Roommates, y’all know Rihanna always stays on the internet’s radar. If social media isn’t busy speculating whether she’s baking another baby, they’re blowing up her mentions about when she’s going to release new music. Well, after years of waiting for the Bad Gal’s highly-anticipated project, fans think it might finally be on the way!

RELATED: Bump Watch? Rihanna Seemingly Addresses Baby Rumors While Talking About Her “Little Pouch” In Interview (VIDEO)

The Internet Is On FULL Alert After Rihanna Gives Peek Into Studio Session

If you’ve been wondering what a day in Rihanna’s life looks like, she just gave a peek. The billionaire boss mom dropped a “Day In The Life” video on Instagram, walking her followers through her packed schedule. The video kicks off with paparazzi seemingly catching Rih heading into a Savage X meeting and later signing a few of her albums. As the night rolls on, the singer hits the studio — yes, y’all, Rihanna was actually in the studio, showing clips from her 2am session. It’s unclear what she was recording, but fans are keeping their fingers crossed hoping she was cooking up hits for her highly anticipated ‘R9’ project. Rih added to the hype as the footage shows her turning up at one point and later taking notes. She wrapped the session at 5am, so the buzz about new music might not be too far off.

A day in Rihanna’s life wouldn’t be complete without showing her in mommy mode. She proved she has motherhood on lock, showing her creative side as she made a whole Mardi Gras outfit for her baby boy RZA — and of course, he looked fly! What else would you expect? After all his mom is known for being a fashion killa! Peep the video below.

Trolling Or Tease? Fans Try To Break Down What Rihanna Has Up Her Sleeve

After TSR dropped Rihanna’s video, the comment section went all the way UP! Folks immediately weighed in with their takes. Some said they were getting emotional, because actually seeing her in the studio hit different. But a few others couldn’t help but side-eye wondering if she was trolling or even cooking up something for a movie instead of her own album.

Instagram user @danielfunnyashell wrote, “RIH IN THE STU!? lord im about to cry.” 

Instagram user @thatgirlneet wrote, “‘After the studio’ y’all heard daaaaattt??????????” 

While Instagram user @_d0ri_ wrote, “She in the studio y’allllll. It’s Pisces season and SHE IS IN THE STUDIOOOOOOO🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾” 

Then Instagram user @thearlingtonskinspecialist wrote, “She’s probably in the studio doing a voice over for a film 😂” 

Instagram user @tanayahenry wrote, “Omgggggg we’re getting music.” 

Another Instagram user @denymkhol wrote, “So she HAS been in the studio!!! 😗👀” 

Instagram user @_reyanta wrote, “Thank ya for the album in advance. We love you Rih @badgalriri.” 

While another Instagram user @lance.you_ing wrote, “Now leave my Pisces queen alone. You see her in the damn studio where I told y’all she’s been. Carry on queen❤️” 

Finally, Instagram user @urboyfriendzfavsinger wrote, “Bae, I’m begging you, just give us the raw demo from the studio session. We gone make it go platinum.” 

Rihanna Gets Real About The Vibe For Her Next Era

Rihanna knows fans have been patiently waiting to hear her voice, but she’s standing ten toes down on the wait being worth it. During her 2025 cover story with Harper’s Bazaar, Rih kept it 100 about what fans could really expect from her album. She admitted she felt sensitive about it because she refuses to drop anything she doesn’t rock with. “This much time away from music needs to count for the next thing everyone hears. It has to matter. I have to show them the worth in the wait. I cannot put out anything mediocre.” 

The mom of three also teased that what she’s cooking up will sound way different from what fans are probably expecting to hear.

“I am actually feeling really good about this. I know I kept saying this over the years. This body needs to come out, and I’m ready to go there. And it’s not going to be commercial or radio digestible. It’s going to be where my artistry deserves to be right now. I feel like I’ve finally cracked it, girl!”

RELATED: Baby #4 Loading? Fans Speculate Rihanna Is Pregnant After Pop Out With A$AP Rocky (PHOTOS + VIDEO) 

An Alabama mother, her teenage daughter and toddler son are still missing after authorities shared a man has been charged with their kidnapping.

During a news conference on Tuesday, February 24, Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch said the suspect, Hector Gamaliel Argueta-Guerra, previously gave a fake name when he was arrested on three counts of kidnapping after Aurelia Choc Cac and her children, Niurika Zuleta Choc and Anthony Garcia Choc went missing in late January, FOX10 News reported.

“He’s clearly a much more dangerous individual than what we originally thought,” Burch said of Argueta-Guerra at the conference.

Aurelia, 40, Niurka, 17, and Anthony, 2, were last seen at their home in Theodore around 3:00 p.m. on January 30, the sheriff’s office previously said in a January 31 news release.

“We do believe the mother, daughter and son were taken against their will and we believe they could be in danger,” the sheriff’s office said at the time.

The FBI is offering a $15,000 reward for any information that leads investigators to the Choc family, the agency said on January 30.

Following Argueta-Guerra’s arrest, he pleaded not guilty in court on February 13 to the kidnapping charges stemming from the family’s disappearance, WKRG reported. The court appointed him a public defender.

Further information on Argueta-Guerra’s public defender was not immediately available.

Related: Man Accused of Stabbing Girlfriend and Her Child Is Sentenced to Death

A man accused of attacking his girlfriend with a shovel and a knife, killing her before fatally stabbing her 4-year-old daughter, has been sentenced to death in Florida, according to court records viewed by Us Weekly. In October 2025, a Hillsborough County jury found Angel Gabriel Cuz Choc guilty of first-degree murder in connection with […]

At the February 24 news conference, where U.S. Department of Homeland Security officials were present, law enforcement said that Argueta-Guerra, 27, is from El Salvador and is an alleged member of Los Surenos, a transnational gang linked to the country, according to WKRG.

He is accused of having a violent criminal history in El Salvador, where he was allegedly involved in an attempted homicide and took part in alleged terrorist activity linked to organized crime, officials said, the TV station reported.

The same year he was suspected of homicide in El Salvador in 2015, he was apprehended in Texas after he was accused of coming to the U.S. illegally, according to officials, FOX10 reported. He was said to have been released from custody about “one month later.”

PJ Lavoie, who is with the Department of Homeland Security, said at the conference that a temporary protected status order had prevented Argueta-Guerra from being removed from the U.S., according to FOX10.

Other people, whose names have not been released, are considered persons of interest in connection with the Choc family’s disappearance, Burch said, the TV station reported.

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A girl reported missing from Texas by her mother more than four years ago was found safe in Mexico after her father was accused of kidnapping her to the country, Us Weekly has learned. The 12-year-old was “safely recovered” in Mexico by U.S. Marshals Service officers on January 20 and has since been reunited with […]

Argueta-Guerra knew Aurelia, Burch said, according to AL.com.

“Everyone involved is involved in the painting industry in some way, shape or form,” Burch said, the outlet reported. “They all knew one another through that occupation, and pretty much all were here illegally.”

After the family went missing, the sheriff’s office said that investigators found “signs of a struggle” at their home.

A potential motive for the alleged kidnapping has not been specified by law enforcement.

The FBI encourages anyone who might have information on the family’s disappearance to call the agency at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or submit an online tip.

Editor’s Note: The following contains spoilers for Elsbeth Season 3, Episode 11.

After a lengthy hiatus, Season 3 of Elsbeth finally kicks off 2026 with its mid-season premiere episode, “Ol’ Man Liver.” So far, the series’ third season has been overwhelmingly positive, both in terms of quality and the titular character herself, played by Carrie Preston. It’s no wonder the series has already secured a Season 4. The question is, does Elsbeth, as per the episode’s punny title reference, “keep on rollin’ along,” or is it dammed?

Hamish Linklater Trades in for a Newer Organ Model in ‘Elsbeth’s “Ol’ Man Liver”

“Ol’ Man Liver” opens on the face of Archer Kopunek (Hamish Linklater), a wealthy, middle-aged biohacker, as he awakens at 4:00 am to begin his daily routine. Soon, we see Archer in an in-house lab, where Dr. Kim (Jason W. Wong) is looking over his biometrics. Through a rigorous daily health routine, Archer’s cellular age sits at 32.4 years. It’s never been lower, and the only thing preventing him from getting lower still is his not-quite-up-to-snuff liver. The news rattles the health-obsessed Archer, but there’s little that can be done medically — sometimes genetics simply play a role that can’t be circumvented.

Just then, opportunity comes knocking in the form of Tyler, a young man on the grounds crew seeking some ice to tend to a bee sting. Archer is instantly captured by Tyler’s physique and asks if Tyler works out regularly. He does not, attributing his health to good genes, prompting Archer to ask about his blood type. Strange, but it makes sense once we see a montage of Tyler going through the same daily routines as Archer, only with blood transfusions added in. Several months later, the arrangement is working for Archer, who is now down to a 31.9 cellular age.

Only the arrangement is not working for Tyler, who wants to move on and do normal things that 22-year-old people do, like try beer and sushi. Archer pleads for him to change his mind, saying how, by following his methods, Tyler could very well be the first man to live forever. It doesn’t work, and Tyler is adamant about moving out at the end of the month. That night, Archer switches their Externa Bands, rings that monitor their biometrics, then forces his heart rate to dangerous levels, triggering a 9-1-1 call with the system believing Tyler is having a stroke. A software update at 12:00 brings the system down, allowing Archer to stick a syringe in Tyler’s neck as he sleeps, forcing an air bubble into his veins that kills him. Deed done, Archer switches the rings back and goes to bed as the lights of the ambulance strike the room.

Elsbeth Gets Closer To Figuring Out Archer Is the Killer

One year later, Captain Wagner (Wendell Pierce) walks in on Elsbeth as she’s talking to Cord (Danny Jolles) about cellular memory, where an organ transplant recipient takes on the characteristics, phobias, and even memories of the donor. As Elsbeth explains, Cord believes that the donor was murdered, plagued by horrible nightmares after the transplant, and seeking answers (“To questions raised by his organ,” Wagner quips). Later that day, Elsbeth accompanies Cord to a gathering of people celebrating the first anniversary of the organ transplants they received from none other than Tyler, and who have all had similar experiences to Cord’s. They’re all accounted for except the liver recipient, who didn’t want to be identified. Cut to Archer, who is told by Dr. Kim that his numbers are perfect.

Back at the precinct, Elsbeth, Wagner, and Officer Reynolds (Bianca “b” Underwood) are perplexed. The medical report indicates that Tyler died at 22 of a stroke, a natural cause of death, and in the police report, paramedics had responded to a distress call from Archer’s home. But if Tyler worked for a biohacker, whose goal is to use science to extend their lives and live forever, why didn’t he make it to 23?

Elsbeth goes to Archer’s home to ask and learns that Tyler was Archer’s trainer. But he didn’t follow the stringent protocol set out by Archer, and you can’t fight genetics, remember? He then shows Elsbeth his Externa Band, similar to the one that initiated the call for help for Tyler, before adding that routine is the cornerstone of good health. Elsbeth politely disagrees, citing three members of her family who lived past 100, before noticing calcinolate, an organ transplant drug, on Archer’s counter, there on account of his liver transplant. But Elsbeth’s assumption that the liver was Tyler’s is wrong, with Archer saying it came from his son, bringing them closer than ever.

Nope. His son, Atlas (Ethan Peterson), calls Archer a “selfish, vindictive prick” and would take his liver back if he could. As he explains, when Archer turned 40, he had the “mother of all midlife crises,” which drove Atlas’ mom away. But he stayed, stuck to all the rules, gave Archer his blood and a part of his liver, only for Archer to accuse him of cheating on the protocol. The news prompts Elsbeth and Reynolds to posit that Archer decided Atlas’ liver wasn’t good enough after believing he cheated, so maybe Archer killed Tyler to get a new one. It would fit the profile and, besides, Tyler was paid over six figures last year, well above what a personal trainer would take in.

Elsbeth Wraps Up Tyler’s Murder Case With a Sweet Treat

Image via CBS

Wagner tasks Detective Rivers (Braeden De La Garza) with assisting Elsbeth, and the two track down an Airstream trailer that Tyler bought two weeks prior to his death. Despite Archer’s claims that Tyler was a loner, a young woman named Ana (Karma Jenkins) answers the door, with Tyler’s Externa Band on a necklace. Ana says they made plans to travel with the trailer after he quit, but it was too late. Elsbeth is shocked at the revelation of Tyler quitting, and further posits that Archer, a health-obsessed perfectionist with abandonment issues, saw Tyler’s exit as the perfect opportunity to replace his liver with a better model. Furthermore, because there were no signs of foul play, organ donation trumped a proper autopsy, and certain induced symptoms could be mistaken for a stroke.

Her theory gains traction after getting hold of a copy of the contract Tyler signed, which gives Archer the rights to anatomical remains in the event of death while under employment, meaning that he would get dibs in the event he needed, say, a liver. Archer would have known the dangers of incorrect syringe use, like an air bubble prompting an air embolism, posing as a stroke to an undiscerning machine. And, curiously, despite Archer posting his biodata on his website daily, there were two notable exceptions: a two-month stint following the partial liver transplant, and a 6-month period after Tyler passed away, matching the recovery time needed for a full liver transplant.

Related

‘Elsbeth’ Season 3 Episode 10 Recap: Andrew Rannells’ Grisly Holiday Murder Mystery Wraps Up 2025 on a High Note

Another Season 3 episode that’s tutu good to miss.

Good enough, and so Elsbeth and a gaggle of police show up at Archer’s house, where she explains everything. It was the rings that brought it all together, with Archer’s cellular age a stunning 22 the day Tyler died, but Tyler’s ring registered his at 31.9, the ages having switched along with the rings. It allowed Archer to stage a fake medical episode that triggered the 9-1-1 call, while the software update gave Archer the window needed to kill Tyler shortly before the ambulance arrived, ensuring the liver stayed as fresh as possible. And if he still wanted to deny it, a warrant would allow police to confirm whose liver Archer really has. Defeated, Archer hangs his head and accepts Elsbeth’s offer of birthday cake fro-yo, given he might as well break protocol now, and claims it’s bliss after a single bite.

“Ol’ Man Liver” is another fantastic episode in a season filled with standouts, but does it say anything about the way things ended back in December with Alec Bloom (Ivan Hernandez), whose claims about his homeless youth may be false? Oh yes, it does. Elsbeth actually confronts Alec about Teddy’s (Ben Levi Ross) findings, but Alec claims he doesn’t remember a lot from that time, and those things he does remember are too hard to think about. Teddy, who is taken off the Alec Bloom beat after his editor is aggressively challenged by Marissa (Sarah Steele), turns up at Elsbeth’s to talk about it, fearing that she’s wearing blinders, with her sharp instincts being muted by Alec’s charm. She didn’t challenge Alec’s explanation earlier, so maybe Teddy’s right? It’s hard to say, especially after the conversation cuts short as Alec walks down the stairs in nothing but a towel, making for an extremely awkward moment. ‘Til next week.

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Release Date

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February 29, 2024

Directors

Nancy Hower, Robert King, Lionel Coleman, Rob Hardy, Robin Givens, Ron Underwood, Rosemary Rodriguez, Aisha Tyler, Bille Woodruff, James Whitmore Jr., Joe Menendez, Kevin Rodney Sullivan, Lily Mariye, Nick Gomez, Peter Sollett, Sam Hoffman, Tyne Rafaeli, Darren Grant, Fong-Yee Yap, Mary Lou Belli

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Writers

Jonathan Tolins, Erica Shelton Kodish, Bryan Goluboff, Sarah Beckett, Michelle King

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Pros & Cons

• Haymitch Linklater brings gravitas to a villain that easily could fall into camp, making for another great Season 3 antagonist.
• Elsbeth’s exuberant explanation on how she stays healthy is an absolute must hear.
• Captain Wagner’s “What in the Nosferatu?” gets my vote for quote of the year.

• Although they pulled it off yet again, these outlandish scenarios are getting less credible.
• Elsbeth seemingly taking Alec at his word, especially with such a weak explanation, is almost jarringly out of character.

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We were looking for an excuse to give our sneakers and pumps a break, and we’ve found the perfect one: pretty flats. This spring shoe trend reimagines the everyday flat with elegant and feminine details, along with ultra‑comfortable silhouettes that last from morning until night. We’re talking mesh ballet flats, floral-embroidery details, woven styles and other romantic, refined touches that don’t fall flat.

To help ease your favorite flats into retirement, we curated 20 stylish and pretty flats from retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Macy’s and Quince that bring this refreshing trend to life in the most wearable way. From glitter-adorned styles to beautiful bow toppers, shop our top spring picks below!

20 Trending Pretty Flats Set To Define Spring Style

1. Our Favorite: These hand‑woven flats have a beautiful blend of craftsmanship, comfort and everyday polish. We’re honestly already earmarking them for summer vacays and every warm‑weather outing in between.

2. Print Pick: Whether polka dot, gingham or heart‑shaped, you can choose exactly how you want to express yourself in these chic mesh flats from Walmart.

3. Throwback Vibes: Nineties fashion comes alive in these glitter jelly sandals that put a mature spin on a childhood favorite. They’re just as pretty poolside as they are paired with a breezy spring dress.

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Is it time to replace your favorite work shoes? Perhaps you’re on the hunt for comfy styles for upcoming spring vacations. No matter what kind of shoes you’re searching for, there’s a comfy lineup of elevated shoes that look like designer shoes but cost less than $50. Starting at just $10, these picks are a […]

4. Bow-Forward: We’re getting designer vibes from these bow ballet flats that come in eight gorgeous shades, including a powder blue, lilac and rose. They honestly look like they’re from Tory Burch.

5. Sleek & Smooth: If your go-to shoe style leans more loafer, consider these round-toe faux leather loafers. They have all the practicality of a classic loafer, wrapped in a round‑toe silhouette that feels softer and more feminine.

6. Designer Lookalike: The chic cap-toe ballet flat was made famous by pricey designers like Chanel, but this Anne Klein version has the same Parisian‑inspired vibe without the insane price.

7. Dressed-Up Esparadrille: The espadrille isn’t the most cozy shoe to wear all day long, but this Free People flat takes the style and turns it into something far more cushy and all‑day friendly. We especially love the nautical blue hue.

8. Sustainable Pick: Want an elegant flat you can wash back to new? Rothy’s sustainable bow flats keep their polish no matter how often you wear them, and we’re tempted to wear them every day.

9. Ballerina Inspired: You’ll look like an off‑duty ballerina in these cross‑strap ballet flats that bring ballet‑core energy to a shoe you can wear anywhere. No dance skills required.

10. Ready To Run: Forgive Us, but we simply can’t resist these Puma ballet sneakers. Sure, they’re trendy, but they’re also ridiculously cute and chic — the kind of shoe that makes every outfit look and feel cooler.

11. Buckled Down: If elegant is the dress code, we’re reaching for these velvet Mary Jane flats. The buckle-fastened shoe amps up the polish with irresistible colors from soft baby pink to rich burgundy.

12. Ultra Breathable: We’re working our way to summer, and these knit point‑toe flats are the kind of airy pair that eases Us right into the heat. Even better: we adore the colorful scallop trim.

13. Bargain Buy: Playful-but-poised fashion comes alive in these embroidered velvet flats. Luxe detailing like this usually costs hundreds, but these have ornate charm without the designer splurge.

14. Perfect Fit: Fans of Everlane will love these Quince ballet flats that quite literally fit like a glove. The chic shoes mold to your feet and bring minimalist elegance to any and every outfit.

15. Triple Finish: Quince shoppers love these pretty strappy ballet flats, describing them as “perfect for work, travel [and] date night” and “easy to dress up or down” with anything from your closet.

16. Edgy & Elegant: Pretty meets edgy in these double-buckle Dr. Martens — with a small pump that offers a little lift and a lot of attitude this season.

17. Garden Girl: One of the best ways to rock the pretty‑flats trend is with this floral mesh shoe. It delivers the naked‑shoe look, elevated with delicate botanical details, of course.

18. Shine Bright: Forget predictable and go extra bold with these metallic bow flats — a standout piece that balances shine with effortless elegance.

19. A Little Sparkle: We’re rather partial to Kenneth Cole flats, and these add a bit of sparkle with a crystal pom‑pom detail that feels equal parts fun and refined.

20. Summer Ready: Eyelet is so in, and these linen eyelet flats bring a breezy, romantic feel that’s perfect for both spring and summer fashion.

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At this point, it’s almost impossible to talk about Scream 7 without talking about the mess that occurred in trying to get it actually made. In August 2023, Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, the directors of 2022’s Scream and 2023’s Scream VI, exited the project. Happy Death Day director Christopher Landon took their place, and soon after, the SAG-AFTRA strike also paused pre-production on the film. Most notably, however, in November 2023, Melissa Barrera, the star of the last two Scream films, was ridiculously fired for pro-Palestinian comments on social media, with co-star Jenna Ortega leaving the project the next day. A month later, Landon would also step down as director.

Since then, it seemed as though Spyglass, the production studio behind the franchise, went into damage control, following criticisms and talk of boycotting further installments, as well as the big creative plan for Barrera and Ortega’s characters now falling apart. Kevin Williamson, the writer of the first two Scream films and Scream 4, was brought back to the franchise as writer and director — his first time behind the camera since 1999’s Teaching Mrs. Tingle. After a pay dispute left series star Neve Campbell out of Scream VI, the actress announced in 2024 that she would be returning for the seventh installment, and since then, many other former cast members — including many who are canonically dead — were revealed to also be coming back.

Scream 7 needs a history lesson before one sees it, because it’s important to know how this mess began and how it led to this film, a desperate attempt to keep fans excited about a franchise that is falling apart in front of their eyes. This was once a series that made its original trilogy, got out on its own terms, and didn’t return for over a decade until it had something to say about the modern state of horror. After that, it didn’t come back for another 11 years with 2022’s Scream, but since that point, this series has been returning without much to say regarding horror films. But as one character says in Scream 7, when they ceremoniously once again state “the rules” of the film, this time, it’s all about nostalgia for the first movie, and disastrously so. After all these years and all the effort in keeping the story afloat, Scream 7 just might be the death blow for this once-meta franchise, as it’s now simply a ghost(face) of what it once was.

Sidney Prescott and Her Daughter Can’t Escape Ghostface in ‘Scream 7’

Scream 7 introduces a Sidney Prescott who is living a small-town life, running a coffee shop — oh, and now, she’s Sidney Evans, having married local cop Mark Evans (Joel McHale, who isn’t Patrick Dempsey’s cop, Mark Kincaid, whom Sidney ended up with in Scream 3), with whom she has three kids. While the two youngest are away with their grandparents, Sidney’s oldest daughter, Tatum (Isabel May), is frustrated about how her mom avoids talking about her past, not to mention her difficulty in trusting Tatum’s boyfriend, Ben (Sam Rechner). Sidney’s reluctance to revisit her life story doesn’t stop everyone in town from essentially still knowing about it, with plenty of streaming documentaries and books available about her time in Woodsboro.

As is always the case, however, Sidney can never get away from her past. When a couple dies at a rental property that’s been built to look like Stu Macher’s (Matthew Lillard) old house in Woodsboro, and a new Ghostface seems to be lurking around Sidney’s new home, this former final girl is forced to once again protect herself, as well as her family, from the killer who has caused her so much pain before. Of course, there are plenty of people in Tatum’s life who could be the killer, while familiar faces show up to help Sidney once again. Obviously, this means the return of Gale Weathers (Courteney Cox), as well as Mindy and Chad Meeks-Martin (Jasmin Savoy Brown and Mason Gooding, the only actors to reprise their roles from the last two sequel films).

‘Scream 7’ Tries and Fails To Remind Viewers Why They Originally Loved This Franchise

The Scream franchise has always been self-referential, from the in-universe Stab movies to the constant recitation of horror movie tropes. But Scream 7’s references to the past feel needier and lacking in the charm they used to have, as though the filmmakers just want to play the hits and hope they still work. There are unnecessary and extremely silly cameos that seem like Williamson and co-writer Guy Busick were reading through Reddit fan posts and trying to predict what their audience might want to see happen. Early on, it’s made clear that the killer must be obsessed with Sidney’s past, and we’ve seen this all before. It’s as though Scream 7 knows this universe has run out of steam, yet still tries to keep chugging along on pure nostalgia alone.

While Scream has always been used as a commentary on the state of horror films, Scream 7 entirely does away with that theme. Beyond a reminder that this story is all about nostalgia (a fact we can easily tell by where the story goes), this sequel has nothing to say about the horror genre itself. At times, it seems like Scream 7 might be making technology or AI part of its larger thesis, yet it only uses deepfakes and image alteration as a tool rather than saying anything interesting about its power in the wrong hands. The first Scream launched as a parody of horror films, but at this point, this franchise is simply no different than the films it once used to poke fun at.

It’s Great to See Sidney and Gale Together Again, but ‘Scream 7’ Proves the Franchise Has Run Out of New Ideas

Image via Paramount Pictures

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Even though Scream 7 is fairly hollow from a screenplay standpoint, Williamson does make some clever choices as the film’s director. The framing of certain shots has fun with the idea that Ghostface might be around any corner, and Williamson toys with the idea of different perspectives, especially when Ghostface attacks. Williamson also knows how to draw the eye in one particular direction before he surprises the viewer from another, and that does lead to some decent Ghostface jumpscares.

It’s also just great to see Campbell and Cox back together again. Even though Cox’s Gale has very little to do here, watching their dynamic is always a joy. Scream 7 knows that these two have a conflicted, uneasy friendship that has lasted for decades and understands that they’ll still get under each other’s skin after all this time. As for the rest of the new cast, May’s Tatum is the only real standout, doing a serviceable job as the timid daughter of a woman everyone generally considers to be a badass. Following in the footsteps of one of the greatest “final girls” of all time is a tough role, but May is mostly up to the task.

By and large, however, after all the failed plans for its sequels and complications that it’s brought upon itself, Scream 7 is proof that this once-great horror franchise doesn’t have any fresh ideas to offer. The well is dry, and Ghostface’s games just aren’t as fun as they once were. By the time we get the killer reveal, and the motive is explained, it’s hard not to laugh at how far this universe has fallen from its original heights. Scream used to poke fun at the silliness of horror movies and laugh at the genre’s clichés, but now, it’s indistinguishable from the films it once gleefully lampooned, in what is easily the worst installment so far. The Scream universe can only play to fans’ nostalgia for the first film so many times, and at this point, any remaining goodwill has long been tapped out. After 30 years of kills, it’s time for Ghostface to finally put the knife down.

Scream 7 is now playing in theaters.

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Release Date

February 27, 2026

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Runtime

114 Minutes

Director

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Kevin Williamson

Writers

Kevin Williamson, Guy Busick, James Vanderbilt

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Producers

William Sherak, Paul Neinstein

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Pros & Cons

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• Kevin Williamson makes some clever choices as a director.
• It’s always great to see Neve Campbell and Courteney Cox together again.

• Scream 7 relies too heavily on nostalgia for the first film and playing the hits.
• The story itself is hollow, with no real commentary on modern horror films.
• It’s clear that this franchise has run out of new ideas.

Katherine Short
MIA for 24 Hours before death …
‘Note’ Found at Home

Published
February 26, 2026
9:22 PM PST

Two high school students facing rape charges are accused of assaulting four teens in a varsity basketball locker room, according to court documents detailing the attacks.

At Mark Morris High School in Longview on February 19, police arrested two teens on charges of second-degree rape, unlawful imprisonment with sexual motivation, indecent liberties with forcible compulsion, and indecent exposure, according to city officials, Us Weekly previously reported.

Court documents obtained by KOIN say that the teens, who are 16 and 17, brought junior varsity basketball players inside the varsity team’s locker room, where they allegedly sexually assaulted them during multiple incidents occurring between November 2025 and January 2026.

A police investigation was initiated after a father of a 14-year-old boy said that a few varsity basketball players had attacked his son on several occasions, according to court documents viewed by the TV station.

Six players are accused of being involved in the assaults, but only two have been criminally charged, according to police, the TV station reported.

Related: School Custodian Arrested While Hiding in High School Girls’ Locker Room

A school custodian has been arrested in West Virginia, where police said he was allegedly caught hiding inside of a high school girls’ locker room during a recent basketball game. William Howard Shoup, 25, is no longer on the payroll at Berkeley County Schools in Martinsburg. Shoup was arrested on Thursday, February 12, after police […]

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The names of the students who have been arrested were not released because of their ages, officials have said.

“The Longview Police Department recognizes the concern this situation has created in our community and understands that many are looking for updates,” police said in a news release on Wednesday, February 25. “The investigation remains active, and detectives continue their work each day.”

After the 14-year-old’s father called police on February 9, an officer spoke with the freshman Mark Morris student, who said that “he and other [junior varsity] players had been getting pulled into the varsity team room and sexually assaulted, according to a probable cause statement published online by KATU.

While detailing some of the assaults, the 14-year-old said that varsity players allegedly put “their penises and buttocks” on the victims’ “face and mouth,” engaged in “digital penetration of their buttocks,” and “one incident where the varsity players took a can of Bio-Freeze and sprayed it into his rectum,” the probable cause statement says.

The three other victims include a second 14-year-old, a 16-year-old and a 17-year-old, according to police.

The 17-year-old told investigators that on one occasion, a suspect “exposed his bare genitals” and “rubbed his genitals on the drinking portion of [his] water bottle after basketball practice on January 28, the probable cause statement obtained by KATU says.

This teen told his father, who notified the Mark Morris Basketball coach, leading to the school to investigate alleged assaults inside the locker room, the court filing says.

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In a statement on February 19, Longview Public Schools Superintendent Karen L. Cloninger said that the accusations were “deeply troubling and inconsistent with what our school district stands for,” KOIN reported.

“We remain committed to cooperating with the law enforcement investigation,” the statement added.

The two teens facing charges initially appeared in court on Friday, February 20, KATU reported. They are scheduled to return to court on March 3.

It is unclear if they retained legal representation or entered pleas as of February 26.

“These cases are serious and require careful, methodical investigation,” Longview police said. “Detectives are actively reviewing evidence, following up on leads, and assessing information as it is received. While everyone would prefer a quick resolution, a thorough investigation takes time and attention.”

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

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