Labor Day is more than a long weekend marking the end of summer. The history of First Amendment Labor Day connections shows how worker speech, peaceful assembly, labor organizing and petition rights helped Americans demand better conditions and greater recognition. How Labor Day Began in America Labor Day is observed on the first Monday of September and honors the social and economic contributi

Texas gold scams can take several forms, from overpriced precious-metals sales to government impersonation schemes that pressure victims to buy or surrender gold. Recent federal cases in Texas show why families should verify claims, reject urgent demands and report suspected fraud quickly. Gold-related fraud remains a concern for Texas families as federal authorities continue investigating schemes involving precious metals, re

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

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

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

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

Mark Carney trade talks with the United States remain frozen as Canada rejects US trade demands affecting key industries and sovereignty. Ottawa says negotiations can resume if Washington takes a more serious approach while new tariffs deepen the dispute. Mark Carney trade talks remain stalled Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has called on US President Donald Trump’s administration to take

Panorama Produce recalled 302 boxes of Martina mangoes sold at select Walmart stores in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Consumers should check for the Agrofepac sticker, PLU 4584 and UPC 07503061948050 and avoid eating recalled fruit.   Panorama Produce has voluntarily recalled 302 boxes of mangoes sold at select Walmart stores in four U.S. states because of possible Salmonella contamination.

Google Maps has changed the display name of Lake Ontario to “Lake America” for users in the United States following an executive order from President Donald Trump. The move has triggered a fresh US-Canada dispute, while users in Canada will continue to see the traditional Lake Ontario name. Trump Order Drives Map Rename Trump announced

Tennessee officials are considering renaming Nashville International Airport in honor of country music legend Dolly Parton, recognizing her lasting influence on the state, global music and charitable causes. Airport Renaming Proposal Announced Tennessee Governor Bill Lee announced a proposal Friday to rename Nashville International Airport, commonly known by its airport code

Washington is preparing to sharply reduce direct security assistance to the Kurdish Peshmerga as a four-year agreement approaches expiration, raising concerns over counterterrorism operations, force reforms and stability in northern Iraq. US–Peshmerga Agreement Nears Its End The US Department of Defense has reportedly informed officials in Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region that it does not

Former NASA astronaut Jonny Kim is returning to active-duty military service after nearly a decade with the space agency, closing a remarkable chapter that included work as an astronaut, engineer and International Space Station crew member. Kim will continue serving as a lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy and is expected to work in naval aviation training after leaving NASA. Reflecting on his time with the agency, Kim said serving NASA and contributing to space explorat