The Texas Medical Board lists a public action involving Ajibade. The board found that his treatment during a liposuction procedure did not meet the standard of care.

Ajibade resolved the matter by agreeing to a fine and continuing medical education. KTRK reported finding no disciplinary action in the other states where he holds licenses.

The board said it could not comment on pending or potential litigation. The civil allegations also remain unresolved, and no court finding of liability was reported.

Patients considering cosmetic surgery can review a physician’s license and disciplinary history through the Texas Medical Board. They can also confirm a facility’s credentials and discuss emergency plans before scheduling a procedure.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Ukraine Launches Massive Moscow Drone Assault as Russia Threatens U.K.

Que Onda Editorial
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Ukraine Launches Massive Moscow Drone Assault as Russia Threatens U.K.

Ukraine launched one of its largest drone attacks on Russia since the full-scale invasion began in 2022. The Ukraine drone strike on Moscow came as Russia warned Britain of consequences for supplying Kyiv with attack drones.

Russian officials reported no deaths or major damage from the latest assault. However, the attack disrupted daily life around the heavily defended capital and intensified concerns about a widening drone campaign.

Ukraine drone strike targets Moscow region

Russian authorities said nearly 800 Ukrainian drones crossed into the country during the overnight attack. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin reported that 620 drones flew toward the capital’s surrounding region.

Russian air defenses reportedly destroyed 180 drones over the Moscow region. Officials did not provide independent evidence supporting the interception figures.

Flights faced disruptions as authorities temporarily restricted operations at several airports. Falling debris was also reported in communities outside the capital.

The barrage followed another large Ukrainian attack two days earlier. Russia said more than 800 drones entered its airspace during that operation.

That earlier attack struck areas near Moscow and caused a major fire at a Wildberries distribution facility in Podolsk. Russian officials reported deaths and injuries across several affected regions.

Ukraine has increasingly used long-range drones to target military facilities, oil refineries and industrial sites inside Russia. Kyiv says the campaign seeks to weaken Russia’s ability to finance and support its invasion.

The origin of every drone used in the latest assault could not be independently confirmed.

Russia warns U.K. over drone supplies

Russia’s embassy in London accused the British government of deliberately escalating the conflict. The embassy claimed British-made drones had been used for strikes deep inside Russian territory.

Russian officials warned that Britain would face consequences if its military assistance continued. Moscow did not specify what actions it might take.

The United Kingdom has become a major supplier of drones and other military equipment to Ukraine. In April, the British government announced plans to deliver at least 120,000 drones during 2026.

The package includes long-range strike drones, reconnaissance systems, maritime equipment and battlefield support drones. Britain says the equipment helps Ukraine defend itself against Russia’s invasion.

A later British aid package increased the planned total to 150,000 drones. It also included air-defense missiles and radar systems.

British officials have maintained that Ukraine has the right to defend itself. The government has not confirmed that specific British-supplied drones participated in the latest Moscow attack.

Aerial attacks intensify on both sides

The Moscow assault unfolded as Russia continued its own missile and drone attacks against Ukraine. A Russian strike on Pechenihy, a village in the northeastern Kharkiv region, killed at least 10 people.

Regional officials said another 17 people suffered injuries. The attack damaged homes and other civilian structures.

Russia has regularly launched large groups of one-way attack drones and missiles at Ukrainian cities. Ukraine has responded by expanding its domestic long-range drone production and striking targets inside Russia.

Claims made by either military during active combat are often difficult to verify independently. Both governments also release limited information about operational targets and damage.

The escalating exchanges show how drones are reshaping the war far beyond the front lines. They also raise new questions about the involvement of Ukraine’s Western partners and the risk of broader confrontation.

Residents across Ukraine and Russia continue to face disruptions as the aerial campaigns expand. International leaders are watching whether the latest attacks lead to further escalation or renewed diplomatic pressure.

Cinemark Backs Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery Merger

Que Onda Editorial
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Cinemark Backs Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery Merger

Cinemark has joined AMC Theatres and Regal in supporting Paramount’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. The theater chains point to commitments involving theatrical releases, exclusive cinema windows and future film investment.

The endorsement comes as the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger faces an antitrust challenge from 12 states. The companies have postponed closing the deal while the case proceeds in federal court.

Cinemark supports Paramount-Warner merger

Cinemark CEO Sean Gamble has described Paramount and Warner Bros. as longtime partners of the movie theater industry. He said Paramount had made positive statements about film volume and theatrical release windows.

However, Gamble previously called for firm commitments that would protect a sustainable film and exhibition business. Theater owners depend on a consistent supply of new movies to attract customers and fill screens.

Paramount has since strengthened its promises to exhibitors. The company plans to release at least 30 theatrical films annually after completing the merger. That would include about 15 releases from Paramount and 15 from Warner Bros.

The combined studio would also maintain an exclusive theatrical period before making movies available at home. Paramount has pledged a minimum 45-day window before premium digital rentals and purchases.

Those commitments have helped Paramount gain support from the country’s three largest theater chains. Plano-based Cinemark operates nearly 500 theaters across the United States and Latin America.

AMC and Regal also back the deal

AMC Theatres CEO Adam Aron expressed support for the merger during CinemaCon in April. Aron cited Paramount CEO David Ellison’s history in film production and his commitment to making movies for theaters.

Regal CEO Eduardo Acuña later argued that a prolonged antitrust trial could create more uncertainty for the industry. Regal also highlighted Paramount’s promises concerning theatrical films and release windows.

The three chains have a major interest in maintaining a strong theatrical calendar. More wide releases can increase ticket sales while also supporting food, beverage and merchandise revenue.

Paramount’s proposal would combine two major Hollywood studios. The enlarged company would control franchises including “Mission: Impossible,” “Top Gun,” “Harry Potter,” the DC Universe and “SpongeBob SquarePants.”

The transaction values Warner Bros. Discovery at an enterprise value of approximately $110 billion. Under the agreement, Warner Bros. Discovery would become a wholly owned Paramount subsidiary.

Merger continues to face opposition

Support from Cinemark, AMC and Regal does not resolve the deal’s legal challenges. A coalition of state attorneys general sued to block the transaction, arguing that it could reduce competition.

The states contend that combining two major studios may give the company too much power over theatrical distribution, streaming and television programming. The Writers Guild of America has filed a separate challenge.

Paramount rejects those claims. The company argues that the merger would create a stronger competitor against larger streaming and technology companies.

The U.S. Department of Justice closed its investigation after determining that the transaction was unlikely to harm competition. Regulators in several international markets have also cleared the acquisition.

Still, Paramount agreed to delay closing until the state lawsuit is resolved or the merger agreement approaches its June 2027 expiration. The companies maintain that they remain committed to completing the transaction.

For moviegoers, the dispute could influence how many films reach Cinemark, AMC and Regal screens. The court’s decision may also shape theatrical release schedules across the entertainment industry.

Disney and ABC Sue FCC Over Broadcast License

Que Onda Editorial
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Disney and ABC Sue FCC Over Broadcast License

Disney and ABC sued the Federal Communications Commission on Tuesday, Aug. 18, seeking to stop an early review of eight television licenses. The Disney ABC FCC lawsuit alleges that federal officials violated the First Amendment by targeting protected programming and editorial decisions.

The complaint was filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Disney, ABC and the eight affected local stations are asking the court to halt the renewal proceedings.

Disney ABC FCC lawsuit challenges early review

The dispute began when the FCC ordered Disney and ABC to submit early renewal applications in April. The stations filed those applications on May 28.

Broadcast television licenses generally remain valid for eight years. According to an FCC public notice, none of the affected licenses would normally require renewal before 2028.

The FCC said the accelerated process supports an investigation into possible violations of federal nondiscrimination rules. Those rules apply to hiring, promotions, compensation and workplace opportunities.

The agency also said it must determine whether each station operates in the public interest. The FCC may deny a renewal after a hearing if a station fails to meet federal standards.

Disney and ABC dispute the agency’s explanation. Their lawsuit describes the review as retaliation for news coverage and television programming criticized by President Donald Trump’s administration.

ABC raises First Amendment concerns

The companies allege that government pressure has escalated into threats against ABC’s ability to broadcast. They argue that those actions could influence newsroom decisions and programming choices.

“Again and again, the Administration has attacked ABC’s speech,” the complaint states. It says those attacks have included criticism of stories reported by ABC journalists and viewpoints aired on network programs.

ABC also cited disagreements involving “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and “The View.” The network has challenged FCC efforts to reconsider whether certain political interviews on “The View” qualify for a news-program exemption from equal-time rules.

The lawsuit seeks an injunction and temporary restraining order. Both would prevent the FCC from advancing or threatening action tied to the early applications while the case proceeds.

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has defended the agency’s approach. He has said broadcasters receive access to public airwaves and must meet public-interest obligations.

Carr has also denied that the agency singled out Disney. In correspondence with lawmakers, he noted that the FCC has considered early renewals involving other broadcasters.

Houston’s KTRK-TV among affected stations

The proceeding directly affects KTRK-TV, ABC’s owned-and-operated station in Houston. The other stations serve Fresno, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, New York, Durham and Philadelphia.

FCC records show that the licenses remain active while the agency considers their renewal. Therefore, the lawsuit does not immediately remove any station from the air.

Still, the case carries significant implications for Houston viewers and broadcasters nationwide. A ruling could help define how far federal regulators may go when reviewing licenses held by news organizations.

FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez, the commission’s only Democrat, supported the legal challenge. She accused the agency of using possible license revocations to punish speech disliked by the administration. The FCC did not immediately provide a new response to the lawsuit.

The court will now consider whether the early review may continue. Houston residents can follow updates from KTRK-TV, the FCC and the federal court as the case develops.

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