Trump “$5,000 dividend” Plan: President Trump says every U.S. adult would get $5,000 if Republicans keep the House and Senate, but legal and budget experts warn it would likely require congressional approval and could cost about $1.2 trillion, fueling deficit and inflation concerns. GOP Midterm Convention (Dallas): Republicans closed out their two-day Dallas event with Trump and VP JD Vance urging turnout, pushing tax and border themes, and leaning into a “post-Trump” succession conversation as Vance drew chants of “JD!” Texas Election Administration: Texas reported about 1.2 million voters on suspension lists ahead of the Nov. 3 midterms, with residents urged to check status and update addresses by Oct. 5. Voting Rights Fight: A LULAC lawsuit challenges DHS/ICE plans that could place armed officers at polling sites, arguing it would intimidate voters. Tech & Kids: A Texas judge ruled TikTok misled users about how it filters content for minors, sending the case toward trial. Surveillance Backlash: DPS paused installing additional Flock license-plate readers after Abbott’s funding pause. AI Regulation Push: Lawmakers renewed calls for stricter AI rules after Anthropic researchers warned of catastrophic risks.