Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

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USAFacts @usafacts.org · 2d

📚Northern states lead the US in adult literacy — and also have a higher share of residents with a bachelor’s degree or higher.

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USAFacts @usafacts.org · 5d

What happens to federal employees during a #GovernmentShutdown?

We broke down who keeps working, who’s furloughed, and how pay, benefits, and leave are affected.
https://usafacts.org/articles/what-happens-during-government-shutdown-furlough/

What happens during a government shutdown furlough? | USAFacts

What happens to federal employees during a government shutdown? Learn who keeps working, who’s furloughed, and how pay, benefits, and leave are affected.

usafacts.org

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USAFacts @usafacts.org · 5d

By age, young adults were the least insured — they were 14× more likely than seniors to go without coverage.

The Census Bureau points to public insurance programs and health laws as key reasons for the gap. Seniors can receive health insurance through Medicare.

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USAFacts @usafacts.org · 5d

🏥 Who has health #insurance — and who doesn’t?

In 2024, Hispanic Americans (under 65) had the highest #uninsured rate at 23%. That’s 2x the national average.

The trend was similar among children across racial and ethnic groups, though kids generally had lower uninsured rates overall. #DataViz

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Reposted by USAFacts

Betty C. Jung @bettycjung.bsky.social · 9d

How many times has the government shut down? @usafacts.org

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USAFacts @usafacts.org · 8d

👀So which FAA towers are the most understaffed?

In 2023, Minnesota’s Rochester Tower was the nation’s most understaffed facility (at 47.8% of target air traffic controllers on staff).

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USAFacts @usafacts.org · 8d

Why aren’t there enough air traffic controllers?
1️⃣The COVID-19 pandemic
2️⃣A long training process (2-3 years)
3️⃣Yearly losses of controllers and trainees

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USAFacts @usafacts.org · 8d

✈️Burbank’s control tower temporarily closed overnight due to staffing shortages.

As the government shutdown continues, will this continue? Maybe.

In 2023, nearly half of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)'s 290 facilities were understaffed. Burbank Tower was 100% staffed.

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USAFacts @usafacts.org · 9d

President Trump wants National Guard troops deployed in cities like #Portland. But who really has jurisdiction?

Here's a quick refresher on how US law enforcement works. https://usafacts.org/articles/how-does-us-law-enforcement-work-who-has-jurisdiction/

How does US law enforcement work? Who has jurisdiction? | USAFacts

Law enforcement in the US is a partnership between tens of thousands of agencies.

usafacts.org

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USAFacts @usafacts.org · 9d

🏥 As lawmakers debate over whether to extend Affordable Care Act, let’s dig into who has #health #insurance — and who doesn't.

#DataViz #Maps #ACA

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USAFacts @usafacts.org · 12d

Anyone else relate? 🙋

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USAFacts @usafacts.org · 13d

In our new 6-part series, we're sharing #JustTheFacts on government support in America.

From food and housing to healthcare and education, we’ll unpack #JustTheFacts on how these programs work, who they serve, and what they cost: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsUeoe2GJdk

What is Poverty? Ep 1 of Just the Facts: Do you Qualify?

YouTube video by USAFacts

www.youtube.com

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USAFacts @usafacts.org · 14d

Shutdowns are typically resolved by continuing resolutions, which provide short-term funding until a long-term deal is reached.

Every shutdown since 1990 has ended this way.

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USAFacts @usafacts.org · 14d

Great question! A government shutdown happens when Congress doesn’t pass, or the president doesn’t sign, a spending bill to fund federal operations. This creates a funding gap that disrupts some government functions.

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USAFacts @usafacts.org · 14d

Well, it's official — the #GovernmentShutDown. Let us know what questions you have. ⬇️

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USAFacts @usafacts.org · 14d

🌪️Tropical Storms Humberto and Imelda are tracking toward the Atlantic coast — and could bring hazardous weather.

Track Atlantic hurricane season here: https://usafacts.org/answers/how-active-is-the-latest-hurricane-season/country/united-states/

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USAFacts @usafacts.org · 15d

🏛️How many times has the government shut down?

Since 1975, the government has had 20 funding gaps, resulting in 10 shutdowns for various lengths of time.
🔹 The longest shutdown last for 34 days in 2019
🔹 The shortest? Just 1 day

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USAFacts @usafacts.org · 16d

⌛It's the final countdown of the fiscal year. Unless Congress passes another continuing resolution by midnight on Tuesday, the government will shut down.

Here's everything you need to know.⬇️ #GovernmentShutdown usafacts.org/articles/gov...

Government shutdown 2025: What to know | USAFacts

Congress has until Tuesday at midnight to pass a continuing resolution. What's on the table?

usafacts.org

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USAFacts @usafacts.org · 20d

Got a minute? We want to hear from you! 🫵

If you could clear up ONE confusing part of how government works for young people ahead of the #midterms, what would it be?

Drop your thoughts in the comments!⬇️

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USAFacts @usafacts.org · 21d

Is #autism increasing in the US?

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Reposted by USAFacts

Betty C. Jung @bettycjung.bsky.social · 22d

More kids are getting vaccine exemptions. Here’s where.
usafacts.org/articles/mor...
The bluer the state, the less safe children are because the lower vaccination rates.

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Reposted by USAFacts

Red @deanquinn.bsky.social · 21d

How many people receive SNAP benefits in the US every month? | USAFacts (2024) USAFacts.
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USAFacts @usafacts.org · 21d

🛢️ Top export? Industrial supplies.

🔹The US exported $713.2 billion in items like chemicals, metals, and raw materials.

🔹Mexico (16.9%) and Canada (14.2%) were the top buyers.

🔹Capital goods also flowed the other way: $112.6 billion worth (17.4%) went to Mexico in 2024. #DataViz #Economy

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USAFacts @usafacts.org · 21d

Let’s break that down:

🧰Top US import in 2024? Capital goods.

🔹The US imported $969.1 billion worth, with Mexico (17.5%) and China (14.9%) as the top sources.

🔹China also supplied $214.3 billion (26.6%) of consumer goods — things like clothes, phones, and home electronics. #DataViz #Economy

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