Relations between China and Taiwan remain among the most significant geopolitical flashpoints in the world, with growing military activity and political disagreements raising concerns about stability in the Indo-Pacific region. By Alexa Bickerwood Reporting from Austin, Texas, USA May 21, 2026 Updated 2:50 a.m. ET China considers Taiwan a breakaway province that must eventually be reunified with the mainland, by force if necessary. Taiwan, a self-governing democracy of ap

Federal prosecutors say they have disrupted an alleged assassination plot targeting Ivanka Trump, daughter of President Donald Trump, in what investigators describe as a politically motivated retaliation scheme linked to the 2020 killing of Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani. Following the alleged plot of President Trump's daughter, the Secret Service beefs up security around the White House as well as other potential high profile target By Christopher Todd Reporting

For decades, Americans relied on newspapers and cable news networks to learn about major criminal cases. Today, however, a growing number of viewers are turning to YouTube-based true crime creators who often cover stories faster, delve deeper, and provide perspectives that traditional media outlets either miss or avoid altogether. These four YouTubers are redefining true crime journalism By Brent Cassity Reporting from Austin, Texas, USA May 23, 2026 Updated 9:33 a.m. ET

In an entertainment industry increasingly dominated by streaming platforms, vertical video storytelling, and audience-driven content, Hornpin Media Group is positioning itself as a modern independent studio built for the next era of entertainment. Kevin Q. Cooper is the founder on Hornpin Media Group, an emerging player in a struggling industry. By James Lawson Reporting from Houston, Texas, USA May 20, 2026 Updated 8:17 p.m. ET The company describes itself as “a premier pr

Hollywood may be on the verge of its largest media consolidation in years. Paramount Skydance is seeking to complete its proposed $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery as early as July, according to multiple reports, although the companies continue to publicly target a third-quarter closing date while awaiting regulatory approval in the United States and Europe. By Jim Keegan Reporting from Austin, Texas, USA May 19, 2026 Updated 5:54 a.m. ET If approved,

China’s economy showed clear signs of slowing in April as consumer spending, factory production, and investment growth all weakened amid growing fallout from the Iran war and continued problems in the country’s property market. By David Johnston Reporting from Austin, Texas, USA May 18, 2026 Updated 5:01 a.m. ET Retail sales rose just 0.2% compared to a year earlier, far below economists’ expectations of 2% growth and the weakest pace since late 2022. Industrial production al

With Republicans controlling the White House, the Senate, and the House of Representatives, Washington has already shifted into campaign mode ahead of the pivotal 2026 midterm elections. What would traditionally be a referendum on a sitting president’s performance is rapidly becoming something larger: a battle over the future identity of both major political parties — especially the Republican Party under President Donald Trump’s continued influence. By Brent Cassity Reportin

For decades, Qatar transformed itself from a quiet Gulf state into one of the richest countries on Earth through natural gas exports. Massive liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments traveling through the Strait of Hormuz funded glittering skyscrapers, luxury developments, a world class metro system, and even the most expensive World Cup ever staged. Now, war with Iran has brought much of that prosperity to a halt. By James Lawson Reporting from Huston, Texas, USA May 15, 2026 U

The Texas prison system continues to face mounting challenges as state officials grapple with severe staffing shortages, aging facilities, and concerns about inmate safety. Operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, the nation's largest state prison system houses more than 120,000 inmates across dozens of correctional facilities, but critics say long-standing problems are straining operations. By Brent Cassity Reporting from Austin, Texas, USA May 15, 2026 Upda

As the conflict with Iran enters its fourth month, the Trump administration says its objective has remained consistent: weaken Iran’s military capabilities, prevent Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, protect regional shipping routes, and ultimately force the Iranian government back to the negotiating table. By James Lawson Reporting from Huston, Texas, USA May 15, 2026 Updated 8:09 p.m. ET When announcing the military campaign earlier this year, President Donald Trum

The U.S. economy continues to demonstrate resilience in 2026, but economists caution that several challenges could affect growth in the months ahead. While employment remains relatively strong and consumer spending continues to support economic activity, concerns over inflation, federal debt, and global instability continue to weigh on the nation’s outlook. By Christopher Todd Reporting from LA, California, USA May 14, 2026 Updated 9:30 p.m. ET The labor market remains on

For decades, the United States has struggled to create an immigration system that balances border security, economic needs, and humanitarian responsibilities. Critics across the political spectrum argue that previous immigration policies often failed to achieve those goals, contributing to record backlogs, inconsistent enforcement, and repeated surges of illegal border crossings. By Christopher Todd Reporting from LA, California, USA May 12, 2026 Updated 7:27 p.m. ET One

The United States is experiencing one of the most politically polarized periods in its modern history. Democrats and Republicans increasingly view one another not simply as political opponents, but as threats to the nation’s future. While disagreements have always been part of American democracy, experts warn that social media platforms are accelerating division by rewarding outrage, reinforcing ideological echo chambers, and encouraging increasingly hostile political behavio

Homelessness is becoming an increasingly visible problem in Huntington, Texas, and local officials across Angelina County say the crisis is growing faster than rural communities can handle. While Huntington itself is a small East Texas town of just over 2,000 residents, authorities say the issues affecting larger cities — rising housing costs, addiction, mental illness, and economic hardship — are now deeply impacting small communities throughout the region. By Alexa Bickerw

For decades, Hollywood measured success by box office receipts and television ratings. Today, a new format is challenging those traditional models: vertical dramas—short, smartphone-first series designed to be watched in portrait mode. By Jim Keegan Reporting from Austin, Texas, USA May 11, 2026 Updated 9:39 p.m. ET What began as a niche entertainment format in China has evolved into a global industry worth billions. Platforms such as ReelShort, DramaBox, ShortMax, and My

For nearly 90 years, Social Security has served as a financial lifeline for millions of retired and disabled Americans. However, the program is facing a long-term funding challenge that could result in reduced benefits if Congress fails to act. By Jim Keegan Reporting from Austin, Texas, USA May 7, 2026 Updated 8:56 p.m. ET According to the latest projections from the Social Security Board of Trustees, the program’s trust fund reserves are expected to be depleted in the m

For more than seven decades, American military bases across Europe have served as the backbone of the continent’s security architecture. From Germany and Italy to Poland and the United Kingdom, tens of thousands of U.S. troops, aircraft, and support personnel have helped deter aggression and reinforce NATO’s collective defense. But what would happen if those bases were removed? By James Keegan Reporting from Auston, Texas, USA May 10, 2026 Updated 2:24 a.m. ET Defense an

Huntsville’s economy continues to benefit from a stable foundation built on higher education, government employment, healthcare, and retail, helping the East Texas city weather economic uncertainty better than many rural communities. By James Keegan Reporting from Huntsville, Texas, USA May 9, 2026 Updated 10:32 a.m. ET The city’s two largest economic drivers remain the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) and Sam Houston State University. Together, the insti

In today’s fast-paced world, stress, anxiety, and constant distractions have become part of everyday life. As a result, many people are turning to meditation as a simple yet powerful way to improve their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Practiced for thousands of years across various cultures, meditation has gained widespread recognition for its numerous health benefits. By Jim Keegan Reporting from Austin, Texas, USA May 17, 2026 Updated 9:37 p.m. ET One of th

The discovery of dozens of bodies in Houston-area bayous over the past two years has triggered growing public fear, online speculation, and demands for answers from community advocates who believe authorities may be overlooking the possibility of a serial predator operating in the city. Bodies found in and along Houston's bayou system in raising alarm in the community By Alexa Bickerwood Reporting from Huntsville, Texas, USA May 5, 2026 Updated 9:09 p.m. ET Houston officials,