The increased supply of underutilized labor from 2006 to 2014

"The supply of labor and worker productivity are major sources of a nation’s long-term growth in

economic output. The supply of labor depends on the size of a country’s population and the country’s labor force participation rate.

A country’s population size can be affected by its fertility rate, life expectancy, and international migration. In 2012, the fertility rate in the United States was the lowest since data collection began in 1920.

But life expectancy at birth has been rising for a century or more, while the population has increased because of international migration.

In the United States, the labor force participation rate for men has been falling for several decades. The participation rate for women increased for several decades until 1999, but has fallen since..."

Undeveloped labor supply

EPA Proposes Smog Standards to Safeguard Americans from Air Pollution

"Based on extensive recent scientific evidence about the harmful effects of ground-level ozone, or smog, EPA is proposing to strengthen air quality standards to within a range of 65 to 70 parts per billion (ppb) to better protect Americans’ health and the environment, while taking comment on a level as low as 60 ppb. The Clean Air Act requires EPA to review the standards every five years by following a set of open, transparent steps and considering the advice of a panel of independent experts. EPA last updated these standards in 2008, setting them at 75 ppb..."
EPA, air pollution,  smog standards

Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted

"The FBI’s annual Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) report that was released earlier this week details in chilling narratives and statistics how 76 law enforcement officers were killed in the line of duty in 2013.
While the LEOKA report offers a stark reminder of the dangers police face every day, the main reason for gathering the comprehensive data about line-of-duty fatalities, assaults, and accidents is to prevent them from occurring in the future. In addition to collecting details about the critical aspects of fatal confrontations and assaults, the FBI’s LEOKA program conducts extensive research on the data that eventually gets incorporated into the officer safety awareness training the FBI provides for partner agencies..."

Law enforcement officers killed

AskEnergySaver: Weatherization

"Home heating and cooling account for about 48 percent of the average homeowner’s utility bill. As the weather gets colder, it’s important to weatherize your home in order to save money while staying cozy. And while we have lots of great tips for saving on heating and cooling, we know there are always more questions to be answered.

This month we asked you to share your questions about weatherization. To answer them we turned to Ely Jacobsohn, Program Manager of Home Performance with ENERGY STAR in the Department’s Buildings Technology office..."

Weatherization

Fact Sheet: Fixing Our Broken Immigration System Through Executive Action

"The President asked Secretary Johnson and Attorney General Eric Holder to undertake a rigorous and inclusive review to inform recommendations on reforming our broken immigration system through executive action. This review sought the advice and input from the men and women charged with implementing the policies, as well as the ideas of a broad range of stakeholders and Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle. Our assessment identified the following ten areas where we, within the confines of the law, could take action to increase border security, focus enforcement resources, and ensure accountability in our immigration system..."
Immigration

World AIDS Day, 2014

"On December 1, people throughout the world observe World AIDS Day, an opportunity for the global community to honor those living with HIV; the families, friends, caregivers, and communities who support them; and those who have lost their lives to AIDS. The theme for 2014 – "Focus, Partner, Achieve: An AIDS-Free Generation" – reflects the drive to focus on interventions that work and partner with a broad range of stakeholders to achieve control of the epidemic and move closer to an AIDS-free generation..."
World Aids Day

Overview of FDA Labeling Requirements for Restaurants, Similar Retail Food Establishments and Vending Machines

"This page provides information on the menu and vending machines labeling requirements.

• Menu Labeling Requirements At-A-Glance
• Vending Machines Labeling Requirements At-A-Glance

For more information see, Menu and Vending Machines Labeling Requirements Main Page..."

FDA labeling

Climate Change Indicators in the United states, 3rd ed., 2014

"The Earth’s climate is changing. Temperatures are rising, snow and rainfall patterns are shifting, and more extreme climate events—like heavy rainstorms and record high temperatures—are already  taking place. Scientists are highly confident that many of these observed changes can be linked to the climbing levels of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in our atmosphere, which are caused by human activities.
The climate change indicators in this report look at the composition of the atmosphere, fundamental measures of climate, and the extent to which several climate-sensitive aspects of the oceans, snow and ice, human health, society, and ecosystems are changing. Together, these indicators present compelling evidence that climate change is happening now in the United States and around the world..."
Climate change

Intelligence Authorization Legislation for FY2014 and FY2015: Provisions, Status, Intelligence Community Framework

"An Intelligence Authorization Act (IAA) for Fiscal Years (FY) 2014 and 2015 (H.R. 4681) was considered in May 2014 and passed by the House but not by the Senate. Instead, both chambers passed, and the President signed an IAA for FY2014 (P.L. 113-126) in July 2014. At this time, an IAA for FY2015 (S. 2741) is under consideration by the Senate. If it passes, it will be referred to the House. This report examines selected provisions in the legislation (those summarized below) and provides an intelligence community framework in the Appendix..."

Intelligence authorization

U.S. gasoline prices this Thanksgiving are the lowest since 2009

"U.S. retail regular-grade gasoline prices continue to decline, averaging $2.82 per gallon (gal) as of November 24. This average is 47 cents lower than a year ago, and the lowest price heading into a Thanksgiving holiday since 2009. Traditionally, the Thanksgiving holiday is one of the most traveled times of the year in the United States, and much of that travel is by car. AAA estimates that during this Thanksgiving holiday weekend (November 26-30), 41.3 million people in the United States will travel more than 50 miles from home by car. This level of travel, 4.3% higher than the same time last year, is the highest number of travelers by car for Thanksgiving in seven years and the third highest since AAA began publishing the data in 2000..."
Gas prices

Sexual Violence at Institutions of Higher Education

"In recent years, a number of high-profile incidents of sexual violence at institutions of higher education (IHEs) have heightened congressional and administration scrutiny of the policies and procedures that IHEs currently have in place to address campus sexual violence and how these policies and procedures can be improved. Campus sexual violence is widely acknowledged to be a problem. However, reported data on the extent of sexual violence at IHEs varies considerably across studies for a variety of methodological and other reasons. Victims of sexual violence may suffer from a range of physical and mental health conditions including injuries, pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, suicidality, and substance abuse. College students who are the victims of sexual violence may experience a
decline in academic performance, and they may drop out, leave school, or transfer.."
Sexual violence on campus

Federal Policies and Innovation

"Innovation is a central driver of economic growth in the United States. Workers become more productive when they can make use of improved equipment and

processes, and consumers benefit when new goods and services become available or when existing ones become better or cheaper—although the transition can be disruptive to established firms and workers as new products and processes supersede old ones. Looking ahead, innovation will continue to be important for economic growth, in part because the supply of workers to the economy is expected to increase at a much slower rate in the future..."

Federal policies and Innovation

In the Shadow of the Great Recession: Experiences and Perspectives of Young Workers

"Young adults in the United States have experienced higher rates of unemployment and lower rates of labor force participation than the general population for at least two decades. The Great Recession exacerbated this phenomenon. Despite a substantial labor market recovery from 2009 through 2014, vulnerable populations—including the nation’s young adults—continue to experience higher rates of unemployment..."

Young workers and recession

2013 Annual Services Report

Find the latest data on the Services Industry featuring reports on Employer and Nonemployer Firms, Expenses for Employer Firms, Sources of Revenue for Employer Firms, End of Year inventories,
 E-Commerce Revenue, etc .
Annual Services Report

Executive Summary of the White House Breach

"This week the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a report titled: "Executive Summary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Report on the White House Incursion of September 19, 2014." This report discusses Omar Gonzalez's recent White House breach on September 19, 2014. On this day Gonzalez breached White House security and was able to gain access to the "north lawn" and the interior of the mansion. The incident sparked a national and congressional debate about the competency of the forces guarding the President's residence, and whether a more lethal approach to the current rules of engagement (ROE) is appropriate..."
White House Breach

A Toolkit to Help Communities Respond to a Changing Climate

"It’s been a big week for the United States’ efforts on climate change. On November 12, President Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping announced historic actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Today, we’re announcing important steps that the Administration is taking here at home to help communities respond to and prepare for a changing climate.

Today, the State, Local, and Tribal Leaders Task Force on Climate Preparedness and Resilience – a group of leaders from across the country who are working to boost resilience efforts in their communities – released recommendations on ways in which the federal government can support actions to address the impacts of climate change.

In response to early input from the Task Force, the Administration has developed the Climate Resilience Toolkit, a website that provides centralized, authoritative, easy-to-use information, tools, and best practices to help communities prepare for and boost their resilience to the impacts of climate change..."

Climate change

Six Steps to Protect Your Brand

"A trademark is an essential part of a brand, helping to distinguish a business’s unique products and services from what another business offers. It can be a word, slogan, logo, symbol, design or even a sound. The following six steps from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) provide a useful guideline on what to consider before registering a trademark and during the application process. Have an invention? Make sure to protect that too..."
Trademarks

Gather and Share Your Family Health History

"If you are concerned about a disease running in your family, collect your family health history and talk to your doctor at your next visit. A doctor can evaluate all of the factors, including family health history, that may affect your risk of diseases and can recommend ways to reduce that risk.

Knowing Your Family Health History Can Benefit You At Any Age

The holiday season offers many opportunities for your family to share a meal—and your family health history. You and your family members share genes, and you may also have similar behaviors, cultures, and environments, each of which may affect your risk of developing health problems. Family health history takes all of these factors into account. Everyone in your family can benefit from knowing your family's health history and sharing this information with his or her doctor..."

Family Health History

Managing Your Diabetes During the Holidays

"Having diabetes shouldn't stop you from enjoying holiday celebrations and travel. With some planning and a little preparation, you can stay healthy on the road and at holiday gatherings with friends and family.
Preparation is the most important step in managing diabetes during holiday travel and festivities. Know what you'll be eating, how to enjoy a few traditional favorites while sticking with a healthy meal plan, how to pack necessary supplies for a trip, and you're ready to celebrate!.."

Diabetes Management

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

"Learn how reducing, reusing, and recycling can help you, your community, and the environment by saving money, energy, and natural resources. Recycling programs are managed at the state and local level—find information on recycling in your community..."
Recycle

3 Ways to Get Your Loan Out of Default

"You didn’t pay your federal student loan for several months, and now a collection agency is calling you telling you your loan has defaulted. If you’re like many borrowers in this situation, you are probably freaked out and don’t know what to do.
Don’t worry — you still have options to remedy your situation. You don’t have to run from your debt; you can face it head-on and we can help you..."
Student loans

How Much Energy Does Your State Produce?

"Here at the Energy Department, we take energy data and try to make it easily digestible for Americans everywhere. We’ve looked into how much you spend on energy and how much energy you consume, and now we’re back with a map showing how much energy each state produces. Let’s take a look.

How Much Energy Does Your State Produce?

Our new map shows you not just which state produces the most energy, but also what kinds of energy are produced in each state. The size of each circle represents the volume of the energy produced in that state. As a frame of reference, 1 trillion Btu is equal to about 51,000 tons of coal. If you want to learn more about understanding energy volume comparisons, check out this graphic..."

Energy production

Great American Smokeout: Your Quit Day

"If you're a smoker, quitting is the single most important step you can take to protect your health and the health of your loved ones. Smoking causes immediate damage to your body, and it threatens your future with increased risks for cancer, heart attack, lung disease, and early death. Many people have probably urged you to quit smoking already, but we all know that quitting can be hard.

That's where the American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout can help. This event takes place on November 20 and encourages smokers to quit or to use the day to make a quit plan. Free help is available at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) and at 1-855-DÉJELO-YA (1-855-335-3569) (for Spanish speakers)..."

Smoking

Executive Discretion as to Immigration: Legal Overview

"President Obama announced in June 2014 that he would seek “to fix as much of our immigration

system as I can on my own” through administrative action. Although the Obama Administration has not yet announced the specific immigration actions it intends to take, the President has stated that they will occur before the end of the year. It seems likely that such actions will prompt heated legal debate concerning the scope of the Executive’s discretionary authority over immigration matters, including with respect to the enforcement of immigration-related sanctions and the granting of immigration benefits or privileges. Such debate may be similar to that which followed the 2012 launch of the executive initiative commonly known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), under which certain unlawfully present aliens who were brought to the United States as children may be granted “deferred action” (a type of relief from removal) and work

authorization. While some have argued that DACA constitutes an abdication of the Executive’s duty to enforce the laws and runs afoul of specific requirements found in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), others have argued that the initiative is a lawful exercise of the discretionary authority conferred on the Executive by the Constitution and federal statute..."

Executive discretion and immigration

CDC’s New VetoViolence Website

"VetoViolence is CDC's online source of free violence prevention trainings, tools, and resources. Check out the VetoViolence website to learn how to stop violence, before it happens.

Are you a violence prevention practitioner who is busy, short on time, doing more with less, and looking for ways to maximize your resources? CDC's VetoViolence website offers free, online, interactive, and engaging violence prevention tools, trainings, and resources based on the best available evidence and research. The tools, trainings, and resources provide practical knowledge and skills to assist and enhance the work of violence prevention practitioners..."

Veto violence
Video violence

Computers and Internet Use in the United States: 2013

"This report provides household and individual level  information on computer and Internet use in the United States...
In 2013, 83.8 percent of U.S. households reported computer ownership, with 78.5 percent of all
households having a desktop or laptop computer, and 63.6 percent having a handheld computer.
In 2013,  74.4 percent of household reported internet use, with 73.4 percent reporting  a high-speed connection..."
Computers & Internet Use

2015 Fuel Economy Estimates

Find here the 2015 fuel economy/gas mileage estimates for cars and trucks.
Fuel Estimates

Veterans Day, November 11, 2014

"Veterans Day originated as “Armistice Day” on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary marking the end of World War I. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance, and Nov. 11 became a national holiday beginning in 1938. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation in 1954 to change the name to Veterans Day as a way to honor those who served in all American wars. The day honors military veterans with parades and speeches across the nation. A national ceremony takes place at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va..."
Veterans Day 2014

Employment Status and Occupations of Gulf War-Era Veterans

"The focus of this analysis is on veterans who served on  active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces only from August  1990 or later.
Gulf War-era veterans who served since 1990 are the  most recent cohort of wartime veterans and make up  about 35 percent of the current working-age veteran  population (see Figure 1).2 They are also a large and  growing segment of the veteran population, making  them a cohort of particular interest, but about which  minimal economic research has been done. Much of  the past research on post-military economic outcomes  of wartime veterans focused on Vietnam-era and  World War II veterans. Very few, if any, World War II and  Korean War veterans are still in the labor force—none  are in the working-age population defined here—and  the majority of the Vietnam-era veterans are nearing
retirement age..."
Veterans employment

Crime Statistics: 2013

"The FBI released Crime in the United States, 2013 today, which shows that the estimated number of violent crimes in 2013 decreased 4.4 percent when compared with 2012 figures, and the estimated number of property crimes decreased 4.1 percent. There were an estimated 1,163,146 violent crimes reported to law enforcement last year, along with an estimated 8,632,512 property crimes.

The crime statistics report, issued by the Bureau’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, contains voluntarily submitted data from 18,415 city, county, state, tribal, campus, and federal law enforcement agencies on specific crimes brought to their attention. They include the violent crimes of murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault, and the property crimes of burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson..."

Crime statistics

Detecting Air Leaks

"For a thorough and accurate measurement of air leakage in your home, hire a qualified technician to conduct an energy assessment, particularly a blower door test.

You may already know where some air leakage occurs in your home, such as an under-the-door draft, but you'll need to find the less obvious gaps to properly air seal your home.

For a thorough and accurate measurement of air leakage in your home, hire a qualified technician to conduct an energy assessment, particularly a blower door test. A blower door test, which depressurizes a home, can reveal the location of many leaks. A complete energy assessment will also help determine areas in your home that need more insulation.
Without a blower door test, there are ways to find some air leaks yourself..."
Air leaks

National Prematurity Awareness Month

"Learn more about premature birth, risk factors, and what you can do.

What is Premature Birth?

It is a birth that is at least three weeks before a baby's due date. It is also known as preterm birth (or less than 37 weeks—full term is 40 weeks). Important growth and development occur throughout pregnancy—especially in the final months and weeks.."
Premature birth

Epilepsy in Children

"The term epilepsy is a broad term used for conditions that affect the brain and cause recurring seizures. More than 450,000 children have epilepsy in the United States.1 Picture a school with 1,000 students—that means at least 6 students would have epilepsy.

A CDC study showed that students aged 6–17 years with epilepsy were more likely to miss 11 or more days of school in the past year compared with students who had health concerns other than epilepsy. Also, students with epilepsy were found to be more likely to have difficulties in school, use special education services, and have activity limitations such as less participation in sports or clubs.."
Epilepsy and children

Frequently Asked Questions: Lighting Choices to Save You Money

"Below are some of the most frequently asked questions and answers about the new lighting efficiency standards. Learn more about your lighting choices and find out how to shop for lights by lumens, not watts.
Download our Lighting Myths and Facts fact sheet to learn more about your lighting choices and the new lighting standards..."

Lighting choices

Selecting a new water heater

"When selecting a new water heater for your home, choose a water heating system that will not only provide enough hot water but also that will do so energy efficiently, saving you money. This includes considering the different types of water heaters available and determining the right size and fuel source for your home. Check out the Energy Saver 101: Water Heating infographic to learn more about the different types of water heaters and how to select the right model for your home..."
Water heater

Virtual Kidnapping

"Jose Ramirez, a retired New York police officer and ultra-fit triathlete, is an unlikely victim. But last December in Cancun, Mexico, after completing an Ironman competition, he was tricked into believing his life was in danger. Like an increasing number of U.S. citizens on both sides of the border, Ramirez was the target of an extortion scheme known as virtual kidnapping.

Unlike traditional abductions, virtual kidnappers do not intend to physically detain their victims. Instead, through various deceptions and threats of violence, they coerce individuals to isolate themselves from their families—or make families believe that their loved ones are being held—all to extract a quick ransom before the scheme falls apart..."
Virtual kidnapping

Iraq: Politics, Governance, and Human Rights

"Since the 2011 U.S. military withdrawal from Iraq, sectarian and ethnic divisions have widened,

fueling a major challenge to Iraq’s stability and to Iraq’s non-Muslim minority communities. Many of Iraq’s Sunni Arabs have sided with radical Sunni Islamist insurgents as a means to reduce Shiite political domination. Iraq’s Kurds have been separately embroiled in political disputes with Baghdad over territorial, political, and economic issues, particularly their intent to separately export large volumes of oil produced in the Kurdish region. The political rifts—which were contained by the U.S. military presence but escalated after late 2011—erupted in December 2013 into a sustained uprising led by the extremist group Islamic State, formerly known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)..."

Iraq

When the clocks change, so do road safety conditions

"So, you've spent your Sunday setting the clocks in your home back an hour. Now, it's time to think about the road safety consequences of the time change and the onset of less and less daylight as fall turns to winter.
Generally, evening hours are the deadliest time on the road, so drivers and pedestrians should be on guard with the end of Daylight Saving Time when we essentially add an hour of evening..."
Time change

Interior Department Releases Climate and Sustainability Plans

"As part of President Obama’s Climate Action Plan, the Department of the Interior today released its plans for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preparing for climate change impacts such as flooding, sea level rise, severe weather and temperature extremes.

The release of Sustainability Plans and Climate Adaptation Plans by federal agencies coincides with the fifth anniversary of President Obama’s 2009 Executive Order on Environmental, Energy and Economic Performance, which set aggressive energy, climate and environmental targets for agencies..." 
Climate and sustainability

Diabetes and Pregnancy

"Diabetes can affect women during their childbearing years. Diabetes is a disease in which blood glucose (blood sugar) levels are above normal. Most of the food we eat is turned into glucose, or sugar, for our bodies to use for energy. The pancreas, an organ that lies near the stomach, makes a hormone called insulin to help glucose get into the cells of our bodies. When you have diabetes, your body either doesn't make enough insulin or can't use its own insulin as well as it should."
Diabetes and pregnancy

National Family Caregivers Month

"November is National Family Caregivers Month. Over the course of our lifetime, many of us will find ourselves taking care of a loved one with a disease or disability who may need temporary or long-term assistance with daily activities. Being a caregiver, or what is often referred to as a "care partner," can be fulfilling by offering the opportunity to provide a loved one, friend, or neighbor with needed help and reassurance. However, this role can also affect the life of the care partner in significant and often.."
National Caregivers Month

Social Security: Cost-of-Living Adjustments

"To compensate for the effects of inflation, Social Security recipients usually receive an annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). Benefits will be increased by 1.7% in 2015, following an increase of 1.5% in 2014. Social Security COLAs are based on changes in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), updated monthly by the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The COLA equals the growt h, if any, in the index from the highest third calendar quarter average CPI-W recorded (most often, from the previous year) to the average CPI-W for the third calendar quarter of the current year. The COLA becomes effective in December of the current year and is payable in January of the following year. (Social Security payments always reflect the benefits due for the preceding month.)..."

Social security

What Drives U.S. Gasoline Prices?

"Crude oil is the main input cost in the production of gasoline, and changes in crude oil price, along with changes in gasoline market conditions, drive changes in wholesale and retail gasoline prices. EIA estimates that about two-thirds of the price of gasoline at the pump is attributable to the refinery cost of crude oil. When the price of crude oil changes, the price of wholesale gasoline adjusts concurrently to reflect the increased refinery input cost, other market factors being equal..."
Gasoline prices

Health Insurance Open Enrollment begins November 15, 2014

"Open Enrollment for 2015 coverage starts November 15, 2014. Until then, you can get ready by learning about the Marketplace, seeing if you may qualify for savings, downloading an application checklist, and more.

Plans and estimated prices for 2015 coverage will be available in early November..."
Health insurance Enrollment