U.S. Government News

Dollars and Sense for Sending Your Child to College

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 08:37:54 PST

Do you have a child about to embark on the exciting adventure of college life? As many parents learn during this transitional time, there are a lot of decisions that extend beyond the classroom and selecting a major. Here are some tips to help you make smart decisions that work for both you and your college student.

MET Offers Free College Savings Webinars

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 19:54:29 PST

To help parents and grandparents learn more about saving for their children's future education, the Michigan Education Trust (MET) and Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP) will hold College Savings Webinars in July and August 2008. MET is the state's prepaid tuition program that locks in tomorrow's tuition at today's rates. MESP is the state's 529 college savings plan.

50 Million Children Lived with Married Parents in 2007

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 07:38:57 PST

In an expanded look at the structure of the American family, the U.S. Census Bureau reports that in 2007, 50 million children in the United States lived with married parents and 2.2 million children lived with two unmarried parents.

Predict the Sex of your Baby from Free Online Service

Thu, 29 May 2008 11:39:01 PST

Expecting Mothers who can not wait to know whether to paint the room pink or blue, buy that beautiful little dress or those adorable tiny basketball shoes. A free service eliminates the guess.

For Newlyweds: Starting a Household on Solid Ground Financially

Tue, 27 May 2008 11:08:48 PST

For newlyweds, the first big financial decisions go beyond how to pay for the honeymoon and how to invest all those checks. They also involve starting a new household on solid ground financially. "Financial incompatibility is a primary reason for a significant number of failed marriages," said Lee Bowman, National Coordinator for Community Affairs.

Married parents, household activities, and childcare

Mon, 12 May 2008 08:17:44 PST

Married mothers employed full time are more likely to do household activities and provide childcare on an average day than are married fathers employed full time.

Computer Game To Teach Conflict Resolution Skills To Grades K-2 : Free for Teachers

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 08:44:31 PST

A computer game designed to teach non-violence and conflict resolution skills to young children has found a home with Curriki, a nonprofit open-source educational Web site which will make it freely available for downloading by classrooms and families across the United States and around the world.

Update: Hague Adoption Convention

Sun, 02 Mar 2008 08:32:03 PST

The Hague Adoption Convention is a treaty, which enters into force with respect to the United States on April 1, 2008. The Hague Adoption Convention strengthens protections for children, birthparents and prospective adoptive parent(s), and establishes internationally agreed upon rules and procedures for adoptions between countries that have a treaty relationship under the Hague Adoption Convention (Convention countries). It ultimately provides a framework for member countries to work together to ensure that children are provided with permanent, loving homes, that adoptions take place in the best interests of a child, and that the abduction, sale or traffic in children is prevented.

Child Adoption: USCIS Strengthens Intercountry Adoption Process

Sun, 02 Mar 2008 08:17:58 PST

Children, birthparents and prospective adoptive parent(s) will have greater protections under the Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention), effective April 1, 2008. New safeguards administered by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) under the Hague include the creation of new forms and improved, centralized examination processes for intercountry adoption applications and petitions under the Hague Adoption Convention.

Home Evacuation Plan: When Is the Time for You and Your Family to Prepare a Home Evacuation Plan? Now!

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 07:12:55 PST

There is no time like the present when it comes to sitting down with your family and preparing for the day when you may be forced to evacuate your home, according to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.).

New Laws Affecting Education in 2008

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 20:21:48 PST

Some of the new laws will help us progress toward closing the achievement gap, add more rigor to the curriculum, provide more assistance to students to pass the exit exam, or protect special education and related services to students with exceptional needs," said O’Connell. “Other new measures serve to streamline existing laws to provide students with safe transportation to school, credential teachers in a timely basis, and help school facilities go green

Digital TV Coupon Program FAQ

Tue, 01 Jan 2008 21:10:52 PST

At midnight on February 17, 2009, all full-power television stations in the United States will stop broadcasting in analog and switch to 100% digital broadcasting. Digital broadcasting promises to provide a clearer picture and more programming options and will free up airwaves for use by emergency responders.

Are Tattoos Safe? Think Before You Ink

Tue, 18 Dec 2007 07:24:53 PST

As the popularity of tattoos continues to grow, so does the concern about potential risks. Some risks, such as the spread of infections through the use of unsterilized needles, have long been known. But what isn't clear is the safety of tattoo inks. Permanent tattoos are made by using needles to inject colored ink below the skin's surface. Permanent make-up is considered a permanent tattoo that mimics the results of cosmetic products such as an eyebrow pencil, lip liner, eyeliner, or blush.

300,000 Toys Recalled by Dollar Tree Stores Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

Tue, 18 Dec 2007 07:18:54 PST

The recalled toys contain excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

100, 000 Children’s Feeding Seats Recalled Due to Fall Hazard

Thu, 06 Dec 2007 07:38:35 PST

RC2 has received 38 reports of straps pulling out or nearly pulling out of waist strap slots. There have been 12 reports of children falling out of the chairs.

160,000 Potty Training Seats Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

Thu, 06 Dec 2007 07:35:42 PST

Decorative plaque inserted into the back of the potty seat could have orange paint that contains excessive levels of lead, violating the federal lead paint standard.

Teen Birth Rate Rises for First Time in 14 Years

Wed, 05 Dec 2007 17:43:43 PST

The teen birth rate in the United States rose in 2006 for the first time since 1991, and unmarried childbearing also rose significantly, according to preliminary birth statistics released today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Girl Power! Community Education Kit

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 07:22:41 PST

This booklet provides an overview of the Girl Power! program and includes information on the issues and challenges facing 9- to 14-year-old girls today

Flu Season: How to Beat the Flu

Sat, 17 Nov 2007 09:38:24 PST

Every year, more than 200,000 people in the United States are hospitalized as a result of the flu. About 36,000 die.

Thanksgiving is National Family History Day - Create your Family History Portrait

Fri, 16 Nov 2007 07:35:46 PST

Thanksgiving is National Family History Day

Thanksgiving is National Family History Day. Create your Family History Portrait. Visit the Family History topic page