Child care costs have become one of the fastest-growing household expenses, yet the Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM) does not treat them as a basic need. This paper from the U.S.…
Learn MoreBetween 2019 and 2023, changes to the U.S. social safety net—especially during the COVID-19 pandemic—had a notable impact on reducing poverty for women, particularly in single-mother households. Expanded refundable tax…
Learn MoreAcross the U.S., vulnerable communities face growing risks to their drinking water and wastewater systems from natural disasters. Between 2014 and 2023, EPA, FEMA, and USDA delivered billions in grants…
Learn MoreThe 2025 VA Health Care Benefits Overview helps Veterans, families, and caregivers understand who’s eligible, what’s covered, and how to enroll in VA health care. It explains priority groups, copayments,…
Learn MoreWhile the job market held steady in July 2025, momentum was modest with just 73,000 jobs added. Health care and social assistance continued to show growth, even as federal government…
Learn MoreOver the past 50 years, the American Housing Survey has captured dramatic shifts in how Americans live. Household sizes have decreased, family compositions have diversified, and the population of older…
Learn MoreThis Executive Order outlines a federal strategy to address homelessness, crime, and public disorder by encouraging civil commitment and prioritizing public safety. It calls for stronger enforcement of laws against…
Learn MoreAs climate-related disasters become more frequent, understanding their social and economic impact is crucial. This Census Bureau working paper explores how household income, demographic factors, and geography influence the ability…
Learn MoreThe FY 2026 Budget in Brief outlines strategic investments to strengthen U.S. national security, bolster public health, and advance innovation across sectors. Key funding priorities include climate resilience, modernizing infrastructure,…
Learn MoreThe 2025 National Drug Threat Assessment reveals a stark picture of the evolving drug landscape in the U.S., driven by synthetic opioids like fentanyl and methamphetamine. Mexican cartels, now designated…
Learn MoreDespite growing calls from across the political spectrum to impose price controls on prescription drugs, this report argues that many common criticisms of the pharmaceutical industry don’t align with the…
Learn MoreOver the past two decades, the U.S. has experienced a profound demographic shift: the population of adults aged 65 and older is now nearly equal to the number of children.…
Learn MoreThe aging population is reshaping the demographic landscape of the United States. As of 2024, older adults now outnumber children in nearly half of U.S. counties—a reflection of long-term trends…
Learn MoreAugmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) technologies are rapidly redefining health care—from personalized surgical planning and chronic pain relief to mental health treatment and medical education. This report outlines how immersive…
Learn MoreAs viruses continue to mutate, traditional vaccines must be frequently updated—sometimes annually. Universal vaccines aim to break that cycle by offering longer-lasting protection against multiple or all strains of a…
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