Stimulus payment February 2026, IRS direct deposit relief, tariff dividend & tax refund fact check

Claims about new stimulus checks, IRS direct deposits, relief payments and tariff dividends spread throughout 2025 — and they’re still circulating in 2026. But is there any truth to them?

Happy Birthday, Mattress Mack
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Wednesday was Mattress Mack's 75th Birthday! FOX 26's Coco Dominguez spent some time with him on his big day. 

Kroger to close two Houston-area stores in April, including Spring location

Kroger says it will close two Houston-area stores on April 10, 2026 — the Spring location at 6060 FM 2920 and a Houston Heights store at 239 W. 20th St. Shoppers tell FOX 26 they rely on the Spring store for groceries, gas and prescriptions.

Authorities warn of romance scams targeting singles

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, authorities are urging singles to protect not just their hearts, but their wallets. Law enforcement officials say they see an increase in romance scams this time of year, as fraudsters use dating apps and social media to target victims and steal thousands of dollars.

Nancy Guthrie: Authorities swamped by 18,000 tips since her disappearance

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has received nearly 18,000 leads in the 11 days since the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, with 4,000 tips arriving in a single day following the release of suspect surveillance footage.

Man beaten to death in East Harris County
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An investigation is underway after a man was found beaten to death in East Harris County on Wednesday evening, according to officials. 

Valentine's Day pet adoptions
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Forget the candy and flowers this Valentine's Day. You can drift into love on the Bayou. Bayou Animal Services is offering $14 adoptions on Saturday. FOX 26's Randy Wallace explains. 

Kroger closing 2 stores near Spring
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Kroger is closing two stores in the Houston area. One of them is located in Spring on FM 290 and both stores are set to close in April. FOX 26's Karys Belger spoke with customers about the upcoming closures.

Valentine's Day romance scam warning
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Criminals are ready to take advantage of anything and that includes love. Authorities are sending out a warning to singles to watch out for romance scams, just days before Valentine's Day. FOX 26's Jillian Hartmann explains. 

Pam Bondi hearing held over Epstein files
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Attorney General Pam Bondi was questioned by lawmakers over the Department of Justice’s management of files related to Jeffrey Epstein that have exposed sensitive confidential information about victims despite redaction efforts.

Nancy Guthrie: Alleged person of interest speaks after being released
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As the search for Nancy Guthrie continues for an eleventh day, a man who was detained in connection spoke to media hours after being questioned and released.

Nancy Guthrie disappearance: Day 11 latest updates

Feb. 11 marks the eleventh day in the search for Nancy Guthrie, the mother of NBC "Today" show anchor Savannah Guthrie.

Man accused of stealing late Friendswood woman's estate
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While a Friendswood lays to rest at a morgue, a man was allegedly working to steal her property. FOX 26's Sherman Desselle explains the allegations.

Texas sues Snapchat alleging addictive design and child safety violations

Texas has filed a lawsuit against Snap, Inc., alleging the company misleads parents about Snapchat’s safety while using "addictive" design features and mature content that put children at risk.

Nancy Guthrie: Man detained, released by law enforcement speaks out

Carlos Palazuelos, the man detained on Feb. 10 in connection with the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, claims law enforcement targeted him because his eyes allegedly matched those of a masked suspect seen on surveillance footage.

Friendswood property fraud: DA investigates identity theft scheme targeting deceased homeowners

Harris County investigators reveal how a suspect allegedly used forged judicial signatures and a defunct clerk’s seal to loot a deceased woman's home and bank accounts while her body lay unclaimed. Learn how "estate vultures" exploit digital systems and how new 2025 Texas laws help families fight back.

2 toddlers dead following drowning in Katy
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Two toddlers have died following a drowning that occurred in Katy on Wednesday. FOX 26's McKenna Earnhart.