News

U.S. Government News and Events

A world free of nuclear weapons

Since the first atomic bombs exploded in 1945, some have tried to rid the world of nuclear weapons. President Obama has embraced this goal with new vigor. A World Free of Nuclear Weapons, the latest issue of eJournal USA, examines the challenges to achieving nuclear disarmament as well as conveys the hopes of some thinkers and explains the doubts of others. eJournal »
100 years of American eating

The Food Availability Data System, created by USDA's Economic Research Service (ERS), has just been updated. For many of the several hundred food commodities covered, this new release marks 100 years of data – from 1909 to 2008. Food Availability Data System »
Digital nation – broadband use in the USA

Broadband internet access in U.S. homes continues to grow: 64 percent of households have broadband access compared to 51 percent in October 2007, according to the report Digital Nation: 21st century America’s progress towards universal broadband internet access. Full report »
President meets with Dalai Lama

President Obama met this morning at the White House with His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama. The President stated his strong support for the preservation of Tibet’s unique religious, cultural and linguistic identity and the protection of human rights for Tibetans in the People’s Republic of China. Statement »
Team USA competes in Vancouver winter Olympics

Follow the American team on the U.S. Olympic Committe's official website. According to NBC statistics, Team USA has the third highest tally of winter Olympic medals, after Norway (number one) and the former Soviet Union (number two). Team USA »
Quadrennial Defense Review guides DOD's future

The Quadrennial Defense Review (QDR) is a legislatively-mandated review of the Department of Defense strategy and priorities. Just released this month, the February 2010 QDR assesses the threats and challenges that the United States faces and re-balances DoD's strategies, capabilities, and forces to address today's conflicts and tomorrow's threats. Full report »
February is African American history month

President Obama has proclaimed February as National African American History Month. "As we mark National African American History Month, we should take note of this special moment in our Nation's history and the actors who worked so diligently to deliver us to this place," the President remarked.
Australian author Alice Pung featured in webchat Saturday

A recent participant in the International Writing Program fall residency at the University of Iowa, Australian author Alice Pung will participate in an on-line chat about her life, her work, and her experience at the IWP residency beginning on Saturday, 6 February, at 7AM Canberra time (Australia Eastern Daylight Saving Time). Transcript »
President Obama to visit Australia in March

The White House announced today that President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama will visit Australia in March. The specific dates for the trip were not announced. The President will also visit Guam and Indonesia. Press briefing »
2010 Statistical Abstract of the U.S. released

The Statistical Abstract, also known as “Uncle Sam’s Almanac,” has been published since 1878 — before automobiles, airplanes and motion pictures had even been invented. Contained in the 129th edition are more than 1,400 tables of social, political and economic facts which collectively describe the state of our nation and the world. Full report »
President considers the State of the Union

"I never suggested that change would be easy, or that I could do it alone," President Obama said today in his first State of the Union speech to the U.S. Congress. "Democracy in a nation of 300 million people can be noisy and messy and complicated. And when you try to do big things and make big changes, it stirs passions and controversy. That’s just how it is." Transcript »
Economic report of the President for 2009

An overview of the nation's economic progress using text and extensive data appendices, the Economic Report of the President is an annual report written by the chairman of the Council of Economic Advisors. Full report »
Secretary of State Clinton promotes internet freedom

In a major foreign policy speech, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton outlined the U.S. commitment to internet freedom, which she said is essential to upholding human rights and encouraging economic prosperity. Transcript and video »
U.S. committed to Asia-Pacific region

"There should be no doubt that the United States itself is a Pacific nation, and in every regard — geopolitically, militarily, diplomatically, and economically — Asia and the Pacific are indispensable to addressing the challenges and seizing the opportunities of the 21st century," testified Assistant Secretary Kurt M. Campbell. Hearing testimony »
Economic growth linked to good governance

The link between stable, honest government and economic prosperity is being recognized increasingly around the globe by governments, private sector leaders, and entrepreneurs. Governance and Growth, the latest eJournal from the Department of State’s Bureau of International Information Programs, explores the reality behind President Obama’s statement to Ghana’s parliament earlier this year: “Development depends on good governance.” eJournal »