The 2026 Senate battlegrounds are expanding deep into states Donald Trump comfortably won in 2024. Ohio, Alaska, Iowa and Texas now headline a broader Democratic push, forcing Republicans to defend more territory as control of Congress hangs in the balance. Democrats expand 2026 Senate map into Trump territory The battle for control of the US Senate has grown far wider than Republicans expected, with Democrats competing seriously in seve

President Donald Trump has approved the Nidal Hasan execution by a US Army firing squad, the Pentagon announced, moving the Fort Hood gunman closer to becoming the first person executed by the US military since 1961. The Army secretary will determine when and where the sentence is carried out. Fort Hood Trump approved the firing-squad execution of former Army Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recommended the met

The Texas voter registration deadline for the November 3, 2026 election is Monday, October 5. Texans can verify their registration through VoteTexas, while early voting begins October 19 and mail-ballot applications must be received by October 23. Texans who want to vote in the November 3, 2026 general election face a key deadline Monday, October 5, the final day to register to vote. The Texas Secretary of State has urged eligible resident

Hari Karasani, a 24-year-old Indian student visiting Alaska from Texas, remains missing more than eight months after he was last seen in Healy. Alaska State Troopers continue to seek information from anyone who may know what happened after he left the Aurora Denali Lodge. Nearly nine months after Indian student Hari Karasani disappeared during a solo trip to Alaska, his whereabouts remain unknown. Karasani, 24, was last seen leaving

The US is investigating a possible Iran link to cyberattacks on two Texas-bound energy tankers after Coast Guard and FBI teams found evidence of malicious cyber activity. Officials have not attributed the attacks to Tehran, but the incidents are raising concerns about maritime cyber threats and critical infrastructure. Tanker cyberattack triggers US investigation US Coast Guard personnel and FBI cyber specialists boarded two foreign-flag

Texas Democrats are using the Republican Party’s historic midterm convention in Dallas to emphasize affordability, health care and voting access, while Republicans rally around President Donald Trump’s agenda ahead of the November 2026 elections. Texas Democrats are using the Republican National Committee’s first-ever midterm convention in Dallas to sharpen their message on affordability and voting access ahead of th

If gold or jewelry is stolen in Texas, filing a police report quickly, preserving evidence and documenting each missing item can improve recovery and insurance efforts. Texas law also allows theft victims with an offense report to seek pawnshop assistance in locating stolen property. Gold jewelry theft can involve far more than financial loss, particularly when wedding jewelry, inherited ornaments or family heirlooms are taken. If gold or jewelry is stolen

Texas gold scams can take several forms, from overpriced precious-metals sales to government impersonation schemes that pressure victims to buy or surrender gold. Recent federal cases in Texas show why families should verify claims, reject urgent demands and report suspected fraud quickly. Gold-related fraud remains a concern for Texas families as federal authorities continue investigating schemes involving precious metals, re

The Texas Bullion Depository provides insured, segregated storage for approved gold, silver and other precious metals in Leander. Account holders retain ownership of their metals, while HB 1056 could give the facility a larger role in Texas payments beginning in 2027. The Texas Bullion Depository has gained new attention following Texas' recognition of qualifying gold and silver specie as legal tender. The broader

Texas law recognizes only qualifying gold and silver specie as legal tender under HB 1056. The metal must meet specific marking rules for weight and purity, while U.S. coins and federal currency remain governed separately and acceptance stays voluntary. Texas now recognizes certain gold and silver specie as legal tender, but the law does not mean that every gold bar, silver round, collectible coin or piece of

Texans can use qualifying gold and silver specie for payment under HB 1056, but only when both sides agree. The law took effect September 1, 2026, sets standards for qualifying specie and leaves Federal Reserve notes unchanged while a broader electronic system awaits 2027. Yes, Texans can now use certain gold and silver specie as payment—but that does not mean every store or business must accept it.

Texas gold and silver legal tender law now recognizes qualifying precious-metal specie for voluntary payments in the state. HB 1056 took effect September 1, 2026, while a separate bullion-backed electronic payment framework is scheduled for May 1, 2027. Texas has begun recognizing certain gold and silver specie as legal tender under House Bill 1056, with the key legal-tender provision taking effect on September 1, 2026. The law does not re

The Republican Party’s first-ever midterm convention in Dallas is attracting attention not only for its unusual timing but also for its high-dollar donor events. Reported packages include an $88,600 photo with President Donald Trump and a $250,000 roundtable with him as the GOP intensifies fundraising ahead of the November elections. Trump photo fee reaches $88,600 Donors attending the Republ

The Ross Fire has burned about 80,000 acres across Palo Pinto and Jack counties in North Texas and is 12% contained. Firefighters are using ground crews and aircraft as communities face evacuations, property damage, road closures and continued fire danger. The Ross Fire has burned about 80,000 acres across Palo Pinto and Jack counties in North Texas and was 12% contained as of Wednesday morning, August 26, 2026. The wildfi

A Texas Apache helicopter crash has killed two US Army soldiers after an AH-64E based at Fort Hood went down near Salado on Wednesday. Military personnel and emergency responders remain at the scene as investigators work to determine what caused the aircraft to crash during Fort Hood operations. Salado crash kills two Fort Hood soldiers Fo

Collin County voters will decide in November whether to authorize an $817.5 million bond package for roads, the county jail, courthouse and other projects, as rapid population growth across Plano, Frisco, McKinney and nearby suburbs increases infrastructure demand. $817.5 million bond package goes to voters Collin County voters will decide in November whether to authorize an $817.5 million bond

A Chico Elementary evacuation was ordered after a grassfire reached the school campus in Wise County, Texas. Chico ISD moved students safely to Chico High School while fire crews extinguished flames and emergency officials assessed conditions. Wise County grassfire reaches Chico Elementary Chico Elementary School in Wise County, Texas, was evacuated Wednesday after a grassfire spread onto the s

Tarrant County polling-site cuts triggered protests at a Fort Worth commissioners meeting, where Judge Tim O’Hare ordered spectators removed. The proposal would reduce Election Day locations from 316 to 176 and early-voting sites from 50 to 42 for November 2026. Judge orders spectators from meeting Tarrant County Judge Tim O’Hare ordered spectators removed from a commissioners court meeting

Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji led 11,000 participants from 18 countries in a Texas Bhagavad Gita chant for global peace. The gathering marked its 11th uninterrupted year and emphasized memorization, daily recitation, India-U.S. goodwill and prayers for fallen soldiers.   11,000 participants from 18 countries join parayana Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji led 11,000 participants from 18

Texas flood damage has left three people dead and prompted more than 500 rescues across central and South Texas. Gov. Greg Abbott visited Cotulla as the Nueces River receded, while officials warned of downstream flooding and expanded disaster aid efforts. Abbott surveys Cotulla flood damage Texas Gov. Greg Abbott visited Cotulla in La Salle County to inspect flood damage, meet residents and out