HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Give yourself extra time to head out the door this weekend, as bridge repairs on the I-45 Gulf Freeway could increase your drive times.
The Texas Department of Transportation says crews will continue working on the Gulf Freeway at Cullen Boulevard from 9 p.m. Friday until 5 a.m. Monday, Oct. 7.
SUGAR LAND, Texas (KTRK) — A lucky Sugar Land resident who was the winner of the $800 million Mega Millions Jackpot Prize has claimed their winnings almost a month after the winning ticket was sold, according to the Texas Lottery.
The golden Quick Pick ticket matched all the numbers drawn ( 1-2-16-24-66 Mega Ball 6) and was purchased at the Murphy USA gas station on 7520 Highway 90, across from Constellation Field.
The $800 million price is the seventh largest jackpot in the game’s history and is the fifteenth Mega Millions prize sold in Texas.
In addition to the Sept. 10 jackpot-winning prize, 175,127 Mega Millions tickets in Texas, including those with the Megaplier add-on feature, won lower-tier prizes ranging from $2 to $40,000.
Officials with the Texas Lottery said the jackpot started at $20 million on June 7 and rolled over 27 times before the winner claimed the ticket.
The claimant received $409 million before taxes, and the retailer, Murphy USA, received a $1 million retail bonus.
ABC News’ Janai Norman breaks down the odds of winning the Mega Millions jackpot and what to do if you get lucky.
“We absolutely love when Texas Lottery players win big, and it’s a tremendous honor to congratulate our state’s largest-ever jackpot winner,” Ryan Mindell, executive director of the Texas Lottery, said. “This jackpot win shows that any Texas Lottery ticket could lead to an exciting prize, and if you’re playing, the next one could be yours.”
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Tropical moisture will graze parts of Southeast Texas again on Saturday to bring a glimmer of hope for some needed rain, then next week it turns completely sunny and dry again as a slight cooldown arrives.
How is the weekend shaping up?
We have a 20% chance of rain showers Saturday for locations mainly south of I-10, but by Sunday those rain chances are gone. Highs will reach into the low-to-mid 90s both days with lows in the low 70s. Sunday’s record high of 94 is in jeopardy of falling.
When is our next cool front coming?
The next front should arrive on Monday, but it will ironically spike high temperatures into record territory Monday afternoon. This front looks to pass through dry, and it should deliver a more noticeable temperature drop with highs in the 80s and lows in the low 60s for most of next week. In fact, it’s possible some of us will enjoy lows in the upper 50s for a few mornings!
What are you tracking in the tropics?
We’re monitoring an area in the Gulf that has a high chance of development. Steering currents will push this system toward the Florida peninsula with direct impacts expected on Tuesday or Wednesday. Meanwhile, the deep tropics and Atlantic are very active right now with Kirk and Leslie over the open waters. Head to our daily Tropical Update page for the latest on what’s happening in the tropics.
October is bringing a fresh batch of exciting films to theaters, spanning various genres from psychological thrillers to rom-coms. Here’s a rundown of the most anticipated releases this month.
Oct. 4
“Joker: Folie à Deux:”
The highly anticipated sequel to Todd Phillips’ 2019 film, “Joker,” makes its debut. Directed again by Phillips, “Joker: Folie à Deux” picks up two years after the events of the first movie. Joaquin Phoenix reprises his role as Arthur Fleck, also known as the Joker, now confined to Arkham State Hospital. Here, he meets Harleen Quinzel (played by Lady Gaga), a fellow patient, and the two begin a twisted relationship. The film is envisioned as a musical journey through their shared madness, while Arthur’s followers, ignited by his actions in the previous film, work to set him free.
Oct. 11 releases
“Terrifier 3”: the “scariest” movie of the year, according to movie reviews
The terrifying saga continues with “Terrifier 3,” the latest entry in Damien Leone’s horror series. Set five years after the events of “Terrifier 2,” the film follows Sienna (Lauren LaVera) and her brother Jonathan (Elliot Fullam), survivors of the horrifying ordeal inflicted by Art the Clown (David Howard Thornton). As the holiday season approaches, the siblings attempt to move on with their lives, but their nightmare returns as Art the Clown resurfaces to bring terror to Christmas.
“Piece by Piece”
This animated documentary, “Piece by Piece,” offers a unique and playful portrayal of Pharrell Williams’ life and career, told entirely in Lego form. Directed by Morgan Neville, the film charts Pharrell’s journey from childhood to musical stardom, featuring appearances from friends and collaborators such as Gwen Stefani, Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg, Daft Punk, and many more.
“Saturday Night”
“Saturday Night” is a comedic drama directed by Jason Reitman that transports audiences to 1975, exploring the wild events leading up to the very first episode of “Saturday Night Live.” With an all-star cast portraying the original “SNL” players, the film features Cory Michael Smith as Chevy Chase, Ella Hunt as Gilda Radner, Matt Wood as John Belushi, and Dylan O’Brien as Dan Aykroyd, among others, capturing the frantic energy behind the iconic TV show’s debut.
“We Live in Time”
A heartfelt romantic drama, “We Live in Time” is directed by John Crowley and stars Florence Pugh and Andrew Garfield. The film tells the story of Almut and Tobias, whose chance encounter leads to a deep romance. But just as they settle into their life together, shocking news disrupts their world, forcing them to navigate the limits of time as they treasure every moment they have left.
October 18 Releases
“Smile 2”
The sinister Smile entity returns in this horror sequel directed by Parker Finn. “Smile 2” follows Skye Riley (Naomi Scott), a pop star preparing for a world tour, whose life is turned upside down after witnessing the suicide of an acquaintance. Unbeknownst to her, the horrific Smile entity transfers to her, pushing her to confront her dark past before it’s too late. The film also stars Kyle Gallner, Lukas Gage, and Rosemarie DeWitt.
“Goodrich”
This lighthearted comedy, “Goodrich,” directed by Hallie Meyers-Shyer, stars Michael Keaton as Andy Goodrich, an art dealer left to care for his young twins after his wife enters rehab. In need of help, he turns to his adult daughter Grace (Mila Kunis), who is expecting her own child. Together, they navigate fatherhood, and along the way, Andy learns how to be the father Grace never had. The film also features Andie MacDowell and Carmen Ejogo.
“Anora”
“Anora” is a comedy-drama directed by Sean Baker that follows Ani (Mikey Madison), a young Uzbek-American stripper from New York City. Due to her fluency in Russian, she’s set up with Russian-speaking clients and eventually meets Ivan (Mark Eydelshteyn), the son of a Russian oligarch. The two fall in love and elope, but their happiness is jeopardized when Ivan’s parents arrive, threatening to annul the marriage.
October 25 Releases
“Venom: The Last Dance”
The final chapter in Sony’s Venom trilogy, “Venom: The Last Dance,” sees Tom Hardy return as Eddie Brock, who once again finds himself on the run alongside his alien symbiote, Venom. Directed by Kelly Marcel, the film introduces new threats, including the creator of the symbiotes, forcing Eddie and Venom into an impossible decision. The cast includes Chiwetel Ejiofor, Juno Temple, and Stephen Graham.
“Your Monster”
“Your Monster” is a rom-com horror written and directed by Caroline Lindy. The film tells the quirky story of Laura Franco (Melissa Barrera), a young actress dealing with cancer and a breakup, who discovers a monster living in her closet. Played by Tommy Dewey, the Monster informs her she has two weeks to leave. Yet, during this time, an unexpected bond forms between them, leading to a unique love story.
This October’s cinematic offerings promise a wide array of emotions and thrills, from chilling horror and quirky love stories to heartfelt drama. Whether you’re looking for a scare or a laugh, there’s something for everyone at the movies this month.
Lyle, left, and Erik Galen Menendez sit in Beverly Hills, Calif., courtroom, May 14, 1990 as a judge postponed their preliminary hearing on charges of murdering their wealthy parents last August. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)
LOS ANGELES — Prosecutors in Los Angeles are reviewing new evidence in the case of Erik and Lyle Menendez to determine whether they should be serving life sentences for killing their parents in their Beverly Hills mansion more than 35 years ago, the city’s district attorney said Thursday.
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón said during a news conference that there is no question Erik Menendez, 53, and his 56-year-old brother, Lyle Menendez, committed the murders, but his office will be reviewing new evidence and will make a decision on whether a resentencing is warranted in the notorious case that captured national attention.
The new evidence presented in a petition includes a letter written by Erik Menendez that his attorneys say corroborates the allegations that he was sexually abused by his father.
The brothers have said they killed their parents out of self-defense after enduring a lifetime of physical, emotional and sexual abuse from them. Their attorneys argue that because of society’s changing views on sexual abuse, that the brothers may not have been convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life without parole today.
Bryan Freedman, the extended family’s lawyers, said they strongly support the brothers’ release
“She wishes nothing more than for them to be released,” Freedman said of Joan VanderMolen, the brothers’ aunt.
The brothers’ attorneys said the family believed from the beginning they should have been charged with manslaughter rather than murder. Manslaughter was not an option for the jury during the second trial that ultimately led to the brothers’ murder conviction, attorney Mark Geragos said.
Lyle Menendez, who was then 21, and Erik Menendez, then 18, admitted they fatally shot-gunned their entertainment executive father Jose Menendez and their mother, Kitty Menendez, in 1989 but said they feared their parents were about to kill them to prevent the disclosure of the father’s long-term sexual molestation of Erik.
Prosecutors at the time contended there was no evidence of any molestation. They said the sons were after their parents’ multimillion-dollar estate.
Jurors rejected a death sentence in favor of life without parole.
Attorney Cliff Gardner, who also represents the brothers, said they are pleased by the district attorney’s decision. The attorneys have asked for the court to vacate their conviction.
“Given today’s very different understanding of how sexual and physical abuse impacts children – both boys and girls – and the remarkable new evidence, we think resentencing is the appropriate result,” Gardner said in an email Thursday to The Associated Press. “The brothers have served more than 30 years in prison. That is enough.”
The case has gained new attention in recent weeks after Netflix began streaming the true-crime drama ” Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story. “
In a statement on X posted by his wife, Erik Menendez called the show a “dishonest portrayal” of what happened that has taken them back to a time when prosecutors “built a narrative on a belief system that males were not sexually abused, and that males experience rape trauma differently from women.”
Gascón said he believes that the topic of sexual assault would have been treated with more sensitivity if the case had happened today.
A hearing was scheduled for Nov. 29.
Lyle Menendez recently earned a sociology degree from the University of California, Irvine, through a prison program. Geragos said they have been model prisoners despite believing they would never be released.
“I think it’s time,” Geragos said. “The family thinks it’s time.”
Reality TV star and celebrity personality Kim Kardashian, who has advocated for criminal justice reform, also weighed in, writing in a personal essay shared with NBC News that the outsized media attention on the first trial that was nationally televised denied them justice.
She noted with “their suffering and stories of abuse ridiculed in skits on ‘Saturday Night Live'” that they were painted as “two arrogant, rich kids from Beverly Hills who killed their parents out of greed. There was no room for empathy, let alone sympathy.”
“Erik and Lyle had no chance of a fair trial against this backdrop,” Kardashian wrote.
The remnants of Hurricane Helene were not the only factor that contributed to the severity of the flooding that struck the mountain community of Asheville, North Carolina.
Several conditions in the region, including a precursor rain event and the topography of the land, gave rise to deadly flash flooding, experts told ABC News.
Hurricane Helene barreled into Florida’s Big Bend on Sept. 26 as a Category 4 hurricane, bringing 140 mph winds and a 15-foot storm surge to parts of the Gulf Coast. The hurricane exemplified the far-reaching impacts that a storm can have not only along the coast, but hundreds of miles inland. Following landfall, Helene tracked north, causing reported tornadoes in five states and dumping over 30 inches of rain in parts of North Carolina over the span of a few days.
Help people affected by Hurricane Helene. Your donation enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from this disaster. Donate now at redcross.org/abc.
Debris is visible in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Sept. 30, 2024, in Asheville, N.C.AP Photo/Mike Stewart, File
When large hurricanes form in the Gulf, they tend to cause a precursor rain event farther inland as the system’s large rain shield – defined by the National Weather Service as “a solid or nearly solid area of rain that typically becomes heavier as one approaches the eye” – interacts with a cold front, Art DeGaetano, director of the NOAA Northeast Regional Climate Center at Cornell University, told ABC News.
The Asheville region had already received a deluge of rain in the days leading up to Helene, with more than a foot of rainfall in some spots, according to the North Carolina State Climate Office. As a result, the soil was saturated and rivers and streams filled to the brim by the time Helene, “the real whammy,” passed over the area, DeGaetano said. Once the French Broad River, which flows through Asheville, and its subsidiaries overflowed, the water rushed into nearby neighborhoods within minutes.
While the phenomenon does not happen often, it has happened before in the region, DeGaetano said. A similar event occurred in Asheville in what is known as the “Great Flood of 1916,” in which 80 people died.
In addition, the sheer size of the storm system allowed areas to get hit with rain earlier and longer, Marshall Shepherd, director of the Atmospheric Sciences Program at the University of Georgia and former president of the American Meteorological Society, told ABC News.
The mountainous topography of the region also played a major role in the flooding, Yuh-Lang Lin, a professor of atmospheric science at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, told ABC News.
Orographic lifting, a process that occurs when hills or mountains force air to rise and cool, caused water vapor to condense and additional precipitation to form as it combined with Helene’s tropical system, Lin said.
That heavy moisture was then “squeezed” out of the atmosphere and dumped over the Asheville region in a short amount of time, DeGaetano said. In hilly and mountainous terrains, rainfall typically is funneled into valleys, rivers and streams, DeGaetano said.
“That’s where we see this extreme flooding in those types of places,” Jennifer Francis, an atmospheric scientist at the Woodwell Climate Research Center, told ABC News.
Climate change also likely played a major role in the storm behavior displayed by Helene, DeGaetano said. The warm waters in the Gulf of Mexico helped the storm absorb even more moisture and intensify as it neared the coast, he said. The increased water vapor storage fueled the heavy precipitation experienced along Helene’s track.
Researchers are looking into whether an atmospheric river also contributed to the heavy precipitation, Shepherd said.
“You sort of had this multiple-whammy of the hurricane, that orographic lifting from the mountains and this atmospheric river,” he said. “Trillions of gallons of moisture coming in from the tropics.”
Human-amplified climate change is causing extreme rainfall events to become more frequent and more intense, according to the federal government’s Fifth National Climate Assessment, released in November, 2023.
Rising global temperatures are supercharging the water cycle and bringing heavier rainfall – and related flood risks – across the U.S. More intense extreme rainfall events increase the frequency and scale of flash flooding, in part because the influx of water is more than the current infrastructure was built to handle.
Most places on the East Coast have experienced an overall increase in rainfall due to climate change, DeGaetano said. In the Southeast, extreme precipitation events have increased by about 37% in recent decades, according to the National Climate Assessment.
KATY, Texas (KTRK) — A reward of up to $30,000 is being offered for any information that may lead to an arrest in the murder of a 19-year-old man in the Katy area. Deputies believe it may have been a road rage attack.
Cody Johnson was shot and killed one week ago along the I-10 Katy Freeway service road near the SH-99 Grand Parkway.
On Friday morning, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit held a press conference with Johnson’s family. They’re looking for any information from the public that could lead to a suspect/suspects.
During the press conference, Crime Stoppers announced a reward of up to $30,000. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers by calling 713-222-TIPS or online at crime-stoppers.org.
On Friday, Sept. 27 around 8 p.m., officials said a passerby reported Johnson’s car rolling slowly down the westbound lanes of the road. When deputies arrived at the scene, they found the 19-year-old dead inside.
No witnesses have come forward, which is why Johnson’s parents and Crime Stoppers shared photos of their son’s 2011 black Chevy Camaro with gold rims. They believe it’s memorable, and said since the shooting happened in a busy area, it’s likely somebody saw something.
Parents are pleading for answers after their son was killed in what authorities are investigating as a possible road rage attack in the Katy area.
His dad said the car was loud, and that if anyone saw it driving down the road, they’d notice it.
Johnson’s parents describe their son as a “good kid.” They told ABC13 the former student-athlete was “just getting his life back” after a horrific motorcycle crash over the summer prevented him from starting at Texas State. Johnson was well enough to begin working this week as a car salesman when he was killed inside his own vehicle. Now, they just want closure.
“Just please, as parents, we just want answers about our son and any leads, anything. Any dash cam [videos]. Anybody who saw anything around that area that night, if you could just reach out to Harris County Crime Stoppers just to help us have closure. We don’t want to let these people get anybody else, do this to anybody else,” Cody’s mother, Amy Juneau, said.
“It isn’t clear why Cody was shot. Cody did not have any known enemies, was not in any known altercations, and was about to start his college career,” Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said.
He said detectives have been digging for surveillance video in the area. They are asking for anyone with in-car cameras, like rideshare drivers, to review their video footage from Sept. 27.
“Every piece of information can be critical. Like I said, if you saw anyone racing down the freeway or brake checking or anything happening like that, we want to know about it,” Gonzalez said.
Aside from anonymously submitting a tip to Crime Stoppers, anyone with information can also contact the HCSO Homicide Unit at 713-274-9100.
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — A Harris County detention officer was arrested while at work Wednesday night after allegations that he sexually assaulted a co-worker.
Jeleel Williams, 26, is charged with sexual assault. He was arrested at work at the jail located at 701 San Jacinto in downtown around 10 p.m. Deputies then took him across the street to be processed into jail as an inmate.
According to court records, the alleged sexual assault happened after 56 new detention officers were sworn in in July. A group of them went out afterward, coordinated by a sergeant, records state, to celebrate.
The 36-year-old victim told investigators in August she consumed alcohol, so Williams drove her home, where she said that he sexually assaulted her.
Williams spent most of Thursday in jail until his release after posting a $50,000 bond.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office did not respond to questions about Williams’ job status. He does not have an attorney of record and is expected in court on Friday morning.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The brakes were pulled on a large drug smuggling attempt at George Bush Intercontinental Airport when security found cocaine hidden in a motorized wheelchair at George Bush Intercontinental Airport.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced the seizure on Wednesday, saying the incident happened on Sept. 17 when security became suspicious due to the wheelchair’s abnormally large cushions.
Officers also noticed that the metal compartment looked inconsistent with the seat frame.
An x-ray revealed a metal compartment with 11 packages concealed within the backrest and seat cushions.
K9s confirmed the presence of narcotics, which totaled 12.16 kilograms of cocaine, according to CBP.
“CBP remains diligent in our efforts to protect our borders and keep Americans safe,” CBP acting Area Port Director Kayla Gonzales said. “Cocaine is a deadly, dangerous drug, and the trafficking of these poisons leads to increased violence, money laundering, and other criminal activity that threatens our safety and local communities.”
According to CBP, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and other law enforcement throughout the nation have seen increased seizures and overdose cases involving cocaine mixed with fentanyl.
The agency said in Fiscal Year 2024, CBP seized just over 60 kilograms of cocaine at and between Ports of Entry.
Eyewitness News asked CBP whether anyone was arrested but has yet to hear back.
Country music star Garth Brooks has been accused of sexual assault and battery in a lawsuit from a “Jane Roe” who says she worked as a hairstylist and makeup artist for the award-winning singer.
The complaint, filed in a state court in California on Thursday and obtained by CNN, states the alleged incidents occurred in 2019. She claims she was once raped by Brooks during a work trip.
Brooks had previously denied his accuser’s claims, though representatives for the country superstar did not immediately respond to CNN’s request for comment in response to Roe’s new lawsuit.
Garth Brooks speaks during a groundbreaking ceremony for the Tennessee Titans new NFL football stadium, Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn.AP Photo/George Walker IV
Prior to Roe’s filing and as first reported by CNN, an anonymous celebrity plaintiff – now disclosed to be Brooks – had tried to block Roe from publicly repeating her allegations and fiercely denied the claims, according to a previous complaint he had filed as a “John Doe.”
Roe began handling hair and makeup services for Brooks in 2017, according to her suit, which states that she was first hired to do hair and makeup for his wife, Trisha Yearwood, in 1999.
CNN has reached out to representatives for Yearwood for comment.
In addition to sexual assault and battery, the suit accuses Brooks of repeatedly exposing his genitals and buttocks; talking about sex and sharing sexual fantasies with Roe; regularly changing his clothing in front of Roe; and sending sexually explicit text messages.
In her filing, Roe claims that during one alleged incident in 2019, when she was at Brooks’ home for work, he walked out of the shower naked, “grabbed her hands and forced them” onto his genitals, while speaking to her with sexually explicit and vulgar language.
In another alleged incident in May 2019, the suit alleges that Brooks raped Roe in a hotel room during a work trip to Los Angeles where Brooks was taping a Grammy tribute performance.
According to the suit, Brooks and Roe traveled to Los Angeles on Brooks’ private jet.
“Usually there were others on Brooks’ private jet but this time, Ms. Roe and Brooks were the only two passengers,” the complaint states. “Once in Los Angeles at the hotel, Ms. Roe could not believe that Brooks had booked a hotel suite with one bedroom and she did not have a separate room.”
Once they arrived at the hotel suite, Roe alleges the country singer “appeared in the doorway to the bedroom, completely naked.” Roe’s complaint states she felt “trapped in the room alone with Brooks.”
After the alleged rape, Roe claims that Brooks continued to tell her his sexual fantasies with more frequency and physically groped her. The complaint states Brooks “repeated remarks” about “having a threesome” with his wife.
In his complaint as plaintiff John Doe, Brooks claims defendant Roe’s attorney sent him a “confidential” demand letter alleging sexual misconduct after he declined Roe’s request for “salaried employment and medical benefits.”
“Defendant’s allegations are not true,” Brooks’ previous lawsuit states. “Defendant is well aware, however, of the substantial, irreparable damage such false allegations would do to Plaintiff’s well-earned reputation as a decent and caring person, along with the unavoidable damage to his family and the irreparable damage to his career and livelihood that would result if she made good on her threat to ‘publicly file’ her fabricated lawsuit.”
Roe’s attorneys told CNN that Brooks’ “efforts to silence our client through the filing of a preemptive complaint in Mississippi was nothing other than an act of desperation and attempted intimidation.”
“We are confident that Brooks will be held accountable for his actions,” attorneys Douglas H. Wigdor, Jeanne M. Christensen and Hayley Baker said in a statement to CNN. “We applaud our client’s courage in moving forward with her complaint against Garth Brooks. The complaint filed today demonstrates that sexual predators exist not only in corporate America, Hollywood and in the rap and rock and roll industries but also in the world of country music.”
