Authorities say army contractor James Thomas Ashbacher shared top-secret data online and stole night-vision goggles

The FBI has arrested a former North Carolina government contractor for allegedly leaking classified national defense information on social media.

James Thomas Ashbacher, 37, of Spring Lake, was taken into custody after charges that he shared top-secret safety data online, unlawfully stored national defense materials at his residence and stole night-vision equipment from the US army special operations command.

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© Photograph: Chris Seward/AP

© Photograph: Chris Seward/AP

© Photograph: Chris Seward/AP

The surge is especially pronounced in Texas, where voters are deciding closely watched Senate, House and governor's races. More than 6.3 million Texans had voted early as of Wednesday, compared with 4.2 million at the same point four years ago, a 50% increase.

When Americans cast their ballots in this year's midterm elections, they'll not only be picking who represents them in Congress, but also weighing in on a range of topics that could change their state laws and constitutions.

Hundreds of households in North Carolina remain without a private bridge two years after Hurricane Helene. Many are frustrated by a state program’s progress.

Democrats are targeting G.O.P. strongholds that could set them up for new majorities. But if they don’t win those races now, it could be a long time before they have another chance.

© Clayton Steward for The New York Times

Hope, dread and the final stretch to Election Day.

© The New York Times

The rally comes after the Senate Republicans' top campaign spending group pulled back in North Carolina.