U.S. currency is periodically redesigned to mitigate counterfeiting threats. The Coinage Act, passed by Congress on April 2nd, 1792, created the first national Mint in Philadelphia, and established a national currency system. The last two hundred years has seen many changes to the design of our paper money and coins.
Read moreComing to a Passport Near You: Non-Binary Gender Marker
The U.S. Department of State currently allows people to select a binary gender marker (M or F) for their U.S. passports, “even if the gender [they] select does not match the gender on [their| supporting documentation such as a birth certificate, previous passport, or state ID.” In addition, passport holders may “request a new passport with a different gender than the one [they] have on [their] current passport” by following the instructions on the Department of State’s “Selecting your Gender Marker” webpage. Further, there are plans for an “X” gender marker on U.S. passports for non-binary, intersex, and gender non-conforming people, which is expected to be available in early 2022.
Read morePutting the Squeeze on Grapefruit in Texas
February’s unprecedented winter freeze swept across Southeast Texas, affecting everything from agriculture to zoos. Citrus growers in the Rio Grande Valley, where the best Ruby Reds are produced, took an especially hard hit. As a result, this season’s yield of saleable Ruby Reds is lower than expected, and Texas grapefruit are in short supply. Consumers, however, are just as hungry for their favorite fruit. In order to meet their demand, Texas is relying more heavily on imported grapefruit from places like Mexico or South Africa. What does this mean for the grapefruit growers of Texas? Here’s the pulp.
Read moreFresh Starts: Expunctions and Nondisclosures in Texas
Image credit: https://chicagomissioncenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Start-Over-1024x683.jpg
If you have a criminal history and wish to clear your record, there are two options – expunction and nondisclosure. If you don’t qualify for one, you may qualify for the other, but making that distinction can be difficult and the process a bit murky. With this blog post, we are providing links to resources that may clear the confusion and help you get a clean start.
Read moreCan A Haunted House be Held Harmless?
Candy and costumes – for people and pets – top the list of holiday purchases, but 18% of Halloween revelers also plan to visit a haunted house. Upon entry, those fright seekers may be asked to sign a waiver of liability, a release form, or a statement of consent that’s intended to absolve the proprietor of any responsibility for injuries sustained during a customer’s visit. Are “hold harmless” agreements really ironclad? What about disclaimers printed on admission tickets, or warning signs posted at entry points? To learn more about the enforceability of liability waivers and disclaimers, visit the sites provided within. Additional related links (and some fun!) are also included.
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