Texas
Walk for Peace monks return to Texas, reflection event planned
Walk For Peace monks back in Texas
The Walk For Peace monks have returned to Texas. They were greeted by thousands over the weekend. Ceremony planned to reflect on their walk.
FORT WORTH, Tex. – After an arduous 112-day journey spanning more than 2,300 miles, a group of Buddhist monks has officially completed their cross-country “Walk for Peace.” The trek, which began in October, reached its heartfelt conclusion over the weekend as the monks returned to their home temple in Texas.
The mission of the walk was to foster a sense of national unity and global harmony. Upon their arrival, the monks were greeted by a dedicated community of volunteers and supporters eager to hear the spiritual lessons and insights gathered from their four-month journey across the American landscape. Local residents expressed a deep “obsession” with the mission, describing the peaceful demonstration as a vital movement for the country’s current social climate.
The homecoming also featured a special appearance by Aloka, the monks’ famous four-legged companion. The dog had been sidelined several weeks ago for surgery, but after a successful recovery, he was able to join the group for the final, celebratory moments of the walk.
While the physical miles are behind them, the monks maintain that their work to bridge divides across the world is a continuous, lifelong commitment. Venerable Bhikku Pannakara, who led the walk, made a vow to the public during a homecoming speech on Saturday.
“I promise you all that whenever it is, you will be able to walk on this path, I will walk with you all, and together we will walk on this path. If you don’t leave me, I will not leave you,” he told supporters who gathered in the pouring rain to welcome the monks home.
The monks have invited volunteers and the public to join them for a reflection on their journey and a special announcement at 9 p.m. Monday at the Hương Đạo Vipassana Bhavana Center in Fort Worth. A New Year lunar celebration will follow.
PREVIOUS STORIES
How to follow the monks
For those who are unable to attend any gatherings in person, the monks are very active on social media, livestreaming and posting multiple times per day.
Their dog, Aloka, who is also making the journey with the monks also has his own social media accounts.
Warm, humid and windy conditions continue for North Texas on Friday as air flow from the south pulls in Gulf moisture. Mostly cloudy skies are in store, with highs in the low 80s and wind gusts up to 35 mph.
Overnight, storms will approach the region from the northwest, most likely arriving in North Texas between 3 and 7 a.m. The system will bring scattered showers and thunderstorms, with the potential for some stronger storms capable of wind gusts up to 60 mph and small hail.
The rain will continue for most of Saturday morning. North Texas will dry out from north to south in the afternoon.
The front also brings a steep drop in temperatures, with highs on Saturday topping out in the low to mid-60s.
Temperatures on Sunday morning will drop into the 40s, but sunshine will return in the afternoon with highs in the 70s.
Next week will start off with highs in the 70s and a chance of rain on Tuesday before temperatures rise into the 80s again.
FILE-In this photo illustration, a 1040 Individual Income Tax Return document is seen on a desk on April 15, 2024 in North Haledon, New Jersey. (Photo illustration by Michael Bocchieri/Getty Images)
In a year of record-breaking tax returns, a new study finds that Texas is seeing the second-largest average returns in the nation.
Upgradedpoints.com found that the national average is nearly $3,600, but Texas residents are seeing nearly a thousand more than that this year. They used numbers from the IRS in conducting the study.
Texas-sized tax returns
By the numbers:
In Texas, the average refund was $4,344, slightly below the average in Florida, which leads the nation at $4,433. The state had the second-largest overall filing volume: 13.6 million returns filed and over 9.7 million (71.3%) receiving a refund, the study found.
The Texas county with the highest average return was Shackelford County, located west of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, at $7,375. Most wage brackets saw returns closer to average, with those earning $50-$100K per year averaging $4,249. However, their average appears to have been imbalanced by the $200K+ earners, who saw an average refund of $105,163.
What is the penalty for filing taxes late?
Dig deeper:
The failure to file penalty applies if you didn’t file your tax return by the due date (including extensions).
By the numbers:
The penalty is 5% of your unpaid taxes for each month that a return is late, up to 25% of the total unpaid, for individuals and most business tax returns, according to the IRS.
You’ll know if you owe a penalty because you’ll receive a notice letter from the IRS.
2026 tax brackets
Your tax filing could also look different next year if your tax bracket is adjusted. Keep that in mind if you plan to switch jobs, or earn or lose some income.
Because of inflation adjustments, income thresholds for the two lowest brackets rose by about 4%, while higher brackets increased by roughly 2.3% compared with 2025 levels.
READ MORE: 2026 tax brackets vs. 2025: Here’s what’s changed, other things to know
2026 tax deduction
For tax year 2026, the standard deduction increased to $32,200 for married couples filing jointly. For single taxpayers and married individuals filing separately, the standard deduction rose to $16,100 for tax year 2026, and for heads of households, the standard deduction will be $24,150.
2027 tax filing season
Consult a tax professional now if you have any questions or concerns about your tax-filing situation come January 2027.
The Source: Information in this article comes from upgradedpoints.com and previous FOX Local reporting.
South Dakota’s Palisades State Park has dramatic spires and 1800s lore
Early 2026 Tennessee High School Football 2026 Predictions
Rain and storms ahead for North Texas after warm, humid Friday
Freezing cold temps linger, but much warmer this weekend
L.A. County office building adds glass exterior at 550 S. Vermont Ave. in Koreatown
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Indiana Members Credit Union announced as new anchor tenant at Bottleworks District
Minnesota Republicans reveal which far-left candidate they want to challenge in open Senate race
Swedish rights groups slam ‘honest living’ criteria for migrants
Orbán’s defeat is a win for democracy and a warning to Trump, some say
Firefighters Likely Had Limited View of Approaching Plane in LaGuardia Crash
Tennessee governor signs nuclear family month resolution as critics push back on exclusions
-
Ohio3 days ago‘Little Rascals’ star Bug Hall arrested in Ohio
-
Georgia1 week agoGeorgia House Special Runoff Election 2026 Live Results
-
Arkansas7 days agoArkansas TV meteorologist Melinda Mayo retires after nearly four decades on air
-
Austin, TX1 week agoABC Kite Fest Returns to Austin for Annual Celebration – Austin Today
-
Politics3 days agoDem fundraising giant in the hot seat as GOP lawmakers demand answers over dodged subpoena
-
Politics6 days agoTrump blasts Spanberger ahead of Virginia meetings, says state faces tax base exodus like New York, California
-
Health1 week agoWoman discovers missing nose ring traveled to her lungs, causing month-long cough
-
San Francisco, CA5 days agoPresident Trump terminates Presidio Trust