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‘Forgotten Island,’ ‘Heart of the Beast,’ ‘Primetime’ and ‘Avengers: Endgame Encore’ Open This Weekend

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Moviegoers have several new choices arriving in theaters Friday, Sept. 25. The new movie releases this weekend include family animation, a wilderness thriller, a media drama and a major Marvel rerelease.

Availability may vary by theater and screening format. Audiences should confirm local showtimes before making plans.

‘Forgotten Island’ Brings Filipino Culture to Animation

DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island follows lifelong friends Jo and Raissa as graduation sends them toward separate futures. During their final night together, they discover a portal leading to the mysterious island of Nakali.

The island contains magical creatures drawn from stories the friends heard from their Filipino families. The adventure forces them to repair their relationship before they drift apart.

H.E.R. and Liza Soberano lead the voice cast. Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy and Ronny Chieng also appear. Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado wrote and directed the film, according to DreamWorks.

Brad Pitt Faces the Wilderness in ‘Heart of the Beast’

Brad Pitt stars as Special Forces officer James Belmont in Heart of the Beast. After a plane crash, Belmont and his combat dog, Odin, become stranded in the Alaskan wilderness.

The pair must survive dangerous terrain and extreme conditions while finding a path home. The story centers on the loyalty between the soldier and his canine companion.

David Ayer, whose credits include Fury and The Beekeeper, directed the adventure thriller. J.K. Simmons and Anna Lambe also star. Paramount Pictures releases the film nationwide Friday.

Robert Pattinson Takes On ‘Primetime’

Robert Pattinson portrays television journalist Chris Hansen in A24’s Primetime. Set in 2006, the film follows Hansen as he works to turn televised investigations into a national phenomenon.

The drama takes inspiration from the rise of NBC’s To Catch a Predator. It also examines the ethical pressures and public attention surrounding reality-based television.

Documentary filmmaker Lance Oppenheim directed the film. The cast includes Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo, Phoebe Bridgers, Matthew Maher and Bokeem Woodbine. A24 lists the film for theatrical release Sept. 25.

‘Avengers: Endgame Encore’ Returns to Theaters

Marvel Studios brings its 2019 blockbuster back to the big screen as Avengers: Endgame Encore. The special presentation opens Friday ahead of Avengers: Doomsday, which arrives Dec. 18.

The original story follows the surviving Avengers after Thanos wipes out half of all life. The heroes reunite for a final effort to reverse the destruction and restore those who disappeared.

Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo and Jeremy Renner lead the ensemble cast. Anthony and Joe Russo directed the film.

The Encore presentation includes an exclusive look at Avengers: Doomsday. Audiences attending IMAX or Infinity Vision screenings will receive an additional preview, according to the official Marvel trailer.

More Choices at Local Theaters

The weekend lineup provides broad options for families, action fans and adult audiences. Forgotten Island, Heart of the Beast, Primetime and Avengers: Endgame Encore should receive wide availability.

Independent films may screen at fewer locations or expand later. Moviegoers across Houston and other Texas markets should check theater websites for current times, formats and ticket availability.

Disney+ and Hulu Subscriptions Get Pricier as Ad-Free Plans Pass $21

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Disney has raised prices for most Disney+ and Hulu subscriptions in the United States. The Disney+ and Hulu price increase pushes standalone ad-free plans above $21 per month.

The new rates took effect Sept. 23 for new customers. Existing subscribers will see the higher prices on their next monthly bill.

Disney+ and Hulu Price Increase Explained

Disney+ Premium, which offers programming without commercial interruptions, now costs $21.49 per month. The plan previously cost $18.99, making the increase $2.50.

Hulu Premium received the same increase. Its monthly price rose from $18.99 to $21.49.

The ad-supported versions of both services increased by 50 cents. Disney+ and Hulu now cost $12.49 each per month with commercials.

Current monthly prices include:

  • Disney+ Premium: $21.49, up from $18.99
  • Hulu Premium: $21.49, up from $18.99
  • Disney+ with ads: $12.49, up from $11.99
  • Hulu with ads: $12.49, up from $11.99

The increases represent approximately 13% for the premium standalone plans. The ad-supported plans increased by about 4%.

Disney+ Premium includes 4K streaming on supported titles and devices. Hulu Premium removes most advertisements, although some programming may still include commercial breaks because of licensing agreements.

Bundle Prices Make Two Services Cheaper

Disney also increased the price of its ad-free Disney+ and Hulu bundle. The package now costs $21.99 per month, up from $19.99.

The ad-supported Disney+ and Hulu bundle remains unchanged at $12.99 per month.

That pricing places each bundle only 50 cents above the cost of either standalone service. The structure gives subscribers a strong financial incentive to choose both platforms instead of paying for only one.

The current bundle prices are:

  • Disney+ and Hulu Premium bundle: $21.99, up from $19.99
  • Disney+ and Hulu bundle with ads: $12.99, unchanged

Disney recently adjusted prices for some bundles containing ESPN Select. The Disney+, Hulu and ESPN Select bundle with ads now costs $21.99 per month.

The premium version of that three-service package costs $32.99. Bundles containing ESPN Unlimited remain at $35.99 with ads and $44.99 without ads.

Increase Comes Before Unified Streaming Experience

The higher prices arrive as Disney prepares to create a more unified streaming platform. The company plans to bring Disney+ and Hulu programming together through a single app experience.

Disney has already added a Hulu section inside Disney+ for eligible bundle subscribers. The broader integration is expected to include new technology, personalization and navigation features.

Streaming revenue from Disney+ and Hulu increased 11% from the previous year to $5.53 billion during Disney’s fiscal third quarter, CNN reported.

The latest changes mark Disney’s fourth U.S. streaming price increase in recent years. Disney+ originally launched in 2019 at $6.99 per month.

Other major services have also raised prices. Apple TV increased its monthly rate in August, while Peacock recently adjusted both its ad-supported and premium subscription tiers.

Subscribers should review their next billing statement to confirm the new charge. Those paying for Disney+ and Hulu separately may save money by switching to a bundle under the revised pricing structure.

Greenspoint Mall Redevelopment Will Bring $150 Million Industrial Park to North Houston

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The former Greenspoint Mall will become a $150 million industrial park under a major North Houston redevelopment plan. The Greenspoint Mall redevelopment will replace the aging retail property with industrial buildings, commercial services and new employment opportunities.

Lincoln Property Company and New York Life Investment Management announced the project this week. Demolition is scheduled to begin in October 2026.

Greenspoint Mall Redevelopment Covers 80 Acres

The developers acquired approximately 80 acres at 12300 North Freeway, near Interstate 45 and Beltway 8. The site will become CityNorth Industrial Park, a 1.2 million-square-foot industrial campus.

Plans call for cross-dock and rear-load buildings serving logistics, distribution and other industrial companies. Cross-dock facilities allow businesses to transfer goods quickly between arriving and departing trucks.

The campus will also include retail and service businesses. However, developers have not announced the final number or sizes of the planned buildings.

The property offers direct access to Interstate 45, Beltway 8 and the Hardy Toll Road. George Bush Intercontinental Airport is about seven miles away.

Lincoln Executive Vice President Gabe Lerner said the site could accommodate large distribution operations and smaller companies seeking a North Houston location.

The first phase is expected to open during the first quarter of 2028, according to Commercial Property Executive.

Project Could Support 1,200 Permanent Jobs

Developers estimate the project will support approximately 300 construction jobs. Once completed, CityNorth Industrial Park could accommodate about 1,200 full-time positions.

Fitness Connection, one of the mall’s last remaining businesses, will stay at the property. The gym will move into a planned 45,500-square-foot facility built specifically for the company.

Powers Brown Architecture will serve as the project architect. Kimley-Horn is the civil engineer, while E.E. Reed Construction will oversee general construction.

Lincoln and New York Life acquired the property from Triyar Cannon Group. The companies did not publicly disclose the purchase price.

Kevin Wyatt, an executive vice president at Lincoln, called the redevelopment an important opportunity for the area.

“CityNorth Industrial Park will return a prominent property to productive use,” Wyatt said in the developers’ announcement.

New Chapter for a Former Houston Shopping Center

Greenspoint Mall opened in 1976 and once ranked as Houston’s largest shopping center. It served North Houston for nearly five decades before losing major retailers and most of its customer traffic.

The mall’s remaining stores closed in 2024. Years of declining activity had prompted several redevelopment proposals, including plans for housing, parks and mixed-use construction.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire said the industrial project could bring investment and jobs to the Greenspoint and Aldine ISD communities. He also cited plans for a Houston Police Department North Belt station and a replacement for Houston Fire Station 84.

The city established the Greater Greenspoint Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone to support the area’s revitalization. The zone can help fund infrastructure, drainage, mobility and other eligible public improvements.

However, officials have not disclosed specific public funding commitments for CityNorth Industrial Park.

The project also connects with Lincoln’s existing CityNorth office campus. The company acquired the former ExxonMobil office complex in Greenspoint in 2017 and began renovating it under the CityNorth name.

After years of uncertainty, the Greenspoint Mall redevelopment gives the prominent site a defined construction schedule. Residents can expect demolition activity beginning in October, followed by several years of industrial development and related infrastructure work.

Simone Biles Says Masked Intruders Stole Porsche From Chicago-Area Home

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Simone Biles says three masked intruders entered her Chicago-area home and stole her Porsche GTS. The Olympic champion recently revealed the Simone Biles car theft while discussing her search for a replacement vehicle.

Biles said authorities eventually recovered the Porsche. However, she and her husband, NFL safety Jonathan Owens, decided to purchase another car.

Simone Biles Reveals Car Theft on TikTok

Biles shared the story in a TikTok video posted Sept. 21. The 29-year-old gymnast was preparing to pick up a new vehicle when she explained what happened.

“During our last few months in Chicago, three men in masks came to our house and stole my Porsche,” Biles said.

She did not provide the exact date or location of the reported break-in. Biles also did not explain whether anyone was home when the intruders entered.

The gymnast wrote in the video’s caption that the couple recovered the stolen car. She indicated that she may share more information about the incident later.

Chicago police could not provide NBC News with a report connected to the incident, according to Yahoo Sports. Authorities have not publicly announced any arrests.

Couple Adds Security After Reported Break-In

Biles said the burglary influenced the couple’s decision to get a Doberman. The dog provides additional security for the family.

She described the events surrounding her life as difficult to believe. Still, Biles presented the story in an upbeat video centered on shopping for another car.

The reported break-in occurred during the couple’s final months in the Chicago area. Owens played for the Chicago Bears during the 2024 and 2025 NFL seasons.

Owens now plays safety for the Indianapolis Colts. Biles has said she plans to spend more time in Indianapolis as she supports her husband during the season.

The couple married in 2023. They also maintain ties to Texas, where Biles has lived and trained for much of her career.

Biles Chooses Another Porsche

Although the stolen vehicle was recovered, Biles decided to replace it. She first considered an Audi RS Q8 but said she did not like how it handled during a test drive.

Biles then visited a Porsche dealership and selected a Cayenne GTS. She said hearing the vehicle’s engine helped convince her to make the purchase.

The gymnast had also considered visiting a Lamborghini dealership. However, she said she ended the search after finding the Porsche.

The lighthearted car-shopping video drew attention because of the unexpected burglary disclosure. Biles offered few details beyond the number of intruders and the recovered vehicle.

An ABC News report confirmed that Biles described the suspects as three masked men. The report also noted that the exact timing and location remain unclear.

Biles is the most decorated gymnast in history. She has won 11 Olympic medals, including seven gold medals, along with 30 World Championship medals.

The reported Simone Biles car theft adds her name to a growing list of prominent athletes affected by property crimes. Several professional athletes have reported home burglaries and attempted robberies in recent years.

Biles has not announced whether she plans to release more details. For now, she has confirmed that the stolen Porsche was recovered and that the couple has taken additional security measures.

Deadly Russian Strikes Hit Kyiv and Donetsk After Trump-Zelenskyy Meeting

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Russian strikes on Ukraine killed at least six people Wednesday, hours after Presidents Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy met in New York. The attacks killed two people in Kyiv and four in the eastern Donetsk region. Dozens more suffered injuries.

The Sept. 23 strikes came as international leaders gathered for the United Nations General Assembly. Zelenskyy and Trump discussed possible steps toward peace during a meeting Tuesday.

Russian Strikes on Ukraine Target Kyiv

Russian forces launched a rare daytime drone attack on Kyiv that continued into Wednesday afternoon. The assault killed two people and injured 41, according to sources.

Black smoke rose over the Ukrainian capital as drones struck several locations. Officials reported fires and damage at commercial buildings, warehouses and other sites.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said a drone struck a nine-story, nonresidential building. A business center and two gas stations also came under attack.

Ukraine’s national railway operator reported damage to rail infrastructure. One railway employee suffered injuries.

Ukrainian officials said Russia used several jet-powered drones. These weapons travel faster and at higher altitudes than many other drones, making interception more difficult.

In the Donetsk region, a separate Russian aerial bomb attack struck a front-line village. Regional officials said four people died and four others suffered injuries.

A strike in Zaporizhzhia also wounded two men and started a large fire at a shopping center. Emergency crews contained the fire after it spread across roughly 1.5 acres.

Russia’s Defense Ministry said its forces targeted Ukraine’s military industry, energy facilities and logistics centers. Ukrainian officials said the attacks also damaged civilian and critical infrastructure.

Trump and Zelenskyy Discuss Energy Ceasefire

The strikes followed a 40-minute meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy at U.N. headquarters Tuesday. The leaders discussed the war, Ukraine’s air defenses and a possible pause in attacks on energy infrastructure.

Zelenskyy described the meeting as positive but said the two sides reached no formal agreement.

Ukraine is prepared to stop attacking Russian refineries if Moscow ends strikes against Ukraine’s power, heating and water systems, Zelenskyy told reporters. Kyiv has increased attacks on Russian fuel facilities after years of Russian strikes against Ukraine’s energy network.

Trump has expressed concern that damage to Russian refineries could worsen global diesel shortages and raise prices. Before the private meeting, he said the Ukrainian attacks had seriously affected Russia and fuel markets.

Trump also voiced confidence that an agreement could eventually end the war. However, the Kremlin said Wednesday that no concrete plans existed for high-level talks between Russian and American officials.

Ukraine Seeks More Air Defense Systems

Zelenskyy used his U.N. visit to renew Ukraine’s request for more U.S.-made Patriot air defense systems. Ukraine uses the systems to counter Russian ballistic missiles and other aerial threats.

Supplies remain limited as the United States and its allies face competing security demands. Zelenskyy said Washington had responded positively to Ukraine’s request but had provided no specific commitment.

The Ukrainian president also warned before Wednesday’s attack that intelligence indicated Russia was preparing another major strike.

Russia’s latest attacks underline the continuing danger to civilians as diplomatic efforts move forward. International negotiations remain unresolved, while communities across Ukraine continue to face drones, missiles and damage to essential services.

Harvey Weinstein Sentenced to 15 Years for 2006 New York Sex Crime

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Harvey Weinstein was sentenced to 15 years in prison Wednesday for sexually assaulting former production assistant Miriam Haley in 2006. The Harvey Weinstein 15-year sentence follows years of trials and appeals in New York.

Judge Curtis Farber imposed the sentence Sept. 23 in Manhattan. Weinstein, 74, faced up to 25 years for first-degree criminal sexual act.

Harvey Weinstein’s 15-Year Sentence Follows Retrial

A jury convicted Weinstein in 2025 of assaulting Haley at his Manhattan apartment in July 2006. Haley, who has also used the name Mimi Haleyi, worked briefly as a production assistant on “Project Runway.”

Haley testified that Weinstein invited her to his apartment before a company-funded trip to Los Angeles. She said he ignored her objections and forcibly performed oral sex on her.

Before sentencing, Haley described the lasting effects of the assault and the repeated court proceedings. She told the court that speaking publicly had brought further trauma and scrutiny.

“It’s a life sentence for me,” Haley said, according to an Associated Press report.

Prosecutors requested a 20-year sentence and five years of supervision after Weinstein’s release. His defense sought a shorter term, citing his health and more than six years already spent in custody.

Weinstein acknowledged Haley’s pain but maintained his innocence. His attorneys are expected to appeal the conviction and sentence.

Earlier New York Conviction Was Overturned

The sentence marks another major development in a case that began more than six years ago.

In 2020, a New York jury convicted Weinstein of assaulting Haley and raping actor and hairstylist Jessica Mann in 2013. He received a 23-year prison sentence.

However, New York’s highest court overturned those convictions in 2024. The court ruled that the trial judge improperly allowed testimony about allegations that were not part of the criminal charges.

At Weinstein’s 2025 retrial, jurors again convicted him in Haley’s case. They acquitted him of a separate charge involving former model Kaja Sokola.

The jury could not reach a verdict on the rape charge involving Mann. Another trial on that charge ended with a deadlocked jury in May 2026.

Prosecutors later dropped the charge after Mann said she could not endure another trial. The decision cleared the way for Weinstein’s sentencing in Haley’s case.

California Case Still Awaits Resentencing

Weinstein also remains convicted in a separate California case. A Los Angeles jury found him guilty in 2022 of rape and two sexual assault charges involving model and actor Evgeniya Chernyshova.

A California appeals court upheld those convictions in June 2026. However, the court ordered a new sentencing hearing.

The appeals panel found that the trial judge had considered Weinstein’s overturned New York convictions when imposing the original 16-year sentence. California authorities must now determine a new term and how it will relate to the New York sentence.

Weinstein has experienced several health problems while in custody. His attorneys have cited chronic myeloid leukemia, heart disease, diabetes and kidney problems. He has recently received treatment at Bellevue Hospital’s secure medical unit in Manhattan.

The case remains one of the most prominent prosecutions associated with the #MeToo movement. The latest sentence concludes the current New York proceedings, though expected appeals and the California resentencing remain unresolved.

Ella Langley’s ‘Choosin’ Texas’ Breaks All-Time Billboard Hot 100 Record

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Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” has made Billboard history. The country hit earned its 23rd week at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, the longest reign in the chart’s history.

The achievement moves Langley past Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” Carey’s holiday standard previously held the record with 22 total weeks at No. 1.

“Choosin’ Texas” Sets a New Hot 100 Standard

The Billboard Hot 100 measures the most popular songs in the United States. Its rankings combine streaming activity, radio audiences and song sales.

“Choosin’ Texas” reached its record across 23 nonconsecutive weeks at the summit. It first rose to No. 1 in February after entering the top 10 in January.

The song also passed two modern crossover hits with lengthy chart runs. Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road,” featuring Billy Ray Cyrus, led for 19 weeks in 2019. Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” later matched that total.

Both songs blended country influences with sounds from other genres. However, Langley’s hit keeps a more traditional country identity through its steel guitar, Southern vocals and story-driven lyrics.

The achievement is especially notable because the Hot 100 began in August 1958. “Choosin’ Texas” now holds the longest No. 1 run across nearly seven decades of chart history.

Streaming, Radio and Social Media Drive the Hit

Released in October 2025, “Choosin’ Texas” found listeners across several platforms. Its momentum grew through radio airplay, streaming playlists and social media.

The song has surpassed 1.5 billion worldwide streams, according to Billboard Canada. Luminate also recorded more than 977,000 radio spins and a cumulative airplay audience approaching 2.25 billion.

That wide reach helped the song move beyond country radio. It appeared on major playlists covering pop, driving music and other listening categories.

The track also arrived as country music continues expanding its mainstream audience. Recent hits from artists including Morgan Wallen and Shaboozey have achieved major success across streaming and pop radio.

A Heartbreak Story With Texas Roots

“Choosin’ Texas” centers on a woman who realizes her partner remains drawn to someone else. Its references to Texas and Abilene give the heartbreak story a distinct setting.

Langley co-wrote the track with Miranda Lambert, Luke Dick and Joybeth Taylor. Lambert also helped produce Langley’s album Dandelion, which features the record-breaking single.

The arrangement combines classic country storytelling with elements of pop, rock and soul. That balance helped the song connect with listeners outside one genre, according to music experts interviewed by The Associated Press.

The record builds on Langley’s earlier breakthrough with “You Look Like You Love Me,” her 2024 collaboration with Riley Green. That song introduced a wider audience to the Alabama singer-songwriter.

Mariah Carey Could Reclaim the Record

Langley holds the Hot 100 record outright, but the standings may change. Carey’s Christmas hit regularly returns to the chart during the holiday season.

“All I Want for Christmas Is You” accumulated its 22 weeks through recurring trips to No. 1 beginning in 2019. Another holiday surge could allow the song to match or surpass Langley’s total.

For now, “Choosin’ Texas” stands alone. Its record reflects country music’s growing national reach while giving a Texas-themed story a historic place in American popular music.

Activision Will Develop the Next Halo Game in Major Xbox Shake-Up

Activision developing the next Halo game marks a historic change for one of Xbox’s most recognizable franchises. Microsoft announced the move on Sept. 22 as part of a wider restructuring of its gaming division.

A new, purpose-built team under Activision will lead the project. The group will operate separately from Activision’s ongoing work on the Call of Duty franchise.

Activision Developing the Next Halo Game

Xbox executive Matt Booty confirmed the change in an internal message published by Xbox Wire. The announcement did not identify the new Halo game’s title, release date or platforms.

However, The Hollywood Reporter reported that the project will be a full mainline entry. That description suggests it will be more than a remake, expansion or smaller spinoff.

Activision has decades of experience managing major action franchises. Its portfolio includes Call of Duty, Crash Bandicoot, Spyro the Dragon and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater.

Microsoft acquired Activision Blizzard in 2023. As a result, Halo and Call of Duty now operate within the same broader corporate organization.

What Happens to Halo Studios?

Halo Studios, formerly known as 343 Industries, will remain active but with a smaller staff. According to Microsoft, the team will support existing Halo games and maintain its connection with the community.

The restructuring includes 268 job cuts across Halo Studios, other Xbox teams and management operations. Microsoft described the changes as part of a larger effort to reduce the number of business units.

Halo Studios had overseen the franchise since Bungie completed its final Halo title, Halo: Reach, in 2010. The studio later developed Halo 4, Halo 5: Guardians and Halo Infinite.

In 2024, 343 Industries changed its name to Halo Studios. The company also announced a move from its internal Slipspace Engine to Unreal Engine 5.

A New Chapter After Campaign Evolved

The leadership change follows the release of Halo: Campaign Evolved. Halo Studios developed the remake as a modern version of the original Halo: Combat Evolved campaign.

The game rebuilt Master Chief’s first adventure with updated visuals, refined controls and new missions. It also brought the franchise to PlayStation 5 for the first time.

Activision’s project appears separate from Campaign Evolved and other games already available. Microsoft has not explained whether the next title will continue the story of Halo Infinite.

The company also has not named the leaders or developers joining Activision’s Halo team. More information will likely arrive after the new group completes its initial planning.

What the Change Means for Halo

The move places Halo under an organization with extensive experience producing large first-person shooters. Activision’s Call of Duty teams have managed annual releases, online services and competitive multiplayer for years.

However, Microsoft specifically said the new Halo team will remain separate from Call of Duty development. That distinction may address concerns that Halo could simply adopt Call of Duty’s design or release model.

Halo has its own gameplay identity built around shields, vehicles, open combat spaces and science-fiction storytelling. Preserving those elements will be an important test for the new development group.

For now, Microsoft has only confirmed who will lead the next project. Its story, multiplayer plans and release window remain unannounced.

The transition represents Halo’s biggest development change since Microsoft moved the franchise from Bungie to 343 Industries. Fans across Texas and beyond can follow official Halo and Xbox channels for confirmed updates about Master Chief’s next mission.

Weekend Box Office Results: ‘Resident Evil’ Opens at No. 1 With $60.2 Million

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“Resident Evil” dominated the latest weekend box office results, earning $60.2 million across the United States and Canada. The horror release finished far ahead of “Practical Magic 2,” which placed second with $12.2 million.

Movies generated approximately $111.8 million from Sept. 18 through Sept. 20, according to The Numbers. Meanwhile, Box Office Mojo reported that the overall market increased from the previous weekend.

‘Resident Evil’ Leads Weekend Box Office Results

Sony Pictures opened “Resident Evil” in 3,684 theaters. The film averaged more than $16,300 per location during its first three days.

The movie accounted for more than half of the weekend’s total domestic ticket sales. It also gave theaters a clear new leader after “Practical Magic 2” topped the previous weekend.

“Resident Evil” is the latest film based on Capcom’s survival-horror video game series. The theatrical franchise began in 2002 and has included several sequels and a previous reboot.

Zach Cregger directed the new adaptation. The cast includes Austin Abrams, Paul Walter Hauser, Zach Cherry, Kali Reis and Johnno Wilson.

‘Practical Magic 2’ Falls to Second Place

“Practical Magic 2” earned $12.2 million during its second weekend. That represented a decline of approximately 59% from its opening.

The fantasy sequel has now collected about $50 million domestically. It remained in wide release at 4,163 theaters, the largest theater count among the weekend’s top films.

“Spider-Man: Brand New Day” followed in third place with $6.5 million. The superhero film declined only 23% from the previous weekend.

After eight weekends, “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” has reached approximately $944.5 million at the domestic box office. It remains one of the year’s strongest theatrical performers.

‘The Odyssey’ Remains in the Top Five

Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey” placed fourth with nearly $5 million. The movie has earned approximately $609.8 million domestically after 10 weekends in theaters.

“Coyote vs. Acme” completed the top five with $4.4 million. Its domestic total reached approximately $54.7 million after four weekends.

Several other releases entered or remained in the lower half of the chart. “Daniel and the Fiery Furnace” opened in sixth place with $3.3 million from 1,525 theaters.

A 40th-anniversary rerelease of “The Transformers: The Movie” followed with $3.1 million. “Runner” earned $3 million and dropped from fourth to eighth place.

“The Weight” debuted with $2.3 million. Horror-comedy “Buddy” rounded out the top 10 with $1.9 million.

Domestic Box Office Top 10

  1. “Resident Evil” — $60.2 million
  2. “Practical Magic 2” — $12.2 million
  3. “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” — $6.5 million
  4. “The Odyssey” — $5 million
  5. “Coyote vs. Acme” — $4.4 million
  6. “Daniel and the Fiery Furnace” — $3.3 million
  7. “The Transformers: The Movie” — $3.1 million
  8. “Runner” — $3 million
  9. “The Weight” — $2.3 million
  10. “Buddy” — $1.9 million

The latest results gave theaters a stronger weekend and placed a new horror release at the top of the market. Moviegoers can check local theater listings for schedules and availability.

Man Charged With Capital Murder in Cypress Road Rage Shooting That Killed 5-Year-Old

A 47-year-old man faces capital murder charges after a Cypress road rage shooting killed 5-year-old Zah’Layah Walter. The child was riding with her mother and four siblings when gunfire struck their vehicle in northwest Harris County.

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect as Jeremy Porter. Deputies arrested Porter on Sunday, Sept. 20, and booked him into the Harris County Jail.

Cypress Road Rage Shooting Kills Young Girl

The shooting happened around 11:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, near Grant and Jones roads. Zah’Layah’s mother, Monica Hicks, was driving westbound with five children inside the vehicle.

Hicks told local news outlets that she heard a whizzing sound before her children began screaming. She stopped and discovered that Zah’Layah had suffered a gunshot wound.

Emergency crews transported the child by Life Flight to a hospital. Medical personnel later pronounced her dead.

Two other children suffered injuries from shattered glass, according to investigators. Hicks and the remaining children were not physically injured.

Authorities initially described the shooting as an apparent road rage incident. However, Hicks said she did not argue with, honk at or cut off another driver before the gunfire.

License Plate Readers Help Investigators

Court records state that Hicks saw a white Ford pickup speed away after her vehicle’s rear window shattered. Investigators used automated license plate reader technology to identify and locate the truck.

Deputies found the vehicle at a nearby home and contacted Porter. According to court documents, Porter acknowledged driving the truck and firing five rounds toward Hicks’ vehicle.

Investigators documented four suspected bullet strikes on the family’s vehicle. Porter allegedly told deputies that he believed the other vehicle had fired at him and was moving erratically.

However, authorities have not reported finding evidence that anyone inside Hicks’ vehicle fired a weapon. Hicks also said the family had no interaction with the pickup’s driver before the shooting.

Sheriff Ed Gonzalez credited homicide investigators and license plate reader technology with helping authorities make a quick arrest. He also expressed condolences to Zah’Layah’s family and loved ones.

Capital Murder Case Moves Forward

Porter remained in the Harris County Jail following a probable cause hearing Monday. Court records listed a scheduled appearance in the 338th District Court on Tuesday.

Prosecutors filed a motion seeking to deny bail. A hearing on that request had not been scheduled as of Monday afternoon.

A capital murder charge can carry severe penalties under Texas law. The charge against Porter remains an allegation, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

The investigation remains active as detectives review physical evidence, witness accounts and available surveillance footage. Additional details may emerge through future court proceedings.

Zah’Layah’s death has left a Houston-area family mourning a child killed during an ordinary drive home. Community members with relevant information or video should contact the Harris County Sheriff’s Office at 713-221-6000.