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

The US-Iran conflict has entered another dangerous phase after Tehran launched a fresh wave of missile and drone attacks against American-linked military facilities across the Gulf. The retaliation followed renewed US strikes on Iranian military targets, while President Donald Trump warned that Washington remains ready to attack again. Iran strikes US bases after renewed American attacks Iran l

Carlos Alcaraz recovered from a slow start while Aryna Sabalenka delivered another commanding performance as the defending champions advanced to the third round of the US Open 2026. Jessica Pegula, Daniil Medvedev, Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe were also among the notable winners in New York. Alcaraz rallies past Faria after slow opening Carlos Alcaraz had to work through early frustration bef

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

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

Two people were killed and three Minneapolis police officers were injured after a shooting inside a downtown apartment building on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. The suspected gunman was also found dead as authorities began investigating the circumstances surrounding the deadly incident. The shooting took place at an apartment building at 15 E. Grant St., close to the Minneapolis Convention Center and Loring Park. Police received the first 911 report at approximately 4:36 PM local ti

A major US-Venezuela oil deal is reshaping the country’s energy sector, with Chevron, Eni and GE Vernova signing multibillion-dollar agreements in Caracas. The moves follow a separate arrangement that gives Washington extensive economic and governance rights connected to about 65 billion barrels of Venezuelan oil reserves. US-Venezuela oil deal opens new investment phase US Energy Secretary C

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

A U.S. passport for ages 16 and 17 follows different rules from passports for children under 16. Applicants generally use Form DS-11 in person, provide citizenship evidence and photo ID, show that one parent or guardian is aware, and receive a passport valid for 10 years. U.S. passport requirements change once a child turns 16. Applicants ages 16 and 17 generally apply in person using Form DS-11, but unlike children under 16, they do not normally need both parents to app

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