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Entertainment Entertainment News and Headlines from ABC Audio en-us Jim Carrey marries Min Ah in small, private ceremony in Los Angeles /entertainment/2e6562d7c660805fecf5d49aa5a67e18 Thu, 01 Oct 2026 16:00:00 -0500 /entertainment/2e6562d7c660805fecf5d49aa5a67e18 Jim Carrey and Min Ah pose during the 51st Cesar Film Awards at L'Olympia on February 26, 2026 in Paris, France. (Francois Durand/Getty Images)Jim Carrey and Min Ah are married, a representative for the actor confirmed to ABC News.The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind star recently married Ah in a small, private ceremony in Los Angeles, his rep added.Carrey has been with Ah, an actress and artist, for years, but it's unknown when the duo began dating.In February 2026, they made their awards show debut at the César Awards in Paris, where Carey received an honorary lifetime achievement award for his cinema career.During his speech, which he delivered entirely in French, Carrey thanked his family and Ah."Thank you to my wonderful family, my daughter, Jane, and my grandson, Jackson. I love you now and forever," he said, according to Variety. "Thank you to my sublime companion, Min Ah. I love you, Min Ah."Carrey, who is known for his many films, including Bruce Almighty, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective and The Mask, was married to Melissa Womer from 1987 to 1995, with whom he shares a daughter, Jane Erin Carrey.He was also married to Lauren Holly from 1996 to 1997.Carrey is next slated to star in Sonic the Hedgehog 4 alongside Ben Schwartz, Keanu Reeves, Kristen Bell, James Marsden and more.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> Jim Carrey and Min Ah pose during the 51st Cesar Film Awards at L'Olympia on February 26, 2026 in Paris, France. (Francois Durand/Getty Images)Jim Carrey and Min Ah are married, a representative for the actor confirmed to ABC News.The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind star recently married Ah in a small, private ceremony in Los Angeles, his rep added.Carrey has been with Ah, an actress and artist, for years, but it's unknown when the duo began dating.In February 2026, they made their awards show debut at the César Awards in Paris, where Carey received an honorary lifetime achievement award for his cinema career.During his speech, which he delivered entirely in French, Carrey thanked his family and Ah."Thank you to my wonderful family, my daughter, Jane, and my grandson, Jackson. I love you now and forever," he said, according to Variety. "Thank you to my sublime companion, Min Ah. I love you, Min Ah."Carrey, who is known for his many films, including Bruce Almighty, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective and The Mask, was married to Melissa Womer from 1987 to 1995, with whom he shares a daughter, Jane Erin Carrey.He was also married to Lauren Holly from 1996 to 1997.Carrey is next slated to star in Sonic the Hedgehog 4 alongside Ben Schwartz, Keanu Reeves, Kristen Bell, James Marsden and more.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> Watch the new trailer for Marvel's 'VisionQuest' /entertainment/f51eae1ff9c35f23a73d5c864e6dc3af Thu, 01 Oct 2026 14:00:00 -0500 /entertainment/f51eae1ff9c35f23a73d5c864e6dc3af Trailer still from 'VisionQuest' (Marvel Television)Feast your eyes on the new VisionQuest trailer.The Marvel Television series sees Paul Bettany reprising his role as the the reformed weapon android Vision. After his system is rebooted, he begins to search for new meaning and consults with the various AI personas embedded in his programming.Vision’s journey reunites him with the Marvel villain Ultron, once again played by James Spader, and sends him on the run with a mysterious boy who might be his son, played by Ruaridh Mollica.According to the show’s logline, “As Vision evades capture, he must confront his nature, resist Ultron's influence, and unravel the enigma that is his young companion if he’s to survive.”VisionQuest is the conclusion to the trilogy that began with 2021’s WandaVision and continued with 2024’s Agatha All Along.The first two episodes premiere on Disney+ Oct. 14.Disney is the parent company of Marvel and ABC News.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> Trailer still from 'VisionQuest' (Marvel Television)Feast your eyes on the new VisionQuest trailer.The Marvel Television series sees Paul Bettany reprising his role as the the reformed weapon android Vision. After his system is rebooted, he begins to search for new meaning and consults with the various AI personas embedded in his programming.Vision’s journey reunites him with the Marvel villain Ultron, once again played by James Spader, and sends him on the run with a mysterious boy who might be his son, played by Ruaridh Mollica.According to the show’s logline, “As Vision evades capture, he must confront his nature, resist Ultron's influence, and unravel the enigma that is his young companion if he’s to survive.”VisionQuest is the conclusion to the trilogy that began with 2021’s WandaVision and continued with 2024’s Agatha All Along.The first two episodes premiere on Disney+ Oct. 14.Disney is the parent company of Marvel and ABC News.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> Rapper Rick Ross appears in court after arrest on domestic violence, battery charges /entertainment/0be59ccb5e168c52cc8633a33a991be5 Thu, 01 Oct 2026 13:00:00 -0500 /entertainment/0be59ccb5e168c52cc8633a33a991be5 William Leonard Roberts II known as Rick Ross in a video grab of a court livestream, Oct. 1, 2026. (Obtained by ABC News)Rapper Rick Ross appeared in court Thursday after he was arrested on two domestic violence charges.The "Hustlin'" rapper, whose legal name is William Leonard Roberts, voluntarily surrendered to police in Miami Beach early Thursday morning and was booked into jail on charges of felony battery by strangulation and misdemeanor battery, according to the Miami Beach Police Department.In court, Ross’ attorney submitted a not guilty plea on his behalf.The judge ordered Ross to stay away from the accuser, who was not publicly identified, and set bond at $5,000.As he left jail later Thursday, Ross said he is "totally innocent.""I am totally innocent of these fabricated allegations made against me," Ross said to reporters gathered outside.ABC News has reached out to Ross’ attorney, Bradley Horenstein, for comment.According to police, the charges stem from a domestic violence incident reported to police on Sept. 29. The alleged incident occurred Aug. 28 at a residence on Star Island, an exclusive neighborhood in Miami Beach.The accuser told police that Ross "struck her multiple times during an altercation and restricted her breathing by twisting the collar of her hoodie" and provided photo documentation of her injuries, according to police.According to the arrest affidavit, the accuser reported she and Ross had been in a relationship for the past year and lived together.The woman told police that Ross accused her of lying to him.Ross rose to fame with his 2006 debut studio album Port of Miami. He went on to start his own record label, Maybach Music Group, and has been nominated for nine Grammy Awards.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> William Leonard Roberts II known as Rick Ross in a video grab of a court livestream, Oct. 1, 2026. (Obtained by ABC News)Rapper Rick Ross appeared in court Thursday after he was arrested on two domestic violence charges.The "Hustlin'" rapper, whose legal name is William Leonard Roberts, voluntarily surrendered to police in Miami Beach early Thursday morning and was booked into jail on charges of felony battery by strangulation and misdemeanor battery, according to the Miami Beach Police Department.In court, Ross’ attorney submitted a not guilty plea on his behalf.The judge ordered Ross to stay away from the accuser, who was not publicly identified, and set bond at $5,000.As he left jail later Thursday, Ross said he is "totally innocent.""I am totally innocent of these fabricated allegations made against me," Ross said to reporters gathered outside.ABC News has reached out to Ross’ attorney, Bradley Horenstein, for comment.According to police, the charges stem from a domestic violence incident reported to police on Sept. 29. The alleged incident occurred Aug. 28 at a residence on Star Island, an exclusive neighborhood in Miami Beach.The accuser told police that Ross "struck her multiple times during an altercation and restricted her breathing by twisting the collar of her hoodie" and provided photo documentation of her injuries, according to police.According to the arrest affidavit, the accuser reported she and Ross had been in a relationship for the past year and lived together.The woman told police that Ross accused her of lying to him.Ross rose to fame with his 2006 debut studio album Port of Miami. He went on to start his own record label, Maybach Music Group, and has been nominated for nine Grammy Awards.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> Michael C. Hall deals with a killer mid-life crisis in 'Dexter: Resurrection' season 2 trailer /entertainment/79a1ef82422a1156568084a8a432ff3f Thu, 01 Oct 2026 12:00:00 -0500 /entertainment/79a1ef82422a1156568084a8a432ff3f Key Art for 'Dexter: Resurrection' season 2, featuring Michael C. Hall as Dexter Morgan streaming on Paramount+ 2026 (Photo credit: Paramount+)What happens to an aging serial killer? The season 2 trailer for Dexter: Resurrection shows Michael C. Hall’s killer-with-a-code Dexter Morgan as he grapples with that very question.The trailer picks up with Dexter talking to someone on his kill table.“I’m Dexter Morgan, the Bay Harbor Butcher,” he tells them. “Who?” they reply.“Kids today, no sense of history,” Dexter laments.We then see Dexter dealing with the realities of being in his 50s, as he crosses paths with both a veteran serial killer, played by Brian Cox, and a young, new murderer terrorizing New York City, played by Dan Stevens.Dexter: Resurrection season 2, also starring Uma Thurman, Jack Alcott and James Remar, premieres on Paramount+ Oct. 30.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> Key Art for 'Dexter: Resurrection' season 2, featuring Michael C. Hall as Dexter Morgan streaming on Paramount+ 2026 (Photo credit: Paramount+)What happens to an aging serial killer? The season 2 trailer for Dexter: Resurrection shows Michael C. Hall’s killer-with-a-code Dexter Morgan as he grapples with that very question.The trailer picks up with Dexter talking to someone on his kill table.“I’m Dexter Morgan, the Bay Harbor Butcher,” he tells them. “Who?” they reply.“Kids today, no sense of history,” Dexter laments.We then see Dexter dealing with the realities of being in his 50s, as he crosses paths with both a veteran serial killer, played by Brian Cox, and a young, new murderer terrorizing New York City, played by Dan Stevens.Dexter: Resurrection season 2, also starring Uma Thurman, Jack Alcott and James Remar, premieres on Paramount+ Oct. 30.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris are married /entertainment/cb77c3ff9a750cab2c89e673a7c6a5a1 Thu, 01 Oct 2026 11:30:00 -0500 /entertainment/cb77c3ff9a750cab2c89e673a7c6a5a1 Ashlyn Harris and Sophia Bush attend A Sense of Home Inaugural New York City Gala at the IAC Building on September 23, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for A Sense of Home)Sophia Bush is married to Ashlyn Harris.The One Tree Hill actress reveals in her memoir And I Will Tell You Mine: Notes from a Life in Progress that she secretly wed the former professional soccer player last summer in upstate New York.The couple, who have been together for three years, opened up to Vogue about why they decided in favor of a private, intimate ceremony.“When you get to this stage in your life, you begin to unpack what’s yours and what’s always sort of been for everyone else,” Bush tells Vogue.Harris says a smaller wedding was also perfect for her children, Sloane and Ocean, to whom Bush is a stepmom.“The kids were just running and happy, and we picked flowers from the property and our daughter Sloane was holding them,” Harris says. “It was so fun for them, because it wasn’t this pressure-filled day that’s too much for young kids.”Bush adds that she’s happy to finally make the news public.“You’re not my partner, you know? You’re my wife,” she says to Harris. “And it feels so amazing to say that.”And I Will Tell You Mine: Notes from a Life in Progress comes out Oct. 27.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> Ashlyn Harris and Sophia Bush attend A Sense of Home Inaugural New York City Gala at the IAC Building on September 23, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for A Sense of Home)Sophia Bush is married to Ashlyn Harris.The One Tree Hill actress reveals in her memoir And I Will Tell You Mine: Notes from a Life in Progress that she secretly wed the former professional soccer player last summer in upstate New York.The couple, who have been together for three years, opened up to Vogue about why they decided in favor of a private, intimate ceremony.“When you get to this stage in your life, you begin to unpack what’s yours and what’s always sort of been for everyone else,” Bush tells Vogue.Harris says a smaller wedding was also perfect for her children, Sloane and Ocean, to whom Bush is a stepmom.“The kids were just running and happy, and we picked flowers from the property and our daughter Sloane was holding them,” Harris says. “It was so fun for them, because it wasn’t this pressure-filled day that’s too much for young kids.”Bush adds that she’s happy to finally make the news public.“You’re not my partner, you know? You’re my wife,” she says to Harris. “And it feels so amazing to say that.”And I Will Tell You Mine: Notes from a Life in Progress comes out Oct. 27.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> Zach Braff, Donald Faison, Sarah Chalke talk season 2 of 'Scrubs' revival /entertainment/5e1312aae3b2e6c244065e85531bcc71 Thu, 01 Oct 2026 10:45:00 -0500 /entertainment/5e1312aae3b2e6c244065e85531bcc71 Zach Braff, Sarah Chalke and Donald Faison appear in this image from season 2 of 'Scrubs' revival. (Sergei Bachlakov/Disney)We are scrubbing in for another season of Scrubs.Season 2 of the revival series kicks off Thursday night on ABC and ahead of the new season, some of the cast spoke with ABC News Digital about what fans can expect."I'm really excited for fans to see what we've got cooked up for them," Faison told ABC News Digital. "I know they are, too. I know Zach (Braff) and Sarah (Chalke) are, too."In season 1 of the Scrubs revival, fans saw the return of J.D. (Braff) as the chief of medicine at Sacred Heart Hospital and reuniting with Turk (Faison), Elliot (Chalke) and other staffers.Additionally, the season saw J.D., Turk and Elliot mentoring a new generation of residents like Tosh (Ava Bunn)."It's fun watching the young actors take on the roles. It's fun sort of being the older mentor in both real life and in the story of the show," Braff said.He added, "The show used to be focused on the interns and now, it's focused on the teachers."Chalke said, "We feel like we won the lottery with all those kids because they're as nice human beings as they are talented."Bunn said it meant a lot to her and the new cast to see the loyal fan base of Scrubs embrace the new cast and the revival, adding that Braff, Faison and Chalke have been "welcoming and supportive."She also said that she is excited for fans to see all the new plot lines that are explored in season 2, especially how the residents at Sacred Heart are navigating their roles."It's been really cool to watch the characters grow together," Bunn said.She added, "There's so many fun things that pop up this season. I wish I could tell you all of them right now, but there's just a lot of fun new things happening in the hospital that I'm excited for people to see."The revival for Scrubs aired in February after it was announced in 2024 that a continuation of the hit show was being developed by show creator Bill Lawrence for ABC and 20th Television.Scrubs originally aired for nine seasons from 2001 to 2010 and followed the medical staff at Sacred Heart Hospital, including interns, doctors and other employees, from the point of view of Braff's character.The two-episode series premiere of the second season of the Scrubs revival airs Thursday on ABC at 8 p.m. ET. It will stream the next day on Hulu.The Walt Disney Co. is the parent company of ABC, ABC News and Hulu.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> Zach Braff, Sarah Chalke and Donald Faison appear in this image from season 2 of 'Scrubs' revival. (Sergei Bachlakov/Disney)We are scrubbing in for another season of Scrubs.Season 2 of the revival series kicks off Thursday night on ABC and ahead of the new season, some of the cast spoke with ABC News Digital about what fans can expect."I'm really excited for fans to see what we've got cooked up for them," Faison told ABC News Digital. "I know they are, too. I know Zach (Braff) and Sarah (Chalke) are, too."In season 1 of the Scrubs revival, fans saw the return of J.D. (Braff) as the chief of medicine at Sacred Heart Hospital and reuniting with Turk (Faison), Elliot (Chalke) and other staffers.Additionally, the season saw J.D., Turk and Elliot mentoring a new generation of residents like Tosh (Ava Bunn)."It's fun watching the young actors take on the roles. It's fun sort of being the older mentor in both real life and in the story of the show," Braff said.He added, "The show used to be focused on the interns and now, it's focused on the teachers."Chalke said, "We feel like we won the lottery with all those kids because they're as nice human beings as they are talented."Bunn said it meant a lot to her and the new cast to see the loyal fan base of Scrubs embrace the new cast and the revival, adding that Braff, Faison and Chalke have been "welcoming and supportive."She also said that she is excited for fans to see all the new plot lines that are explored in season 2, especially how the residents at Sacred Heart are navigating their roles."It's been really cool to watch the characters grow together," Bunn said.She added, "There's so many fun things that pop up this season. I wish I could tell you all of them right now, but there's just a lot of fun new things happening in the hospital that I'm excited for people to see."The revival for Scrubs aired in February after it was announced in 2024 that a continuation of the hit show was being developed by show creator Bill Lawrence for ABC and 20th Television.Scrubs originally aired for nine seasons from 2001 to 2010 and followed the medical staff at Sacred Heart Hospital, including interns, doctors and other employees, from the point of view of Braff's character.The two-episode series premiere of the second season of the Scrubs revival airs Thursday on ABC at 8 p.m. ET. It will stream the next day on Hulu.The Walt Disney Co. is the parent company of ABC, ABC News and Hulu.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> In brief: 'The Lowdown' season 2 gets official trailer and more /entertainment/5e1e3d92116528fb6c1a33109a51641e Thu, 01 Oct 2026 07:30:00 -0500 /entertainment/5e1e3d92116528fb6c1a33109a51641e We now know the premiere date for Ted: The Animated Series. Peacock has announced it will debut the upcoming show on Dec. 17. A teaser trailer for the series is also now available to watch. Seth MacFarlane, Mark Wahlberg, Amanda Seyfried and Jessica Barth lend their voices to the animated equivalents of the characters they originated in the live-action Ted films ...Here's the lowdown on season 2 of The Lowdown. The official trailer for the upcoming sophomore season of the FX series has arrived. Ethan Hawke stars in and executive produces the show that follows a citizen journalist who's always getting into trouble. Tommy Lee Jones and Betty Gilpin join the cast this time around ...Ariana Madix is trading in the Love Island USA villa for a TV soundstage. The reality TV show host is set to star in a drama series that's in development at Peacock. The show is called Future Housewives. It's set in an asteroid colony called New Beverly Hills that's filled with wealthy socialites who juggle beauty regimens, rivalries and scandals ...Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> We now know the premiere date for Ted: The Animated Series. Peacock has announced it will debut the upcoming show on Dec. 17. A teaser trailer for the series is also now available to watch. Seth MacFarlane, Mark Wahlberg, Amanda Seyfried and Jessica Barth lend their voices to the animated equivalents of the characters they originated in the live-action Ted films ...Here's the lowdown on season 2 of The Lowdown. The official trailer for the upcoming sophomore season of the FX series has arrived. Ethan Hawke stars in and executive produces the show that follows a citizen journalist who's always getting into trouble. Tommy Lee Jones and Betty Gilpin join the cast this time around ...Ariana Madix is trading in the Love Island USA villa for a TV soundstage. The reality TV show host is set to star in a drama series that's in development at Peacock. The show is called Future Housewives. It's set in an asteroid colony called New Beverly Hills that's filled with wealthy socialites who juggle beauty regimens, rivalries and scandals ...Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek on how 'Without Blood' is a mature story about conflict /entertainment/d56bd50f602c2f42f8230f2a165736f0 Thu, 01 Oct 2026 05:00:00 -0500 /entertainment/d56bd50f602c2f42f8230f2a165736f0 Angelina Jolie and Salma Hayek Pinault on the set of 'Without Blood.' (Stefano C. Montesi)When Angelina Jolie first read author Alessandro Baricco's book Senza Sangue, it took her on a journey.Jolie assumed she knew what was going to happen at the novel's end. But as she kept reading, the actress, director and writer realized she had made the wrong assumptions about where the story was heading."Knowing all I knew about conflict or anger or what we do or revenge, I thought I knew where it was going. I thought I was quite sure where it was going," Jolie told ABC Audio. "More than that, I thought I knew where I wanted it to go."Not only is Jolie familiar with survivors of real-life conflict through her humanitarian work, she's also directed three films about war and conflict: In the Land of Blood and Honey, Unbroken and First They Killed My Father. She knows the expected story beats in projects like this. Most of the time it's either "you get the revenge or you don't" or "you get the resolution or you just don't," she said.But Baricco's novel does it all differently. Instead, it takes the two leads and has them sit across a table from each other and talk. They learn from each other's experiences and decide they don't actually want whatever revenge or resolution they thought they may have wanted prior."It matured me. It educated me to read the book," Jolie said. "I think it's an important thing to put out there today because there's so much about being absolute on this side or that side or right or wrong or for or against."Jolie hopes audiences learn through this story that it's OK to say "'I don't know' and 'I'm trying to listen' and 'I am trying to understand' and 'I'm still trying to figure out myself.'""For any person that's had any level of trauma or conflict, I think it's important to want to go more deeply and not just sit with being right," Jolie said. "It's an important discussion."Jolie adapted Baricco's book into the screenplay for Without Blood, the new film that is currently playing in select theaters. When it came time to choose who would take on the starring role, Jolie looked to her Eternals co-star Salma Hayek.Hayek said she and Jolie have "amazing creative teamwork" and that Jolie balances her out really well."I put this experience completely separate than any other experience I've ever had. It's just not even, I cannot even compare," Hayek said. "I've had other experiences that have been life-changing experiences in a different way, but this one has to do with the film because I had my judgment about what was happening and the book itself and the character itself. And throughout the process of making the film and being directed by her, I was so open."It wasn't simply that Jolie was "an amazing director," but Hayek said the film was a "very special experience" because of the knowledge Jolie has about the subject matter.Jolie "understands war like very few people, because she has been in those places of conflict. And she understands the big scope. And the intimacy of just being a human in conflict," Hayek said. "On top of it, she's also an actress, so she understands us like no one. It was just ... such a very special set of circumstances coming together that it's very hard for them to happen again." Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> Angelina Jolie and Salma Hayek Pinault on the set of 'Without Blood.' (Stefano C. Montesi)When Angelina Jolie first read author Alessandro Baricco's book Senza Sangue, it took her on a journey.Jolie assumed she knew what was going to happen at the novel's end. But as she kept reading, the actress, director and writer realized she had made the wrong assumptions about where the story was heading."Knowing all I knew about conflict or anger or what we do or revenge, I thought I knew where it was going. I thought I was quite sure where it was going," Jolie told ABC Audio. "More than that, I thought I knew where I wanted it to go."Not only is Jolie familiar with survivors of real-life conflict through her humanitarian work, she's also directed three films about war and conflict: In the Land of Blood and Honey, Unbroken and First They Killed My Father. She knows the expected story beats in projects like this. Most of the time it's either "you get the revenge or you don't" or "you get the resolution or you just don't," she said.But Baricco's novel does it all differently. Instead, it takes the two leads and has them sit across a table from each other and talk. They learn from each other's experiences and decide they don't actually want whatever revenge or resolution they thought they may have wanted prior."It matured me. It educated me to read the book," Jolie said. "I think it's an important thing to put out there today because there's so much about being absolute on this side or that side or right or wrong or for or against."Jolie hopes audiences learn through this story that it's OK to say "'I don't know' and 'I'm trying to listen' and 'I am trying to understand' and 'I'm still trying to figure out myself.'""For any person that's had any level of trauma or conflict, I think it's important to want to go more deeply and not just sit with being right," Jolie said. "It's an important discussion."Jolie adapted Baricco's book into the screenplay for Without Blood, the new film that is currently playing in select theaters. When it came time to choose who would take on the starring role, Jolie looked to her Eternals co-star Salma Hayek.Hayek said she and Jolie have "amazing creative teamwork" and that Jolie balances her out really well."I put this experience completely separate than any other experience I've ever had. It's just not even, I cannot even compare," Hayek said. "I've had other experiences that have been life-changing experiences in a different way, but this one has to do with the film because I had my judgment about what was happening and the book itself and the character itself. And throughout the process of making the film and being directed by her, I was so open."It wasn't simply that Jolie was "an amazing director," but Hayek said the film was a "very special experience" because of the knowledge Jolie has about the subject matter.Jolie "understands war like very few people, because she has been in those places of conflict. And she understands the big scope. And the intimacy of just being a human in conflict," Hayek said. "On top of it, she's also an actress, so she understands us like no one. It was just ... such a very special set of circumstances coming together that it's very hard for them to happen again." Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> Jennifer Lawrence to star in 'The Flood' from director Zach Cregger /entertainment/2d77af826df85a8645ad7fc8b67903ff Wed, 30 Sep 2026 16:00:00 -0500 /entertainment/2d77af826df85a8645ad7fc8b67903ff Jennifer Lawrence attends the Christian Dior Haute Couture Week Spring/Summer 2026 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on Jan. 26, 2026, in Paris, France. (Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images for Christian Dior)Jennifer Lawrence is set to star in an upcoming film from director Zach Cregger.Warner Bros. Pictures and New Line Cinema have announced that Lawrence will take on the leading role in the science-fiction thriller The Flood. This original movie will be written, directed and produced by the Resident Evil, Weapons and Barbarian director, Cregger.While plot details are being kept under water, Amblin Entertainment is set to produce the movie alongside Roy Lee and Miri Yoon from Vertigo Entertainment.Warner Bros. Pictures' Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy said in a press release that "Jennifer Lawrence is one of the most gifted and compelling actors working today, and we are thrilled to have her at the center of Zach’s bold and wholly original vision for The Flood."The pair continued, "Following our extraordinary experience together on Weapons, we could not be more excited to reunite with Zach and the team at Vertigo, as well as Amblin to bring this ambitious film to audiences around the world."Likewise, Cregger said the Warner Bros. Pictures and New Line Cinema team "were an absolute dream to collaborate with on Weapons, and I couldn’t be happier to dive in with them again. Jennifer is one of a kind, and I’m beyond excited to see her in this role."Weapons was released in 2025 and earned $270 million worldwide. The original horror film from Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema also earned an Oscar for best supporting actress for Amy Madigan's performance as Aunt Gladys. She is set to reprise the character in the film's upcoming sequel, Gladys.The Flood will release in theaters on Aug. 11, 2028.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> Jennifer Lawrence attends the Christian Dior Haute Couture Week Spring/Summer 2026 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on Jan. 26, 2026, in Paris, France. (Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images for Christian Dior)Jennifer Lawrence is set to star in an upcoming film from director Zach Cregger.Warner Bros. Pictures and New Line Cinema have announced that Lawrence will take on the leading role in the science-fiction thriller The Flood. This original movie will be written, directed and produced by the Resident Evil, Weapons and Barbarian director, Cregger.While plot details are being kept under water, Amblin Entertainment is set to produce the movie alongside Roy Lee and Miri Yoon from Vertigo Entertainment.Warner Bros. Pictures' Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy said in a press release that "Jennifer Lawrence is one of the most gifted and compelling actors working today, and we are thrilled to have her at the center of Zach’s bold and wholly original vision for The Flood."The pair continued, "Following our extraordinary experience together on Weapons, we could not be more excited to reunite with Zach and the team at Vertigo, as well as Amblin to bring this ambitious film to audiences around the world."Likewise, Cregger said the Warner Bros. Pictures and New Line Cinema team "were an absolute dream to collaborate with on Weapons, and I couldn’t be happier to dive in with them again. Jennifer is one of a kind, and I’m beyond excited to see her in this role."Weapons was released in 2025 and earned $270 million worldwide. The original horror film from Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema also earned an Oscar for best supporting actress for Amy Madigan's performance as Aunt Gladys. She is set to reprise the character in the film's upcoming sequel, Gladys.The Flood will release in theaters on Aug. 11, 2028.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> Chad Lowe shares memories of daughter after her death at 13 /entertainment/be66821b7205862b069a1f4ffac698d8 Wed, 30 Sep 2026 14:30:00 -0500 /entertainment/be66821b7205862b069a1f4ffac698d8 Chad Lowe, Kim Painter, Nixie Lowe, Fiona Lowe and Mabel Lowe attend the Red Carpet Premiere Event for 'Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur' at Walt Disney Studios, February 04, 2023 in Burbank, Calif. (Steven Simione/Getty Images)The 13-year-old daughter of actor Chad Lowe and his wife, Kim Painter, has died, the family confirmed in a statement to ABC News.“We are deeply heartbroken by the loss of our beloved Fiona," the Lowe family said Wednesday of their daughter Fiona Lowe. "She was a loving young girl who was smart, creative, and loved to dance."No cause of death was given for Fiona, one of the couple's three children.“She was adored by her sisters and she was deeply loved by her parents,” the family said, adding, “In fact, she was the light of our lives.”“Her passing is devastating for our entire family and we ask for prayers and privacy at this time," they continued. "If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.”Lowe, an actor, director and producer, and Painter, a producer, have been married for 16 years.Lowe, the younger brother of actor Rob Lowe, celebrated Fiona's 13th birthday in a post on Instagram last November, writing, "Celebrating Fiona officially becoming a teen today!! Keep dancing through life FiBear! Love you soooo much!!"Last year, the family of five lost their home in the deadly blaze that devastated the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles.Chad Lowe described the resilience of his daughters in a post on Instagram, writing, "The way they’ve handled this whole devastating experience is nothing short of remarkable. I am in awe of their spirit and resilience. Helping them navigate these tough times is my sole purpose. Being their dad is my life’s greatest joy and privilege."Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> Chad Lowe, Kim Painter, Nixie Lowe, Fiona Lowe and Mabel Lowe attend the Red Carpet Premiere Event for 'Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur' at Walt Disney Studios, February 04, 2023 in Burbank, Calif. (Steven Simione/Getty Images)The 13-year-old daughter of actor Chad Lowe and his wife, Kim Painter, has died, the family confirmed in a statement to ABC News.“We are deeply heartbroken by the loss of our beloved Fiona," the Lowe family said Wednesday of their daughter Fiona Lowe. "She was a loving young girl who was smart, creative, and loved to dance."No cause of death was given for Fiona, one of the couple's three children.“She was adored by her sisters and she was deeply loved by her parents,” the family said, adding, “In fact, she was the light of our lives.”“Her passing is devastating for our entire family and we ask for prayers and privacy at this time," they continued. "If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.”Lowe, an actor, director and producer, and Painter, a producer, have been married for 16 years.Lowe, the younger brother of actor Rob Lowe, celebrated Fiona's 13th birthday in a post on Instagram last November, writing, "Celebrating Fiona officially becoming a teen today!! Keep dancing through life FiBear! Love you soooo much!!"Last year, the family of five lost their home in the deadly blaze that devastated the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles.Chad Lowe described the resilience of his daughters in a post on Instagram, writing, "The way they’ve handled this whole devastating experience is nothing short of remarkable. I am in awe of their spirit and resilience. Helping them navigate these tough times is my sole purpose. Being their dad is my life’s greatest joy and privilege."Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> Ashley Padilla and more celebrities make 'TIME'100 Next list /entertainment/66ea9d30a8888cc803f6fe8735627101 Wed, 30 Sep 2026 13:00:00 -0500 /entertainment/66ea9d30a8888cc803f6fe8735627101 Ashley Padilla attends Gold Derby's Breakout Awards Panel during the Newport Beach TV FEST at Lido Theater on June 6, 2026, in Newport Beach, California. (Tiffany Rose/Getty Images for Newport Beach TV FEST)Ashley Padilla has been revealed as one of the three TIME100 Next cover stars for 2026. The comedian was recognized as one of 100 emerging leaders, including a group of notable entertainers TIME described as the world's most influential rising stars.Among the celebrities included on this year's list are Curry Barker, Isa Briones, Eiza González, Molly Gordon, Yerin Ha, Joshua Henry, Cooper Hoffman, Chase Infiniti, Joey King, Charles Melton, Sarah Pidgeon, Dominic Sessa, Troye Sivan and Chase Sui Wonders.Bob Odenkirk penned an essay about Padilla to coincide with the recognition."She creates beautiful, human comedy out of small moments, with precision and joy that somehow always comes from a place of love. Sketch comedy can crystallize the human condition like no other art form—it beats ol’ Shakespeare hands down—and Ashley delivers on this promise," Odenkirk wrote. "She shows us recognizable people who, in compromised moments, fight like hell to restore their dignity; who can’t let it go; and who remind us of us ... if we can take it."Padilla also spoke to TIME about her experience working on Saturday Night Live.“I find it so collaborative and fun,” Padilla said. “Everyone’s just trying to make people laugh—it can’t be too serious.”Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> Ashley Padilla attends Gold Derby's Breakout Awards Panel during the Newport Beach TV FEST at Lido Theater on June 6, 2026, in Newport Beach, California. (Tiffany Rose/Getty Images for Newport Beach TV FEST)Ashley Padilla has been revealed as one of the three TIME100 Next cover stars for 2026. The comedian was recognized as one of 100 emerging leaders, including a group of notable entertainers TIME described as the world's most influential rising stars.Among the celebrities included on this year's list are Curry Barker, Isa Briones, Eiza González, Molly Gordon, Yerin Ha, Joshua Henry, Cooper Hoffman, Chase Infiniti, Joey King, Charles Melton, Sarah Pidgeon, Dominic Sessa, Troye Sivan and Chase Sui Wonders.Bob Odenkirk penned an essay about Padilla to coincide with the recognition."She creates beautiful, human comedy out of small moments, with precision and joy that somehow always comes from a place of love. Sketch comedy can crystallize the human condition like no other art form—it beats ol’ Shakespeare hands down—and Ashley delivers on this promise," Odenkirk wrote. "She shows us recognizable people who, in compromised moments, fight like hell to restore their dignity; who can’t let it go; and who remind us of us ... if we can take it."Padilla also spoke to TIME about her experience working on Saturday Night Live.“I find it so collaborative and fun,” Padilla said. “Everyone’s just trying to make people laugh—it can’t be too serious.”Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> 'Wednesday' wraps production on season 3 /entertainment/87bd5ad30a3485981f6caaf8464e3a62 Wed, 30 Sep 2026 11:10:00 -0500 /entertainment/87bd5ad30a3485981f6caaf8464e3a62 Jenna Ortega as Wednesday Addams in season 3 of 'Wednesday' (Cr. Caroline Dubois/Netflix © 2026)Wednesday has wrapped production on season 3.The spooky Netflix series starring Jenna Ortega announced the news on Sept. 30 – a Wednesday, of course.Production on the new season began earlier this year near Dublin, Ireland. It was previously announced that Winona Ryder would be joining the cast, reuniting her with her frequent collaborator Tim Burton, as well as star Jenna Ortega, whom she previously acted alongside in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. Also joining the cast of season 3 are Eva Green as Morticia Addams' sister Aunt Ophelia, Chris Sarandon, Noah Taylor, Oscar Morgan, Kennedy Moyer, Lena Headey, Andrew McCarthy and James Lance.“Our goal for Season 3 is the same as it is for every season: to make it the best season of Wednesday we possibly can,” said co-creator and showrunner Alfred Gough. “We want to continue digging deeper into our characters while expanding the world of Nevermore and Wednesday.”Ortega stars as Wednesday Addams, alongside Catherine Zeta-Jones, Luis Guzmán, Emma Myers, Hunter Doohan, Fred Armisen and more.No word yet on when the third season will debut.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> Jenna Ortega as Wednesday Addams in season 3 of 'Wednesday' (Cr. Caroline Dubois/Netflix © 2026)Wednesday has wrapped production on season 3.The spooky Netflix series starring Jenna Ortega announced the news on Sept. 30 – a Wednesday, of course.Production on the new season began earlier this year near Dublin, Ireland. It was previously announced that Winona Ryder would be joining the cast, reuniting her with her frequent collaborator Tim Burton, as well as star Jenna Ortega, whom she previously acted alongside in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. Also joining the cast of season 3 are Eva Green as Morticia Addams' sister Aunt Ophelia, Chris Sarandon, Noah Taylor, Oscar Morgan, Kennedy Moyer, Lena Headey, Andrew McCarthy and James Lance.“Our goal for Season 3 is the same as it is for every season: to make it the best season of Wednesday we possibly can,” said co-creator and showrunner Alfred Gough. “We want to continue digging deeper into our characters while expanding the world of Nevermore and Wednesday.”Ortega stars as Wednesday Addams, alongside Catherine Zeta-Jones, Luis Guzmán, Emma Myers, Hunter Doohan, Fred Armisen and more.No word yet on when the third season will debut.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> In brief: 'The One About Matthew Perry' official trailer and more /entertainment/dfeaa1e5fc01717be75da19837b40d8c Wed, 30 Sep 2026 07:30:00 -0500 /entertainment/dfeaa1e5fc01717be75da19837b40d8c The official trailer for The One About Matthew Perry has arrived. Netflix has shared the trailer for the documentary series about late Friends star Matthew Perry from director Mary Robertson. The docuseries features testimonies from Perry's close family and friends and is described as "a raw record of a life lived in full, and the honesty that became his greatest legacy." The documentary debuts on Oct. 27 ...More from season 2 of Rivals is shown off in the newly released trailer for the upcoming batch of episodes. The show, which stars David Tennant, Alex Hassell, Aidan Turner and Nafessa Williams, returns for more on Hulu on Nov. 11 ...Charlie Sheen is teaming up with his father, Martin Sheen, for a new series at AMC and AMC+. The half-hour comedy is called Happy Jack. It's been greenlit for six episodes in which Charlie and Martin will play father and son on the small screen ...Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> The official trailer for The One About Matthew Perry has arrived. Netflix has shared the trailer for the documentary series about late Friends star Matthew Perry from director Mary Robertson. The docuseries features testimonies from Perry's close family and friends and is described as "a raw record of a life lived in full, and the honesty that became his greatest legacy." The documentary debuts on Oct. 27 ...More from season 2 of Rivals is shown off in the newly released trailer for the upcoming batch of episodes. The show, which stars David Tennant, Alex Hassell, Aidan Turner and Nafessa Williams, returns for more on Hulu on Nov. 11 ...Charlie Sheen is teaming up with his father, Martin Sheen, for a new series at AMC and AMC+. The half-hour comedy is called Happy Jack. It's been greenlit for six episodes in which Charlie and Martin will play father and son on the small screen ...Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives: Orange County' gets Hulu premiere date /entertainment/c0f4125020eb36e11df6359ca7c39e14 Wed, 30 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0500 /entertainment/c0f4125020eb36e11df6359ca7c39e14 Jen Affleck appears in this photo released on Sept. 3, 2026. (Disney/Nik Roberts)The Mormon wives are headed to the West Coast.Hulu has announced the release date for The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' upcoming spinoff series, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives: Orange County. The brand-new show is set to premiere all 10 episodes of its first season on Nov. 12."A new group of dynamic young mothers in Orange County collide in a community where beliefs are not just their religion; they are their identity. While some defend their way of life, fighting against modernity, others embrace change, becoming a platform to disrupt the status quo," according to the show's official synopsis. "Scandals and secrets will be revealed, facades will crumble, and families and friendships will change forever on both sides of the battlefield as this group of strong, game-changing influencers comes together to build their answer to #MomTok."The cast of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives: Orange County includes Ashleigh Pease, Aspyn Ovard, Avery Woods, Bobbi Althoff, Jordan McClanahan, Madison Bontempo, McCall DaPron and Salomé Andrea.Additionally, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Jen Affleck trades in Utah for California as she moves from the original show to the cast of this new spinoff series.Season 5 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives debuted on Hulu Sept. 10. The show has already been renewed for seasons 6 and 7, despite many of its cast recently announcing supposed departures from the program.Whitney Leavitt had long been planning to depart the show after season 5. In recent weeks, both Taylor Frankie Paul and Mikayla Matthews insinuated in social media posts that they would not return for future seasons. Fans assume with Affleck's turn on the Orange County spinoff that she will also leave the original show. If so, this leaves Jessi Draper, Layla Taylor, Mayci Neeley and Miranda Hope as the four remaining original cast members on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.Disney is the parent company of ABC News and Hulu. Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> Jen Affleck appears in this photo released on Sept. 3, 2026. (Disney/Nik Roberts)The Mormon wives are headed to the West Coast.Hulu has announced the release date for The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' upcoming spinoff series, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives: Orange County. The brand-new show is set to premiere all 10 episodes of its first season on Nov. 12."A new group of dynamic young mothers in Orange County collide in a community where beliefs are not just their religion; they are their identity. While some defend their way of life, fighting against modernity, others embrace change, becoming a platform to disrupt the status quo," according to the show's official synopsis. "Scandals


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Entertainment Entertainment News and Headlines from ABC Audio en-us Jim Carrey marries Min Ah in small, private ceremony in Los Angeles /entertainment/2e6562d7c660805fecf5d49aa5a67e18 Thu, 01 Oct 2026 16:00:00 -0500 /entertainment/2e6562d7c660805fecf5d49aa5a67e18 Jim Carrey and Min Ah pose during the 51st Cesar Film Awards at L'Olympia on February 26, 2026 in Paris, France. (Francois Durand/Getty Images)Jim Carrey and Min Ah are married, a representative for the actor confirmed to ABC News.The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind star recently married Ah in a small, private ceremony in Los Angeles, his rep added.Carrey has been with Ah, an actress and artist, for years, but it's unknown when the duo began dating.In February 2026, they made their awards show debut at the César Awards in Paris, where Carey received an honorary lifetime achievement award for his cinema career.During his speech, which he delivered entirely in French, Carrey thanked his family and Ah."Thank you to my wonderful family, my daughter, Jane, and my grandson, Jackson. I love you now and forever," he said, according to Variety. "Thank you to my sublime companion, Min Ah. I love you, Min Ah."Carrey, who is known for his many films, including Bruce Almighty, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective and The Mask, was married to Melissa Womer from 1987 to 1995, with whom he shares a daughter, Jane Erin Carrey.He was also married to Lauren Holly from 1996 to 1997.Carrey is next slated to star in Sonic the Hedgehog 4 alongside Ben Schwartz, Keanu Reeves, Kristen Bell, James Marsden and more.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> Jim Carrey and Min Ah pose during the 51st Cesar Film Awards at L'Olympia on February 26, 2026 in Paris, France. (Francois Durand/Getty Images)Jim Carrey and Min Ah are married, a representative for the actor confirmed to ABC News.The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind star recently married Ah in a small, private ceremony in Los Angeles, his rep added.Carrey has been with Ah, an actress and artist, for years, but it's unknown when the duo began dating.In February 2026, they made their awards show debut at the César Awards in Paris, where Carey received an honorary lifetime achievement award for his cinema career.During his speech, which he delivered entirely in French, Carrey thanked his family and Ah."Thank you to my wonderful family, my daughter, Jane, and my grandson, Jackson. I love you now and forever," he said, according to Variety. "Thank you to my sublime companion, Min Ah. I love you, Min Ah."Carrey, who is known for his many films, including Bruce Almighty, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective and The Mask, was married to Melissa Womer from 1987 to 1995, with whom he shares a daughter, Jane Erin Carrey.He was also married to Lauren Holly from 1996 to 1997.Carrey is next slated to star in Sonic the Hedgehog 4 alongside Ben Schwartz, Keanu Reeves, Kristen Bell, James Marsden and more.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> Watch the new trailer for Marvel's 'VisionQuest' /entertainment/f51eae1ff9c35f23a73d5c864e6dc3af Thu, 01 Oct 2026 14:00:00 -0500 /entertainment/f51eae1ff9c35f23a73d5c864e6dc3af Trailer still from 'VisionQuest' (Marvel Television)Feast your eyes on the new VisionQuest trailer.The Marvel Television series sees Paul Bettany reprising his role as the the reformed weapon android Vision. After his system is rebooted, he begins to search for new meaning and consults with the various AI personas embedded in his programming.Vision’s journey reunites him with the Marvel villain Ultron, once again played by James Spader, and sends him on the run with a mysterious boy who might be his son, played by Ruaridh Mollica.According to the show’s logline, “As Vision evades capture, he must confront his nature, resist Ultron's influence, and unravel the enigma that is his young companion if he’s to survive.”VisionQuest is the conclusion to the trilogy that began with 2021’s WandaVision and continued with 2024’s Agatha All Along.The first two episodes premiere on Disney+ Oct. 14.Disney is the parent company of Marvel and ABC News.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> Trailer still from 'VisionQuest' (Marvel Television)Feast your eyes on the new VisionQuest trailer.The Marvel Television series sees Paul Bettany reprising his role as the the reformed weapon android Vision. After his system is rebooted, he begins to search for new meaning and consults with the various AI personas embedded in his programming.Vision’s journey reunites him with the Marvel villain Ultron, once again played by James Spader, and sends him on the run with a mysterious boy who might be his son, played by Ruaridh Mollica.According to the show’s logline, “As Vision evades capture, he must confront his nature, resist Ultron's influence, and unravel the enigma that is his young companion if he’s to survive.”VisionQuest is the conclusion to the trilogy that began with 2021’s WandaVision and continued with 2024’s Agatha All Along.The first two episodes premiere on Disney+ Oct. 14.Disney is the parent company of Marvel and ABC News.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> Rapper Rick Ross appears in court after arrest on domestic violence, battery charges /entertainment/0be59ccb5e168c52cc8633a33a991be5 Thu, 01 Oct 2026 13:00:00 -0500 /entertainment/0be59ccb5e168c52cc8633a33a991be5 William Leonard Roberts II known as Rick Ross in a video grab of a court livestream, Oct. 1, 2026. (Obtained by ABC News)Rapper Rick Ross appeared in court Thursday after he was arrested on two domestic violence charges.The "Hustlin'" rapper, whose legal name is William Leonard Roberts, voluntarily surrendered to police in Miami Beach early Thursday morning and was booked into jail on charges of felony battery by strangulation and misdemeanor battery, according to the Miami Beach Police Department.In court, Ross’ attorney submitted a not guilty plea on his behalf.The judge ordered Ross to stay away from the accuser, who was not publicly identified, and set bond at $5,000.As he left jail later Thursday, Ross said he is "totally innocent.""I am totally innocent of these fabricated allegations made against me," Ross said to reporters gathered outside.ABC News has reached out to Ross’ attorney, Bradley Horenstein, for comment.According to police, the charges stem from a domestic violence incident reported to police on Sept. 29. The alleged incident occurred Aug. 28 at a residence on Star Island, an exclusive neighborhood in Miami Beach.The accuser told police that Ross "struck her multiple times during an altercation and restricted her breathing by twisting the collar of her hoodie" and provided photo documentation of her injuries, according to police.According to the arrest affidavit, the accuser reported she and Ross had been in a relationship for the past year and lived together.The woman told police that Ross accused her of lying to him.Ross rose to fame with his 2006 debut studio album Port of Miami. He went on to start his own record label, Maybach Music Group, and has been nominated for nine Grammy Awards.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> William Leonard Roberts II known as Rick Ross in a video grab of a court livestream, Oct. 1, 2026. (Obtained by ABC News)Rapper Rick Ross appeared in court Thursday after he was arrested on two domestic violence charges.The "Hustlin'" rapper, whose legal name is William Leonard Roberts, voluntarily surrendered to police in Miami Beach early Thursday morning and was booked into jail on charges of felony battery by strangulation and misdemeanor battery, according to the Miami Beach Police Department.In court, Ross’ attorney submitted a not guilty plea on his behalf.The judge ordered Ross to stay away from the accuser, who was not publicly identified, and set bond at $5,000.As he left jail later Thursday, Ross said he is "totally innocent.""I am totally innocent of these fabricated allegations made against me," Ross said to reporters gathered outside.ABC News has reached out to Ross’ attorney, Bradley Horenstein, for comment.According to police, the charges stem from a domestic violence incident reported to police on Sept. 29. The alleged incident occurred Aug. 28 at a residence on Star Island, an exclusive neighborhood in Miami Beach.The accuser told police that Ross "struck her multiple times during an altercation and restricted her breathing by twisting the collar of her hoodie" and provided photo documentation of her injuries, according to police.According to the arrest affidavit, the accuser reported she and Ross had been in a relationship for the past year and lived together.The woman told police that Ross accused her of lying to him.Ross rose to fame with his 2006 debut studio album Port of Miami. He went on to start his own record label, Maybach Music Group, and has been nominated for nine Grammy Awards.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> Michael C. Hall deals with a killer mid-life crisis in 'Dexter: Resurrection' season 2 trailer /entertainment/79a1ef82422a1156568084a8a432ff3f Thu, 01 Oct 2026 12:00:00 -0500 /entertainment/79a1ef82422a1156568084a8a432ff3f Key Art for 'Dexter: Resurrection' season 2, featuring Michael C. Hall as Dexter Morgan streaming on Paramount+ 2026 (Photo credit: Paramount+)What happens to an aging serial killer? The season 2 trailer for Dexter: Resurrection shows Michael C. Hall’s killer-with-a-code Dexter Morgan as he grapples with that very question.The trailer picks up with Dexter talking to someone on his kill table.“I’m Dexter Morgan, the Bay Harbor Butcher,” he tells them. “Who?” they reply.“Kids today, no sense of history,” Dexter laments.We then see Dexter dealing with the realities of being in his 50s, as he crosses paths with both a veteran serial killer, played by Brian Cox, and a young, new murderer terrorizing New York City, played by Dan Stevens.Dexter: Resurrection season 2, also starring Uma Thurman, Jack Alcott and James Remar, premieres on Paramount+ Oct. 30.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> Key Art for 'Dexter: Resurrection' season 2, featuring Michael C. Hall as Dexter Morgan streaming on Paramount+ 2026 (Photo credit: Paramount+)What happens to an aging serial killer? The season 2 trailer for Dexter: Resurrection shows Michael C. Hall’s killer-with-a-code Dexter Morgan as he grapples with that very question.The trailer picks up with Dexter talking to someone on his kill table.“I’m Dexter Morgan, the Bay Harbor Butcher,” he tells them. “Who?” they reply.“Kids today, no sense of history,” Dexter laments.We then see Dexter dealing with the realities of being in his 50s, as he crosses paths with both a veteran serial killer, played by Brian Cox, and a young, new murderer terrorizing New York City, played by Dan Stevens.Dexter: Resurrection season 2, also starring Uma Thurman, Jack Alcott and James Remar, premieres on Paramount+ Oct. 30.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris are married /entertainment/cb77c3ff9a750cab2c89e673a7c6a5a1 Thu, 01 Oct 2026 11:30:00 -0500 /entertainment/cb77c3ff9a750cab2c89e673a7c6a5a1 Ashlyn Harris and Sophia Bush attend A Sense of Home Inaugural New York City Gala at the IAC Building on September 23, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for A Sense of Home)Sophia Bush is married to Ashlyn Harris.The One Tree Hill actress reveals in her memoir And I Will Tell You Mine: Notes from a Life in Progress that she secretly wed the former professional soccer player last summer in upstate New York.The couple, who have been together for three years, opened up to Vogue about why they decided in favor of a private, intimate ceremony.“When you get to this stage in your life, you begin to unpack what’s yours and what’s always sort of been for everyone else,” Bush tells Vogue.Harris says a smaller wedding was also perfect for her children, Sloane and Ocean, to whom Bush is a stepmom.“The kids were just running and happy, and we picked flowers from the property and our daughter Sloane was holding them,” Harris says. “It was so fun for them, because it wasn’t this pressure-filled day that’s too much for young kids.”Bush adds that she’s happy to finally make the news public.“You’re not my partner, you know? You’re my wife,” she says to Harris. “And it feels so amazing to say that.”And I Will Tell You Mine: Notes from a Life in Progress comes out Oct. 27.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> Ashlyn Harris and Sophia Bush attend A Sense of Home Inaugural New York City Gala at the IAC Building on September 23, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for A Sense of Home)Sophia Bush is married to Ashlyn Harris.The One Tree Hill actress reveals in her memoir And I Will Tell You Mine: Notes from a Life in Progress that she secretly wed the former professional soccer player last summer in upstate New York.The couple, who have been together for three years, opened up to Vogue about why they decided in favor of a private, intimate ceremony.“When you get to this stage in your life, you begin to unpack what’s yours and what’s always sort of been for everyone else,” Bush tells Vogue.Harris says a smaller wedding was also perfect for her children, Sloane and Ocean, to whom Bush is a stepmom.“The kids were just running and happy, and we picked flowers from the property and our daughter Sloane was holding them,” Harris says. “It was so fun for them, because it wasn’t this pressure-filled day that’s too much for young kids.”Bush adds that she’s happy to finally make the news public.“You’re not my partner, you know? You’re my wife,” she says to Harris. “And it feels so amazing to say that.”And I Will Tell You Mine: Notes from a Life in Progress comes out Oct. 27.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> Zach Braff, Donald Faison, Sarah Chalke talk season 2 of 'Scrubs' revival /entertainment/5e1312aae3b2e6c244065e85531bcc71 Thu, 01 Oct 2026 10:45:00 -0500 /entertainment/5e1312aae3b2e6c244065e85531bcc71 Zach Braff, Sarah Chalke and Donald Faison appear in this image from season 2 of 'Scrubs' revival. (Sergei Bachlakov/Disney)We are scrubbing in for another season of Scrubs.Season 2 of the revival series kicks off Thursday night on ABC and ahead of the new season, some of the cast spoke with ABC News Digital about what fans can expect."I'm really excited for fans to see what we've got cooked up for them," Faison told ABC News Digital. "I know they are, too. I know Zach (Braff) and Sarah (Chalke) are, too."In season 1 of the Scrubs revival, fans saw the return of J.D. (Braff) as the chief of medicine at Sacred Heart Hospital and reuniting with Turk (Faison), Elliot (Chalke) and other staffers.Additionally, the season saw J.D., Turk and Elliot mentoring a new generation of residents like Tosh (Ava Bunn)."It's fun watching the young actors take on the roles. It's fun sort of being the older mentor in both real life and in the story of the show," Braff said.He added, "The show used to be focused on the interns and now, it's focused on the teachers."Chalke said, "We feel like we won the lottery with all those kids because they're as nice human beings as they are talented."Bunn said it meant a lot to her and the new cast to see the loyal fan base of Scrubs embrace the new cast and the revival, adding that Braff, Faison and Chalke have been "welcoming and supportive."She also said that she is excited for fans to see all the new plot lines that are explored in season 2, especially how the residents at Sacred Heart are navigating their roles."It's been really cool to watch the characters grow together," Bunn said.She added, "There's so many fun things that pop up this season. I wish I could tell you all of them right now, but there's just a lot of fun new things happening in the hospital that I'm excited for people to see."The revival for Scrubs aired in February after it was announced in 2024 that a continuation of the hit show was being developed by show creator Bill Lawrence for ABC and 20th Television.Scrubs originally aired for nine seasons from 2001 to 2010 and followed the medical staff at Sacred Heart Hospital, including interns, doctors and other employees, from the point of view of Braff's character.The two-episode series premiere of the second season of the Scrubs revival airs Thursday on ABC at 8 p.m. ET. It will stream the next day on Hulu.The Walt Disney Co. is the parent company of ABC, ABC News and Hulu.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> Zach Braff, Sarah Chalke and Donald Faison appear in this image from season 2 of 'Scrubs' revival. (Sergei Bachlakov/Disney)We are scrubbing in for another season of Scrubs.Season 2 of the revival series kicks off Thursday night on ABC and ahead of the new season, some of the cast spoke with ABC News Digital about what fans can expect."I'm really excited for fans to see what we've got cooked up for them," Faison told ABC News Digital. "I know they are, too. I know Zach (Braff) and Sarah (Chalke) are, too."In season 1 of the Scrubs revival, fans saw the return of J.D. (Braff) as the chief of medicine at Sacred Heart Hospital and reuniting with Turk (Faison), Elliot (Chalke) and other staffers.Additionally, the season saw J.D., Turk and Elliot mentoring a new generation of residents like Tosh (Ava Bunn)."It's fun watching the young actors take on the roles. It's fun sort of being the older mentor in both real life and in the story of the show," Braff said.He added, "The show used to be focused on the interns and now, it's focused on the teachers."Chalke said, "We feel like we won the lottery with all those kids because they're as nice human beings as they are talented."Bunn said it meant a lot to her and the new cast to see the loyal fan base of Scrubs embrace the new cast and the revival, adding that Braff, Faison and Chalke have been "welcoming and supportive."She also said that she is excited for fans to see all the new plot lines that are explored in season 2, especially how the residents at Sacred Heart are navigating their roles."It's been really cool to watch the characters grow together," Bunn said.She added, "There's so many fun things that pop up this season. I wish I could tell you all of them right now, but there's just a lot of fun new things happening in the hospital that I'm excited for people to see."The revival for Scrubs aired in February after it was announced in 2024 that a continuation of the hit show was being developed by show creator Bill Lawrence for ABC and 20th Television.Scrubs originally aired for nine seasons from 2001 to 2010 and followed the medical staff at Sacred Heart Hospital, including interns, doctors and other employees, from the point of view of Braff's character.The two-episode series premiere of the second season of the Scrubs revival airs Thursday on ABC at 8 p.m. ET. It will stream the next day on Hulu.The Walt Disney Co. is the parent company of ABC, ABC News and Hulu.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> In brief: 'The Lowdown' season 2 gets official trailer and more /entertainment/5e1e3d92116528fb6c1a33109a51641e Thu, 01 Oct 2026 07:30:00 -0500 /entertainment/5e1e3d92116528fb6c1a33109a51641e We now know the premiere date for Ted: The Animated Series. Peacock has announced it will debut the upcoming show on Dec. 17. A teaser trailer for the series is also now available to watch. Seth MacFarlane, Mark Wahlberg, Amanda Seyfried and Jessica Barth lend their voices to the animated equivalents of the characters they originated in the live-action Ted films ...Here's the lowdown on season 2 of The Lowdown. The official trailer for the upcoming sophomore season of the FX series has arrived. Ethan Hawke stars in and executive produces the show that follows a citizen journalist who's always getting into trouble. Tommy Lee Jones and Betty Gilpin join the cast this time around ...Ariana Madix is trading in the Love Island USA villa for a TV soundstage. The reality TV show host is set to star in a drama series that's in development at Peacock. The show is called Future Housewives. It's set in an asteroid colony called New Beverly Hills that's filled with wealthy socialites who juggle beauty regimens, rivalries and scandals ...Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> We now know the premiere date for Ted: The Animated Series. Peacock has announced it will debut the upcoming show on Dec. 17. A teaser trailer for the series is also now available to watch. Seth MacFarlane, Mark Wahlberg, Amanda Seyfried and Jessica Barth lend their voices to the animated equivalents of the characters they originated in the live-action Ted films ...Here's the lowdown on season 2 of The Lowdown. The official trailer for the upcoming sophomore season of the FX series has arrived. Ethan Hawke stars in and executive produces the show that follows a citizen journalist who's always getting into trouble. Tommy Lee Jones and Betty Gilpin join the cast this time around ...Ariana Madix is trading in the Love Island USA villa for a TV soundstage. The reality TV show host is set to star in a drama series that's in development at Peacock. The show is called Future Housewives. It's set in an asteroid colony called New Beverly Hills that's filled with wealthy socialites who juggle beauty regimens, rivalries and scandals ...Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek on how 'Without Blood' is a mature story about conflict /entertainment/d56bd50f602c2f42f8230f2a165736f0 Thu, 01 Oct 2026 05:00:00 -0500 /entertainment/d56bd50f602c2f42f8230f2a165736f0 Angelina Jolie and Salma Hayek Pinault on the set of 'Without Blood.' (Stefano C. Montesi)When Angelina Jolie first read author Alessandro Baricco's book Senza Sangue, it took her on a journey.Jolie assumed she knew what was going to happen at the novel's end. But as she kept reading, the actress, director and writer realized she had made the wrong assumptions about where the story was heading."Knowing all I knew about conflict or anger or what we do or revenge, I thought I knew where it was going. I thought I was quite sure where it was going," Jolie told ABC Audio. "More than that, I thought I knew where I wanted it to go."Not only is Jolie familiar with survivors of real-life conflict through her humanitarian work, she's also directed three films about war and conflict: In the Land of Blood and Honey, Unbroken and First They Killed My Father. She knows the expected story beats in projects like this. Most of the time it's either "you get the revenge or you don't" or "you get the resolution or you just don't," she said.But Baricco's novel does it all differently. Instead, it takes the two leads and has them sit across a table from each other and talk. They learn from each other's experiences and decide they don't actually want whatever revenge or resolution they thought they may have wanted prior."It matured me. It educated me to read the book," Jolie said. "I think it's an important thing to put out there today because there's so much about being absolute on this side or that side or right or wrong or for or against."Jolie hopes audiences learn through this story that it's OK to say "'I don't know' and 'I'm trying to listen' and 'I am trying to understand' and 'I'm still trying to figure out myself.'""For any person that's had any level of trauma or conflict, I think it's important to want to go more deeply and not just sit with being right," Jolie said. "It's an important discussion."Jolie adapted Baricco's book into the screenplay for Without Blood, the new film that is currently playing in select theaters. When it came time to choose who would take on the starring role, Jolie looked to her Eternals co-star Salma Hayek.Hayek said she and Jolie have "amazing creative teamwork" and that Jolie balances her out really well."I put this experience completely separate than any other experience I've ever had. It's just not even, I cannot even compare," Hayek said. "I've had other experiences that have been life-changing experiences in a different way, but this one has to do with the film because I had my judgment about what was happening and the book itself and the character itself. And throughout the process of making the film and being directed by her, I was so open."It wasn't simply that Jolie was "an amazing director," but Hayek said the film was a "very special experience" because of the knowledge Jolie has about the subject matter.Jolie "understands war like very few people, because she has been in those places of conflict. And she understands the big scope. And the intimacy of just being a human in conflict," Hayek said. "On top of it, she's also an actress, so she understands us like no one. It was just ... such a very special set of circumstances coming together that it's very hard for them to happen again." Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> Angelina Jolie and Salma Hayek Pinault on the set of 'Without Blood.' (Stefano C. Montesi)When Angelina Jolie first read author Alessandro Baricco's book Senza Sangue, it took her on a journey.Jolie assumed she knew what was going to happen at the novel's end. But as she kept reading, the actress, director and writer realized she had made the wrong assumptions about where the story was heading."Knowing all I knew about conflict or anger or what we do or revenge, I thought I knew where it was going. I thought I was quite sure where it was going," Jolie told ABC Audio. "More than that, I thought I knew where I wanted it to go."Not only is Jolie familiar with survivors of real-life conflict through her humanitarian work, she's also directed three films about war and conflict: In the Land of Blood and Honey, Unbroken and First They Killed My Father. She knows the expected story beats in projects like this. Most of the time it's either "you get the revenge or you don't" or "you get the resolution or you just don't," she said.But Baricco's novel does it all differently. Instead, it takes the two leads and has them sit across a table from each other and talk. They learn from each other's experiences and decide they don't actually want whatever revenge or resolution they thought they may have wanted prior."It matured me. It educated me to read the book," Jolie said. "I think it's an important thing to put out there today because there's so much about being absolute on this side or that side or right or wrong or for or against."Jolie hopes audiences learn through this story that it's OK to say "'I don't know' and 'I'm trying to listen' and 'I am trying to understand' and 'I'm still trying to figure out myself.'""For any person that's had any level of trauma or conflict, I think it's important to want to go more deeply and not just sit with being right," Jolie said. "It's an important discussion."Jolie adapted Baricco's book into the screenplay for Without Blood, the new film that is currently playing in select theaters. When it came time to choose who would take on the starring role, Jolie looked to her Eternals co-star Salma Hayek.Hayek said she and Jolie have "amazing creative teamwork" and that Jolie balances her out really well."I put this experience completely separate than any other experience I've ever had. It's just not even, I cannot even compare," Hayek said. "I've had other experiences that have been life-changing experiences in a different way, but this one has to do with the film because I had my judgment about what was happening and the book itself and the character itself. And throughout the process of making the film and being directed by her, I was so open."It wasn't simply that Jolie was "an amazing director," but Hayek said the film was a "very special experience" because of the knowledge Jolie has about the subject matter.Jolie "understands war like very few people, because she has been in those places of conflict. And she understands the big scope. And the intimacy of just being a human in conflict," Hayek said. "On top of it, she's also an actress, so she understands us like no one. It was just ... such a very special set of circumstances coming together that it's very hard for them to happen again." Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> Jennifer Lawrence to star in 'The Flood' from director Zach Cregger /entertainment/2d77af826df85a8645ad7fc8b67903ff Wed, 30 Sep 2026 16:00:00 -0500 /entertainment/2d77af826df85a8645ad7fc8b67903ff Jennifer Lawrence attends the Christian Dior Haute Couture Week Spring/Summer 2026 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on Jan. 26, 2026, in Paris, France. (Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images for Christian Dior)Jennifer Lawrence is set to star in an upcoming film from director Zach Cregger.Warner Bros. Pictures and New Line Cinema have announced that Lawrence will take on the leading role in the science-fiction thriller The Flood. This original movie will be written, directed and produced by the Resident Evil, Weapons and Barbarian director, Cregger.While plot details are being kept under water, Amblin Entertainment is set to produce the movie alongside Roy Lee and Miri Yoon from Vertigo Entertainment.Warner Bros. Pictures' Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy said in a press release that "Jennifer Lawrence is one of the most gifted and compelling actors working today, and we are thrilled to have her at the center of Zach’s bold and wholly original vision for The Flood."The pair continued, "Following our extraordinary experience together on Weapons, we could not be more excited to reunite with Zach and the team at Vertigo, as well as Amblin to bring this ambitious film to audiences around the world."Likewise, Cregger said the Warner Bros. Pictures and New Line Cinema team "were an absolute dream to collaborate with on Weapons, and I couldn’t be happier to dive in with them again. Jennifer is one of a kind, and I’m beyond excited to see her in this role."Weapons was released in 2025 and earned $270 million worldwide. The original horror film from Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema also earned an Oscar for best supporting actress for Amy Madigan's performance as Aunt Gladys. She is set to reprise the character in the film's upcoming sequel, Gladys.The Flood will release in theaters on Aug. 11, 2028.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> Jennifer Lawrence attends the Christian Dior Haute Couture Week Spring/Summer 2026 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on Jan. 26, 2026, in Paris, France. (Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images for Christian Dior)Jennifer Lawrence is set to star in an upcoming film from director Zach Cregger.Warner Bros. Pictures and New Line Cinema have announced that Lawrence will take on the leading role in the science-fiction thriller The Flood. This original movie will be written, directed and produced by the Resident Evil, Weapons and Barbarian director, Cregger.While plot details are being kept under water, Amblin Entertainment is set to produce the movie alongside Roy Lee and Miri Yoon from Vertigo Entertainment.Warner Bros. Pictures' Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy said in a press release that "Jennifer Lawrence is one of the most gifted and compelling actors working today, and we are thrilled to have her at the center of Zach’s bold and wholly original vision for The Flood."The pair continued, "Following our extraordinary experience together on Weapons, we could not be more excited to reunite with Zach and the team at Vertigo, as well as Amblin to bring this ambitious film to audiences around the world."Likewise, Cregger said the Warner Bros. Pictures and New Line Cinema team "were an absolute dream to collaborate with on Weapons, and I couldn’t be happier to dive in with them again. Jennifer is one of a kind, and I’m beyond excited to see her in this role."Weapons was released in 2025 and earned $270 million worldwide. The original horror film from Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema also earned an Oscar for best supporting actress for Amy Madigan's performance as Aunt Gladys. She is set to reprise the character in the film's upcoming sequel, Gladys.The Flood will release in theaters on Aug. 11, 2028.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> Chad Lowe shares memories of daughter after her death at 13 /entertainment/be66821b7205862b069a1f4ffac698d8 Wed, 30 Sep 2026 14:30:00 -0500 /entertainment/be66821b7205862b069a1f4ffac698d8 Chad Lowe, Kim Painter, Nixie Lowe, Fiona Lowe and Mabel Lowe attend the Red Carpet Premiere Event for 'Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur' at Walt Disney Studios, February 04, 2023 in Burbank, Calif. (Steven Simione/Getty Images)The 13-year-old daughter of actor Chad Lowe and his wife, Kim Painter, has died, the family confirmed in a statement to ABC News.“We are deeply heartbroken by the loss of our beloved Fiona," the Lowe family said Wednesday of their daughter Fiona Lowe. "She was a loving young girl who was smart, creative, and loved to dance."No cause of death was given for Fiona, one of the couple's three children.“She was adored by her sisters and she was deeply loved by her parents,” the family said, adding, “In fact, she was the light of our lives.”“Her passing is devastating for our entire family and we ask for prayers and privacy at this time," they continued. "If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.”Lowe, an actor, director and producer, and Painter, a producer, have been married for 16 years.Lowe, the younger brother of actor Rob Lowe, celebrated Fiona's 13th birthday in a post on Instagram last November, writing, "Celebrating Fiona officially becoming a teen today!! Keep dancing through life FiBear! Love you soooo much!!"Last year, the family of five lost their home in the deadly blaze that devastated the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles.Chad Lowe described the resilience of his daughters in a post on Instagram, writing, "The way they’ve handled this whole devastating experience is nothing short of remarkable. I am in awe of their spirit and resilience. Helping them navigate these tough times is my sole purpose. Being their dad is my life’s greatest joy and privilege."Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> Chad Lowe, Kim Painter, Nixie Lowe, Fiona Lowe and Mabel Lowe attend the Red Carpet Premiere Event for 'Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur' at Walt Disney Studios, February 04, 2023 in Burbank, Calif. (Steven Simione/Getty Images)The 13-year-old daughter of actor Chad Lowe and his wife, Kim Painter, has died, the family confirmed in a statement to ABC News.“We are deeply heartbroken by the loss of our beloved Fiona," the Lowe family said Wednesday of their daughter Fiona Lowe. "She was a loving young girl who was smart, creative, and loved to dance."No cause of death was given for Fiona, one of the couple's three children.“She was adored by her sisters and she was deeply loved by her parents,” the family said, adding, “In fact, she was the light of our lives.”“Her passing is devastating for our entire family and we ask for prayers and privacy at this time," they continued. "If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.”Lowe, an actor, director and producer, and Painter, a producer, have been married for 16 years.Lowe, the younger brother of actor Rob Lowe, celebrated Fiona's 13th birthday in a post on Instagram last November, writing, "Celebrating Fiona officially becoming a teen today!! Keep dancing through life FiBear! Love you soooo much!!"Last year, the family of five lost their home in the deadly blaze that devastated the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles.Chad Lowe described the resilience of his daughters in a post on Instagram, writing, "The way they’ve handled this whole devastating experience is nothing short of remarkable. I am in awe of their spirit and resilience. Helping them navigate these tough times is my sole purpose. Being their dad is my life’s greatest joy and privilege."Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> Ashley Padilla and more celebrities make 'TIME'100 Next list /entertainment/66ea9d30a8888cc803f6fe8735627101 Wed, 30 Sep 2026 13:00:00 -0500 /entertainment/66ea9d30a8888cc803f6fe8735627101 Ashley Padilla attends Gold Derby's Breakout Awards Panel during the Newport Beach TV FEST at Lido Theater on June 6, 2026, in Newport Beach, California. (Tiffany Rose/Getty Images for Newport Beach TV FEST)Ashley Padilla has been revealed as one of the three TIME100 Next cover stars for 2026. The comedian was recognized as one of 100 emerging leaders, including a group of notable entertainers TIME described as the world's most influential rising stars.Among the celebrities included on this year's list are Curry Barker, Isa Briones, Eiza González, Molly Gordon, Yerin Ha, Joshua Henry, Cooper Hoffman, Chase Infiniti, Joey King, Charles Melton, Sarah Pidgeon, Dominic Sessa, Troye Sivan and Chase Sui Wonders.Bob Odenkirk penned an essay about Padilla to coincide with the recognition."She creates beautiful, human comedy out of small moments, with precision and joy that somehow always comes from a place of love. Sketch comedy can crystallize the human condition like no other art form—it beats ol’ Shakespeare hands down—and Ashley delivers on this promise," Odenkirk wrote. "She shows us recognizable people who, in compromised moments, fight like hell to restore their dignity; who can’t let it go; and who remind us of us ... if we can take it."Padilla also spoke to TIME about her experience working on Saturday Night Live.“I find it so collaborative and fun,” Padilla said. “Everyone’s just trying to make people laugh—it can’t be too serious.”Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> Ashley Padilla attends Gold Derby's Breakout Awards Panel during the Newport Beach TV FEST at Lido Theater on June 6, 2026, in Newport Beach, California. (Tiffany Rose/Getty Images for Newport Beach TV FEST)Ashley Padilla has been revealed as one of the three TIME100 Next cover stars for 2026. The comedian was recognized as one of 100 emerging leaders, including a group of notable entertainers TIME described as the world's most influential rising stars.Among the celebrities included on this year's list are Curry Barker, Isa Briones, Eiza González, Molly Gordon, Yerin Ha, Joshua Henry, Cooper Hoffman, Chase Infiniti, Joey King, Charles Melton, Sarah Pidgeon, Dominic Sessa, Troye Sivan and Chase Sui Wonders.Bob Odenkirk penned an essay about Padilla to coincide with the recognition."She creates beautiful, human comedy out of small moments, with precision and joy that somehow always comes from a place of love. Sketch comedy can crystallize the human condition like no other art form—it beats ol’ Shakespeare hands down—and Ashley delivers on this promise," Odenkirk wrote. "She shows us recognizable people who, in compromised moments, fight like hell to restore their dignity; who can’t let it go; and who remind us of us ... if we can take it."Padilla also spoke to TIME about her experience working on Saturday Night Live.“I find it so collaborative and fun,” Padilla said. “Everyone’s just trying to make people laugh—it can’t be too serious.”Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> 'Wednesday' wraps production on season 3 /entertainment/87bd5ad30a3485981f6caaf8464e3a62 Wed, 30 Sep 2026 11:10:00 -0500 /entertainment/87bd5ad30a3485981f6caaf8464e3a62 Jenna Ortega as Wednesday Addams in season 3 of 'Wednesday' (Cr. Caroline Dubois/Netflix © 2026)Wednesday has wrapped production on season 3.The spooky Netflix series starring Jenna Ortega announced the news on Sept. 30 – a Wednesday, of course.Production on the new season began earlier this year near Dublin, Ireland. It was previously announced that Winona Ryder would be joining the cast, reuniting her with her frequent collaborator Tim Burton, as well as star Jenna Ortega, whom she previously acted alongside in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. Also joining the cast of season 3 are Eva Green as Morticia Addams' sister Aunt Ophelia, Chris Sarandon, Noah Taylor, Oscar Morgan, Kennedy Moyer, Lena Headey, Andrew McCarthy and James Lance.“Our goal for Season 3 is the same as it is for every season: to make it the best season of Wednesday we possibly can,” said co-creator and showrunner Alfred Gough. “We want to continue digging deeper into our characters while expanding the world of Nevermore and Wednesday.”Ortega stars as Wednesday Addams, alongside Catherine Zeta-Jones, Luis Guzmán, Emma Myers, Hunter Doohan, Fred Armisen and more.No word yet on when the third season will debut.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> Jenna Ortega as Wednesday Addams in season 3 of 'Wednesday' (Cr. Caroline Dubois/Netflix © 2026)Wednesday has wrapped production on season 3.The spooky Netflix series starring Jenna Ortega announced the news on Sept. 30 – a Wednesday, of course.Production on the new season began earlier this year near Dublin, Ireland. It was previously announced that Winona Ryder would be joining the cast, reuniting her with her frequent collaborator Tim Burton, as well as star Jenna Ortega, whom she previously acted alongside in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. Also joining the cast of season 3 are Eva Green as Morticia Addams' sister Aunt Ophelia, Chris Sarandon, Noah Taylor, Oscar Morgan, Kennedy Moyer, Lena Headey, Andrew McCarthy and James Lance.“Our goal for Season 3 is the same as it is for every season: to make it the best season of Wednesday we possibly can,” said co-creator and showrunner Alfred Gough. “We want to continue digging deeper into our characters while expanding the world of Nevermore and Wednesday.”Ortega stars as Wednesday Addams, alongside Catherine Zeta-Jones, Luis Guzmán, Emma Myers, Hunter Doohan, Fred Armisen and more.No word yet on when the third season will debut.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> In brief: 'The One About Matthew Perry' official trailer and more /entertainment/dfeaa1e5fc01717be75da19837b40d8c Wed, 30 Sep 2026 07:30:00 -0500 /entertainment/dfeaa1e5fc01717be75da19837b40d8c The official trailer for The One About Matthew Perry has arrived. Netflix has shared the trailer for the documentary series about late Friends star Matthew Perry from director Mary Robertson. The docuseries features testimonies from Perry's close family and friends and is described as "a raw record of a life lived in full, and the honesty that became his greatest legacy." The documentary debuts on Oct. 27 ...More from season 2 of Rivals is shown off in the newly released trailer for the upcoming batch of episodes. The show, which stars David Tennant, Alex Hassell, Aidan Turner and Nafessa Williams, returns for more on Hulu on Nov. 11 ...Charlie Sheen is teaming up with his father, Martin Sheen, for a new series at AMC and AMC+. The half-hour comedy is called Happy Jack. It's been greenlit for six episodes in which Charlie and Martin will play father and son on the small screen ...Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> The official trailer for The One About Matthew Perry has arrived. Netflix has shared the trailer for the documentary series about late Friends star Matthew Perry from director Mary Robertson. The docuseries features testimonies from Perry's close family and friends and is described as "a raw record of a life lived in full, and the honesty that became his greatest legacy." The documentary debuts on Oct. 27 ...More from season 2 of Rivals is shown off in the newly released trailer for the upcoming batch of episodes. The show, which stars David Tennant, Alex Hassell, Aidan Turner and Nafessa Williams, returns for more on Hulu on Nov. 11 ...Charlie Sheen is teaming up with his father, Martin Sheen, for a new series at AMC and AMC+. The half-hour comedy is called Happy Jack. It's been greenlit for six episodes in which Charlie and Martin will play father and son on the small screen ...Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives: Orange County' gets Hulu premiere date /entertainment/c0f4125020eb36e11df6359ca7c39e14 Wed, 30 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0500 /entertainment/c0f4125020eb36e11df6359ca7c39e14 Jen Affleck appears in this photo released on Sept. 3, 2026. (Disney/Nik Roberts)The Mormon wives are headed to the West Coast.Hulu has announced the release date for The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' upcoming spinoff series, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives: Orange County. The brand-new show is set to premiere all 10 episodes of its first season on Nov. 12."A new group of dynamic young mothers in Orange County collide in a community where beliefs are not just their religion; they are their identity. While some defend their way of life, fighting against modernity, others embrace change, becoming a platform to disrupt the status quo," according to the show's official synopsis. "Scandals and secrets will be revealed, facades will crumble, and families and friendships will change forever on both sides of the battlefield as this group of strong, game-changing influencers comes together to build their answer to #MomTok."The cast of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives: Orange County includes Ashleigh Pease, Aspyn Ovard, Avery Woods, Bobbi Althoff, Jordan McClanahan, Madison Bontempo, McCall DaPron and Salomé Andrea.Additionally, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Jen Affleck trades in Utah for California as she moves from the original show to the cast of this new spinoff series.Season 5 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives debuted on Hulu Sept. 10. The show has already been renewed for seasons 6 and 7, despite many of its cast recently announcing supposed departures from the program.Whitney Leavitt had long been planning to depart the show after season 5. In recent weeks, both Taylor Frankie Paul and Mikayla Matthews insinuated in social media posts that they would not return for future seasons. Fans assume with Affleck's turn on the Orange County spinoff that she will also leave the original show. If so, this leaves Jessi Draper, Layla Taylor, Mayci Neeley and Miranda Hope as the four remaining original cast members on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.Disney is the parent company of ABC News and Hulu. Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> Jen Affleck appears in this photo released on Sept. 3, 2026. (Disney/Nik Roberts)The Mormon wives are headed to the West Coast.Hulu has announced the release date for The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' upcoming spinoff series, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives: Orange County. The brand-new show is set to premiere all 10 episodes of its first season on Nov. 12."A new group of dynamic young mothers in Orange County collide in a community where beliefs are not just their religion; they are their identity. While some defend their way of life, fighting against modernity, others embrace change, becoming a platform to disrupt the status quo," according to the show's official synopsis. "Scandals


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Entertainment Entertainment News and Headlines from ABC Audio en-us Rapper Rick Ross appears in court after arrest on domestic violence, battery charges /entertainment/0be59ccb5e168c52cc8633a33a991be5 Thu, 01 Oct 2026 13:00:00 -0500 /entertainment/0be59ccb5e168c52cc8633a33a991be5 William Leonard Roberts II known as Rick Ross in a video grab of a court livestream, Oct. 1, 2026. (Obtained by ABC News)Rapper Rick Ross appeared in court Thursday after he was arrested on two domestic violence charges.The "Hustlin'" rapper, whose legal name is William Leonard Roberts, voluntarily surrendered to police in Miami Beach early Thursday morning and was booked into jail on charges of felony battery by strangulation and misdemeanor battery, according to the Miami Beach Police Department.In court, Ross’ attorney submitted a not guilty plea on his behalf.The judge ordered Ross to stay away from the accuser, who was not publicly identified, and set bond at $5,000.As he left jail later Thursday, Ross said he is "totally innocent.""I am totally innocent of these fabricated allegations made against me," Ross said to reporters gathered outside.ABC News has reached out to Ross’ attorney, Bradley Horenstein, for comment.According to police, the charges stem from a domestic violence incident reported to police on Sept. 29. The alleged incident occurred Aug. 28 at a residence on Star Island, an exclusive neighborhood in Miami Beach.The accuser told police that Ross "struck her multiple times during an altercation and restricted her breathing by twisting the collar of her hoodie" and provided photo documentation of her injuries, according to police.According to the arrest affidavit, the accuser reported she and Ross had been in a relationship for the past year and lived together.The woman told police that Ross accused her of lying to him.Ross rose to fame with his 2006 debut studio album Port of Miami. He went on to start his own record label, Maybach Music Group, and has been nominated for nine Grammy Awards.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> William Leonard Roberts II known as Rick Ross in a video grab of a court livestream, Oct. 1, 2026. (Obtained by ABC News)Rapper Rick Ross appeared in court Thursday after he was arrested on two domestic violence charges.The "Hustlin'" rapper, whose legal name is William Leonard Roberts, voluntarily surrendered to police in Miami Beach early Thursday morning and was booked into jail on charges of felony battery by strangulation and misdemeanor battery, according to the Miami Beach Police Department.In court, Ross’ attorney submitted a not guilty plea on his behalf.The judge ordered Ross to stay away from the accuser, who was not publicly identified, and set bond at $5,000.As he left jail later Thursday, Ross said he is "totally innocent.""I am totally innocent of these fabricated allegations made against me," Ross said to reporters gathered outside.ABC News has reached out to Ross’ attorney, Bradley Horenstein, for comment.According to police, the charges stem from a domestic violence incident reported to police on Sept. 29. The alleged incident occurred Aug. 28 at a residence on Star Island, an exclusive neighborhood in Miami Beach.The accuser told police that Ross "struck her multiple times during an altercation and restricted her breathing by twisting the collar of her hoodie" and provided photo documentation of her injuries, according to police.According to the arrest affidavit, the accuser reported she and Ross had been in a relationship for the past year and lived together.The woman told police that Ross accused her of lying to him.Ross rose to fame with his 2006 debut studio album Port of Miami. He went on to start his own record label, Maybach Music Group, and has been nominated for nine Grammy Awards.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> Michael C. Hall deals with a killer mid-life crisis in 'Dexter: Resurrection' season 2 trailer /entertainment/79a1ef82422a1156568084a8a432ff3f Thu, 01 Oct 2026 12:00:00 -0500 /entertainment/79a1ef82422a1156568084a8a432ff3f Key Art for 'Dexter: Resurrection' season 2, featuring Michael C. Hall as Dexter Morgan streaming on Paramount+ 2026 (Photo credit: Paramount+)What happens to an aging serial killer? The season 2 trailer for Dexter: Resurrection shows Michael C. Hall’s killer-with-a-code Dexter Morgan as he grapples with that very question.The trailer picks up with Dexter talking to someone on his kill table.“I’m Dexter Morgan, the Bay Harbor Butcher,” he tells them. “Who?” they reply.“Kids today, no sense of history,” Dexter laments.We then see Dexter dealing with the realities of being in his 50s, as he crosses paths with both a veteran serial killer, played by Brian Cox, and a young, new murderer terrorizing New York City, played by Dan Stevens.Dexter: Resurrection season 2, also starring Uma Thurman, Jack Alcott and James Remar, premieres on Paramount+ Oct. 30.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> Key Art for 'Dexter: Resurrection' season 2, featuring Michael C. Hall as Dexter Morgan streaming on Paramount+ 2026 (Photo credit: Paramount+)What happens to an aging serial killer? The season 2 trailer for Dexter: Resurrection shows Michael C. Hall’s killer-with-a-code Dexter Morgan as he grapples with that very question.The trailer picks up with Dexter talking to someone on his kill table.“I’m Dexter Morgan, the Bay Harbor Butcher,” he tells them. “Who?” they reply.“Kids today, no sense of history,” Dexter laments.We then see Dexter dealing with the realities of being in his 50s, as he crosses paths with both a veteran serial killer, played by Brian Cox, and a young, new murderer terrorizing New York City, played by Dan Stevens.Dexter: Resurrection season 2, also starring Uma Thurman, Jack Alcott and James Remar, premieres on Paramount+ Oct. 30.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris are married /entertainment/cb77c3ff9a750cab2c89e673a7c6a5a1 Thu, 01 Oct 2026 11:30:00 -0500 /entertainment/cb77c3ff9a750cab2c89e673a7c6a5a1 Ashlyn Harris and Sophia Bush attend A Sense of Home Inaugural New York City Gala at the IAC Building on September 23, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for A Sense of Home)Sophia Bush is married to Ashlyn Harris.The One Tree Hill actress reveals in her memoir And I Will Tell You Mine: Notes from a Life in Progress that she secretly wed the former professional soccer player last summer in upstate New York.The couple, who have been together for three years, opened up to Vogue about why they decided in favor of a private, intimate ceremony.“When you get to this stage in your life, you begin to unpack what’s yours and what’s always sort of been for everyone else,” Bush tells Vogue.Harris says a smaller wedding was also perfect for her children, Sloane and Ocean, to whom Bush is a stepmom.“The kids were just running and happy, and we picked flowers from the property and our daughter Sloane was holding them,” Harris says. “It was so fun for them, because it wasn’t this pressure-filled day that’s too much for young kids.”Bush adds that she’s happy to finally make the news public.“You’re not my partner, you know? You’re my wife,” she says to Harris. “And it feels so amazing to say that.”And I Will Tell You Mine: Notes from a Life in Progress comes out Oct. 27.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> Ashlyn Harris and Sophia Bush attend A Sense of Home Inaugural New York City Gala at the IAC Building on September 23, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for A Sense of Home)Sophia Bush is married to Ashlyn Harris.The One Tree Hill actress reveals in her memoir And I Will Tell You Mine: Notes from a Life in Progress that she secretly wed the former professional soccer player last summer in upstate New York.The couple, who have been together for three years, opened up to Vogue about why they decided in favor of a private, intimate ceremony.“When you get to this stage in your life, you begin to unpack what’s yours and what’s always sort of been for everyone else,” Bush tells Vogue.Harris says a smaller wedding was also perfect for her children, Sloane and Ocean, to whom Bush is a stepmom.“The kids were just running and happy, and we picked flowers from the property and our daughter Sloane was holding them,” Harris says. “It was so fun for them, because it wasn’t this pressure-filled day that’s too much for young kids.”Bush adds that she’s happy to finally make the news public.“You’re not my partner, you know? You’re my wife,” she says to Harris. “And it feels so amazing to say that.”And I Will Tell You Mine: Notes from a Life in Progress comes out Oct. 27.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> Zach Braff, Donald Faison, Sarah Chalke talk season 2 of 'Scrubs' revival /entertainment/5e1312aae3b2e6c244065e85531bcc71 Thu, 01 Oct 2026 10:45:00 -0500 /entertainment/5e1312aae3b2e6c244065e85531bcc71 Zach Braff, Sarah Chalke and Donald Faison appear in this image from season 2 of 'Scrubs' revival. (Sergei Bachlakov/Disney)We are scrubbing in for another season of Scrubs.Season 2 of the revival series kicks off Thursday night on ABC and ahead of the new season, some of the cast spoke with ABC News Digital about what fans can expect."I'm really excited for fans to see what we've got cooked up for them," Faison told ABC News Digital. "I know they are, too. I know Zach (Braff) and Sarah (Chalke) are, too."In season 1 of the Scrubs revival, fans saw the return of J.D. (Braff) as the chief of medicine at Sacred Heart Hospital and reuniting with Turk (Faison), Elliot (Chalke) and other staffers.Additionally, the season saw J.D., Turk and Elliot mentoring a new generation of residents like Tosh (Ava Bunn)."It's fun watching the young actors take on the roles. It's fun sort of being the older mentor in both real life and in the story of the show," Braff said.He added, "The show used to be focused on the interns and now, it's focused on the teachers."Chalke said, "We feel like we won the lottery with all those kids because they're as nice human beings as they are talented."Bunn said it meant a lot to her and the new cast to see the loyal fan base of Scrubs embrace the new cast and the revival, adding that Braff, Faison and Chalke have been "welcoming and supportive."She also said that she is excited for fans to see all the new plot lines that are explored in season 2, especially how the residents at Sacred Heart are navigating their roles."It's been really cool to watch the characters grow together," Bunn said.She added, "There's so many fun things that pop up this season. I wish I could tell you all of them right now, but there's just a lot of fun new things happening in the hospital that I'm excited for people to see."The revival for Scrubs aired in February after it was announced in 2024 that a continuation of the hit show was being developed by show creator Bill Lawrence for ABC and 20th Television.Scrubs originally aired for nine seasons from 2001 to 2010 and followed the medical staff at Sacred Heart Hospital, including interns, doctors and other employees, from the point of view of Braff's character.The two-episode series premiere of the second season of the Scrubs revival airs Thursday on ABC at 8 p.m. ET. It will stream the next day on Hulu.The Walt Disney Co. is the parent company of ABC, ABC News and Hulu.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> Zach Braff, Sarah Chalke and Donald Faison appear in this image from season 2 of 'Scrubs' revival. (Sergei Bachlakov/Disney)We are scrubbing in for another season of Scrubs.Season 2 of the revival series kicks off Thursday night on ABC and ahead of the new season, some of the cast spoke with ABC News Digital about what fans can expect."I'm really excited for fans to see what we've got cooked up for them," Faison told ABC News Digital. "I know they are, too. I know Zach (Braff) and Sarah (Chalke) are, too."In season 1 of the Scrubs revival, fans saw the return of J.D. (Braff) as the chief of medicine at Sacred Heart Hospital and reuniting with Turk (Faison), Elliot (Chalke) and other staffers.Additionally, the season saw J.D., Turk and Elliot mentoring a new generation of residents like Tosh (Ava Bunn)."It's fun watching the young actors take on the roles. It's fun sort of being the older mentor in both real life and in the story of the show," Braff said.He added, "The show used to be focused on the interns and now, it's focused on the teachers."Chalke said, "We feel like we won the lottery with all those kids because they're as nice human beings as they are talented."Bunn said it meant a lot to her and the new cast to see the loyal fan base of Scrubs embrace the new cast and the revival, adding that Braff, Faison and Chalke have been "welcoming and supportive."She also said that she is excited for fans to see all the new plot lines that are explored in season 2, especially how the residents at Sacred Heart are navigating their roles."It's been really cool to watch the characters grow together," Bunn said.She added, "There's so many fun things that pop up this season. I wish I could tell you all of them right now, but there's just a lot of fun new things happening in the hospital that I'm excited for people to see."The revival for Scrubs aired in February after it was announced in 2024 that a continuation of the hit show was being developed by show creator Bill Lawrence for ABC and 20th Television.Scrubs originally aired for nine seasons from 2001 to 2010 and followed the medical staff at Sacred Heart Hospital, including interns, doctors and other employees, from the point of view of Braff's character.The two-episode series premiere of the second season of the Scrubs revival airs Thursday on ABC at 8 p.m. ET. It will stream the next day on Hulu.The Walt Disney Co. is the parent company of ABC, ABC News and Hulu.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> In brief: 'The Lowdown' season 2 gets official trailer and more /entertainment/5e1e3d92116528fb6c1a33109a51641e Thu, 01 Oct 2026 07:30:00 -0500 /entertainment/5e1e3d92116528fb6c1a33109a51641e We now know the premiere date for Ted: The Animated Series. Peacock has announced it will debut the upcoming show on Dec. 17. A teaser trailer for the series is also now available to watch. Seth MacFarlane, Mark Wahlberg, Amanda Seyfried and Jessica Barth lend their voices to the animated equivalents of the characters they originated in the live-action Ted films ...Here's the lowdown on season 2 of The Lowdown. The official trailer for the upcoming sophomore season of the FX series has arrived. Ethan Hawke stars in and executive produces the show that follows a citizen journalist who's always getting into trouble. Tommy Lee Jones and Betty Gilpin join the cast this time around ...Ariana Madix is trading in the Love Island USA villa for a TV soundstage. The reality TV show host is set to star in a drama series that's in development at Peacock. The show is called Future Housewives. It's set in an asteroid colony called New Beverly Hills that's filled with wealthy socialites who juggle beauty regimens, rivalries and scandals ...Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> We now know the premiere date for Ted: The Animated Series. Peacock has announced it will debut the upcoming show on Dec. 17. A teaser trailer for the series is also now available to watch. Seth MacFarlane, Mark Wahlberg, Amanda Seyfried and Jessica Barth lend their voices to the animated equivalents of the characters they originated in the live-action Ted films ...Here's the lowdown on season 2 of The Lowdown. The official trailer for the upcoming sophomore season of the FX series has arrived. Ethan Hawke stars in and executive produces the show that follows a citizen journalist who's always getting into trouble. Tommy Lee Jones and Betty Gilpin join the cast this time around ...Ariana Madix is trading in the Love Island USA villa for a TV soundstage. The reality TV show host is set to star in a drama series that's in development at Peacock. The show is called Future Housewives. It's set in an asteroid colony called New Beverly Hills that's filled with wealthy socialites who juggle beauty regimens, rivalries and scandals ...Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> Angelina Jolie, Salma Hayek on how 'Without Blood' is a mature story about conflict /entertainment/d56bd50f602c2f42f8230f2a165736f0 Thu, 01 Oct 2026 05:00:00 -0500 /entertainment/d56bd50f602c2f42f8230f2a165736f0 Angelina Jolie and Salma Hayek Pinault on the set of 'Without Blood.' (Stefano C. Montesi)When Angelina Jolie first read author Alessandro Baricco's book Senza Sangue, it took her on a journey.Jolie assumed she knew what was going to happen at the novel's end. But as she kept reading, the actress, director and writer realized she had made the wrong assumptions about where the story was heading."Knowing all I knew about conflict or anger or what we do or revenge, I thought I knew where it was going. I thought I was quite sure where it was going," Jolie told ABC Audio. "More than that, I thought I knew where I wanted it to go."Not only is Jolie familiar with survivors of real-life conflict through her humanitarian work, she's also directed three films about war and conflict: In the Land of Blood and Honey, Unbroken and First They Killed My Father. She knows the expected story beats in projects like this. Most of the time it's either "you get the revenge or you don't" or "you get the resolution or you just don't," she said.But Baricco's novel does it all differently. Instead, it takes the two leads and has them sit across a table from each other and talk. They learn from each other's experiences and decide they don't actually want whatever revenge or resolution they thought they may have wanted prior."It matured me. It educated me to read the book," Jolie said. "I think it's an important thing to put out there today because there's so much about being absolute on this side or that side or right or wrong or for or against."Jolie hopes audiences learn through this story that it's OK to say "'I don't know' and 'I'm trying to listen' and 'I am trying to understand' and 'I'm still trying to figure out myself.'""For any person that's had any level of trauma or conflict, I think it's important to want to go more deeply and not just sit with being right," Jolie said. "It's an important discussion."Jolie adapted Baricco's book into the screenplay for Without Blood, the new film that is currently playing in select theaters. When it came time to choose who would take on the starring role, Jolie looked to her Eternals co-star Salma Hayek.Hayek said she and Jolie have "amazing creative teamwork" and that Jolie balances her out really well."I put this experience completely separate than any other experience I've ever had. It's just not even, I cannot even compare," Hayek said. "I've had other experiences that have been life-changing experiences in a different way, but this one has to do with the film because I had my judgment about what was happening and the book itself and the character itself. And throughout the process of making the film and being directed by her, I was so open."It wasn't simply that Jolie was "an amazing director," but Hayek said the film was a "very special experience" because of the knowledge Jolie has about the subject matter.Jolie "understands war like very few people, because she has been in those places of conflict. And she understands the big scope. And the intimacy of just being a human in conflict," Hayek said. "On top of it, she's also an actress, so she understands us like no one. It was just ... such a very special set of circumstances coming together that it's very hard for them to happen again." Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> Angelina Jolie and Salma Hayek Pinault on the set of 'Without Blood.' (Stefano C. Montesi)When Angelina Jolie first read author Alessandro Baricco's book Senza Sangue, it took her on a journey.Jolie assumed she knew what was going to happen at the novel's end. But as she kept reading, the actress, director and writer realized she had made the wrong assumptions about where the story was heading."Knowing all I knew about conflict or anger or what we do or revenge, I thought I knew where it was going. I thought I was quite sure where it was going," Jolie told ABC Audio. "More than that, I thought I knew where I wanted it to go."Not only is Jolie familiar with survivors of real-life conflict through her humanitarian work, she's also directed three films about war and conflict: In the Land of Blood and Honey, Unbroken and First They Killed My Father. She knows the expected story beats in projects like this. Most of the time it's either "you get the revenge or you don't" or "you get the resolution or you just don't," she said.But Baricco's novel does it all differently. Instead, it takes the two leads and has them sit across a table from each other and talk. They learn from each other's experiences and decide they don't actually want whatever revenge or resolution they thought they may have wanted prior."It matured me. It educated me to read the book," Jolie said. "I think it's an important thing to put out there today because there's so much about being absolute on this side or that side or right or wrong or for or against."Jolie hopes audiences learn through this story that it's OK to say "'I don't know' and 'I'm trying to listen' and 'I am trying to understand' and 'I'm still trying to figure out myself.'""For any person that's had any level of trauma or conflict, I think it's important to want to go more deeply and not just sit with being right," Jolie said. "It's an important discussion."Jolie adapted Baricco's book into the screenplay for Without Blood, the new film that is currently playing in select theaters. When it came time to choose who would take on the starring role, Jolie looked to her Eternals co-star Salma Hayek.Hayek said she and Jolie have "amazing creative teamwork" and that Jolie balances her out really well."I put this experience completely separate than any other experience I've ever had. It's just not even, I cannot even compare," Hayek said. "I've had other experiences that have been life-changing experiences in a different way, but this one has to do with the film because I had my judgment about what was happening and the book itself and the character itself. And throughout the process of making the film and being directed by her, I was so open."It wasn't simply that Jolie was "an amazing director," but Hayek said the film was a "very special experience" because of the knowledge Jolie has about the subject matter.Jolie "understands war like very few people, because she has been in those places of conflict. And she understands the big scope. And the intimacy of just being a human in conflict," Hayek said. "On top of it, she's also an actress, so she understands us like no one. It was just ... such a very special set of circumstances coming together that it's very hard for them to happen again." Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> Jennifer Lawrence to star in 'The Flood' from director Zach Cregger /entertainment/2d77af826df85a8645ad7fc8b67903ff Wed, 30 Sep 2026 16:00:00 -0500 /entertainment/2d77af826df85a8645ad7fc8b67903ff Jennifer Lawrence attends the Christian Dior Haute Couture Week Spring/Summer 2026 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on Jan. 26, 2026, in Paris, France. (Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images for Christian Dior)Jennifer Lawrence is set to star in an upcoming film from director Zach Cregger.Warner Bros. Pictures and New Line Cinema have announced that Lawrence will take on the leading role in the science-fiction thriller The Flood. This original movie will be written, directed and produced by the Resident Evil, Weapons and Barbarian director, Cregger.While plot details are being kept under water, Amblin Entertainment is set to produce the movie alongside Roy Lee and Miri Yoon from Vertigo Entertainment.Warner Bros. Pictures' Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy said in a press release that "Jennifer Lawrence is one of the most gifted and compelling actors working today, and we are thrilled to have her at the center of Zach’s bold and wholly original vision for The Flood."The pair continued, "Following our extraordinary experience together on Weapons, we could not be more excited to reunite with Zach and the team at Vertigo, as well as Amblin to bring this ambitious film to audiences around the world."Likewise, Cregger said the Warner Bros. Pictures and New Line Cinema team "were an absolute dream to collaborate with on Weapons, and I couldn’t be happier to dive in with them again. Jennifer is one of a kind, and I’m beyond excited to see her in this role."Weapons was released in 2025 and earned $270 million worldwide. The original horror film from Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema also earned an Oscar for best supporting actress for Amy Madigan's performance as Aunt Gladys. She is set to reprise the character in the film's upcoming sequel, Gladys.The Flood will release in theaters on Aug. 11, 2028.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> Jennifer Lawrence attends the Christian Dior Haute Couture Week Spring/Summer 2026 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on Jan. 26, 2026, in Paris, France. (Arnold Jerocki/Getty Images for Christian Dior)Jennifer Lawrence is set to star in an upcoming film from director Zach Cregger.Warner Bros. Pictures and New Line Cinema have announced that Lawrence will take on the leading role in the science-fiction thriller The Flood. This original movie will be written, directed and produced by the Resident Evil, Weapons and Barbarian director, Cregger.While plot details are being kept under water, Amblin Entertainment is set to produce the movie alongside Roy Lee and Miri Yoon from Vertigo Entertainment.Warner Bros. Pictures' Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy said in a press release that "Jennifer Lawrence is one of the most gifted and compelling actors working today, and we are thrilled to have her at the center of Zach’s bold and wholly original vision for The Flood."The pair continued, "Following our extraordinary experience together on Weapons, we could not be more excited to reunite with Zach and the team at Vertigo, as well as Amblin to bring this ambitious film to audiences around the world."Likewise, Cregger said the Warner Bros. Pictures and New Line Cinema team "were an absolute dream to collaborate with on Weapons, and I couldn’t be happier to dive in with them again. Jennifer is one of a kind, and I’m beyond excited to see her in this role."Weapons was released in 2025 and earned $270 million worldwide. The original horror film from Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema also earned an Oscar for best supporting actress for Amy Madigan's performance as Aunt Gladys. She is set to reprise the character in the film's upcoming sequel, Gladys.The Flood will release in theaters on Aug. 11, 2028.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> Chad Lowe shares memories of daughter after her death at 13 /entertainment/be66821b7205862b069a1f4ffac698d8 Wed, 30 Sep 2026 14:30:00 -0500 /entertainment/be66821b7205862b069a1f4ffac698d8 Chad Lowe, Kim Painter, Nixie Lowe, Fiona Lowe and Mabel Lowe attend the Red Carpet Premiere Event for 'Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur' at Walt Disney Studios, February 04, 2023 in Burbank, Calif. (Steven Simione/Getty Images)The 13-year-old daughter of actor Chad Lowe and his wife, Kim Painter, has died, the family confirmed in a statement to ABC News.“We are deeply heartbroken by the loss of our beloved Fiona," the Lowe family said Wednesday of their daughter Fiona Lowe. "She was a loving young girl who was smart, creative, and loved to dance."No cause of death was given for Fiona, one of the couple's three children.“She was adored by her sisters and she was deeply loved by her parents,” the family said, adding, “In fact, she was the light of our lives.”“Her passing is devastating for our entire family and we ask for prayers and privacy at this time," they continued. "If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.”Lowe, an actor, director and producer, and Painter, a producer, have been married for 16 years.Lowe, the younger brother of actor Rob Lowe, celebrated Fiona's 13th birthday in a post on Instagram last November, writing, "Celebrating Fiona officially becoming a teen today!! Keep dancing through life FiBear! Love you soooo much!!"Last year, the family of five lost their home in the deadly blaze that devastated the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles.Chad Lowe described the resilience of his daughters in a post on Instagram, writing, "The way they’ve handled this whole devastating experience is nothing short of remarkable. I am in awe of their spirit and resilience. Helping them navigate these tough times is my sole purpose. Being their dad is my life’s greatest joy and privilege."Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> Chad Lowe, Kim Painter, Nixie Lowe, Fiona Lowe and Mabel Lowe attend the Red Carpet Premiere Event for 'Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur' at Walt Disney Studios, February 04, 2023 in Burbank, Calif. (Steven Simione/Getty Images)The 13-year-old daughter of actor Chad Lowe and his wife, Kim Painter, has died, the family confirmed in a statement to ABC News.“We are deeply heartbroken by the loss of our beloved Fiona," the Lowe family said Wednesday of their daughter Fiona Lowe. "She was a loving young girl who was smart, creative, and loved to dance."No cause of death was given for Fiona, one of the couple's three children.“She was adored by her sisters and she was deeply loved by her parents,” the family said, adding, “In fact, she was the light of our lives.”“Her passing is devastating for our entire family and we ask for prayers and privacy at this time," they continued. "If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.”Lowe, an actor, director and producer, and Painter, a producer, have been married for 16 years.Lowe, the younger brother of actor Rob Lowe, celebrated Fiona's 13th birthday in a post on Instagram last November, writing, "Celebrating Fiona officially becoming a teen today!! Keep dancing through life FiBear! Love you soooo much!!"Last year, the family of five lost their home in the deadly blaze that devastated the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles.Chad Lowe described the resilience of his daughters in a post on Instagram, writing, "The way they’ve handled this whole devastating experience is nothing short of remarkable. I am in awe of their spirit and resilience. Helping them navigate these tough times is my sole purpose. Being their dad is my life’s greatest joy and privilege."Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> Ashley Padilla and more celebrities make 'TIME'100 Next list /entertainment/66ea9d30a8888cc803f6fe8735627101 Wed, 30 Sep 2026 13:00:00 -0500 /entertainment/66ea9d30a8888cc803f6fe8735627101 Ashley Padilla attends Gold Derby's Breakout Awards Panel during the Newport Beach TV FEST at Lido Theater on June 6, 2026, in Newport Beach, California. (Tiffany Rose/Getty Images for Newport Beach TV FEST)Ashley Padilla has been revealed as one of the three TIME100 Next cover stars for 2026. The comedian was recognized as one of 100 emerging leaders, including a group of notable entertainers TIME described as the world's most influential rising stars.Among the celebrities included on this year's list are Curry Barker, Isa Briones, Eiza González, Molly Gordon, Yerin Ha, Joshua Henry, Cooper Hoffman, Chase Infiniti, Joey King, Charles Melton, Sarah Pidgeon, Dominic Sessa, Troye Sivan and Chase Sui Wonders.Bob Odenkirk penned an essay about Padilla to coincide with the recognition."She creates beautiful, human comedy out of small moments, with precision and joy that somehow always comes from a place of love. Sketch comedy can crystallize the human condition like no other art form—it beats ol’ Shakespeare hands down—and Ashley delivers on this promise," Odenkirk wrote. "She shows us recognizable people who, in compromised moments, fight like hell to restore their dignity; who can’t let it go; and who remind us of us ... if we can take it."Padilla also spoke to TIME about her experience working on Saturday Night Live.“I find it so collaborative and fun,” Padilla said. “Everyone’s just trying to make people laugh—it can’t be too serious.”Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> Ashley Padilla attends Gold Derby's Breakout Awards Panel during the Newport Beach TV FEST at Lido Theater on June 6, 2026, in Newport Beach, California. (Tiffany Rose/Getty Images for Newport Beach TV FEST)Ashley Padilla has been revealed as one of the three TIME100 Next cover stars for 2026. The comedian was recognized as one of 100 emerging leaders, including a group of notable entertainers TIME described as the world's most influential rising stars.Among the celebrities included on this year's list are Curry Barker, Isa Briones, Eiza González, Molly Gordon, Yerin Ha, Joshua Henry, Cooper Hoffman, Chase Infiniti, Joey King, Charles Melton, Sarah Pidgeon, Dominic Sessa, Troye Sivan and Chase Sui Wonders.Bob Odenkirk penned an essay about Padilla to coincide with the recognition."She creates beautiful, human comedy out of small moments, with precision and joy that somehow always comes from a place of love. Sketch comedy can crystallize the human condition like no other art form—it beats ol’ Shakespeare hands down—and Ashley delivers on this promise," Odenkirk wrote. "She shows us recognizable people who, in compromised moments, fight like hell to restore their dignity; who can’t let it go; and who remind us of us ... if we can take it."Padilla also spoke to TIME about her experience working on Saturday Night Live.“I find it so collaborative and fun,” Padilla said. “Everyone’s just trying to make people laugh—it can’t be too serious.”Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> 'Wednesday' wraps production on season 3 /entertainment/87bd5ad30a3485981f6caaf8464e3a62 Wed, 30 Sep 2026 11:10:00 -0500 /entertainment/87bd5ad30a3485981f6caaf8464e3a62 Jenna Ortega as Wednesday Addams in season 3 of 'Wednesday' (Cr. Caroline Dubois/Netflix © 2026)Wednesday has wrapped production on season 3.The spooky Netflix series starring Jenna Ortega announced the news on Sept. 30 – a Wednesday, of course.Production on the new season began earlier this year near Dublin, Ireland. It was previously announced that Winona Ryder would be joining the cast, reuniting her with her frequent collaborator Tim Burton, as well as star Jenna Ortega, whom she previously acted alongside in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. Also joining the cast of season 3 are Eva Green as Morticia Addams' sister Aunt Ophelia, Chris Sarandon, Noah Taylor, Oscar Morgan, Kennedy Moyer, Lena Headey, Andrew McCarthy and James Lance.“Our goal for Season 3 is the same as it is for every season: to make it the best season of Wednesday we possibly can,” said co-creator and showrunner Alfred Gough. “We want to continue digging deeper into our characters while expanding the world of Nevermore and Wednesday.”Ortega stars as Wednesday Addams, alongside Catherine Zeta-Jones, Luis Guzmán, Emma Myers, Hunter Doohan, Fred Armisen and more.No word yet on when the third season will debut.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> Jenna Ortega as Wednesday Addams in season 3 of 'Wednesday' (Cr. Caroline Dubois/Netflix © 2026)Wednesday has wrapped production on season 3.The spooky Netflix series starring Jenna Ortega announced the news on Sept. 30 – a Wednesday, of course.Production on the new season began earlier this year near Dublin, Ireland. It was previously announced that Winona Ryder would be joining the cast, reuniting her with her frequent collaborator Tim Burton, as well as star Jenna Ortega, whom she previously acted alongside in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. Also joining the cast of season 3 are Eva Green as Morticia Addams' sister Aunt Ophelia, Chris Sarandon, Noah Taylor, Oscar Morgan, Kennedy Moyer, Lena Headey, Andrew McCarthy and James Lance.“Our goal for Season 3 is the same as it is for every season: to make it the best season of Wednesday we possibly can,” said co-creator and showrunner Alfred Gough. “We want to continue digging deeper into our characters while expanding the world of Nevermore and Wednesday.”Ortega stars as Wednesday Addams, alongside Catherine Zeta-Jones, Luis Guzmán, Emma Myers, Hunter Doohan, Fred Armisen and more.No word yet on when the third season will debut.Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> In brief: 'The One About Matthew Perry' official trailer and more /entertainment/dfeaa1e5fc01717be75da19837b40d8c Wed, 30 Sep 2026 07:30:00 -0500 /entertainment/dfeaa1e5fc01717be75da19837b40d8c The official trailer for The One About Matthew Perry has arrived. Netflix has shared the trailer for the documentary series about late Friends star Matthew Perry from director Mary Robertson. The docuseries features testimonies from Perry's close family and friends and is described as "a raw record of a life lived in full, and the honesty that became his greatest legacy." The documentary debuts on Oct. 27 ...More from season 2 of Rivals is shown off in the newly released trailer for the upcoming batch of episodes. The show, which stars David Tennant, Alex Hassell, Aidan Turner and Nafessa Williams, returns for more on Hulu on Nov. 11 ...Charlie Sheen is teaming up with his father, Martin Sheen, for a new series at AMC and AMC+. The half-hour comedy is called Happy Jack. It's been greenlit for six episodes in which Charlie and Martin will play father and son on the small screen ...Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> The official trailer for The One About Matthew Perry has arrived. Netflix has shared the trailer for the documentary series about late Friends star Matthew Perry from director Mary Robertson. The docuseries features testimonies from Perry's close family and friends and is described as "a raw record of a life lived in full, and the honesty that became his greatest legacy." The documentary debuts on Oct. 27 ...More from season 2 of Rivals is shown off in the newly released trailer for the upcoming batch of episodes. The show, which stars David Tennant, Alex Hassell, Aidan Turner and Nafessa Williams, returns for more on Hulu on Nov. 11 ...Charlie Sheen is teaming up with his father, Martin Sheen, for a new series at AMC and AMC+. The half-hour comedy is called Happy Jack. It's been greenlit for six episodes in which Charlie and Martin will play father and son on the small screen ...Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> 'The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives: Orange County' gets Hulu premiere date /entertainment/c0f4125020eb36e11df6359ca7c39e14 Wed, 30 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0500 /entertainment/c0f4125020eb36e11df6359ca7c39e14 Jen Affleck appears in this photo released on Sept. 3, 2026. (Disney/Nik Roberts)The Mormon wives are headed to the West Coast.Hulu has announced the release date for The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' upcoming spinoff series, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives: Orange County. The brand-new show is set to premiere all 10 episodes of its first season on Nov. 12."A new group of dynamic young mothers in Orange County collide in a community where beliefs are not just their religion; they are their identity. While some defend their way of life, fighting against modernity, others embrace change, becoming a platform to disrupt the status quo," according to the show's official synopsis. "Scandals and secrets will be revealed, facades will crumble, and families and friendships will change forever on both sides of the battlefield as this group of strong, game-changing influencers comes together to build their answer to #MomTok."The cast of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives: Orange County includes Ashleigh Pease, Aspyn Ovard, Avery Woods, Bobbi Althoff, Jordan McClanahan, Madison Bontempo, McCall DaPron and Salomé Andrea.Additionally, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Jen Affleck trades in Utah for California as she moves from the original show to the cast of this new spinoff series.Season 5 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives debuted on Hulu Sept. 10. The show has already been renewed for seasons 6 and 7, despite many of its cast recently announcing supposed departures from the program.Whitney Leavitt had long been planning to depart the show after season 5. In recent weeks, both Taylor Frankie Paul and Mikayla Matthews insinuated in social media posts that they would not return for future seasons. Fans assume with Affleck's turn on the Orange County spinoff that she will also leave the original show. If so, this leaves Jessi Draper, Layla Taylor, Mayci Neeley and Miranda Hope as the four remaining original cast members on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.Disney is the parent company of ABC News and Hulu. Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> Jen Affleck appears in this photo released on Sept. 3, 2026. (Disney/Nik Roberts)The Mormon wives are headed to the West Coast.Hulu has announced the release date for The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives' upcoming spinoff series, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives: Orange County. The brand-new show is set to premiere all 10 episodes of its first season on Nov. 12."A new group of dynamic young mothers in Orange County collide in a community where beliefs are not just their religion; they are their identity. While some defend their way of life, fighting against modernity, others embrace change, becoming a platform to disrupt the status quo," according to the show's official synopsis. "Scandals and secrets will be revealed, facades will crumble, and families and friendships will change forever on both sides of the battlefield as this group of strong, game-changing influencers comes together to build their answer to #MomTok."The cast of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives: Orange County includes Ashleigh Pease, Aspyn Ovard, Avery Woods, Bobbi Althoff, Jordan McClanahan, Madison Bontempo, McCall DaPron and Salomé Andrea.Additionally, The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Jen Affleck trades in Utah for California as she moves from the original show to the cast of this new spinoff series.Season 5 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives debuted on Hulu Sept. 10. The show has already been renewed for seasons 6 and 7, despite many of its cast recently announcing supposed departures from the program.Whitney Leavitt had long been planning to depart the show after season 5. In recent weeks, both Taylor Frankie Paul and Mikayla Matthews insinuated in social media posts that they would not return for future seasons. Fans assume with Affleck's turn on the Orange County spinoff that she will also leave the original show. If so, this leaves Jessi Draper, Layla Taylor, Mayci Neeley and Miranda Hope as the four remaining original cast members on The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.Disney is the parent company of ABC News and Hulu. Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> Lady A singer Charles Kelley reveals cancer diagnosis /entertainment/9d3d6153c9eca0e1beb8f70702e790b8 Tue, 29 Sep 2026 15:00:00 -0500 /entertainment/9d3d6153c9eca0e1beb8f70702e790b8 Charles Kelley performs at EXIT/IN on Aug. 27, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee. (Jason Kempin/Getty Images)Charles Kelley, the co-lead vocalist and founding member of the country music trio Lady A, has been diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer.In a video he shared on Instagram Tuesday alongside his wife, Cassie McConnell Kelley, the singer said he has multiple myeloma."Hey everybody, just wanted to give a quick update on some health issues I'm dealing with," he said. "I had this — a couple random rib fractures that happened, which sparked my doctor into having me do several different blood tests."Kelley continued, "And one of the blood tests we did, they found a blood cancer in there called multiple myeloma and it's rare."The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer where too many plasma cells crowd "out normal cells in the bone marrow that make red blood cells, platelets and other white blood cells."The CDC adds that it's the most common type of plasma cell tumor and develops in the bone marrow and can spread throughout the body. According to the agency, scientists are still unclear about why some people get myeloma and others don't, but age is the most significant risk factor.Men are also more likely than women to develop myeloma, according to the CDC.Despite the diagnosis, the "Need You Now" singer said he is hopeful."I'm young, I feel healthy, and the treatments, I will have to say, have just come so far, even in the past five years that, even a life expectancy is just far exceeds what it used to be," he said, adding that he has leaned on a friend of his who is also diagnosed with multiple myeloma.He talked about upcoming shows lined up with Lady A, including several Christmas shows. He also mentioned that he has the first six months of treatment but didn't specify when that will be. However, Kelley said that he doesn't believe that it will be "too super invasive.""I can still work," he said. "I think physically I will feel like myself. I'll have tough days, but you know, I wanna keep working. Even going out last weekend after even knowing the news, it was like this is where I belong."Kelley continued, "I need to be happy and doing what I love to do and spending and soaking up as much time with my family as I can as well. But I'm hopeful, I really am and we just want to let you all know and I'll try to let you in when I feel like it's appropriate throughout the journey and it's just another hurdle and you know I'm pretty confident that we're going to get through it."Previously, Kelley has been open about his sobriety journey. After starting recovery in August 2022, he has spoken in depth about the process with his fans."It helped me so much," he said. "I think in the same spirit of the way we've kind of shared a lot of my sobriety journey just getting this stuff off your chest is so freeing and it takes the power away from it a little but that we wanted to let you know what was going on."He added, "We're going to get through it. I think in sobriety, it's all about one day at a time and that we're not in control and so that's the way we're looking at it.In the comments section of Kelley's post, his fellow band members shared their support.Hillary Scott wrote, "The strongest duo right here! Love y'all so much! You've got this!"Dave Haywood added, "Covering you in prayer brother. Love y’all. We’re all here for you!"Copyright © 2026, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.]]> Charles Kelley performs at EXIT/IN on Aug. 27, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee. (Jason Kempin/Getty Images)Charles Kelley, the co-lead vocalist and founding member of the country music trio Lady A, has been diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer.In a video he shared on Instagram Tuesday alongside his wife, Cassie McConnell Kelley, the singer said he has multiple myeloma."Hey everybody, just wanted to give a quick update on some health issues I'm dealing with," he said. "I had this — a couple random rib fractures that happened, which sparked my doctor into having me do several different blood tests."Kelley continued, "And one of the blood tests we did, they found a blood cancer in there called multiple myeloma and it's rare."The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer where too many plasma cells crowd "out normal cells in the bone marrow that make red blood cells, platelets and other white blood cells."The CDC adds that it's the most common type of plasma cell tumor and develops in the bone marrow and can spread throughout the body. According to the agency, scientists are still unclear about why some people get myeloma and others don't, but age is the most significant risk factor.Men are also more likely than women to develop myeloma, according to the CDC.Despite the diagnosis, the "Need You Now" singer said he is hopeful."I'm young, I feel healthy, and the treatments, I will have to say, have just come so far, even in the past five year


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State News Stories State News Headlines en-us State funding announced to connect those experiencing homelessness with support services /state-news-stories/90552f40d57edd1884857cd45beb77ff Fri, 11 Nov 2022 09:52:00 -0600 /state-news-stories/90552f40d57edd1884857cd45beb77ff Governor Ned Lamont's administration is releasing nearly $8.5 million in additional aid to connect those experiencing homelessness with support services – including housing, food, and mental health services – ahead of the upcoming winter season. The goal of the funding is to ensure that pathways to the homeless service system and human points of contact remain available for those seeking assistance. $5 million from the Connecticut Department of Housing will support seasonal shelters and services throughout the homeless service system during the winter.  $2.5 million will develop new hubs within each of the state’s seven regional Coordinated Access Networks that supports the hiring of more staff, ensuring flexible financial assistance is available, and technological upgrades can be supported and $500,000 will go to the United Way of Connecticut to increase staffing at 2-1-1. $475,000 from the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services will be used by the United Way of Connecticut to support costs related to the complex needs of unsheltered individuals and families during periods of extreme cold weather.   The Department of Housing is working with the seven regional Coordinated Access Networks on the development of these hubs, which will be able to accept walk-in appointments and receive direct referrals from 2-1-1 staff for those who indicate they are experiencing homelessness. The hubs will serve to provide support for repeat callers of 2-1-1, while helping to reduce overall call volume at the service.]]> Governor Ned Lamont's administration is releasing nearly $8.5 million in additional aid to connect those experiencing homelessness with support services – including housing, food, and mental health services – ahead of the upcoming winter season. The goal of the funding is to ensure that pathways to the homeless service system and human points of contact remain available for those seeking assistance. $5 million from the Connecticut Department of Housing will support seasonal shelters and services throughout the homeless service system during the winter.  $2.5 million will develop new hubs within each of the state’s seven regional Coordinated Access Networks that supports the hiring of more staff, ensuring flexible financial assistance is available, and technological upgrades can be supported and $500,000 will go to the United Way of Connecticut to increase staffing at 2-1-1. $475,000 from the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services will be used by the United Way of Connecticut to support costs related to the complex needs of unsheltered individuals and families during periods of extreme cold weather.   The Department of Housing is working with the seven regional Coordinated Access Networks on the development of these hubs, which will be able to accept walk-in appointments and receive direct referrals from 2-1-1 staff for those who indicate they are experiencing homelessness. The hubs will serve to provide support for repeat callers of 2-1-1, while helping to reduce overall call volume at the service.]]> Payment plans, assistance programs available to help Conn. residents with heating costs /state-news-stories/9020acf9c13c75ee48ce9a7a963edef2 Fri, 11 Nov 2022 09:50:00 -0600 /state-news-stories/9020acf9c13c75ee48ce9a7a963edef2 With winter approaching and heating systems being turned on, Eversource is reminding customers about available resources. In recognition of Heating Assistance Awareness Month in Connecticut, the utility is raising awareness about payment plans and assistance programs, many of which have state income requirements. Customers who've never needed assistance previously may not realize they qualify for protection from service disconnection and may also be eligible for other programs to reduce past due balances.  The Winter Protection Plan protects income eligible customers from disconnection from November 1 through May 1. Connecticut’s Energy Assistance Program provides assistance for winter heating costs for thousands of homeowners and renters who meet state income guidelines. Customers can learn more and apply online at CT.gov/heatinghelp. Operation Fuel provides year-round emergency energy and utility assistance for customers facing a financial crisis. The Matching Payment Program can lower a past due balance with monthly payments for electric or gas heating customers receiving public assistance benefits.  The New Start Program subtracts from overdue balances for electric customers as on-time monthly payments are made. Flexible Payment Plans are available to all customers, regardless of income, to pay their past-due balance over a period of time. Residential customers with active service may be eligible for payment plans up to 18 months.]]> With winter approaching and heating systems being turned on, Eversource is reminding customers about available resources. In recognition of Heating Assistance Awareness Month in Connecticut, the utility is raising awareness about payment plans and assistance programs, many of which have state income requirements. Customers who've never needed assistance previously may not realize they qualify for protection from service disconnection and may also be eligible for other programs to reduce past due balances.  The Winter Protection Plan protects income eligible customers from disconnection from November 1 through May 1. Connecticut’s Energy Assistance Program provides assistance for winter heating costs for thousands of homeowners and renters who meet state income guidelines. Customers can learn more and apply online at CT.gov/heatinghelp. Operation Fuel provides year-round emergency energy and utility assistance for customers facing a financial crisis. The Matching Payment Program can lower a past due balance with monthly payments for electric or gas heating customers receiving public assistance benefits.  The New Start Program subtracts from overdue balances for electric customers as on-time monthly payments are made. Flexible Payment Plans are available to all customers, regardless of income, to pay their past-due balance over a period of time. Residential customers with active service may be eligible for payment plans up to 18 months.]]> Ex-Yale coach gets 5 months in admissions bribery scandal /state-news-stories/3f699a9bad65cba7bd16eaac6a2cf43b Fri, 11 Nov 2022 09:49:00 -0600 /state-news-stories/3f699a9bad65cba7bd16eaac6a2cf43b BOSTON (AP) — The former Yale University women’s soccer coach whose cooperation with authorities helped blow the lid off the nationwide college admissions bribery scandal by leading the FBI to the scheme’s mastermind was sentenced Wednesday to five months in prison.Rudy Meredith, head coach at Yale from 1995 until 2018, pleaded guilty in March 2019 to wire fraud for taking hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes to help students get into the elite Ivy League university as soccer recruits. In one case, the recruit did not play competitive soccer, prosecutors have said.Federal prosecutors and Meredith’s defense lawyers had recommended no additional prison time beyond the one day he had already spent in custody. But U.S. District Court Judge Mark Wolf said Wednesday that Meredith’s greed and his victims warranted a stiffer sentence.Wolf described the victims as the members of the Yale team who were “betrayed” by being cheated out of having better teammates, as well as unknown victims — young women who might have gotten into Yale had Meredith not decided to essentially sell slots on the team. Those unknown victims may have included women from disadvantaged backgrounds, the judge said.]]> BOSTON (AP) — The former Yale University women’s soccer coach whose cooperation with authorities helped blow the lid off the nationwide college admissions bribery scandal by leading the FBI to the scheme’s mastermind was sentenced Wednesday to five months in prison.Rudy Meredith, head coach at Yale from 1995 until 2018, pleaded guilty in March 2019 to wire fraud for taking hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes to help students get into the elite Ivy League university as soccer recruits. In one case, the recruit did not play competitive soccer, prosecutors have said.Federal prosecutors and Meredith’s defense lawyers had recommended no additional prison time beyond the one day he had already spent in custody. But U.S. District Court Judge Mark Wolf said Wednesday that Meredith’s greed and his victims warranted a stiffer sentence.Wolf described the victims as the members of the Yale team who were “betrayed” by being cheated out of having better teammates, as well as unknown victims — young women who might have gotten into Yale had Meredith not decided to essentially sell slots on the team. Those unknown victims may have included women from disadvantaged backgrounds, the judge said.]]> Fresh off victory, Lamont considering gas tax cut extension /state-news-stories/4cffe8c5364f531294d31cbcc6da2c01 Thu, 10 Nov 2022 10:51:00 -0600 /state-news-stories/4cffe8c5364f531294d31cbcc6da2c01 HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont, hours after winning a second term, said Wednesday he is considering additional steps to help make life more affordable for residents, including extending the state’s gas tax holiday beyond its looming Dec. 1 expiration date.The Democrat said he has asked his budget director to review state gas tax revenues and budget reserves to see what can be done before the General Assembly convenes in January.“I’ve got to see what we can afford and we’re going to model this out,” he said, noting he wants to make sure there’s still enough revenue to fix roads and bridges. “Right now, I think we’re in decent shape, but I’d like to sit down and talk with the legislature about how we can continue a gas tax cut beyond December 1st.”Inflation and affordability were key issues in the race for governor. Lamont often pointed to the wide-ranging Democratic tax-reduction package he signed into law earlier this year that included about $600 million in cuts, including continuation of a 25-cent-per-gallon gas tax cut until Dec. 1. His Republican challenger Bob Stefanowski argued that more needed to be done, proposing a $2 billion tax relief package.During a morning radio show on Wednesday, shortly after conceding the race to Lamont, Stefanowski said he urged the governor during a phone call to “take care of both sides of the aisle” and try to help everyone who is struggling with high inflation.“I think he’s a good guy. He’s probably going to try to do the right thing. But, you know, we’re headed into a 40% increase in utility costs and rolling blackouts. I just hope he puts the people first. I’m sure he’ll try his best.” Stefanowski said.Lamont, who appeared with fellow Democrats outside the state Capitol for a victory news conference, insisted he understands that residents are facing financial pressures. Besides pledging to enact some kind of immediate relief before the regular legislative session — something Democratic legislative leaders have also discussed — Lamont said he plans to work with lawmakers after January to find other ways to make the state more affordable.“I’m going to make sure that I do everything that I can to make sure to help the middle class during this incredibly tough time,” he said.Lamont also stressed Wednesday that he plans to submit legislation to extend spending limitations included in a bipartisan state budget deal reached five years ago and are scheduled to expire in 2025. There have been some suggestions by some lawmakers to scale it back and divert money to other initiatives.“I think it served us very well, and I am going to be asking the legislature to continue that going forward,” Lamont said. “It gives us a clear sense of direction and how we’re getting our fiscal house in order.”]]> HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont, hours after winning a second term, said Wednesday he is considering additional steps to help make life more affordable for residents, including extending the state’s gas tax holiday beyond its looming Dec. 1 expiration date.The Democrat said he has asked his budget director to review state gas tax revenues and budget reserves to see what can be done before the General Assembly convenes in January.“I’ve got to see what we can afford and we’re going to model this out,” he said, noting he wants to make sure there’s still enough revenue to fix roads and bridges. “Right now, I think we’re in decent shape, but I’d like to sit down and talk with the legislature about how we can continue a gas tax cut beyond December 1st.”Inflation and affordability were key issues in the race for governor. Lamont often pointed to the wide-ranging Democratic tax-reduction package he signed into law earlier this year that included about $600 million in cuts, including continuation of a 25-cent-per-gallon gas tax cut until Dec. 1. His Republican challenger Bob Stefanowski argued that more needed to be done, proposing a $2 billion tax relief package.During a morning radio show on Wednesday, shortly after conceding the race to Lamont, Stefanowski said he urged the governor during a phone call to “take care of both sides of the aisle” and try to help everyone who is struggling with high inflation.“I think he’s a good guy. He’s probably going to try to do the right thing. But, you know, we’re headed into a 40% increase in utility costs and rolling blackouts. I just hope he puts the people first. I’m sure he’ll try his best.” Stefanowski said.Lamont, who appeared with fellow Democrats outside the state Capitol for a victory news conference, insisted he understands that residents are facing financial pressures. Besides pledging to enact some kind of immediate relief before the regular legislative session — something Democratic legislative leaders have also discussed — Lamont said he plans to work with lawmakers after January to find other ways to make the state more affordable.“I’m going to make sure that I do everything that I can to make sure to help the middle class during this incredibly tough time,” he said.Lamont also stressed Wednesday that he plans to submit legislation to extend spending limitations included in a bipartisan state budget deal reached five years ago and are scheduled to expire in 2025. There have been some suggestions by some lawmakers to scale it back and divert money to other initiatives.“I think it served us very well, and I am going to be asking the legislature to continue that going forward,” Lamont said. “It gives us a clear sense of direction and how we’re getting our fiscal house in order.”]]> Conn. high school football teams partner with National Guard /state-news-stories/996fe06d14d6689f3f2d3a98c1935bd8 Thu, 10 Nov 2022 10:50:00 -0600 /state-news-stories/996fe06d14d6689f3f2d3a98c1935bd8 Several high school football teams in Connecticut are partnering with the National Guard during the month of November to hold Military Appreciation Games in honor of currently serving members of the military and veterans. During the games, players will wear specially designed Connecticut National Guard jerseys that feature a camouflage pattern. The partnership is being created as part of the Connecticut National Guard’s Hometown Football Uniform program, which aligns currently serving Guardsmen with schools so they can discuss with students the importance and overlap of the Army Values with the values necessary for success in team sports. Major General Francis Evon, adjutant general of the Connecticut National Guard, says they appreciate the support from the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference. He says most young people are not aware of the benefits and opportunities the Guard can provide them as they live here/serve here, and this is a step in bridging that knowledge gap. Connecticut residents that are members of the Connecticut Army and Air National Guard, currently serving members of the other branches of the U.S. military, and qualifying veterans receive 100% free tuition to in-state colleges and universities.]]> Several high school football teams in Connecticut are partnering with the National Guard during the month of November to hold Military Appreciation Games in honor of currently serving members of the military and veterans. During the games, players will wear specially designed Connecticut National Guard jerseys that feature a camouflage pattern. The partnership is being created as part of the Connecticut National Guard’s Hometown Football Uniform program, which aligns currently serving Guardsmen with schools so they can discuss with students the importance and overlap of the Army Values with the values necessary for success in team sports. Major General Francis Evon, adjutant general of the Connecticut National Guard, says they appreciate the support from the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference. He says most young people are not aware of the benefits and opportunities the Guard can provide them as they live here/serve here, and this is a step in bridging that knowledge gap. Connecticut residents that are members of the Connecticut Army and Air National Guard, currently serving members of the other branches of the U.S. military, and qualifying veterans receive 100% free tuition to in-state colleges and universities.]]> Blumenthal wins 3rd Senate term, fends off Trump-backed Levy /state-news-stories/85ffc8431a788ce26da412a4f8f458a2 Wed, 09 Nov 2022 03:53:00 -0600 /state-news-stories/85ffc8431a788ce26da412a4f8f458a2 HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal on Tuesday won a third term in office, fending off a challenge from first-time candidate Leora Levy, a Republican who was endorsed by former President Donald Trump.Blumenthal, the state’s former attorney general, focused much of his campaign on being a backstop for abortion rights in Connecticut and Democratic policies in Washington. Blumenthal vowed to fight any effort in Congress to impose a national abortion ban that would override Connecticut’s current law. Abortion is legal in Connecticut with restrictions.In a victory speech in Hartford, Blumenthal promised to reach across the aisle and work with Republicans on issues such as fighting inflation, cutting taxes and protecting Social Security and Medicare.He said the nation needs to find its way back to “the common ground that brings us together,” but said it is also facing a dangerous time because of divisions and threats of violent extremism. He alluded to political clashes ahead.“When the fight comes, I will be there for you. And the fight will be coming. It will be more difficult now than before. But we need to stand together. And I will stand with you to fight for the people of Connecticut,” Blumenthal said.In the Republican primary, Levy defeated the party’s endorsed candidate, former state House Minority Leader Themis Klarides, a social moderate. Levy received a late endorsement in that race from former President Donald Trump, who also held a fundraiser for Levy at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida.Levy had hoped to become the first Republican U.S. senator from Connecticut since Lowell P. Weicker Jr., who served from 1971 to 1989.Appearing with her family on Tuesday night, Levy told her supporters that even though she lost the race, she will not stop fighting for them.“I will not stop fighting for our state, for our freedom, and for our great country. I feel the weight and the responsibility of the hopes and dreams of so many here in Connecticut who yearn for change,” she said.Levy tried to make the race more about President Joe Biden than Trump, working to capitalize on voters’ concerns about inflation and financial struggles.She also took a socially conservative tack that hadn’t been seen much in Connecticut statewide elections, opposing abortion rights except in certain situations and taking a stand against various gun control measures. Levy has also made parents’ rights a major campaign issue, calling for the end of “indoctrination and discrimination” in Connecticut schools after a Greenwich assistant principal was apparently secretly recorded saying he’d prefer not to hire politically conservative staff, including Roman Catholics.Some moderate Republicans predicted that Blumenthal, 76, would sail to victory after Levy won her party’s primary in August. Party leaders had originally hoped Klarides, who supports abortion rights, would be a strong contender, especially after Blumenthal registered his lowest job approval rating since taking office in 2011 in a Quinnipiac poll conducted in May.]]> HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal on Tuesday won a third term in office, fending off a challenge from first-time candidate Leora Levy, a Republican who was endorsed by former President Donald Trump.Blumenthal, the state’s former attorney general, focused much of his campaign on being a backstop for abortion rights in Connecticut and Democratic policies in Washington. Blumenthal vowed to fight any effort in Congress to impose a national abortion ban that would override Connecticut’s current law. Abortion is legal in Connecticut with restrictions.In a victory speech in Hartford, Blumenthal promised to reach across the aisle and work with Republicans on issues such as fighting inflation, cutting taxes and protecting Social Security and Medicare.He said the nation needs to find its way back to “the common ground that brings us together,” but said it is also facing a dangerous time because of divisions and threats of violent extremism. He alluded to political clashes ahead.“When the fight comes, I will be there for you. And the fight will be coming. It will be more difficult now than before. But we need to stand together. And I will stand with you to fight for the people of Connecticut,” Blumenthal said.In the Republican primary, Levy defeated the party’s endorsed candidate, former state House Minority Leader Themis Klarides, a social moderate. Levy received a late endorsement in that race from former President Donald Trump, who also held a fundraiser for Levy at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida.Levy had hoped to become the first Republican U.S. senator from Connecticut since Lowell P. Weicker Jr., who served from 1971 to 1989.Appearing with her family on Tuesday night, Levy told her supporters that even though she lost the race, she will not stop fighting for them.“I will not stop fighting for our state, for our freedom, and for our great country. I feel the weight and the responsibility of the hopes and dreams of so many here in Connecticut who yearn for change,” she said.Levy tried to make the race more about President Joe Biden than Trump, working to capitalize on voters’ concerns about inflation and financial struggles.She also took a socially conservative tack that hadn’t been seen much in Connecticut statewide elections, opposing abortion rights except in certain situations and taking a stand against various gun control measures. Levy has also made parents’ rights a major campaign issue, calling for the end of “indoctrination and discrimination” in Connecticut schools after a Greenwich assistant principal was apparently secretly recorded saying he’d prefer not to hire politically conservative staff, including Roman Catholics.Some moderate Republicans predicted that Blumenthal, 76, would sail to victory after Levy won her party’s primary in August. Party leaders had originally hoped Klarides, who supports abortion rights, would be a strong contender, especially after Blumenthal registered his lowest job approval rating since taking office in 2011 in a Quinnipiac poll conducted in May.]]> Democrat Ned Lamont wins 2nd term as Connecticut governor /state-news-stories/1f699edb7206381c7bd618405902dd07 Wed, 09 Nov 2022 03:52:00 -0600 /state-news-stories/1f699edb7206381c7bd618405902dd07 HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Democrat Ned Lamont has won reelection as Connecticut governor, defeating Republican businessman Bob Stefanowski for the second time in four years following a campaign battle that focused on abortion access, crime and the cost of living.The first-term governor weathered Stefanowski’s accusations that he’s oblivious to the financial toll that inflation and taxes have taken on everyday residents. Lamont instead painted for voters a rosy picture of a state that has successfully emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic, reduced taxes, paid down pension debt and now has a robust savings account.“Connecticut gets it right. We had a good election, a fair election. Now we all come together, we work together as one. Because that’s what Connecticut always does,” Lamont told supporters in a victory speech in Hartford.Stefanowski told supporters earlier in the night that he was not ready to concede. A spokesperson said the campaign would not have further comment until Wednesday morning.The two rivals presented starkly different views of public safety in Connecticut. Stefanowski called crime in Connecticut “out of control,” echoing a message from Republicans across the country, and proposed overhauling parts of the 2020 police accountability law which he said is to blame for challenges recruiting more police officers. Lamont has countered with statistics that show a 3% reduction in overall crime between 2020 and 2021, saying it’s a positive trend despite political “fearmongering.”Voters have been deluged with TV ads paid for by various political action committees as well as the candidates themselves, who’ve each invested millions of dollars of their own money in the race.The last Republican governor in Connecticut was M. Jodi Rell, a moderate who served until January 2011.Democrats focused heavily on the abortion issue, in light of the overturning of Roe v. Wade. They hoped to drive abortion-rights supporters to the polls in a state where abortion is legal with restrictions. Stefanowski calls himself “pro-choice,” but Democrats argued he can’t be trusted to protect Connecticut’s laws.Former President Donald Trump backed Stefanowski in his 2018 run, but he did not weigh in on this year’s race. Also, Stefanowski didn’t seek a rating from the National Rifle Association. In 2018, he received an A rating. Lamont has received an F for 2022.Lamont, a former cable TV entrepreneur, spent more than $20 million of his own money, exceeding the $15 million he spent in 2018. The national parties and various political action committees also dumped large sums into negative ads.A mergers and acquisitions expert, Stefanowski loaned his campaign $12 million, more than triple his investment in the 2018 race.Lamont was running for reelection with Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, while Stefanowski tapped state Rep. Laura Devlin as a running mate.Cheshire banker Rob Hotaling and Stewart “Chip” Beckett were running on the Independent Party line.]]> HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Democrat Ned Lamont has won reelection as Connecticut governor, defeating Republican businessman Bob Stefanowski for the second time in four years following a campaign battle that focused on abortion access, crime and the cost of living.The first-term governor weathered Stefanowski’s accusations that he’s oblivious to the financial toll that inflation and taxes have taken on everyday residents. Lamont instead painted for voters a rosy picture of a state that has successfully emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic, reduced taxes, paid down pension debt and now has a robust savings account.“Connecticut gets it right. We had a good election, a fair election. Now we all come together, we work together as one. Because that’s what Connecticut always does,” Lamont told supporters in a victory speech in Hartford.Stefanowski told supporters earlier in the night that he was not ready to concede. A spokesperson said the campaign would not have further comment until Wednesday morning.The two rivals presented starkly different views of public safety in Connecticut. Stefanowski called crime in Connecticut “out of control,” echoing a message from Republicans across the country, and proposed overhauling parts of the 2020 police accountability law which he said is to blame for challenges recruiting more police officers. Lamont has countered with statistics that show a 3% reduction in overall crime between 2020 and 2021, saying it’s a positive trend despite political “fearmongering.”Voters have been deluged with TV ads paid for by various political action committees as well as the candidates themselves, who’ve each invested millions of dollars of their own money in the race.The last Republican governor in Connecticut was M. Jodi Rell, a moderate who served until January 2011.Democrats focused heavily on the abortion issue, in light of the overturning of Roe v. Wade. They hoped to drive abortion-rights supporters to the polls in a state where abortion is legal with restrictions. Stefanowski calls himself “pro-choice,” but Democrats argued he can’t be trusted to protect Connecticut’s laws.Former President Donald Trump backed Stefanowski in his 2018 run, but he did not weigh in on this year’s race. Also, Stefanowski didn’t seek a rating from the National Rifle Association. In 2018, he received an A rating. Lamont has received an F for 2022.Lamont, a former cable TV entrepreneur, spent more than $20 million of his own money, exceeding the $15 million he spent in 2018. The national parties and various political action committees also dumped large sums into negative ads.A mergers and acquisitions expert, Stefanowski loaned his campaign $12 million, more than triple his investment in the 2018 race.Lamont was running for reelection with Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, while Stefanowski tapped state Rep. Laura Devlin as a running mate.Cheshire banker Rob Hotaling and Stewart “Chip” Beckett were running on the Independent Party line.]]> States reach two settlements with Experian over data breaches in 2012, 2015 /state-news-stories/8f72e575556bab8f762af5c109803446 Tue, 08 Nov 2022 07:15:00 -0600 /state-news-stories/8f72e575556bab8f762af5c109803446 Connecticut and other states have obtained two multistate settlements with Experian concerning data breaches it experienced in 2012 and 2015 that compromised the personal information of millions of consumers nationwide. The coalition also obtained a separate settlement with T-Mobile in connection with the 2015 Experian breach, which impacted more than 15 million individuals who submitted credit applications with T-Mobile. Under the settlements, the companies have agreed to improve their data security practices and to pay the states a combined amount of more than $16 million. Connecticut will receive a total of $886,175 from the settlements. In September 2015, Experian, one of the big-three credit reporting bureaus, reported it had experienced a data breach in which an unauthorized actor gained access to part of Experian’s network storing personal information on behalf of its client, T-Mobile. The breach involved information associated with consumers who had applied for T-Mobile postpaid services and device financing between September 2013 and September 2015, including names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, identification numbers (such as driver’s license and passport numbers), and related information used in T-Mobile’s own credit assessments. 142,789 Connecticut residents were impacted by the 2015 breach. Neither Experian’s consumer credit database, nor T-Mobile’s own systems, were compromised in the breach. Connecticut co-led a 40-state multistate group which has obtained separate settlements from Experian and T-Mobile in connection with the 2015 data breach. Under a $12.67 million settlement, Experian has agreed to strengthen its due diligence and data security practices going forward. Anyone who was part of the 2019 class action settlement is eligible to enroll in extended credit monitoring services. Affected consumers can enroll in the 5-year extended credit monitoring services. The enrollment window will remain open for 6 months.]]> Connecticut and other states have obtained two multistate settlements with Experian concerning data breaches it experienced in 2012 and 2015 that compromised the personal information of millions of consumers nationwide. The coalition also obtained a separate settlement with T-Mobile in connection with the 2015 Experian breach, which impacted more than 15 million individuals who submitted credit applications with T-Mobile. Under the settlements, the companies have agreed to improve their data security practices and to pay the states a combined amount of more than $16 million. Connecticut will receive a total of $886,175 from the settlements. In September 2015, Experian, one of the big-three credit reporting bureaus, reported it had experienced a data breach in which an unauthorized actor gained access to part of Experian’s network storing personal information on behalf of its client, T-Mobile. The breach involved information associated with consumers who had applied for T-Mobile postpaid services and device financing between September 2013 and September 2015, including names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, identification numbers (such as driver’s license and passport numbers), and related information used in T-Mobile’s own credit assessments. 142,789 Connecticut residents were impacted by the 2015 breach. Neither Experian’s consumer credit database, nor T-Mobile’s own systems, were compromised in the breach. Connecticut co-led a 40-state multistate group which has obtained separate settlements from Experian and T-Mobile in connection with the 2015 data breach. Under a $12.67 million settlement, Experian has agreed to strengthen its due diligence and data security practices going forward. Anyone who was part of the 2019 class action settlement is eligible to enroll in extended credit monitoring services. Affected consumers can enroll in the 5-year extended credit monitoring services. The enrollment window will remain open for 6 months.]]> Drought Stage Level in Conn. lowered /state-news-stories/8b3444212b4083c82187ad4960b17aba Tue, 08 Nov 2022 07:13:00 -0600 /state-news-stories/8b3444212b4083c82187ad4960b17aba Recent rainfall has brought some relief when it comes to drought conditions in Connecticut.  The Interagency Drought Working Group says there's been relief from lower than normal conditions in the state are recommend reducing the drought advisory declared in October.  State officials have agreed and the entire state has moved from a Stage 2 drought level to Stage 1. Working Group chair Martin Heft says water levels around the state are returning to normal conditions, but some reservoirs and ground water levels remain below normal.  He added that upcoming storms should hopefully return water levels to normal and allow the state to formally announce an end to the drought. The Working Group will continue to closely monitor various drought triggers and will make further recommendations as conditions warrant. The entity consists of several state agency representatives that meets as necessary to assess drought conditions and make recommendations to the governor on the state’s response. The Stage 1 drought level is a preparedness stage that serves to alert the parties who should be prepared to respond to potentially worsening drought conditions. Typically, this stage is activated in response to early signals of abnormally dry conditions and serves as “heads up” for the possibility of a developing drought. In this case, as the state emerges from the drought, this stage is serving as a reminder for residents and public water suppliers to continually monitor conditions and water usage. There is no expectation for a broad public notice of a Stage 1 declaration. The Connecticut Interagency Drought Workgroup will continue to monitor conditions and plans to meet again in December.]]> Recent rainfall has brought some relief when it comes to drought conditions in Connecticut.  The Interagency Drought Working Group says there's been relief from lower than normal conditions in the state are recommend reducing the drought advisory declared in October.  State officials have agreed and the entire state has moved from a Stage 2 drought level to Stage 1. Working Group chair Martin Heft says water levels around the state are returning to normal conditions, but some reservoirs and ground water levels remain below normal.  He added that upcoming storms should hopefully return water levels to normal and allow the state to formally announce an end to the drought. The Working Group will continue to closely monitor various drought triggers and will make further recommendations as conditions warrant. The entity consists of several state agency representatives that meets as necessary to assess drought conditions and make recommendations to the governor on the state’s response. The Stage 1 drought level is a preparedness stage that serves to alert the parties who should be prepared to respond to potentially worsening drought conditions. Typically, this stage is activated in response to early signals of abnormally dry conditions and serves as “heads up” for the possibility of a developing drought. In this case, as the state emerges from the drought, this stage is serving as a reminder for residents and public water suppliers to continually monitor conditions and water usage. There is no expectation for a broad public notice of a Stage 1 declaration. The Connecticut Interagency Drought Workgroup will continue to monitor conditions and plans to meet again in December.]]> Conn. residents to decide on whether to allow early voting /state-news-stories/976a2b8571d2d6f03fa74f7a91b38ffe Mon, 07 Nov 2022 12:50:00 -0600 /state-news-stories/976a2b8571d2d6f03fa74f7a91b38ffe Just four states — Alabama, Connecticut, Mississippi and New Hampshire — lack an in-person early voting option for all voters. Connecticut’s November ballot will feature a proposed constitutional amendment authorizing the Democratic-led General Assembly to create an early voting law. A similar ballot proposal failed in 2014.The proposed change would simply remove an outdated provision in the state constitution that the results be delivered “under seal.”Local officials in the late 1700s and early 1800s delivered election results — not ballots — to state officials in a package sealed by hot wax. The practice has long been discontinued, but the constitutional requirement can only be removed with an amendment approved by voters.If the measure is approved, voters will still return their ballots sealed in two envelopes. Local officials will also still be required to deliver election results to the secretary of state’s office, both electronically and by mail in a sealed envelope.The referendum, as it appears on the ballot, reads: “Shall the Constitution of the State be amended to permit the General Assembly to provide for early voting?”]]> Just four states — Alabama, Connecticut, Mississippi and New Hampshire — lack an in-person early voting option for all voters. Connecticut’s November ballot will feature a proposed constitutional amendment authorizing the Democratic-led General Assembly to create an early voting law. A similar ballot proposal failed in 2014.The proposed change would simply remove an outdated provision in the state constitution that the results be delivered “under seal.”Local officials in the late 1700s and early 1800s delivered election results — not ballots — to state officials in a package sealed by hot wax. The practice has long been discontinued, but the constitutional requirement can only be removed with an amendment approved by voters.If the measure is approved, voters will still return their ballots sealed in two envelopes. Local officials will also still be required to deliver election results to the secretary of state’s office, both electronically and by mail in a sealed envelope.The referendum, as it appears on the ballot, reads: “Shall the Constitution of the State be amended to permit the General Assembly to provide for early voting?”]]> Man surrenders to Connecticut police after 3-day standoff /state-news-stories/49fde5a8368637f4c6137a3b8ed94a96 Mon, 07 Nov 2022 10:24:00 -0600 /state-news-stories/49fde5a8368637f4c6137a3b8ed94a96 MILFORD, Conn. (AP) — A Connecticut man believed to be armed has surrendered to police after a three-day standoff in his apartment. Police in Milford say they took the man into custody Friday afternoon. The unidentified man had claimed his landlord locked him into his apartment overnight Tuesday and that he had tried to shoot the lock off. Police responded to the scene and even cut off gas and electricity to the apartment to try and get him to come out. Hearst Connecticut reports officers believed they saw the man with a shotgun or other long gun but haven't been able to confirm whether a shot was fired in the apartment.]]> MILFORD, Conn. (AP) — A Connecticut man believed to be armed has surrendered to police after a three-day standoff in his apartment. Police in Milford say they took the man into custody Friday afternoon. The unidentified man had claimed his landlord locked him into his apartment overnight Tuesday and that he had tried to shoot the lock off. Police responded to the scene and even cut off gas and electricity to the apartment to try and get him to come out. Hearst Connecticut reports officers believed they saw the man with a shotgun or other long gun but haven't been able to confirm whether a shot was fired in the apartment.]]> Connecticut warns of foraging bears amid acorn crop failure /state-news-stories/3133638e5149cf153075af71fd9da72d Mon, 07 Nov 2022 10:24:00 -0600 /state-news-stories/3133638e5149cf153075af71fd9da72d HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Wildlife officials in Connecticut are warning residents to be especially vigilant about feeding bears, whether intentionally or unintentionally. The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection says a widespread acorn crop failure has reduced the amount of a food bears normally depend on as they try to put on as much weight to prepare for winter hibernation. They say the lack of acorns could cause bears to forage through trash and seek out human-associated food. Officials say they've already recorded a record number of bears breaking into homes this year in Connecticut. The state's black bear population is estimated to be over 1,000.]]> HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Wildlife officials in Connecticut are warning residents to be especially vigilant about feeding bears, whether intentionally or unintentionally. The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection says a widespread acorn crop failure has reduced the amount of a food bears normally depend on as they try to put on as much weight to prepare for winter hibernation. They say the lack of acorns could cause bears to forage through trash and seek out human-associated food. Officials say they've already recorded a record number of bears breaking into homes this year in Connecticut. The state's black bear population is estimated to be over 1,000.]]> Liquor Control Authorities issue Daylight Saving Warning /state-news-stories/6d99711d2dfc69f517bc2e1f32132ebe Fri, 04 Nov 2022 12:49:00 -0500 /state-news-stories/6d99711d2dfc69f517bc2e1f32132ebe The Department of Consumer Protection Division of Liquor Control has a reminder for the public that when the clocks are turned back from 2 am to 1am on Sunday morning.  Bars and restaurants may not remain open an “extra hour.” At that time, no more sales, consumption, or presence of alcoholic beverages is allowed in bars or restaurants according to state liquor regulations.  Commissioner Michelle Seagull says people should head home courtesy of public transportation, a taxi or rideshare service, or a designated driver, and enjoy that extra hour of sleep.]]> The Department of Consumer Protection Division of Liquor Control has a reminder for the public that when the clocks are turned back from 2 am to 1am on Sunday morning.  Bars and restaurants may not remain open an “extra hour.” At that time, no more sales, consumption, or presence of alcoholic beverages is allowed in bars or restaurants according to state liquor regulations.  Commissioner Michelle Seagull says people should head home courtesy of public transportation, a taxi or rideshare service, or a designated driver, and enjoy that extra hour of sleep.]]> Enforcement actions filed against 2 alleged illegal robocallers /state-news-stories/049bdcb08a0b48dff2365024c4329c44 Fri, 04 Nov 2022 05:47:00 -0500 /state-news-stories/049bdcb08a0b48dff2365024c4329c44 The national Anti-Robocall Litigation Task Force is asking a court to require two voice service providers to cooperate in multistate investigations over alleged involvement in illegal robocalls. The Connecticut Attorney General's Office is a lead on the Task Force and has developed evidence that both Avid Telecom and One Eye LLC accepted and routed fraudulent robocalls, including government imposter scams, fake legal threats, and phony offers purporting to be from businesses like Amazon and Apple. The task force is seeking a court order to enforce compliance as they have stopped responding to the task force in the investigation and to hold them accountable. The Anti-Robocall Litigation Task Force on August 2nd issued 20 civil investigative demands seeking answers from 20 gateway providers and other entities allegedly responsible for a majority of foreign robocall traffic. Gateway providers that bring foreign traffic into the U-S telephone network have a responsibility to ensure the traffic is legal, but these providers are not taking sufficient action to stop robocall traffic. 51 attorneys general participate in the national task force. Connecticut is among 16 states on the Executive Committee leading this task force. They say robocalls responsible for $29.8 billion in fraud last year alone. The task force is focused on shutting down the gateways that profit off this illegal scam traffic. According to the National Consumer Law Center and Electronic Privacy Information Center, more than 33 million scam robocalls are made to Americans every day.]]> The national Anti-Robocall Litigation Task Force is asking a court to require two voice service providers to cooperate in multistate investigations over alleged involvement in illegal robocalls. The Connecticut Attorney General's Office is a lead on the Task Force and has developed evidence that both Avid Telecom and One Eye LLC accepted and routed fraudulent robocalls, including government imposter scams, fake legal threats, and phony offers purporting to be from businesses like Amazon and Apple. The task force is seeking a court order to enforce compliance as they have stopped responding to the task force in the investigation and to hold them accountable. The Anti-Robocall Litigation Task Force on August 2nd issued 20 civil investigative demands seeking answers from 20 gateway providers and other entities allegedly responsible for a majority of foreign robocall traffic. Gateway providers that bring foreign traffic into the U-S telephone network have a responsibility to ensure the traffic is legal, but these providers are not taking sufficient action to stop robocall traffic. 51 attorneys general participate in the national task force. Connecticut is among 16 states on the Executive Committee leading this task force. They say robocalls responsible for $29.8 billion in fraud last year alone. The task force is focused on shutting down the gateways that profit off this illegal scam traffic. According to the National Consumer Law Center and Electronic Privacy Information Center, more than 33 million scam robocalls are made to Americans every day.]]> Connecticut Senate candidate uses Trump /state-news-stories/4de6f79a9c39437773d71d84596c5e29 Fri, 04 Nov 2022 05:46:00 -0500 /state-news-stories/4de6f79a9c39437773d71d84596c5e29 HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — She’s the only statewide candidate running in Connecticut this year to be endorsed by former President Donald Trump, but Republican Leora Levy has been cautious in mentioning his political support during her race against Democratic U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal.Levy, a first-time candidate and Republican National Committee member, thanked Trump for “having my back” after winning the August primary in an upset, promising “I will not let you down.” But she has often deflected questions about the controversial former president in the months that have followed.“Trump is not on the ballot,” she recently told a reporter. “And if there’s any president’s name on the ballot, it’s Joe Biden, because of his failed policies.”Like many GOP candidates this year, Levy has instead focused her campaign heavily on affordability, crime and parents’ rights issues. And she contends her message resonates with voters in this politically blue state, despite conventional wisdom that Trump’s endorsement, coupled with her opposition to abortion rights and other conservative stances, will hurt her in the general election.“The failed economic policies of the Biden administration, rubber stamped by Dick Blumenthal, have made life unaffordable for everybody,” she said in a recent interview with The Associated Press, when asked why she thinks she can win this year.National Republican optimism has grown in recent weeks that anti-Democratic political headwinds will help underdog candidates initially considered a risky choice for the GOP. However, it’s questionable whether those winds will be strong enough to help Levy defeat Blumenthal, a well-known two-term U.S. senator, former state attorney general and U.S. attorney. A recent Quinnipiac Poll showed likely voters preferred Blumenthal over Levy by a 15 point margin.Levy believes the race is much closer.“Democrats will come up to me they’ll whisper, ‘Don’t tell anybody, but I’m voting for you,’” Levy said. Her campaign was buoyed by news that the National Republican Senatorial Committee was spending money for the first time on TV ads in the race, though the amount was small: $100,000.Blumenthal has maintained a huge lead when it comes to campaign funds. As of Oct. 19, he still had more than $3 million in cash on hand while Levy, who loaned her campaign $1.7 million, had $432,156 left to spend.The two-term Democratic senator’s campaign has focused much of its spending on TV ads, often reminding voters that Levy is Trump’s favored candidate. Blumenthal is hoping the message will resonate in a state where the same Quinnipiac Poll showed 62% of likely voters have an unfavorable opinion of the former president.On Wednesday night, during the only debate in the race, Blumenthal doubled-down on Levy’s ties to Trump. He said that his opponent told the former president that “I will always have your back” means she’s out of sync with Connecticut voters.“If you always have President Trump’s back, you can’t have Connecticut’s back,” he said. “If you’re 100% Trump, that’s 100% wrong for Connecticut.”Levy portrayed Trump’s endorsement like any other she has received.“I’m a uniter,” she said. “I’ve been endorsed by a lot of people in our party.”Blumenthal has used Trump’s endorsement of Levy as a fundraising tool, often referring to her as his “Trump-backed opponent” in messages to donors. His campaign recently sent out an email with a photo of Levy appearing last month with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida for a Levy campaign fundraiser. Trump has not visited Connecticut to campaign for her.“When speaking to the voters of our state, my GOP opponent has been trying to pretend she’s not a puppet of Donald Trump — but her extremist record and recent pilgrimage to genuflect before him tell a very different story,” Blumenthal says in the fundraising email to supporters.A former commodities trader who immigrated to the U.S. from Cuba as a young girl, Levy was Trump’s nominee for ambassador to Chile but was never confirmed. She’s known in national Republican circles for her fundraising abilities.Levy wasn’t the first choice for state Republican leaders to run for the U.S. Senate. At the party’s convention this spring, delegates endorsed former state House Minority Leader Themis Klarides, a socially moderate Republican who supports abortion rights and some gun control measures.But Levy, who supported former Republican Florida Gov. Jeb Bush in the 2016 presidential election and wrote at the time in an op-ed that Trump was “vulgar, ill-mannered and disparages those whom he cannot intimidate,” surprised many by winning the primary. It came days after receiving Trump’s endorsement, which was announced over speaker phone at a GOP picnic. Moderate Republicans quickly took to social media, predicting they had lost their chance to finally defeat Blumenthal.Levy declined to discuss what she acknowledged was a “contentious primary,” maintaining the state’s Republican Party is now united behind her candidacy.“I’m looking forward. Let’s talk about the future and why I’m going to win this election,” she said. “I’m going to win this election because Connecticut voters don’t want to live like this anymore.”]]> HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — She’s the only statewide candidate running in Connecticut this year to be endorsed by former President Donald Trump, but Republican Leora Levy has been cautious in mentioning his political support during her race against Democratic U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal.Levy, a first-time candidate and Republican National Committee member, thanked Trump for “having my back” after winning the August primary in an upset, promising “I will not let you down.” But she has often deflected questions about the controversial former president in the months that have followed.“Trump is not on the ballot,” she recently told a reporter. “And if there’s any president’s name on the ballot, it’s Joe Biden, because of his failed policies.”Like many GOP candidates this year, Levy has instead focused her campaign heavily on affordability, crime and parents’ rights issues. And she contends her message resonates with voters in this politically blue state, despite conventional wisdom that Trump’s endorsement, coupled with her opposition to abortion rights and other conservative stances, will hurt her in the general election.“The failed economic policies of the Biden administration, rubber stamped by Dick Blumenthal, have made life unaffordable for everybody,” she said in a recent interview with The Associated Press, when asked why she thinks she can win this year.National Republican optimism has grown in recent weeks that anti-Democratic political headwinds will help underdog candidates initially considered a risky choice for the GOP. However, it’s questionable whether those winds will be strong enough to help Levy defeat Blumenthal, a well-known two-term U.S. senator, former state attorney general and U.S. attorney. A recent Quinnipiac Poll showed likely voters preferred Blumenthal over Levy by a 15 point margin.Levy believes the race is much closer.“Democrats will come up to me they’ll whisper, ‘Don’t tell anybody, but I’m voting for you,’” Levy said. Her campaign was buoyed by news that the National Republican Senatorial Committee was spending money for the first time on TV ads in the race, though the amount was small: $100,000.Blumenthal has maintained a huge lead when it comes to campaign funds. As of Oct. 19, he still had more than $3 million in cash on hand while Levy, who loaned her campaign $1.7 million, had $432,156 left to spend.The two-term Democratic senator’s campaign has focused much of its spending on TV ads, often reminding voters that Levy is Trump’s favored candidate. Blumenthal is hoping the message will resonate in a state where the same Quinnipiac Poll showed 62% of likely voters have an unfavorable opinion of the former president.On Wednesday night, during the only debate in the race, Blumenthal doubled-down on Levy’s ties to Trump. He said that his opponent told the former president that “I will always have your back” means she’s out of sync with Connecticut voters.“If you always have President Trump’s back, you can’t have Connecticut’s back,” he said. “If yo


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State News Stories State News Headlines en-us State funding announced to connect those experiencing homelessness with support services /state-news-stories/90552f40d57edd1884857cd45beb77ff Fri, 11 Nov 2022 09:52:00 -0600 /state-news-stories/90552f40d57edd1884857cd45beb77ff Governor Ned Lamont's administration is releasing nearly $8.5 million in additional aid to connect those experiencing homelessness with support services – including housing, food, and mental health services – ahead of the upcoming winter season. The goal of the funding is to ensure that pathways to the homeless service system and human points of contact remain available for those seeking assistance. $5 million from the Connecticut Department of Housing will support seasonal shelters and services throughout the homeless service system during the winter.  $2.5 million will develop new hubs within each of the state’s seven regional Coordinated Access Networks that supports the hiring of more staff, ensuring flexible financial assistance is available, and technological upgrades can be supported and $500,000 will go to the United Way of Connecticut to increase staffing at 2-1-1. $475,000 from the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services will be used by the United Way of Connecticut to support costs related to the complex needs of unsheltered individuals and families during periods of extreme cold weather.   The Department of Housing is working with the seven regional Coordinated Access Networks on the development of these hubs, which will be able to accept walk-in appointments and receive direct referrals from 2-1-1 staff for those who indicate they are experiencing homelessness. The hubs will serve to provide support for repeat callers of 2-1-1, while helping to reduce overall call volume at the service.]]> Governor Ned Lamont's administration is releasing nearly $8.5 million in additional aid to connect those experiencing homelessness with support services – including housing, food, and mental health services – ahead of the upcoming winter season. The goal of the funding is to ensure that pathways to the homeless service system and human points of contact remain available for those seeking assistance. $5 million from the Connecticut Department of Housing will support seasonal shelters and services throughout the homeless service system during the winter.  $2.5 million will develop new hubs within each of the state’s seven regional Coordinated Access Networks that supports the hiring of more staff, ensuring flexible financial assistance is available, and technological upgrades can be supported and $500,000 will go to the United Way of Connecticut to increase staffing at 2-1-1. $475,000 from the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services will be used by the United Way of Connecticut to support costs related to the complex needs of unsheltered individuals and families during periods of extreme cold weather.   The Department of Housing is working with the seven regional Coordinated Access Networks on the development of these hubs, which will be able to accept walk-in appointments and receive direct referrals from 2-1-1 staff for those who indicate they are experiencing homelessness. The hubs will serve to provide support for repeat callers of 2-1-1, while helping to reduce overall call volume at the service.]]> Payment plans, assistance programs available to help Conn. residents with heating costs /state-news-stories/9020acf9c13c75ee48ce9a7a963edef2 Fri, 11 Nov 2022 09:50:00 -0600 /state-news-stories/9020acf9c13c75ee48ce9a7a963edef2 With winter approaching and heating systems being turned on, Eversource is reminding customers about available resources. In recognition of Heating Assistance Awareness Month in Connecticut, the utility is raising awareness about payment plans and assistance programs, many of which have state income requirements. Customers who've never needed assistance previously may not realize they qualify for protection from service disconnection and may also be eligible for other programs to reduce past due balances.  The Winter Protection Plan protects income eligible customers from disconnection from November 1 through May 1. Connecticut’s Energy Assistance Program provides assistance for winter heating costs for thousands of homeowners and renters who meet state income guidelines. Customers can learn more and apply online at CT.gov/heatinghelp. Operation Fuel provides year-round emergency energy and utility assistance for customers facing a financial crisis. The Matching Payment Program can lower a past due balance with monthly payments for electric or gas heating customers receiving public assistance benefits.  The New Start Program subtracts from overdue balances for electric customers as on-time monthly payments are made. Flexible Payment Plans are available to all customers, regardless of income, to pay their past-due balance over a period of time. Residential customers with active service may be eligible for payment plans up to 18 months.]]> With winter approaching and heating systems being turned on, Eversource is reminding customers about available resources. In recognition of Heating Assistance Awareness Month in Connecticut, the utility is raising awareness about payment plans and assistance programs, many of which have state income requirements. Customers who've never needed assistance previously may not realize they qualify for protection from service disconnection and may also be eligible for other programs to reduce past due balances.  The Winter Protection Plan protects income eligible customers from disconnection from November 1 through May 1. Connecticut’s Energy Assistance Program provides assistance for winter heating costs for thousands of homeowners and renters who meet state income guidelines. Customers can learn more and apply online at CT.gov/heatinghelp. Operation Fuel provides year-round emergency energy and utility assistance for customers facing a financial crisis. The Matching Payment Program can lower a past due balance with monthly payments for electric or gas heating customers receiving public assistance benefits.  The New Start Program subtracts from overdue balances for electric customers as on-time monthly payments are made. Flexible Payment Plans are available to all customers, regardless of income, to pay their past-due balance over a period of time. Residential customers with active service may be eligible for payment plans up to 18 months.]]> Ex-Yale coach gets 5 months in admissions bribery scandal /state-news-stories/3f699a9bad65cba7bd16eaac6a2cf43b Fri, 11 Nov 2022 09:49:00 -0600 /state-news-stories/3f699a9bad65cba7bd16eaac6a2cf43b BOSTON (AP) — The former Yale University women’s soccer coach whose cooperation with authorities helped blow the lid off the nationwide college admissions bribery scandal by leading the FBI to the scheme’s mastermind was sentenced Wednesday to five months in prison.Rudy Meredith, head coach at Yale from 1995 until 2018, pleaded guilty in March 2019 to wire fraud for taking hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes to help students get into the elite Ivy League university as soccer recruits. In one case, the recruit did not play competitive soccer, prosecutors have said.Federal prosecutors and Meredith’s defense lawyers had recommended no additional prison time beyond the one day he had already spent in custody. But U.S. District Court Judge Mark Wolf said Wednesday that Meredith’s greed and his victims warranted a stiffer sentence.Wolf described the victims as the members of the Yale team who were “betrayed” by being cheated out of having better teammates, as well as unknown victims — young women who might have gotten into Yale had Meredith not decided to essentially sell slots on the team. Those unknown victims may have included women from disadvantaged backgrounds, the judge said.]]> BOSTON (AP) — The former Yale University women’s soccer coach whose cooperation with authorities helped blow the lid off the nationwide college admissions bribery scandal by leading the FBI to the scheme’s mastermind was sentenced Wednesday to five months in prison.Rudy Meredith, head coach at Yale from 1995 until 2018, pleaded guilty in March 2019 to wire fraud for taking hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes to help students get into the elite Ivy League university as soccer recruits. In one case, the recruit did not play competitive soccer, prosecutors have said.Federal prosecutors and Meredith’s defense lawyers had recommended no additional prison time beyond the one day he had already spent in custody. But U.S. District Court Judge Mark Wolf said Wednesday that Meredith’s greed and his victims warranted a stiffer sentence.Wolf described the victims as the members of the Yale team who were “betrayed” by being cheated out of having better teammates, as well as unknown victims — young women who might have gotten into Yale had Meredith not decided to essentially sell slots on the team. Those unknown victims may have included women from disadvantaged backgrounds, the judge said.]]> Fresh off victory, Lamont considering gas tax cut extension /state-news-stories/4cffe8c5364f531294d31cbcc6da2c01 Thu, 10 Nov 2022 10:51:00 -0600 /state-news-stories/4cffe8c5364f531294d31cbcc6da2c01 HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont, hours after winning a second term, said Wednesday he is considering additional steps to help make life more affordable for residents, including extending the state’s gas tax holiday beyond its looming Dec. 1 expiration date.The Democrat said he has asked his budget director to review state gas tax revenues and budget reserves to see what can be done before the General Assembly convenes in January.“I’ve got to see what we can afford and we’re going to model this out,” he said, noting he wants to make sure there’s still enough revenue to fix roads and bridges. “Right now, I think we’re in decent shape, but I’d like to sit down and talk with the legislature about how we can continue a gas tax cut beyond December 1st.”Inflation and affordability were key issues in the race for governor. Lamont often pointed to the wide-ranging Democratic tax-reduction package he signed into law earlier this year that included about $600 million in cuts, including continuation of a 25-cent-per-gallon gas tax cut until Dec. 1. His Republican challenger Bob Stefanowski argued that more needed to be done, proposing a $2 billion tax relief package.During a morning radio show on Wednesday, shortly after conceding the race to Lamont, Stefanowski said he urged the governor during a phone call to “take care of both sides of the aisle” and try to help everyone who is struggling with high inflation.“I think he’s a good guy. He’s probably going to try to do the right thing. But, you know, we’re headed into a 40% increase in utility costs and rolling blackouts. I just hope he puts the people first. I’m sure he’ll try his best.” Stefanowski said.Lamont, who appeared with fellow Democrats outside the state Capitol for a victory news conference, insisted he understands that residents are facing financial pressures. Besides pledging to enact some kind of immediate relief before the regular legislative session — something Democratic legislative leaders have also discussed — Lamont said he plans to work with lawmakers after January to find other ways to make the state more affordable.“I’m going to make sure that I do everything that I can to make sure to help the middle class during this incredibly tough time,” he said.Lamont also stressed Wednesday that he plans to submit legislation to extend spending limitations included in a bipartisan state budget deal reached five years ago and are scheduled to expire in 2025. There have been some suggestions by some lawmakers to scale it back and divert money to other initiatives.“I think it served us very well, and I am going to be asking the legislature to continue that going forward,” Lamont said. “It gives us a clear sense of direction and how we’re getting our fiscal house in order.”]]> HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont, hours after winning a second term, said Wednesday he is considering additional steps to help make life more affordable for residents, including extending the state’s gas tax holiday beyond its looming Dec. 1 expiration date.The Democrat said he has asked his budget director to review state gas tax revenues and budget reserves to see what can be done before the General Assembly convenes in January.“I’ve got to see what we can afford and we’re going to model this out,” he said, noting he wants to make sure there’s still enough revenue to fix roads and bridges. “Right now, I think we’re in decent shape, but I’d like to sit down and talk with the legislature about how we can continue a gas tax cut beyond December 1st.”Inflation and affordability were key issues in the race for governor. Lamont often pointed to the wide-ranging Democratic tax-reduction package he signed into law earlier this year that included about $600 million in cuts, including continuation of a 25-cent-per-gallon gas tax cut until Dec. 1. His Republican challenger Bob Stefanowski argued that more needed to be done, proposing a $2 billion tax relief package.During a morning radio show on Wednesday, shortly after conceding the race to Lamont, Stefanowski said he urged the governor during a phone call to “take care of both sides of the aisle” and try to help everyone who is struggling with high inflation.“I think he’s a good guy. He’s probably going to try to do the right thing. But, you know, we’re headed into a 40% increase in utility costs and rolling blackouts. I just hope he puts the people first. I’m sure he’ll try his best.” Stefanowski said.Lamont, who appeared with fellow Democrats outside the state Capitol for a victory news conference, insisted he understands that residents are facing financial pressures. Besides pledging to enact some kind of immediate relief before the regular legislative session — something Democratic legislative leaders have also discussed — Lamont said he plans to work with lawmakers after January to find other ways to make the state more affordable.“I’m going to make sure that I do everything that I can to make sure to help the middle class during this incredibly tough time,” he said.Lamont also stressed Wednesday that he plans to submit legislation to extend spending limitations included in a bipartisan state budget deal reached five years ago and are scheduled to expire in 2025. There have been some suggestions by some lawmakers to scale it back and divert money to other initiatives.“I think it served us very well, and I am going to be asking the legislature to continue that going forward,” Lamont said. “It gives us a clear sense of direction and how we’re getting our fiscal house in order.”]]> Conn. high school football teams partner with National Guard /state-news-stories/996fe06d14d6689f3f2d3a98c1935bd8 Thu, 10 Nov 2022 10:50:00 -0600 /state-news-stories/996fe06d14d6689f3f2d3a98c1935bd8 Several high school football teams in Connecticut are partnering with the National Guard during the month of November to hold Military Appreciation Games in honor of currently serving members of the military and veterans. During the games, players will wear specially designed Connecticut National Guard jerseys that feature a camouflage pattern. The partnership is being created as part of the Connecticut National Guard’s Hometown Football Uniform program, which aligns currently serving Guardsmen with schools so they can discuss with students the importance and overlap of the Army Values with the values necessary for success in team sports. Major General Francis Evon, adjutant general of the Connecticut National Guard, says they appreciate the support from the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference. He says most young people are not aware of the benefits and opportunities the Guard can provide them as they live here/serve here, and this is a step in bridging that knowledge gap. Connecticut residents that are members of the Connecticut Army and Air National Guard, currently serving members of the other branches of the U.S. military, and qualifying veterans receive 100% free tuition to in-state colleges and universities.]]> Several high school football teams in Connecticut are partnering with the National Guard during the month of November to hold Military Appreciation Games in honor of currently serving members of the military and veterans. During the games, players will wear specially designed Connecticut National Guard jerseys that feature a camouflage pattern. The partnership is being created as part of the Connecticut National Guard’s Hometown Football Uniform program, which aligns currently serving Guardsmen with schools so they can discuss with students the importance and overlap of the Army Values with the values necessary for success in team sports. Major General Francis Evon, adjutant general of the Connecticut National Guard, says they appreciate the support from the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference. He says most young people are not aware of the benefits and opportunities the Guard can provide them as they live here/serve here, and this is a step in bridging that knowledge gap. Connecticut residents that are members of the Connecticut Army and Air National Guard, currently serving members of the other branches of the U.S. military, and qualifying veterans receive 100% free tuition to in-state colleges and universities.]]> Blumenthal wins 3rd Senate term, fends off Trump-backed Levy /state-news-stories/85ffc8431a788ce26da412a4f8f458a2 Wed, 09 Nov 2022 03:53:00 -0600 /state-news-stories/85ffc8431a788ce26da412a4f8f458a2 HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal on Tuesday won a third term in office, fending off a challenge from first-time candidate Leora Levy, a Republican who was endorsed by former President Donald Trump.Blumenthal, the state’s former attorney general, focused much of his campaign on being a backstop for abortion rights in Connecticut and Democratic policies in Washington. Blumenthal vowed to fight any effort in Congress to impose a national abortion ban that would override Connecticut’s current law. Abortion is legal in Connecticut with restrictions.In a victory speech in Hartford, Blumenthal promised to reach across the aisle and work with Republicans on issues such as fighting inflation, cutting taxes and protecting Social Security and Medicare.He said the nation needs to find its way back to “the common ground that brings us together,” but said it is also facing a dangerous time because of divisions and threats of violent extremism. He alluded to political clashes ahead.“When the fight comes, I will be there for you. And the fight will be coming. It will be more difficult now than before. But we need to stand together. And I will stand with you to fight for the people of Connecticut,” Blumenthal said.In the Republican primary, Levy defeated the party’s endorsed candidate, former state House Minority Leader Themis Klarides, a social moderate. Levy received a late endorsement in that race from former President Donald Trump, who also held a fundraiser for Levy at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida.Levy had hoped to become the first Republican U.S. senator from Connecticut since Lowell P. Weicker Jr., who served from 1971 to 1989.Appearing with her family on Tuesday night, Levy told her supporters that even though she lost the race, she will not stop fighting for them.“I will not stop fighting for our state, for our freedom, and for our great country. I feel the weight and the responsibility of the hopes and dreams of so many here in Connecticut who yearn for change,” she said.Levy tried to make the race more about President Joe Biden than Trump, working to capitalize on voters’ concerns about inflation and financial struggles.She also took a socially conservative tack that hadn’t been seen much in Connecticut statewide elections, opposing abortion rights except in certain situations and taking a stand against various gun control measures. Levy has also made parents’ rights a major campaign issue, calling for the end of “indoctrination and discrimination” in Connecticut schools after a Greenwich assistant principal was apparently secretly recorded saying he’d prefer not to hire politically conservative staff, including Roman Catholics.Some moderate Republicans predicted that Blumenthal, 76, would sail to victory after Levy won her party’s primary in August. Party leaders had originally hoped Klarides, who supports abortion rights, would be a strong contender, especially after Blumenthal registered his lowest job approval rating since taking office in 2011 in a Quinnipiac poll conducted in May.]]> HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal on Tuesday won a third term in office, fending off a challenge from first-time candidate Leora Levy, a Republican who was endorsed by former President Donald Trump.Blumenthal, the state’s former attorney general, focused much of his campaign on being a backstop for abortion rights in Connecticut and Democratic policies in Washington. Blumenthal vowed to fight any effort in Congress to impose a national abortion ban that would override Connecticut’s current law. Abortion is legal in Connecticut with restrictions.In a victory speech in Hartford, Blumenthal promised to reach across the aisle and work with Republicans on issues such as fighting inflation, cutting taxes and protecting Social Security and Medicare.He said the nation needs to find its way back to “the common ground that brings us together,” but said it is also facing a dangerous time because of divisions and threats of violent extremism. He alluded to political clashes ahead.“When the fight comes, I will be there for you. And the fight will be coming. It will be more difficult now than before. But we need to stand together. And I will stand with you to fight for the people of Connecticut,” Blumenthal said.In the Republican primary, Levy defeated the party’s endorsed candidate, former state House Minority Leader Themis Klarides, a social moderate. Levy received a late endorsement in that race from former President Donald Trump, who also held a fundraiser for Levy at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida.Levy had hoped to become the first Republican U.S. senator from Connecticut since Lowell P. Weicker Jr., who served from 1971 to 1989.Appearing with her family on Tuesday night, Levy told her supporters that even though she lost the race, she will not stop fighting for them.“I will not stop fighting for our state, for our freedom, and for our great country. I feel the weight and the responsibility of the hopes and dreams of so many here in Connecticut who yearn for change,” she said.Levy tried to make the race more about President Joe Biden than Trump, working to capitalize on voters’ concerns about inflation and financial struggles.She also took a socially conservative tack that hadn’t been seen much in Connecticut statewide elections, opposing abortion rights except in certain situations and taking a stand against various gun control measures. Levy has also made parents’ rights a major campaign issue, calling for the end of “indoctrination and discrimination” in Connecticut schools after a Greenwich assistant principal was apparently secretly recorded saying he’d prefer not to hire politically conservative staff, including Roman Catholics.Some moderate Republicans predicted that Blumenthal, 76, would sail to victory after Levy won her party’s primary in August. Party leaders had originally hoped Klarides, who supports abortion rights, would be a strong contender, especially after Blumenthal registered his lowest job approval rating since taking office in 2011 in a Quinnipiac poll conducted in May.]]> Democrat Ned Lamont wins 2nd term as Connecticut governor /state-news-stories/1f699edb7206381c7bd618405902dd07 Wed, 09 Nov 2022 03:52:00 -0600 /state-news-stories/1f699edb7206381c7bd618405902dd07 HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Democrat Ned Lamont has won reelection as Connecticut governor, defeating Republican businessman Bob Stefanowski for the second time in four years following a campaign battle that focused on abortion access, crime and the cost of living.The first-term governor weathered Stefanowski’s accusations that he’s oblivious to the financial toll that inflation and taxes have taken on everyday residents. Lamont instead painted for voters a rosy picture of a state that has successfully emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic, reduced taxes, paid down pension debt and now has a robust savings account.“Connecticut gets it right. We had a good election, a fair election. Now we all come together, we work together as one. Because that’s what Connecticut always does,” Lamont told supporters in a victory speech in Hartford.Stefanowski told supporters earlier in the night that he was not ready to concede. A spokesperson said the campaign would not have further comment until Wednesday morning.The two rivals presented starkly different views of public safety in Connecticut. Stefanowski called crime in Connecticut “out of control,” echoing a message from Republicans across the country, and proposed overhauling parts of the 2020 police accountability law which he said is to blame for challenges recruiting more police officers. Lamont has countered with statistics that show a 3% reduction in overall crime between 2020 and 2021, saying it’s a positive trend despite political “fearmongering.”Voters have been deluged with TV ads paid for by various political action committees as well as the candidates themselves, who’ve each invested millions of dollars of their own money in the race.The last Republican governor in Connecticut was M. Jodi Rell, a moderate who served until January 2011.Democrats focused heavily on the abortion issue, in light of the overturning of Roe v. Wade. They hoped to drive abortion-rights supporters to the polls in a state where abortion is legal with restrictions. Stefanowski calls himself “pro-choice,” but Democrats argued he can’t be trusted to protect Connecticut’s laws.Former President Donald Trump backed Stefanowski in his 2018 run, but he did not weigh in on this year’s race. Also, Stefanowski didn’t seek a rating from the National Rifle Association. In 2018, he received an A rating. Lamont has received an F for 2022.Lamont, a former cable TV entrepreneur, spent more than $20 million of his own money, exceeding the $15 million he spent in 2018. The national parties and various political action committees also dumped large sums into negative ads.A mergers and acquisitions expert, Stefanowski loaned his campaign $12 million, more than triple his investment in the 2018 race.Lamont was running for reelection with Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, while Stefanowski tapped state Rep. Laura Devlin as a running mate.Cheshire banker Rob Hotaling and Stewart “Chip” Beckett were running on the Independent Party line.]]> HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Democrat Ned Lamont has won reelection as Connecticut governor, defeating Republican businessman Bob Stefanowski for the second time in four years following a campaign battle that focused on abortion access, crime and the cost of living.The first-term governor weathered Stefanowski’s accusations that he’s oblivious to the financial toll that inflation and taxes have taken on everyday residents. Lamont instead painted for voters a rosy picture of a state that has successfully emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic, reduced taxes, paid down pension debt and now has a robust savings account.“Connecticut gets it right. We had a good election, a fair election. Now we all come together, we work together as one. Because that’s what Connecticut always does,” Lamont told supporters in a victory speech in Hartford.Stefanowski told supporters earlier in the night that he was not ready to concede. A spokesperson said the campaign would not have further comment until Wednesday morning.The two rivals presented starkly different views of public safety in Connecticut. Stefanowski called crime in Connecticut “out of control,” echoing a message from Republicans across the country, and proposed overhauling parts of the 2020 police accountability law which he said is to blame for challenges recruiting more police officers. Lamont has countered with statistics that show a 3% reduction in overall crime between 2020 and 2021, saying it’s a positive trend despite political “fearmongering.”Voters have been deluged with TV ads paid for by various political action committees as well as the candidates themselves, who’ve each invested millions of dollars of their own money in the race.The last Republican governor in Connecticut was M. Jodi Rell, a moderate who served until January 2011.Democrats focused heavily on the abortion issue, in light of the overturning of Roe v. Wade. They hoped to drive abortion-rights supporters to the polls in a state where abortion is legal with restrictions. Stefanowski calls himself “pro-choice,” but Democrats argued he can’t be trusted to protect Connecticut’s laws.Former President Donald Trump backed Stefanowski in his 2018 run, but he did not weigh in on this year’s race. Also, Stefanowski didn’t seek a rating from the National Rifle Association. In 2018, he received an A rating. Lamont has received an F for 2022.Lamont, a former cable TV entrepreneur, spent more than $20 million of his own money, exceeding the $15 million he spent in 2018. The national parties and various political action committees also dumped large sums into negative ads.A mergers and acquisitions expert, Stefanowski loaned his campaign $12 million, more than triple his investment in the 2018 race.Lamont was running for reelection with Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, while Stefanowski tapped state Rep. Laura Devlin as a running mate.Cheshire banker Rob Hotaling and Stewart “Chip” Beckett were running on the Independent Party line.]]> States reach two settlements with Experian over data breaches in 2012, 2015 /state-news-stories/8f72e575556bab8f762af5c109803446 Tue, 08 Nov 2022 07:15:00 -0600 /state-news-stories/8f72e575556bab8f762af5c109803446 Connecticut and other states have obtained two multistate settlements with Experian concerning data breaches it experienced in 2012 and 2015 that compromised the personal information of millions of consumers nationwide. The coalition also obtained a separate settlement with T-Mobile in connection with the 2015 Experian breach, which impacted more than 15 million individuals who submitted credit applications with T-Mobile. Under the settlements, the companies have agreed to improve their data security practices and to pay the states a combined amount of more than $16 million. Connecticut will receive a total of $886,175 from the settlements. In September 2015, Experian, one of the big-three credit reporting bureaus, reported it had experienced a data breach in which an unauthorized actor gained access to part of Experian’s network storing personal information on behalf of its client, T-Mobile. The breach involved information associated with consumers who had applied for T-Mobile postpaid services and device financing between September 2013 and September 2015, including names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, identification numbers (such as driver’s license and passport numbers), and related information used in T-Mobile’s own credit assessments. 142,789 Connecticut residents were impacted by the 2015 breach. Neither Experian’s consumer credit database, nor T-Mobile’s own systems, were compromised in the breach. Connecticut co-led a 40-state multistate group which has obtained separate settlements from Experian and T-Mobile in connection with the 2015 data breach. Under a $12.67 million settlement, Experian has agreed to strengthen its due diligence and data security practices going forward. Anyone who was part of the 2019 class action settlement is eligible to enroll in extended credit monitoring services. Affected consumers can enroll in the 5-year extended credit monitoring services. The enrollment window will remain open for 6 months.]]> Connecticut and other states have obtained two multistate settlements with Experian concerning data breaches it experienced in 2012 and 2015 that compromised the personal information of millions of consumers nationwide. The coalition also obtained a separate settlement with T-Mobile in connection with the 2015 Experian breach, which impacted more than 15 million individuals who submitted credit applications with T-Mobile. Under the settlements, the companies have agreed to improve their data security practices and to pay the states a combined amount of more than $16 million. Connecticut will receive a total of $886,175 from the settlements. In September 2015, Experian, one of the big-three credit reporting bureaus, reported it had experienced a data breach in which an unauthorized actor gained access to part of Experian’s network storing personal information on behalf of its client, T-Mobile. The breach involved information associated with consumers who had applied for T-Mobile postpaid services and device financing between September 2013 and September 2015, including names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers, identification numbers (such as driver’s license and passport numbers), and related information used in T-Mobile’s own credit assessments. 142,789 Connecticut residents were impacted by the 2015 breach. Neither Experian’s consumer credit database, nor T-Mobile’s own systems, were compromised in the breach. Connecticut co-led a 40-state multistate group which has obtained separate settlements from Experian and T-Mobile in connection with the 2015 data breach. Under a $12.67 million settlement, Experian has agreed to strengthen its due diligence and data security practices going forward. Anyone who was part of the 2019 class action settlement is eligible to enroll in extended credit monitoring services. Affected consumers can enroll in the 5-year extended credit monitoring services. The enrollment window will remain open for 6 months.]]> Drought Stage Level in Conn. lowered /state-news-stories/8b3444212b4083c82187ad4960b17aba Tue, 08 Nov 2022 07:13:00 -0600 /state-news-stories/8b3444212b4083c82187ad4960b17aba Recent rainfall has brought some relief when it comes to drought conditions in Connecticut.  The Interagency Drought Working Group says there's been relief from lower than normal conditions in the state are recommend reducing the drought advisory declared in October.  State officials have agreed and the entire state has moved from a Stage 2 drought level to Stage 1. Working Group chair Martin Heft says water levels around the state are returning to normal conditions, but some reservoirs and ground water levels remain below normal.  He added that upcoming storms should hopefully return water levels to normal and allow the state to formally announce an end to the drought. The Working Group will continue to closely monitor various drought triggers and will make further recommendations as conditions warrant. The entity consists of several state agency representatives that meets as necessary to assess drought conditions and make recommendations to the governor on the state’s response. The Stage 1 drought level is a preparedness stage that serves to alert the parties who should be prepared to respond to potentially worsening drought conditions. Typically, this stage is activated in response to early signals of abnormally dry conditions and serves as “heads up” for the possibility of a developing drought. In this case, as the state emerges from the drought, this stage is serving as a reminder for residents and public water suppliers to continually monitor conditions and water usage. There is no expectation for a broad public notice of a Stage 1 declaration. The Connecticut Interagency Drought Workgroup will continue to monitor conditions and plans to meet again in December.]]> Recent rainfall has brought some relief when it comes to drought conditions in Connecticut.  The Interagency Drought Working Group says there's been relief from lower than normal conditions in the state are recommend reducing the drought advisory declared in October.  State officials have agreed and the entire state has moved from a Stage 2 drought level to Stage 1. Working Group chair Martin Heft says water levels around the state are returning to normal conditions, but some reservoirs and ground water levels remain below normal.  He added that upcoming storms should hopefully return water levels to normal and allow the state to formally announce an end to the drought. The Working Group will continue to closely monitor various drought triggers and will make further recommendations as conditions warrant. The entity consists of several state agency representatives that meets as necessary to assess drought conditions and make recommendations to the governor on the state’s response. The Stage 1 drought level is a preparedness stage that serves to alert the parties who should be prepared to respond to potentially worsening drought conditions. Typically, this stage is activated in response to early signals of abnormally dry conditions and serves as “heads up” for the possibility of a developing drought. In this case, as the state emerges from the drought, this stage is serving as a reminder for residents and public water suppliers to continually monitor conditions and water usage. There is no expectation for a broad public notice of a Stage 1 declaration. The Connecticut Interagency Drought Workgroup will continue to monitor conditions and plans to meet again in December.]]> Conn. residents to decide on whether to allow early voting /state-news-stories/976a2b8571d2d6f03fa74f7a91b38ffe Mon, 07 Nov 2022 12:50:00 -0600 /state-news-stories/976a2b8571d2d6f03fa74f7a91b38ffe Just four states — Alabama, Connecticut, Mississippi and New Hampshire — lack an in-person early voting option for all voters. Connecticut’s November ballot will feature a proposed constitutional amendment authorizing the Democratic-led General Assembly to create an early voting law. A similar ballot proposal failed in 2014.The proposed change would simply remove an outdated provision in the state constitution that the results be delivered “under seal.”Local officials in the late 1700s and early 1800s delivered election results — not ballots — to state officials in a package sealed by hot wax. The practice has long been discontinued, but the constitutional requirement can only be removed with an amendment approved by voters.If the measure is approved, voters will still return their ballots sealed in two envelopes. Local officials will also still be required to deliver election results to the secretary of state’s office, both electronically and by mail in a sealed envelope.The referendum, as it appears on the ballot, reads: “Shall the Constitution of the State be amended to permit the General Assembly to provide for early voting?”]]> Just four states — Alabama, Connecticut, Mississippi and New Hampshire — lack an in-person early voting option for all voters. Connecticut’s November ballot will feature a proposed constitutional amendment authorizing the Democratic-led General Assembly to create an early voting law. A similar ballot proposal failed in 2014.The proposed change would simply remove an outdated provision in the state constitution that the results be delivered “under seal.”Local officials in the late 1700s and early 1800s delivered election results — not ballots — to state officials in a package sealed by hot wax. The practice has long been discontinued, but the constitutional requirement can only be removed with an amendment approved by voters.If the measure is approved, voters will still return their ballots sealed in two envelopes. Local officials will also still be required to deliver election results to the secretary of state’s office, both electronically and by mail in a sealed envelope.The referendum, as it appears on the ballot, reads: “Shall the Constitution of the State be amended to permit the General Assembly to provide for early voting?”]]> Man surrenders to Connecticut police after 3-day standoff /state-news-stories/49fde5a8368637f4c6137a3b8ed94a96 Mon, 07 Nov 2022 10:24:00 -0600 /state-news-stories/49fde5a8368637f4c6137a3b8ed94a96 MILFORD, Conn. (AP) — A Connecticut man believed to be armed has surrendered to police after a three-day standoff in his apartment. Police in Milford say they took the man into custody Friday afternoon. The unidentified man had claimed his landlord locked him into his apartment overnight Tuesday and that he had tried to shoot the lock off. Police responded to the scene and even cut off gas and electricity to the apartment to try and get him to come out. Hearst Connecticut reports officers believed they saw the man with a shotgun or other long gun but haven't been able to confirm whether a shot was fired in the apartment.]]> MILFORD, Conn. (AP) — A Connecticut man believed to be armed has surrendered to police after a three-day standoff in his apartment. Police in Milford say they took the man into custody Friday afternoon. The unidentified man had claimed his landlord locked him into his apartment overnight Tuesday and that he had tried to shoot the lock off. Police responded to the scene and even cut off gas and electricity to the apartment to try and get him to come out. Hearst Connecticut reports officers believed they saw the man with a shotgun or other long gun but haven't been able to confirm whether a shot was fired in the apartment.]]> Connecticut warns of foraging bears amid acorn crop failure /state-news-stories/3133638e5149cf153075af71fd9da72d Mon, 07 Nov 2022 10:24:00 -0600 /state-news-stories/3133638e5149cf153075af71fd9da72d HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Wildlife officials in Connecticut are warning residents to be especially vigilant about feeding bears, whether intentionally or unintentionally. The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection says a widespread acorn crop failure has reduced the amount of a food bears normally depend on as they try to put on as much weight to prepare for winter hibernation. They say the lack of acorns could cause bears to forage through trash and seek out human-associated food. Officials say they've already recorded a record number of bears breaking into homes this year in Connecticut. The state's black bear population is estimated to be over 1,000.]]> HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Wildlife officials in Connecticut are warning residents to be especially vigilant about feeding bears, whether intentionally or unintentionally. The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection says a widespread acorn crop failure has reduced the amount of a food bears normally depend on as they try to put on as much weight to prepare for winter hibernation. They say the lack of acorns could cause bears to forage through trash and seek out human-associated food. Officials say they've already recorded a record number of bears breaking into homes this year in Connecticut. The state's black bear population is estimated to be over 1,000.]]> Liquor Control Authorities issue Daylight Saving Warning /state-news-stories/6d99711d2dfc69f517bc2e1f32132ebe Fri, 04 Nov 2022 12:49:00 -0500 /state-news-stories/6d99711d2dfc69f517bc2e1f32132ebe The Department of Consumer Protection Division of Liquor Control has a reminder for the public that when the clocks are turned back from 2 am to 1am on Sunday morning.  Bars and restaurants may not remain open an “extra hour.” At that time, no more sales, consumption, or presence of alcoholic beverages is allowed in bars or restaurants according to state liquor regulations.  Commissioner Michelle Seagull says people should head home courtesy of public transportation, a taxi or rideshare service, or a designated driver, and enjoy that extra hour of sleep.]]> The Department of Consumer Protection Division of Liquor Control has a reminder for the public that when the clocks are turned back from 2 am to 1am on Sunday morning.  Bars and restaurants may not remain open an “extra hour.” At that time, no more sales, consumption, or presence of alcoholic beverages is allowed in bars or restaurants according to state liquor regulations.  Commissioner Michelle Seagull says people should head home courtesy of public transportation, a taxi or rideshare service, or a designated driver, and enjoy that extra hour of sleep.]]> Enforcement actions filed against 2 alleged illegal robocallers /state-news-stories/049bdcb08a0b48dff2365024c4329c44 Fri, 04 Nov 2022 05:47:00 -0500 /state-news-stories/049bdcb08a0b48dff2365024c4329c44 The national Anti-Robocall Litigation Task Force is asking a court to require two voice service providers to cooperate in multistate investigations over alleged involvement in illegal robocalls. The Connecticut Attorney General's Office is a lead on the Task Force and has developed evidence that both Avid Telecom and One Eye LLC accepted and routed fraudulent robocalls, including government imposter scams, fake legal threats, and phony offers purporting to be from businesses like Amazon and Apple. The task force is seeking a court order to enforce compliance as they have stopped responding to the task force in the investigation and to hold them accountable. The Anti-Robocall Litigation Task Force on August 2nd issued 20 civil investigative demands seeking answers from 20 gateway providers and other entities allegedly responsible for a majority of foreign robocall traffic. Gateway providers that bring foreign traffic into the U-S telephone network have a responsibility to ensure the traffic is legal, but these providers are not taking sufficient action to stop robocall traffic. 51 attorneys general participate in the national task force. Connecticut is among 16 states on the Executive Committee leading this task force. They say robocalls responsible for $29.8 billion in fraud last year alone. The task force is focused on shutting down the gateways that profit off this illegal scam traffic. According to the National Consumer Law Center and Electronic Privacy Information Center, more than 33 million scam robocalls are made to Americans every day.]]> The national Anti-Robocall Litigation Task Force is asking a court to require two voice service providers to cooperate in multistate investigations over alleged involvement in illegal robocalls. The Connecticut Attorney General's Office is a lead on the Task Force and has developed evidence that both Avid Telecom and One Eye LLC accepted and routed fraudulent robocalls, including government imposter scams, fake legal threats, and phony offers purporting to be from businesses like Amazon and Apple. The task force is seeking a court order to enforce compliance as they have stopped responding to the task force in the investigation and to hold them accountable. The Anti-Robocall Litigation Task Force on August 2nd issued 20 civil investigative demands seeking answers from 20 gateway providers and other entities allegedly responsible for a majority of foreign robocall traffic. Gateway providers that bring foreign traffic into the U-S telephone network have a responsibility to ensure the traffic is legal, but these providers are not taking sufficient action to stop robocall traffic. 51 attorneys general participate in the national task force. Connecticut is among 16 states on the Executive Committee leading this task force. They say robocalls responsible for $29.8 billion in fraud last year alone. The task force is focused on shutting down the gateways that profit off this illegal scam traffic. According to the National Consumer Law Center and Electronic Privacy Information Center, more than 33 million scam robocalls are made to Americans every day.]]> Connecticut Senate candidate uses Trump /state-news-stories/4de6f79a9c39437773d71d84596c5e29 Fri, 04 Nov 2022 05:46:00 -0500 /state-news-stories/4de6f79a9c39437773d71d84596c5e29 HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — She’s the only statewide candidate running in Connecticut this year to be endorsed by former President Donald Trump, but Republican Leora Levy has been cautious in mentioning his political support during her race against Democratic U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal.Levy, a first-time candidate and Republican National Committee member, thanked Trump for “having my back” after winning the August primary in an upset, promising “I will not let you down.” But she has often deflected questions about the controversial former president in the months that have followed.“Trump is not on the ballot,” she recently told a reporter. “And if there’s any president’s name on the ballot, it’s Joe Biden, because of his failed policies.”Like many GOP candidates this year, Levy has instead focused her campaign heavily on affordability, crime and parents’ rights issues. And she contends her message resonates with voters in this politically blue state, despite conventional wisdom that Trump’s endorsement, coupled with her opposition to abortion rights and other conservative stances, will hurt her in the general election.“The failed economic policies of the Biden administration, rubber stamped by Dick Blumenthal, have made life unaffordable for everybody,” she said in a recent interview with The Associated Press, when asked why she thinks she can win this year.National Republican optimism has grown in recent weeks that anti-Democratic political headwinds will help underdog candidates initially considered a risky choice for the GOP. However, it’s questionable whether those winds will be strong enough to help Levy defeat Blumenthal, a well-known two-term U.S. senator, former state attorney general and U.S. attorney. A recent Quinnipiac Poll showed likely voters preferred Blumenthal over Levy by a 15 point margin.Levy believes the race is much closer.“Democrats will come up to me they’ll whisper, ‘Don’t tell anybody, but I’m voting for you,’” Levy said. Her campaign was buoyed by news that the National Republican Senatorial Committee was spending money for the first time on TV ads in the race, though the amount was small: $100,000.Blumenthal has maintained a huge lead when it comes to campaign funds. As of Oct. 19, he still had more than $3 million in cash on hand while Levy, who loaned her campaign $1.7 million, had $432,156 left to spend.The two-term Democratic senator’s campaign has focused much of its spending on TV ads, often reminding voters that Levy is Trump’s favored candidate. Blumenthal is hoping the message will resonate in a state where the same Quinnipiac Poll showed 62% of likely voters have an unfavorable opinion of the former president.On Wednesday night, during the only debate in the race, Blumenthal doubled-down on Levy’s ties to Trump. He said that his opponent told the former president that “I will always have your back” means she’s out of sync with Connecticut voters.“If you always have President Trump’s back, you can’t have Connecticut’s back,” he said. “If you’re 100% Trump, that’s 100% wrong for Connecticut.”Levy portrayed Trump’s endorsement like any other she has received.“I’m a uniter,” she said. “I’ve been endorsed by a lot of people in our party.”Blumenthal has used Trump’s endorsement of Levy as a fundraising tool, often referring to her as his “Trump-backed opponent” in messages to donors. His campaign recently sent out an email with a photo of Levy appearing last month with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida for a Levy campaign fundraiser. Trump has not visited Connecticut to campaign for her.“When speaking to the voters of our state, my GOP opponent has been trying to pretend she’s not a puppet of Donald Trump — but her extremist record and recent pilgrimage to genuflect before him tell a very different story,” Blumenthal says in the fundraising email to supporters.A former commodities trader who immigrated to the U.S. from Cuba as a young girl, Levy was Trump’s nominee for ambassador to Chile but was never confirmed. She’s known in national Republican circles for her fundraising abilities.Levy wasn’t the first choice for state Republican leaders to run for the U.S. Senate. At the party’s convention this spring, delegates endorsed former state House Minority Leader Themis Klarides, a socially moderate Republican who supports abortion rights and some gun control measures.But Levy, who supported former Republican Florida Gov. Jeb Bush in the 2016 presidential election and wrote at the time in an op-ed that Trump was “vulgar, ill-mannered and disparages those whom he cannot intimidate,” surprised many by winning the primary. It came days after receiving Trump’s endorsement, which was announced over speaker phone at a GOP picnic. Moderate Republicans quickly took to social media, predicting they had lost their chance to finally defeat Blumenthal.Levy declined to discuss what she acknowledged was a “contentious primary,” maintaining the state’s Republican Party is now united behind her candidacy.“I’m looking forward. Let’s talk about the future and why I’m going to win this election,” she said. “I’m going to win this election because Connecticut voters don’t want to live like this anymore.”]]> HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — She’s the only statewide candidate running in Connecticut this year to be endorsed by former President Donald Trump, but Republican Leora Levy has been cautious in mentioning his political support during her race against Democratic U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal.Levy, a first-time candidate and Republican National Committee member, thanked Trump for “having my back” after winning the August primary in an upset, promising “I will not let you down.” But she has often deflected questions about the controversial former president in the months that have followed.“Trump is not on the ballot,” she recently told a reporter. “And if there’s any president’s name on the ballot, it’s Joe Biden, because of his failed policies.”Like many GOP candidates this year, Levy has instead focused her campaign heavily on affordability, crime and parents’ rights issues. And she contends her message resonates with voters in this politically blue state, despite conventional wisdom that Trump’s endorsement, coupled with her opposition to abortion rights and other conservative stances, will hurt her in the general election.“The failed economic policies of the Biden administration, rubber stamped by Dick Blumenthal, have made life unaffordable for everybody,” she said in a recent interview with The Associated Press, when asked why she thinks she can win this year.National Republican optimism has grown in recent weeks that anti-Democratic political headwinds will help underdog candidates initially considered a risky choice for the GOP. However, it’s questionable whether those winds will be strong enough to help Levy defeat Blumenthal, a well-known two-term U.S. senator, former state attorney general and U.S. attorney. A recent Quinnipiac Poll showed likely voters preferred Blumenthal over Levy by a 15 point margin.Levy believes the race is much closer.“Democrats will come up to me they’ll whisper, ‘Don’t tell anybody, but I’m voting for you,’” Levy said. Her campaign was buoyed by news that the National Republican Senatorial Committee was spending money for the first time on TV ads in the race, though the amount was small: $100,000.Blumenthal has maintained a huge lead when it comes to campaign funds. As of Oct. 19, he still had more than $3 million in cash on hand while Levy, who loaned her campaign $1.7 million, had $432,156 left to spend.The two-term Democratic senator’s campaign has focused much of its spending on TV ads, often reminding voters that Levy is Trump’s favored candidate. Blumenthal is hoping the message will resonate in a state where the same Quinnipiac Poll showed 62% of likely voters have an unfavorable opinion of the former president.On Wednesday night, during the only debate in the race, Blumenthal doubled-down on Levy’s ties to Trump. He said that his opponent told the former president that “I will always have your back” means she’s out of sync with Connecticut voters.“If you always have President Trump’s back, you can’t have Connecticut’s back,” he said. “If yo

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