Making your home safe for baby
"Before you bring baby home:

Check the safety of your baby's crib and other baby items. Many new parents welcome hand-me-down baby items from family and friends. Although it's wise to save money, some products could be unsafe if recalled or if parts are missing or loose. Unsafe cribs and other items can put your baby's life in danger. Most brand new cribs and mattresses purchased in the United States are safe. Make sure the crib conforms to the current government safety standards. Also, check to see if hand-me-down items, such as bassinets or portable cribs, have been recalled..."

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Becomes 395th National Park
"The National Park Service formally welcomed the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial as America’s 395th national park on August 28 – the 48th anniversary of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, delivered in 1963 on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. The National Park Service also emphasized its commitment to working closely with the Martin Luther King, Jr., Memorial Foundation to reschedule the ceremonial dedication planned for Sunday that was unfortunately postponed due to Hurricane Irene....

The memorial to Dr. King is part of the National Mall and Memorial Parks and is open to the public. National Park Service rangers provide programs for visitors and answer questions. For more information and photographs, please see http://www.nps.gov/mlkm."

U.S. Regulatory Authority over Payment, Clearing and Settlment Systems
Chart displaying the regulatory authority of the Federal Reserve Sytem

Your Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA
"Consumers play an important public health role by reporting to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) any adverse events (unexpected side effects) after using a medical product, or other problems with any products that the agency regulates. Timely reporting allows the agency to take prompt action. There are a number of ways you can report problems to the agency, depending on the type of problem and product. The following tips and chart will help you make your report..."

Annual Survey of Public Employment and Payroll, 2010
"The 90,740 state and local governments across the country had 16.6 million full-time equivalent employees in 2010, 203,321 fewer than were employed in 2009, according to estimates released today by the U.S. Census Bureau. The majority of these employees, 9.0 million, worked in education, followed by those working in hospitals (986,471) police protection (946,196) and corrections (731,692)..."
View full report.

Volunteering in America
"Volunteers are resolute in their commitment to serving their neighbors and communities, with 62.8 million adults volunteering almost 8.1 billion hours in local and national organizations in 2010, service valued at almost $173 billion. Explore this website for the most comprehensive data on volunteering ever assembled including volunteer profiles for all 50 states and the District of Columbia as well as hundreds of metropolitan areas, rankings, demographic trends, and profiles of volunteer organizations making an impact on some of our nation's toughest challenges..."

Applying for Affordable Health Insurance is Easy and Confidential
"Your child or teen may qualify for no-cost or low-cost health insurance coverage through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Many parents may also be eligible.

If you or someone in your family needs health coverage, you should apply. To find information about Medicaid and CHIP health coverage programs in your state, go to Programs in Your State or call 1-877-Kids-Now (1-877-543-7669).

Medicaid and CHIP typically cover a range of benefits including:

Doctor Visits
Emergency Care
Hospital Care
Vaccinations
Prescription Drugs
Vision
Hearing
Dental"

2010 Mortgage Fraud Report Year in Review
"The purpose of this study is to provide insight into the breadth and depth of mortgage fraud crimes perpetrated against the United States and its citizens during 2010. This report updates the 2009 Mortgage Fraud Report and addresses current mortgage fraud projections, issues, and the identification of mortgage fraud “hot spots.” The objective of this study is to provide FBI program managers and the general public with relevant data to better understand the threat posed by mortgage fraud..."

After Returning Home for Disaster
"General Tips
Don't return to your flood-damaged home before the area is declared to be safe by local officials. Returning home can be both physically and mentally challenging. Above all, use caution.

Check for injuries. Do not attempt to move seriously injured persons unless they are in immediate danger of death or further injury. If you must move an unconscious person, first stabilize the neck and back, then call for help immediately.

Keep a battery-powered radio with you so you can listen for emergency updates and news reports.

Use a battery-powered flash light to inspect a damaged home.
Note: The flashlight should be turned on outside before entering - the battery may produce a spark that could ignite leaking gas, if present.

Watch out for animals, especially poisonous snakes. Use a stick to poke through debris.

Be wary of wildlife and other animals

Use the phone only to report life-threatening emergencies.

Stay off the streets. If you must go out, watch for fallen objects; downed electrical wires; and weakened walls, bridges, roads, and sidewalks..."

Tips On Avoiding Fraudulent Charitable Contribution Schemes
Useful tips on internet scams from charitable organizations.

Disaster Assistance after a Hurricane
FEMA's tips on things to do immediately after a disaster.

Mold and Moisture
"Basic Mold Cleanup
The key to mold control is moisture control. It is important to dry water damaged areas and items within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth. If mold is a problem in your home, clean up the mold and get rid of the excess water or moisture. Fix leaky plumbing or other sources of water. Wash mold off hard surfaces with detergent and water, and dry completely. Absorbent materials (such as ceiling tiles & carpet) that become moldy may have to be replaced..."

Private Wells: What to Do After the Flood
"Drilled, driven or bored wells are best disinfected by a well or pump contractor, because it is difficult for the private owner to thoroughly disinfect these wells. If you suspect that your well may be contaminated, contact your local or state health department or agriculture extension agent for specific advice on disinfecting your well. The suggestions below are intended to supplement flood precautions issued by State and local health authorities..."

Tips For Reducing Future Flood Damage
" * Elevate Your Home
* Inexpensive Changes Can Reduce Damage
* How To Rebuild A More Wind-Resistant Home.."

Flight Delay Information - Air Traffic Control System Command Center
"The status information provided on this site indicates general airport conditions; it is not flight-specific. Check with your airline to determine if your flight is affected.Information on wait times at security checkpoints."

During a Flood
"If a flood is likely in your area, you should:

* Listen to the radio or television for information.
* Be aware that flash flooding can occur. If there is any possibility of a flash flood, move immediately to higher ground. Do not wait for instructions to move.
* Be aware of streams, drainage channels, canyons, and other areas known to flood suddenly. Flash floods can occur in these areas with or without such typical warnings as rain clouds or heavy rain.

If you must prepare to evacuate, you should do the following:

* Secure your home. If you have time, bring in outdoor furniture. Move essential items to an upper floor.
* Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. Disconnect electrical appliances. Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.

If you have to leave your home, remember these evacuation tips:

* Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
* Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be quickly swept away..."

Charting International Labor Comparisons, 2011
"The BLS 2011 edition of Charting International Labor Comparisons features 2009 data, as well as trends over time, for the main indicators published by ILC: gross domestic product, labor force, manufacturing preface hourly compensation costs and productivity, and consumer prices. To increase country and indicator coverage, data from other organizations also are included. (Notes are provided at the end of each
section to detail sources used and to furnish helpful definitions..."

Geographic Profile of Employment and Unemployment, 2010
"This bulletin presents 2010 annual averages from the CPS for census regions and divisions; the 50 States and the District of Columbia; and 54 large metropolitan areas, 22 metropolitan divisions, and 41 principal cities. Data from the CPS differ from the official estimates produced by the individual States through the LAUS program. CPS estimates are provided herein because they are a current source of information on the demographic and economic characteristics of the labor force in subnational areas, from the same source as the official labor force data for the United States as a whole..."

Hispanic Heritage Month, Sept. 15 - Oct. 15, 2011.
"In September 1968, Congress authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to proclaim National Hispanic Heritage Week, which was observed during the week that included Sept. 15 and Sept. 16. The observance was expanded in 1988 by Congress to a monthlong celebration (Sept. 15 – Oct. 15), effective the following year. America celebrates the culture and traditions of those who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America and the Caribbean.

Sept. 15 was chosen as the starting point for the celebration because it is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively."

FAA Spaceport grants will strengthen America's commercial space industry
"...although the NASA Shuttle era has drawn to a close, the U.S. already has a commercial space transportation industry that is ready, willing, and able to meet the challenges of providing access to space for science, research, tourism, and other national needs. This industry is absolutely poised to take American space transportation to the next level.

And, since 1984, the FAA’s Office of Commercial Space Transportation has been in charge of regulating and promoting this dynamic sector. The new matching grants are just the latest example of that support.

The FAA has also issued licenses for more than 200 launches, licensed eight FAA-approved launch sites known as spaceports, and helped ensure that no loss of life or serious injury has been associated with these efforts..."

THE DEADLIEST, COSTLIEST, AND MOST INTENSE UNITED STATES TROPICAL CYCLONES FROM 1851 TO 2010
"This technical memorandum lists the deadliest tropical cyclones in the United States during 1851-
2010 and the costliest tropical cyclones in the United States during 1900-2010. The compilation
ranks damage, as expressed by monetary losses, in three ways: 1) contemporaneous estimates; 2)
contemporaneous estimates adjusted by inflation to 2010 dollars; and 3) contemporaneous estimates
adjusted for inflation and the growth of population and personal wealth (Pielke et al. 2008) to 2010 dollars. In addition, the most intense (i.e., major 1) hurricanes to make landfall in the United States during the 160-year period are listed. Also presented are some additional statistics on United States hurricanes and tropical cyclones in general.."

The Budget and Economic Outlook: An Update, August 2011
"...The United States is facing profound budgetary and economic challenges. At 8.5 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), the $1.3 trillion budget deficit that the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projects for 2011 will be the third-largest shortfall in the past 65 years (exceeded only by the deficits of the preceding two years). This year’s deficit stems in part from the long shadow cast on the U.S. economy by the financial crisis and the recent recession. Although economic output began to expand again two years ago, the pace of the recovery has been slow, and the economy remains in a severe slump. Recent turmoil in financial markets in the United States and overseas threatens to prolong the slump..."

Population Distribution and Change: 2000 to 2010 (2010 Census Briefs)
"The 2010 Census reported 308.7 million people in the United States, a 9.7 percent increase from the Census 2000 population of 281.4 million. This report discusses population change between 2000 and 2010 for several geographic levels, including regions, states, metropolitan and micropolitan statistical areas, counties, and places..."

Age and Sex Composition: 2010 (2010 Census Briefs)
"Focusing on a population’s age and sex composition is one of the most basic ways to understand population change over time. Since Census 2000, the population has continued to grow older, with many states reaching a median age over 40 years. At the same time, increases in the number of men at older ages are apparent. Understanding a population’s age and sex composition yields insights
into changing phenomena and highlights future social and economic challenges..."

The Hispanic Population: 2010(2010 Census Briefs)
"This report looks at an important part of our nation’s changing ethnic diversity. It is part of a
series that analyzes population and housing data collected from the 2010 Census, and it provides
a snapshot of the Hispanic or Latino population in the United States. Hispanic population group
distributions and growth at the national level and at lower levels of geography are presented..."

Taking a Trip to the ATM? Beware of 'Skimmers'
"Last fall, two brothers from Bulgaria were charged in U.S. federal court in New York with using stolen bank account information to defraud two banks of more than $1 million.

Their scheme involved installing surreptitious surveillance equipment on New York City ATMs that allowed them to record customers’ account information and PINs, create their own bank cards, and steal from customer accounts...

How to Avoid being Skimmed

- Inspect the ATM, gas pump, or credit card reader before using it…be suspicious if you see anything loose, crooked, or damaged, or if you notice scratches or adhesive/tape residue.

- When entering your PIN, block the keypad with your other hand to prevent possible hidden cameras from recording your number.

- If possible, use an ATM at an inside location (less access for criminals to install skimmers).

- Be careful of ATMs in tourist areas…they are a popular target of skimmers.

- If your card isn’t returned after the transaction or after hitting “cancel,” immediately contact the financial institution that issued the card."

Divorce Rates Highest in the South, Lowest in the Northeast
"Men and women in the South had higher rates of divorce in 2009 than in other regions of the country, 10.2 per 1,000 for men and 11.1 per 1,000 for women, according to a new report from the U.S. Census Bureau. The national divorce rate was 9.2 for men and 9.7 for women.

By contrast, men and women in the Northeast had the lowest rates of divorce, 7.2 and 7.5 (see table [PDF]).

These new statistics come from the report Marital Events of Americans: 2009 [PDF], which examines marriage, divorce and widowhood in America as well as selected characteristics for those experiencing a marital event in the past year. The report is the first of its kind to describe the detailed characteristics of marital events among Americans ages 15 and older using data from the 2009 American Community Survey (ACS)..."

Apps Against Abuse


apps directed toward young adults to prevent abuse and violence.

What to Do After an Earthquake
Tips from the Federal Emergency Management Agency on what to do after an earthquake.

Affordable Care Act Rules on Expanding Access to Preventive Services for Women
"...The Affordable Care Act – the health insurance reform legislation passed by Congress and signed into law by President Obama on March 23, 2010 – helps make prevention affordable and accessible for all Americans by requiring health plans to cover recommended preventive services without cost sharing.

Under the Affordable Care Act, women’s preventive health care services – such as mammograms, screenings for cervical cancer, and other services – are already covered with no cost sharing for new health plans. The Affordable Care Act also made recommended preventive services free for people on Medicare. However, the law recognizes and HHS understands the need to take into account the unique health needs of women throughout their lifespan.

On August 1, 2011, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) adopted additional Guidelines for Women’s Preventive Services – including well-woman visits, support for breastfeeding equipment, contraception, and domestic violence screening – that will be covered without cost sharing in new health plans starting in August 2012. The guidelines were recommended by the independent Institute of Medicine (IOM) and based on scientific evidence..."
view full guidelines

Hurricanes
"Hurricanes are severe tropical storms that form in the southern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico and in the eastern Pacific Ocean. People who live in hurricane prone communities should know their vulnerability, and what actions should be taken to reduce the effects of these devastating storms. The information on this page can be used to save lives at work, home, while on the road, or on the water."

African Americans in Medicine:Selected Titles
Resources from the Library of Congress's Science, Technology, and Business Division concerning African American in medicine.

Air conditioning in nearly 100 million U.S. homes
"Except in the temperate climate regions along the West coast, air conditioners (AC) are now standard equipment in most U.S. homes (Figure 1). As recently as 1993, only 68% of all occupied housing units had AC. figure data The latest results from the 2009 Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS) show that 87 percent of U.S. households are now equipped with AC. This growth occurred among all housing types and in every Census region. Wider use has coincided with much improved energy efficiency standards for AC equipment, a population shift to hotter and more humid regions, and a housing boom during which average housing sizes increased..."

SBA 100
100 business that have created 100 jobs since getting SBA assistance.

Annual Energy Review, 2009
"The Annual Energy Review (AER) is the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s primary report of historical annual energy statistics. For many series, data begin with the year 1949. Included are data on total energy production, consumption, and trade; overviews of petroleum, natural gas, coal, electricity, nuclear energy, renewable energy, international energy, as well as financial and environmental indicators; and data unit conversion tables..."
View full report.

Current Price Topics: The Impact of Fuel Surcharges on the PPI
"Recent news reports indicate that rising fuel costs effect all segments of the United States economy.[1] Industry experts agree, noting that consumers are affected by higher transportation costs passed on by shippers to their customers.[2] Although many consumers experience high gasoline prices at the pump, few realize the degree to which high fuel costs also influence prices paid for other goods and services; fuel surcharges drive up shipping costs and often are passed on to buyers in the form of higher prices.[3]

For transportation service providers, shipping prices are typically set using a combination of a base rate along with surcharges or discounts. Base rates can vary by mode of transportation, but generally they are a contractual amount to move freight from origin to destination on the basis of mileage and volume. In addition to fuel surcharges, other common surcharges pass on the cost for deadheading (making a return trip without passengers or freight), insurance, and security.."

Report to the President - Sustaining Environmental Capital: Protecting Society and the Economy
"The central messages of this report are two. First, the economic and environmental dimensions of soci­etal well­being are both indispensable, as well as tightly intertwined. Second, even as the government is rightly focused on the direct threats to the economic aspects of well­being in the form of recession, unemployment, and the stagnation of the standard of living of the middle class, it must not fail to address the threats to both the environmental and the economic aspects of well­being that derive from the accelerating degradation of the environmental capital—the Nation’s ecosystems and the biodiversity they contain—from which flow “ecosystem services” underpinning much economic activity as well as public health, safety, and environmental quality..."

Executive Order--Establishing a Coordinated Government-wide Initiative to Promote Diversity and Inclusion in the Federal Workforce
"By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and in order to promote the Federal workplace as a model of equal opportunity, diversity, and inclusion, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Policy. Our Nation derives strength from the diversity of its population and from its commitment to equal opportunity for all. We are at our best when we draw on the talents of all parts of our society, and our greatest accomplishments are achieved when diverse perspectives are brought to bear to overcome our greatest challenges.

A commitment to equal opportunity, diversity, and inclusion is critical for the Federal Government as an employer. By law, the Federal Government's recruitment policies should "endeavor to achieve a work force from all segments of society." (5 U.S.C. 2301(b)(1)). As the Nation's largest employer, the Federal Government has a special obligation to lead by example. Attaining a diverse, qualified workforce is one of the cornerstones of the merit-based civil service..."

U.S. Energy-Related Carbon Dioxide Emissions, 2010
"This analysis examines the level and drivers of energy-related carbon dioxide emissions in 2010. After a historic decline in 2009, energy-related carbon dioxide emissions rebounded in 2010, but still remain 358 million metric tons (6 percent) below the 2005 level..."

Teen Dating Violence: A Literature Review and Annotated Bibliography
"This annotated bibliography and summary of research identify significant research carried out in the decade since 1999 on the issue of dating violence among high school and middle school youth. The survey provided by the bibliography and summary covers quantitative and qualitative literature on the definition and prevalence of, as well as risk factors for, adolescent dating violence, also called teen relationship abuse. Commonly researched risk factors, correlates, or predictors of teen dating violence include demographic and communitylevel factors, as well as more proximate family-level, individual-level, and situational risks. Particular note is taken of longitudinal work on such factors. The survey also encompasses research on the deleterious effects of dating violence both in the context of the current relationship and in future intimate partnerships. Finally, the bibliography and summary cover the literature on the effectiveness of prevention programs and on responses to the issue of dating violence in the law and legal systems."

Investing in Rural America
From USGA blog:
"Earlier this week, President Obama along with Secretary Vilsack and members of the White House Rural Council hosted the White House Rural Economic Forum in Peosta, Iowa where the President announced new jobs initiatives focused on increasing access to capital, job training and health care services. The forum, part of President Obama’s three-day economic bus tour, brought together farmers, small business owners, private sector leaders, rural stakeholders and government officials to discuss ways to improve economic growth and create jobs in rural communities nationwide. The White House Rural Council, of which Secretary Vilsack is the chair, was created on June 9, 2011 by an executive order and is focused on finding ways to increase economic growth and infrastructure in rural communities..."

Environmentalism: Resources for kids, young adults, educators and parents
"This guide provides a selection of print and electronic resources on environmentalism for children ages K-12. It also includes environmental education resources for educators and parents.."

Civil War Aeronautics (1861-1865)
"In honor of the Civil War’s Sesquicentennial (150th) anniversary this guide brings together various publications about the use of balloons for aerial reconnaissance and mapping during the United States Civil War (1861-1865). The Balloon Corps of the Army of the Potomac became the first official use of aviation in American military operations and was the forerunner to the United States Air Force. For more information about balloons and airships, see our Tracer Bullet 00-5 Balloons and Airships."

Personal Income for Metropolitan Areas, 2010
" Personal income rose in 2010 in all but four of the nation’s 366 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs), according to estimates released today by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Personal income in the metropolitan portion of the United States rose 2.9 percent in 2010 after falling 1.9 percent in 2009. Personal income growth in 2010 ranged from 10.1 percent in Elizabethtown, Kentucky to -0.9 percent in Grand Junction, Colorado. Inflation, as measured by the national price index for personal consumption expenditures, accelerated to 1.8 percent in 2010 from 0.2 percent in 2009."

Snapshot of Food Safety Milestones in the History of the FDA
Trace the history of food safety laws and regulations.

City of Madison New Zoning Code
Find information on Madison's new zoning code adopted March 29, 2011 with listing of neighborhood meetings on the code and zoning maps.

FBI - Mortgage Fraud
"These scams hit us right where we live.
From foreclosure frauds to subprime shenanigans, mortgage fraud is a growing crime threat that is hurting homeowners, businesses, and the national economy. We have developed new ways to detect and combat mortgage fraud, including collecting and analyzing data to spot emerging trends and patterns. And we are using the full array of investigative techniques to find and stop criminals before the fact, rather than after the damage has been done..."

Hospital Compare
Rating of hospitals from the Medicare.gov web site.

A Balanced Budget Constitutional Amendment: Background and Congressional Options
"One of the most persistent political issues facing Congress in recent decades is whether to require that the budget of the United States be in balance. Although a balanced federal budget has long been held as a political ideal, the accumulation of large deficits in recent years has heightened concern that some action to require a balance between revenues and expenditures may be necessary.

The debate over a balanced budget measure actually consists of several interrelated debates. Most prominently, the arguments of proponents have focused on the economy and the possible harm resulting from consistently large deficits and a growing federal debt. Another issue involves whether such a requirement should be statutory or made part of the Constitution. Some proponents of balanced budgets oppose a constitutional amendment, fearing that it would prove to be too inflexible for dealing with future circumstance.."

School Starts Soon—Is Your Child Fully Vaccinated?
"Making sure that children of all ages receive all their vaccinations on time is one of the most important things parents can do to ensure their children's long-term health ― as well as the health of friends, classmates, and others in the community.

It's true that some vaccine-preventable diseases have become very rare thanks to vaccines. However, outbreaks still happen. For example, preliminary data showed more than 21,000 cases of "whooping cough" (pertussis) in this country in 2010. Twenty-six deaths were reported – 22 of these deaths in the U.S were in children younger than 1 year old. Additionally, from January 1 to May 20, 2011, there were 118 cases of measles reported in the United States--- more than any year since 1996. Measles comes into the United States from countries where the disease still circulates, including many European countries. Measles spreads easily and it can be serious, causing hospitalization and even death. Young children are at highest risk for serious complications from measles..."

EPA Affirms National Air Quality Standards for Carbon Monoxide Are Protective of Public Health
"After a careful review of the science, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is affirming the current national air quality standards for carbon monoxide (CO). The science shows that the current standards protect public health, including those who are most susceptible, and the environment. Since 1980, levels of CO in the air have fallen by 80 percent, mostly as a result of motor vehicle emissions controls.

CO is a colorless, odorless gas emitted from combustion processes. Nationally, and particularly in urban areas, the majority of CO emissions come from motor vehicles. CO can cause harmful health effects by reducing oxygen delivery to the body’s organs (like the heart and brain) and tissues.

To ensure people are protected from unhealthy concentrations of CO and to develop better information about CO and its health impacts, EPA is revising the air monitoring requirements. The changes will require a more focused monitoring network with CO monitors placed near roads in 52 urban areas with populations of 1 million or more..."

JOBS AND ECONOMIC SECURITY FOR RURAL AMERICA
"The vitality of rural America is critical to ensuring the strength of our economy, the affordability of our food, the independence of our energy supply, and the vibrancy of small communities. President Obama values rural America’s important contributions to our Nation’s well-being, and has worked tirelessly to strengthen the economic security of rural communities across the country. By enacting policies that have helped stave off a second Great Depression and get our economy growing again, the President has laid the foundation for economic growth that will create high paying jobs for all Americans.

These policies have made significant impact in rural areas, but the pace of job growth is still not fast enough. In response, the President has redoubled his efforts to strengthen the economy and ensure that all Americans living in rural communities have equal access to a first-class education, affordable healthcare, and real economic opportunities

This report lays out the economic landscape rural America faces today and presents some of the
Administration’s many efforts to promote economic growth and job creation in rural communities.."

FOIA Contacts
Freedom of Information contacts a various federal agencies and departments

Sequestration Update Report for Fiscal Year 2012
"Under the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985
(BBEDCA), as amended by the Budget Control Act of 2011 (Public Law 112-25),
the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) is required to issue, on August 15 each
year, a report providing information about the limits on discretionary spending (now
set through 2021) and an explanation of any adjustments to them that are required to
be made. This document reports on the limits that were specified in the recently
enacted law because no actions have been taken that would necessitate a change in
them..."

Obama Administration launches cost-saving fuel-efficiency standards for trucks
"The 2014-2018 fuel efficiency standards for trucks are designed to account for the different kind of work done by different kinds of trucks. Long haul trucks will save an average of 4 gallons for fuel for every 100 miles traveled. Heavy-duty pickups and vehicles like buses, delivery trucks, or vans would save one gallon for every 100 miles traveled. Altogether, we're looking at saving a projected 530 million barrels of oil.

That is a huge benefit to truck owners and operators. Over the life of a new truck built to fit these standards, a semi-truck driver will see a net savings of $73,000 through reduced fuel costs. Will the technology required to meet these standards add to the cost of a new truck? Yes, but the fuel-savings will more than match that cost within one year of driving..."

The Asian American Labor Force in Recovery
"Asian-Americans and Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders are a growing share of the United States labor market. They are also a diverse population who identify their ethnicity as Asian Indian, Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese and several other ethnicities. Aggregate numbers show that the Asian-American community as a whole exhibits better labor market outcomes than other racial groups, but the aggregate measurements veil the wide variations within this highly diverse group. Numbers broken down by gender, by age and by country of origin, illustrate that there exists significant disparity within those who identify their race as Asian . These numbers demonstrate that some Asian-Americans face greater challenges and therefore need more attention and assistance than the aggregate data suggest..."

Trauma-Informed Care for Women Veterans Experiencing Homelessness: A Guide for Service Providers
"Trauma-Informed Care for Women Veterans Experiencing Homelessness was commissioned by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Women’s Bureau (WB) as one of its many efforts to help women veterans who are experiencing homelessness find jobs and successfully reintegrate back to civilian life. This document is an outcome of a two-phase Women’s Bureau project that included coordination of listening sessions with women veterans experiencing homelessness and the subsequent development of quality resources for the community-based organizations that serve them. In addition to this document, the Women’s Bureau has prepared fact sheets on the subject, conducted a “Woman-to-Woman Stand Down” for female veterans and is developing case studies to further shed light on the important issues affecting homeless women veterans..."

The Informtion Needs of Communities: the changing media landscapein a broadband age
"...This report looks not only at the changing face of media, but at the relevant policy and regulatory situation, including the FCC’s own track record. Our basic conclusion: with the media landscape shifting as fast as it has been, some current regulations are out of sync with the information needs of communities and the fluid nature of modern local media markets.

In crafting recommendations, this report started with the overriding premise that the First Amendment circumscribes the role government can play in improving local news. Beyond that, sound policy would recognize that government is simply not the main player in this drama."

Cross-State Air Pollution Rule(CSAPR)
"On July 6, 2011, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a rule that protects the health of millions of Americans by helping states reduce air pollution and attain clean air standards. This rule, known as the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR), requires 27 states to significantly improve air quality by reducing power plant emissions that contribute to ozone and/or fine particle pollution in other states.

This rule replaces EPA's 2005 Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR). A December 2008 court decision kept the requirements of CAIR in place temporarily but directed EPA to issue a new rule to implement Clean Air Act requirements concerning the transport of air pollution across state boundaries. This action responds to the court's concerns..."

Personal Income for Metropolitan Areas, 2010
"Personal income rose in 2010 in all but four of the nation’s 366 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs), according to estimates released today by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Personal income in the metropolitan portion of the United States rose 2.9 percent in 2010 after falling 1.9 percent in 2009. Personal income growth in 2010 ranged from 10.1 percent in Elizabethtown, Kentucky to -0.9 percent in Grand Junction, Colorado. Inflation, as measured by the national price index for personal consumption expenditures, accelerated to 1.8 percent in 2010 from 0.2 percent in 2009."

Economic Recovery: Sustaining U.S. Economic Growth in a Post-Crisis Economy
"The 2007-2009 recession was long and deep, and according to several indicators was the most severe economic contraction since the 1930s (but still much less severe than the Great Depression). The slowdown of economic activity was moderate through the first half of 2008, but at that point the weakening economy was overtaken by a major financial crisis that would exacerbate the economic weakness and accelerate the decline..."

Charting International Labor Comparisons
"With ever-expanding global markets, international labor statistics have assumed a greater role in assessing the relative performance of individual economies and in influencing both national and international policy decisions. However, direct comparisons of statistics across countries can be misleading, because concepts and definitions often differ. To improve the comparability of international labor statistics, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) International Labor Comparisons (ILC) program adjusts data to a common conceptual framework.

The BLS 2011 edition of Charting International Labor Comparisons features 2009 data, as well as trends over time, for the main indicators published by ILC: gross domestic product, labor force, manufacturing hourly compensation costs and productivity, and consumer prices. To increase country and indicator coverage, data from other organizations also are included. (Notes are provided at the end of each section to detail sources used and to furnish helpful definitions.).."

Measuring Broadband America:A Report on Consumer Wireline Broadband Performance in the U.S.
"To make informed choices about purchasing and using broadband, consumers need to have access to basic information about broadband performance. Will a particular offering allow me to browse the web quickly and easily? Will it enable me to use new applications that help me maintain my health, search for a job, or take courses online? What should I look for in a provider if I want to watch high definition online video or play online video games? Does a given speed tier have sufficient upload capacity to enable video conferencing? Will a higher speed, higher priced service improve my Internet experience? Can I get by with a lower priced service? And does the speed a provider advertises match the actual speed I will receive at my home? To help answer these questions, this Report presents the results of the first rigorous,
nationwide study of actual home broadband performance in the United State..."

Critical Infrastructures: Background, Policy, and Implementation
"The nation’s health, wealth, and security rely on the production and distribution of certain goods and services. The array of physical assets, functions, and systems across which these goods and services move are called critical infrastructures (e.g., electricity, the power plants that generate it, and the electric grid upon which it is distributed).

The national security community has been concerned for some time about the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to both physical and cyber attack. In May 1998, President Clinton released Presidential Decision Directive No. 63. The Directive set up groups within the federal government to develop and implement plans that would protect government-operated infrastructures and called for a dialogue between government and the private sector to develop a National Infrastructure Assurance Plan that would protect all of the nation’s critical infrastructures by the year 2003. While the Directive called for both physical and cyber protection
from both man-made and natural events, implementation focused on cyber protection against man-made cyber events (i.e., computer hackers). However, given the physical damage caused by the September 11 attacks, physical protection of critical infrastructures has received increased attention.."

National Wildlife Refugee System
Planning a vacation, consider one of the National Wildlife Refugees.

Shop and Save…at the Bank:A Buyer's Guide to Finding the Right Loan, Credit Card or Deposit Account
Consumer information on finding a bank from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

CBO'S 2011 LONG-TERM PROJECTIONS FOR SOCIAL SECURITY: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
"This Congressional Budget Office (CBO) publication provides additional information about long-term projections of the Social Security program's finances that were included in CBO's 2011 Long-Term Budget Outlook (June 2011). Those projections, which cover the 75-year period spanning 2011 to 2085, and the additional information presented in this document update projections CBO prepared last year and reported in CBO's 2010 Long-Term Projections for Social Security: Additional Information..."

President Obama Directs New Steps to Prevent Mass Atrocities and Impose Consequences on Serious Human Rights Violators
"President Obama is committed to strengthening the United States Government’s ability to prevent mass atrocities and serious human rights violations. In 2010, he created the first-ever White House position dedicated to preventing and responding to mass atrocities and war crimes. And in Kyrgyzstan, Cote d’Ivoire, Libya, Sudan, and elsewhere, this Administration has prioritized the protection of civilians and the prevention of mass atrocity and serious human rights violations, and employed a wide range of economic, diplomatic, and other tools in service of those ends.

Today, President Obama is directing a comprehensive review to strengthen the United States’ ability to prevent mass atrocities. The President’s directive creates an important new tool in this effort, establishing a standing interagency Atrocities Prevention Board with the authority to develop prevention strategies and to ensure that concerns are elevated for senior decision-making so that we are better able to work with our allies and partners to be responsive to early warning signs and prevent potential atrocities. Today he is also issuing a proclamation that, for the first time, explicitly bars entry into the United States of persons who organize or participate in war crimes, crimes against humanity, and serious violations of human rights..."

Seven Steps for Cleaning Fruits and Vegetables


Video from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on cleaning fruits and vegetable.

THE EFFECTS OF RENEWABLE OR CLEAN ELECTRICITY STANDARDS
"Federal lawmakers have recently considered several policies to alter the mix of fuels used to generate electricity in the United States. Those policies, referred to as renewable or "clean" electricity standards, would lead to greater reliance on energy sources that produce few or no emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), the most prevalent greenhouse gas contributing to climate change. This study examines how federal standards would change the mix of fuels used to generate electricity, the amount of CO2 emissions, and the retail price of electricity in different parts of the United States. In particular, the study explores how some proposed features of such standards (such as preferences, exemptions, and alternative compliance rules) would affect those outcomes. The study also highlights key elements in designing a renewable or clean electricity standard that would help minimize its costs to U.S. households and businesses..."

NOAA — Deepwater Horizon: A Preliminary Bibliography of Published Research and Expert Commentary
"This bibliography attempts to list all of the published research and expert commentary that has resulted from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. It includes peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters, technical reports released by scientific agencies and institutions, and editorials published in peer-reviewed journals. The peer-reviewed publications and technical reports in this bibliography are sorted into three subject categories: natural, medical, and social sciences. Data sets, fact sheets, maps, and news items not published in peer-reviewed journals are outside the scope of this bibliography. Suggestions of articles not listed in this bibliography may be emailed to Chris Belter. This bibliography will be updated regularly as new articles and
reports are published..."

EMPOWERING LOCAL PARTNERS TO PREVENT VIOLENT EXTREMISM IN THE UNITED STATES
"The seal of the United States of America is inscribed with the Latin dictum E Pluribus Unum—out of
many, one. It is our great strength that the American social fabric continues to weave together waves of immigrants to the United States and people from all backgrounds and walks of life as part of an indivisible community. We are a pluralistic Nation and a society that does not just accept diversity; we embrace it, and we are stronger as a result. We surmount the many challenges that we face by remaining committed to the American ideals of freedom, equality, and democracy, which transcend differences of religion, ethnicity, and place of birth. Since America’s founding, our country and our ideals have been assailed by forces of hate and division, yet we remain strong, unified, and resilient..."

Women in STEM: A Gender Gap to Innovation
"Today Commerce's Economic and Statistics Administration released the second in a series of reports on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). This report, entitled Women in STEM: A Gender Gap to Innovation (PDF), looked at women and STEM. The results offer an opportunity and an imperative for women and America. The results showed that women are vastly underrepresented in STEM jobs and among STEM degree holders despite making up nearly half of the U.S. workforce and half of the college-educated workforce. That leaves an untapped opportunity to expand STEM employment in the United States, even as there is wide agreement that the nation must do more to improve its competitiveness..."
View full report.

FTC Releases Reports on Cigarette and Smokeless Tobacco Advertising and Promotion
"The amount spent on cigarette advertising and promotion by the largest cigarette companies in the United States declined from $12.49 billion in 2006 to $10.86 billion in 2007, and again to $9.94 billion in 2008, according to a report released today by the Federal Trade Commission.

The largest spending category in both 2007 and 2008 was spending on price discounts
paid to cigarette retailers or wholesalers in order to reduce the price of cigarettes to consumers. This category accounted for $7.70 billion, or 70.9 percent of total spending on advertising and promotion in 2007, and $7.17 billion, or 72.1 percent of that total, in 2008.

The number of cigarettes sold or given away to wholesalers and retailers in the United States declined from 350.5 billion in 2006 to 342.8 billion in 2007, and to 322.6 billion in 2008..."

Building a Better Credit Report
"If you've ever applied for a credit card, a personal loan, or insurance, there's a file about you. This file is known as your credit report. It is chock full of information on where you live, how you pay your bills, and whether you've been sued or arrested, or have filed for bankruptcy. Credit reporting companies sell the information in your report to creditors, insurers, employers, and other businesses with a legitimate need for it. They use the information to evaluate your applications for credit, insurance, employment, or a lease.

Having a good credit report means it will be easier for you to get loans and lower interest rates. Lower interest rates usually translate into smaller monthly payments.

Nevertheless, newspapers, radio, TV, and the Internet are filled with ads for companies and services that promise to erase accurate negative information in your credit report in exchange for a fee. The scam artists who run these ads not only don't deliver — they can't deliver. Only time, a deliberate effort, and a plan to repay your bills will improve your credit as it's detailed in your credit report..."

Assistance Program Helps Human Trafficking Victims
"Human trafficking is one of the most heinous crimes that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents investigate. Akin to modern-day slavery, victims are often forced into prostitution, involuntary labor and other forms of servitude. They are often hidden in plain sight, voiceless and scared.

ICE not only targets and apprehends human traffickers, but it also provides assistance to human trafficking victims through its Victim Assistance Program. That assistance comes in various forms like temporary immigration benefits, counseling, and more..."

CBO ANALYSIS OF AUGUST 1 BUDGET CONTROL ACT
"The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has estimated the impact on the deficit of the Budget Control Act of 2011, as posted on the Web site of the House Committee on Rules on August 1, 2011. The legislation would:

Establish caps on discretionary spending through 2021;
Allow for certain amounts of additional spending for "program integrity" initiatives aimed at reducing the amount of improper benefit payments;

Make changes to the Pell Grant and student loan programs;

Require that the House of Representatives and the Senate vote on a joint resolution proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution;

Establish a procedure to increase the debt limit by $400 billion initially and procedures that would allow the limit to be raised further in two additional steps, for a cumulative increase of between $2.1 trillion and $2.4 trillion;

Reinstate and modify certain budget process rules;

Create a Congressional Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction to propose further deficit reduction, with a stated goal of achieving at least $1.5 trillion in budgetary savings over 10 years; and

Establish automatic procedures for reducing spending by as much as $1.2 trillion if legislation originating with the new joint select committee does not achieve such savings..."