The Texas Bullion Depository provides insured, segregated storage for approved gold, silver and other precious metals in Leander. Account holders retain ownership of their metals, while HB 1056 could give the facility a larger role in Texas payments beginning in 2027. The Texas Bullion Depository has gained new attention following Texas' recognition of qualifying gold and silver specie as legal tender. The broader

Texas law recognizes only qualifying gold and silver specie as legal tender under HB 1056. The metal must meet specific marking rules for weight and purity, while U.S. coins and federal currency remain governed separately and acceptance stays voluntary. Texas now recognizes certain gold and silver specie as legal tender, but the law does not mean that every gold bar, silver round, collectible coin or piece of

Texans can use qualifying gold and silver specie for payment under HB 1056, but only when both sides agree. The law took effect September 1, 2026, sets standards for qualifying specie and leaves Federal Reserve notes unchanged while a broader electronic system awaits 2027. Yes, Texans can now use certain gold and silver specie as payment—but that does not mean every store or business must accept it.

Texas gold and silver legal tender law now recognizes qualifying precious-metal specie for voluntary payments in the state. HB 1056 took effect September 1, 2026, while a separate bullion-backed electronic payment framework is scheduled for May 1, 2027. Texas has begun recognizing certain gold and silver specie as legal tender under House Bill 1056, with the key legal-tender provision taking effect on September 1, 2026. The law does not re

India opened September 4 with a major space achievement as ISRO successfully launched EOS-05 aboard GSLV-F17 from Sriharikota. The day also brought major geopolitical developments involving Trump’s backing for a Syria-Hormuz alternative, pressure on Iran and Venezuela’s new oil arrangements. ISRO EOS-05 launch succeeds from Sriharikota The Indian Space Research Organisation successfully com

Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Egypt has placed China’s expanding role in West Asia under the spotlight as regional governments reassess security partnerships amid the continuing US-Iran conflict. In Cairo, Xi called for regional countries to resist external interference and explore a new security architecture while deepening economic and strategic cooperation with Egypt. Xi Jinping Egypt visit sends regional security mess

A powerful El Nino is strengthening across the tropical Pacific and could become the most intense event recorded during four decades of World Meteorological Organization monitoring. The WMO says there is a nearly 100% likelihood that the event will persist through February 2027, with major implications for global temperatures, rainfall and extreme weather. El Nino 2026 could reach exceptional strength

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has thanked India for supporting efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war after meeting External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in Kyiv. Their talks covered possible paths to peace, Black Sea shipping security and wider India-Ukraine cooperation. Zelensky thanks India for Ukraine peace efforts Zelensky met Jaishankar in Kyiv on September 3 during what the Ukra

Gloria Steinem dies at 92, ending a career that helped shape modern American feminism. The journalist, Ms. magazine co-founder and women's rights organizer spent decades advocating for gender equality, reproductive rights and women's political participation. Gloria Steinem, the influential journalist, author and feminist organizer who became one of the most prominent voices of the U.S. women's rights movement, has died at 92. Steinem died at her home in Ne

Teachers’ Day is celebrated across India on September 5 every year to honor the contribution of teachers and remember the birth anniversary of Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, a noted philosopher, teacher and former President of India. In 2026, Teachers’ Day falls on Saturday, September 5. Schools and educational institutions usually mark the occasion with special assemblies, cultural programmes, speeches, greeting cards and appreciation activities. Teachers’ Day in Ind

The Republican Party’s first-ever midterm convention in Dallas is attracting attention not only for its unusual timing but also for its high-dollar donor events. Reported packages include an $88,600 photo with President Donald Trump and a $250,000 roundtable with him as the GOP intensifies fundraising ahead of the November elections. Trump photo fee reaches $88,600 Donors attending the Republ

Afghanistan’s mineral wealth has emerged as a key part of the Taliban government’s attempt to improve relations with the United States. Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi says Kabul would welcome American investment in mining, infrastructure, agriculture and trade while seeking sanctions relief and access to frozen Afghan central bank reserves. Afghanistan mineral wealth becomes Taliban’s US pitch

Chinese President Xi Jinping has used his state visit to Egypt to call for a new Middle East security architecture, urging regional countries to resist external interference and take greater control of their own security decisions. His visit comes as China seeks a larger diplomatic and economic role in a region unsettled by the US-Iran conflict. Xi Jinping calls for new Middle East security order

The United States Mint has released a new Donald Trump $1 coin to mark the country’s 250th anniversary in 2026. The circulating-quality coin features President Donald Trump’s portrait on the front and the Presidential Seal on the reverse, with special July 4-marked coins randomly included in collector rolls and bags. Donald Trump $1 coin goes on sale The United States Mint began selling rol

Parents cannot renew a child’s U.S. passport issued before age 16 through the standard renewal process. A new in-person Form DS-11 application is required. Learn about five-year validity, required documents, current child passport fees and what changes once the applicant turns 16. Parents may commonly refer to replacing an expired child passport as a “renewal,” but U.S. passport rules treat it differently. A passport issued to a child under age 16 cannot be re

A U.S. passport for a child born abroad depends on whether the child acquired U.S. citizenship through a parent. Families may need a CRBA, foreign birth certificate, proof of the parent’s citizenship and U.S. residence history, plus the standard minor passport documents. A child born outside the United States may qualify for a U.S. passport if the child acquired U.S. citizenship at birth through one or both U.S. citizen pare

Proof of U.S. citizenship for a child is required when applying in person for a U.S. passport. Depending on where and how the child acquired citizenship, families may use a U.S. birth certificate, prior passport, CRBA, Certificate of Citizenship or other qualifying evidence. Parents applying in person for a child’s U.S. passport must provide evidence that the child is a U.S. citizen. The acceptable document depends largely o

If one parent cannot attend a child’s U.S. passport appointment, the State Department may accept Form DS-3053, sole-custody evidence or special family-circumstance documents. This guide explains what parents of children under 16 should prepare before applying. For a U.S. passport application involving a child under 16, both parents or legal guardians generally must approve issuance of the passport. However, the State Department provides alternatives when one paren

Documents needed for a child’s U.S. passport include citizenship evidence, proof of the parent-child relationship, parent identification, Form DS-11, consent records and a passport photo. Parents should also bring photocopies, fees and any custody documents required for special cases. Parents applying for a U.S. passport for a child under 16 should prepare both original documents and required photocopies before going to a pa

Ram temple trust CEO Jeetendra Mishra, a retired Indian Air Force officer, has been appointed to lead administration in Ayodhya. His selection followed 5,585 applications as the Trust strengthens governance, financial oversight and long-term temple management. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust appointed retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra as its first full-time CEO on September 2, 2026, placing a veteran military