GAO Releases this week

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is often called the investigative arm of Congress. This week they investigated a variety of issues, such as housing, oil and railroads. If you would like to know more about the GAO, check out the library's guide.

Reports

• Nuclear Energy: NRC's Workforce and Processes for New Reactor Licensing Are Generally in Place, but Uncertainties Remain as Industry Begins to Submit Applications. GAO-07-1129, September 21.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1129
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071129high.pdf
• U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission: Actions Needed to Improve Controls over Key Management Functions. GAO-07-1128, September 28.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1128
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071128high.pdf
• Smithsonian Institution: Funding Challenges Affect Facilities' Conditions and Security, Endangering Collections. GAO-07-1127, September 28.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1127
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071127high.pdf
• Prairie Pothole Region: At the Current Pace of Acquisitions, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Is Unlikely to Achieve Its Habitat Protection Goals for Migratory Birds. GAO-07-1093, September 27.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1093
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071093high.pdf
• Medicare Inpatient Hospital Payments: CMS Has Used External Data for New Technologies in Certain Instances and Medicare Remains Primary Data Source. GAO-07-46, September 26.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-46
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d0746high.pdf
• Federal User Fees: Key Aspects of International Air Passenger Inspection Fees Should Be Addressed Regardless of Whether Fees Are Consolidated. GAO-07-1131, September 24.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1131
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071131high.pdf
• Chemical Regulation: Comparison of U.S. and Recently Enacted European Union Approaches to Protect against the Risks of Toxic Chemicals. GAO-07-825, August 17.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-825
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07825high.pdf
• Defense Acquisitions: Navy Faces Challenges Constructing the Aircraft Carrier Gerald R. Ford within Budget. GAO-07-866, August 23.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-866
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07866high.pdf
• Tax Compliance: Inflation Has Significantly Decreased the Real Value of Some Penalties. GAO-07-1062, August 23.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1062
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071062high.pdf
• Natural Hazard Mitigation: Various Mitigation Efforts Exist, but Federal Efforts Do Not Provide a Comprehensive Strategic Framework. GAO-07-403, August 22.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-403
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07403high.pdf
  

Testimonies

• Influenza Pandemic: Federal Executive Boards' Ability to Contribute to Pandemic Preparedness, by Bernice Steinhardt, director, strategic issues, before the Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia, Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. GAO-07-1259T, September 28.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1259T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071259thigh.pdf
• Border Security: Security Vulnerabilities at Unmanned and Unmonitored U.S. Border Locations, by Gregory D. Kutz and John W. Cooney, forensic audits and special investigations, before the Senate Committee on Finance. GAO-07-884T, September 27.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-884T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07884thigh.pdf
• Homeland Security: Preliminary Information on Federal Actions to Address Challenges Faced by State and Local Information Fusion Centers, by Eileen R. Larence, director, homeland security and justice issues, before the Subcommittee on Intelligence, Information Sharing, and Terrorism Risk Assessment, House Committee on Homeland Security. GAO-07-1241T, September 27.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1241T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071241thigh.pdf
• Homeless Veterans Programs: Bed Capacity, Service and Communication Gaps Challenge the Grant and Per Diem Program, by Daniel Bertoni, director, education, workforce, and income security issues, before the Subcommittee on Health, House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. GAO-07-1265T, September 27.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1265T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071265thigh.pdf
• Influenza Pandemic: Opportunities Exist to Clarify Federal Leadership Roles and Improve Pandemic Planning, by Bernice Steinhardt, director, strategic issues, before the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology, House Committee on Homeland Security. GAO-07-1257T, September 26.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1257T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071257thigh.pdf
• Veterans Affairs: Sustained Management Commitment and Oversight Are Essential to Completing Information Technology Realignment and Strengthening Information Security, by Valerie C. Melvin and Gregory C. Wilshusen, directors, information technology, before the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs GAO-07-1264T, September 26.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1264T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071264thigh.pdf
• DOD and VA: Preliminary Observations on Efforts to Improve Health Care and Disability Evaluations for Returning Servicemembers, by John H. Pendleton, acting director, health care; and Daniel Bertoni, director, education, workforce, and income security, before the Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. GAO-07-1256T, September 26.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1256T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071256thigh.pdf
• Small Business Contracting: Observations from Reviews of Contracting and Advocacy Activities of Federal Agencies, by William B. Shear, director, financial markets and community investment, before the Subcommittee on Government Management, Organization, and Procurement, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. GAO-07-1255T, September 26.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1255T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071255thigh.pdf
• Capitol Visitor Center: Update on Status of Project's Schedule and Cost as of September 25, 2007, by Terrell G. Dorn, director, physical infrastructure issues, before the Subcommittee on the Legislative Branch, House Committee on Appropriations. GAO-07-1249T, September 25.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1249T
• Compact of Free Association: Implementation Activities Have Progressed, but the Marshall Islands Faces Challenges to Achieving Long-Term Compact Goals, by David B. Gootnick, director, international affairs and trade, before the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. GAO-07-1258T, September 25.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1258T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071258thigh.pdf
• Freight Railroads: Updated Information on Rates and Competition Issues, by JayEtta Hecker, director, physical infrastructure issues, before the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. GAO-07-1245T, September 25.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1245T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071245thigh.pdf
  

Correspondence

• DOD Should Provide Congress and the American Public with Monthly Data on Enemy-Initiated Attacks in Iraq in a Timely Manner. GAO-07-1048R, September 28.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1048R
• The Nation's Long-Term Fiscal Outlook: August 2007 Update. GAO-07-1261R, September 28.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1261R
• Ex-Im Bank: The U.S. Export-Import Bank's Financing of Dual-Use Exports. GAO-07-1234R, September 27.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1234R
• Nuclear Security: DOE and NRC Have Different Security Requirements for Protecting Weapons-Grade Material from Terrorist Attacks. GAO-07-1197R, September 11.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1197R
  

Presentation by the Comptroller General

• "Fiscal Stewardship and Health Care Transformation," by David M. Walker, comptroller general of the United States, before the Wesley Enhanced Living Foundation's Aging Revolution Summit, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. GAO-07-1273CG, September 27. [slides]
  http://www.gao.gov/cghome/d071273cg.pdf
• Remarks at a Press Conference Announcing the Introduction of a Bill to Create the SAFE Commission, by David M. Walker, comptroller general of the United States. GAO-07-1271CG, September 26, 2007 [text]
  http://www.gao.gov/cghome/d071271cg.pdf
• Remarks at a Press Conference Announcing the Introduction of a Bill to Establish a Bipartisan Task Force for Responsible Fiscal Action, by David M. Walker, comptroller general of the United States. GAO-07-1272CG, September 18, 2007 [text]
  http://www.gao.gov/cghome/d071272cg.pdf
• "Saving Our Future Requires Tough Choices Today" by David M. Walker, comptroller general of the United States, on the Fiscal Wake-Up Tour in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, San Jose, and San Francisco. GAO-07-1267CG, September 11-14. [slides]
  http://www.gao.gov/cghome/d071267cg.pd
  

Situation Worsening in Burma

The military junta opened fire on protesting Buddhist monks and their supporters today in Burma, also known as Myanmar. Tens of thousands of monks are leading the anti-government protests. The pro-democracy mass demonstrations -- in their ninth consecutive day -- are protesting Burma's military regime, human and political rights abuses, and economic hardships. Monks are revered in Burma -- a predominantly Buddhist country.

Yesterday President Bush announced tightened economic sanctions and the expansion of a visa ban in his address before the United Nations General Assembly. Check out the White House's fact sheet, "Burma: Calling for Human Dignity and Democracy."

The U.N. Security Council met privately about the violent response to demonstrations. The U.N. issued a brief statement about the Secretary-General dispatching his Special Envoy to Burma. Read "Ban Ki-moon dispatches Myanmar envoy to region amid continuing tensions" from the U.N. News Centre."

For more information read "Junta Cracks Down on Burmese Protesters" from the Washington Post and "Bloody Sabbath:Over 100,000 people in Rangoon and parts of Burma protest" from Mizzima News. Want more international news? Check out the links from BurmaNet News.

For more information on Burma / Myanmar, check out the library's country guide.

CRS reports discovered this week

The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is a research agency of Congress and writes reports at Congress's request. These short reports (usually 10-40 pages long) cover recent topics of concern, this week gives us reports on Guatemala, bald eagles, and health care. While these reports are in the public domain there is no central database available to the public. To get a copy of a CRS report you can request it from your Senator or Representative. This list is compiled from CRS reports discovered by Secrecy News and OpenCRS:

• The FDA's Authority to Recall Products
• Operation Iraqi Freedom and the Global War on Terror: Selected Legislation from the 110th Congress
• U.S. Health Care Spending: Comparison with Other OECD Countries
• Securitization and Federal Regulation of Mortgages for Safety and Soundness
• What Happens to the Bald Eagle Now That It Is Not Protected Under the Endangered Species Act?
• Statutory Inspectors General: Legislative Developments and Legal Issues
• Funding Levels for Conservation Programs in the 2007 Farm Bill
• A Summary of Fusion Centers: Core Issues and Options for Congress
• Navy CG(X) Cruiser Program: Background, Oversight Issues, and Options for Congress
• Paraguay: Background and U.S. Relations
• Guatemala: 2007 Elections and Issues for Congress
• Financial Crisis? The Liquidity Crunch of August 2007
• Topics in Aging: Income and Poverty Among Older Americans in 2004

Interested in historical CRS reports? If you are here at the Boulder campus, check out the LexisNexis Congressional database, which has reports back to 1916.

Not on campus, but still want access to additional reports? The library has a guide linking to various additional sources of CRS reports.

Colorado smoker rates down

Colorado has managed to drop the percentage of adult smokers from 22.3% in 2001 to 17.9%. This ranks Colorado as the ninth lowest state in the US in terms of percentage of smokers. You can see these figures and numbers all the way back to 1990 from Governor Ritter's report. Want to see more on the national numbers? Check out the full report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Want to read more about this? Check out the Denver Post's "Colorado's smoker rate takes a dive."

Want more health and medical information? Check out the library's guide.

50th Anniversary of the Little Rock Nine

On September 25, 1957 President Dwight Eisenhower sent 1,000 members of the 101st Airborne Division of the U.S. Army to escort and protect nine black students as they attended their first full day of classes at Central High School in Little Rock. Prior to the federal deployment, white segregationists and the Arkansas National Guard -- ordered by Arkansas Governor Orval Faubus -- blocked the nine students from entering the racially segregated school. The white mobs sought to keep the students out in defiance of the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court. This decision declared that the "separate but equal" doctrine that kept schools segregated was unconstitutional. Little Rock high schools were to integrate by September, 1957.

Check out Guardians of Freedom: 50th Anniversary of Operation Arkansas from the U.S. Army. You might also want to read the statement from the White House on the integration of Central High School.

Read "A Little Rock Reminder: Nine Pioneers Showed Why School Integration Matters" from the Washington Post and "Little Rock Nine Mark 50th Anniversary of High School Integration" from FOX News.

Want more information? Check out the library's guides on black history and civil rights.

President of Iran speaks at Columbia University

Today the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, spoke at the annual World Leader's Forum at Columbia University. Ahmadinejad spoke and answered questions through an interpretor about his views on the annihilation of Israel, denying the Holocaust, Iran's human rights record, Iran's nuclear program, and supporting the execution of minors. Check out the statement from Lee Bollinger, the president of Columbia University, challenging President Ahmadinejad on the issues. You might also want to read the New York Times blog about the event.

Additionally, Ahmadinejad was denied his request to visit Ground Zero by New York City officials. Tomorrow Ahmadinejad is scheduled to address the United Nations General Assembly.

Read "Columbia, Free Speech and the President of Iran" from the New York Times, "Ahmadinejad Speaks During Controversial Appearance at Columbia University" from Fox News, and "Ahmadinejad Faces Protests in New York" from the Washington Post.

For more information on Iran, check out the library's country guide.

GAO Releases this week

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is often called the investigative arm of Congress. This week they investigated a variety of issues, such as housing, oil and railroads. If you would like to know more about the GAO, check out the library's guide.

Reports

• Border Security: Fraud Risks Complicate State's Ability to Manage Diversity Visa Program. GAO-07-1174, September 21.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1174
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071174high.pdf
• Drug Control: U.S. Assistance Has Helped Mexican Counternarcotics Efforts, but Tons of Illicit Drugs Continue to Flow into the United States. GAO-07-1018, August 17.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1018
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071018high.pdf
• Unemployment Insurance: Low-Wage and Part-Time Workers Continue to Experience Low Rates of Receipt. GAO-07-1147, September 7.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1147
  
• Defense Logistics: Army and Marine Corps Cannot Be Assured That Equipment Reset Strategies Will Sustain Equipment Availability While Meeting Ongoing Operational Requirements. GAO-07-814, September 19.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-814
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07814high.pdf
• Highlights of a GAO Forum: Transforming Transportation Policy for the 21st Century. GAO-07-1210SP, September 19.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1210SP
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071210sphigh.pdf
  
• Information Security: Sustained Management Commitment and Oversight Are Vital to Resolving Long-standing Weaknesses at the Department of Veterans Affairs. GAO-07-1019, September 7.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1019
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071019high.pdf
• Transportation Accessibility: Lack of Data and Limited Enforcement Options Limit Federal Oversight. GAO-07-1126, September 19.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1126
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071126high.pdf
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Additional Flexibility Needed to Deal with Farmlands Received from the Department of Agriculture. GAO-07-1092, September 18.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1092
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071092high.pdf
• Agricultural Conservation: Farm Program Payments Are an Important Factor in Landowners' Decisions to Convert Grassland to Cropland. GAO-07-1054, September 10.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1054
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071054high.pdf
• Legal Services Corporation: Governance and Accountability Practices Need to Be Modernized and Strengthened. GAO-07-993, August 15.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-993
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07993high.pdf
  
• Securities and Exchange Commission: Additional Actions Needed to Ensure Planned Improvements Address Limitations in Enforcement Division Operations. GAO-07-830, August 15.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-830
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07830high.pdf

Testimonies

• Information Technology: Further Improvements Needed to Identify and Oversee Poorly Planned and Performing Projects, by David A. Powner, director, information technology, before the Subcommittee on Federal Financial Management, Government Information, Federal Services, and International Security, Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. GAO-07-1211T, September 20.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1211T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071211thigh.pdf
• 21st Century Challenges: How Performance Budgeting Can Help, by David M. Walker, comptroller general of the United States, before the House Committee on the Budget. GAO-07-1194T, September 20.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1194T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071194thigh.pdf
• September 11: Problems Remain in Planning for and Providing Health Screening and Monitoring Services for Responders, by Cynthia A. Bascetta, director, health care, before the House Committee on Homeland Security. GAO-07-1253T, September 20.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1253T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071253thigh.pdf
  
• Small Business Administration: Preliminary Views on Issues Related to the Women's Business Center Program, by William B. Shear, director, financial markets and community investment, before the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. GAO-07-1244T, September 20.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1244T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071244thigh.pdf
• South Florida Ecosystem: Some Restoration Progress Has Been Made, but the Effort Faces Significant Delays, Implementation Challenges, and Rising Costs, by Anu K. Mittal, director, natural resources and environment, before the Subcommittee on International Operations and Organizations, Democracy, and Human Rights, Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. GAO-07-1250T, September 19.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1250T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071250thigh.pdf
  
• Alaska Native Corporations: Increased Use of Special 8(a) Provisions Calls for Tailored Oversight, by Katherine V. Schinasi, managing director, acquisition and sourcing management, before the House Committee on Natural Resources. GAO-07-1251T, September 19.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1251T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071251thigh.pdf
  
• Digital Television Transition: Preliminary Information on Initial Consumer Education Efforts, by Mark L. Goldstein, director, physical infrastructure issues, before the Senate Special Committee on Aging. GAO-07-1248T, September 19.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1248T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071248thigh.pdf
• Unemployment Insurance: Receipt of Benefits Has Declined, with Continued Disparities for Low-Wage and Part-Time Workers, by Cynthia M. Fagnoni, managing director, education, workforce, and income security issues, before the Subcommittee on Income Security and Family Support, House Committee on Ways and Means. GAO-07-1243T, September 19.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1243T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071243thigh.pdf
  
• Veterans Affairs: Progress Made in Centralizing Information Technology Management, but Challenges Persist, by Valerie C. Melvin, director, human capital and management information systems issues, before the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs. GAO-07-1246T, September 19.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1246T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071246thigh.pdf
  
• Department of Homeland Security: Progress Report on Implementation of Mission and Management Functions, by David M. Walker, comptroller general of the United States, before the House Committee on Homeland Security. GAO-07-1240T, September 18.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1240T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071240thigh.pdf
• DOD Civilian Personnel: Medical Policies for Deployed DOD Federal Civilians and Associated Compensation for Those Deployed, by Brenda S. Farrell, director, defense capabilities and management, before the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, House Committee on Armed Services. GAO-07-1235T, September 18.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1235T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071235thigh.pdf
• September 11: Improvements Needed in Availability of Health Screening and Monitoring Services for Responders, by Cynthia A. Bascetta, director, health care, before the Subcomittee on Health, House Committee on Energy and Commerce. GAO-07-1228T, September 18.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1228T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071228thigh.pdf
• Combating Nuclear Smuggling: Additional Actions Needed to Ensure Adequate Testing of Next Generation Radiation Detection Equipment, by Gene Aloise, director, natural resources and environment, and Keith A. Rhodes, chief technologist, before the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, House Committee on Energy and Commerce. GAO-07-1247T, September 18.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1247T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071247thigh.pdf

Correspondence

• Sale of Magnetic Data Tapes Previously Used by the Government Presents a Low Security Risk. GAO-07-1233R, September 21.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1233R

Presentation by the Comptroller General

• "Fiscal and Retirement Challenges" by David M. Walker, comptroller general of the United States, before the UJA Foundation of New York, in New York City. GAO-07-1263CG, September 19. [slides]
  http://www.gao.gov/cghome/d071263cg.pdf

CIA, still going strong with no strong of retiring at 60

In a tiny little story today on NPR (see or listen to the paragraph here) I learned the CIA has turned 60. For more on this birthday, check out the press release from the CIA. So in honor of this big birthday, I thought I would highlight some of the resources from and about the CIA.


First, let's take a look at their online library. From here you can link to resources, such as the World Factbook, CIA Maps, and the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Reading Room. The World Factbook provides you with information on foreign countries, their governments and the people that live there. The FOIA room provides links to selected declassified resources from the CIA.

Speaking of declassified materials, if you are on campus why not check out one of the two databases with information on declassified materials: Declassified Documents Reference Service and the Digital National Security Library. For those of you not on campus check out the Freedom of Information Act and Declassified Documents guides.

Native Languages Dying

Five "language hotspots" -- where indigenous languages are most endangered -- were identified by the Enduring Voices Project of the Living Tongues Institute for Endangered Languages and the National Geographic Society. These hotspots -- eastern Siberia, northern Australia, central South America, Oklahoma, and the U.S. Pacific Northwest -- have the highest diversity of languages spoken, the highest levels of endangerment to the language, and the least studied and least documented languages.

Of the estimated 7,000 languages spoken around the world, more than half are on the verge of extinction. In some cases, there is only one person left that speaks a language. When the last speaker dies, the language dies and takes centuries of knowledge with it.

• One language dies about every two weeks.
  
• Around half of the languages currently spoken have never been written down.
• Around 80% of the world's population speak 83 languages.
• 3,500 smallest languages account for just 0.2 percent of the world's people.
• Oklahoma has one of the highest densities of native languages in the United States.

Check out Languages Racing to Extinction in 5 Global "Hotspots" from the National Geographic News and Vanishing Languages Identified: Oklahoma Is Among Places Where Tongues Are Disappearing from the Washington Post.

Want more information on Native Americans in the United States? Check out the library's subject guide.

Fed Lowers Interest Rates

The Federal Reserve lowered a key short-term interest rate today to prevent the slowing of the U.S. economy due to housing and credit problems. The Federal Open Market Committee lowered its target for the federal funds rate by half of a percentage point Tuesday to 4.75%. This is the first time in four years this rate has been cut. Read the press release from the Federal Reserve.

Check out Interest Rates Slashed to Help Economy from CNNMoney.com, Fed Cuts Key Interest Rate from the Washington Post, and Dow Closes Up More Than 330 Points; Fed Cut Fuels Rally from FOX News.

Want more information on banking, banks and credit unions? Check out the library's guide.

CRS reports made available this week

The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is a research agency of Congress and writes reports at Congress's request. These short reports (usually 10-40 pages long) cover recent topics of concern, this week gives us reports on public transportation, digital television, and Iraq. While these reports are in the public domain there is no central database available to the public. To get a copy of a CRS report you can request it from your Senator or Representative. This list is compiled from CRS reports discovered by Secrecy News and OpenCRS:

• Peru: Political Situation, Economic Conditions and U.S. Relations
• Lobbying Law and Ethics Rules Changes in the 110th Congress
• The Transition to Digital Television: Is America Ready?
• Taxation of Private Equity and Hedge Fund Partnerships: Characterization of Carried Interest
• The Death Penalty: Capital Punishment Legislation in the 110th Congress
• The FY2008 National Defense Authorization Act: Selected Military Personnel Policy Issues
• Improper Payments Information Act of 2002: Background, Implementation, and Assessment
• Public Transit Program Issues in Surface Transportation Reauthorization
• Managing Electronic Waste: An Analysis of State E-Waste Legislation
• Yemen: Current Conditions and U.S. Relations
• India-U.S. Economic and Trade Relations
• U.S.-China Military Contacts: Issues for Congress
• United States Military Casualty Statistics: Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom
• Federal Prison Industries
• Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in Iraq and Afghanistan: Effects and Countermeasures
• U.S. Strategic Nuclear Forces: Background, Developments, and Issues
• U.S.-China Nuclear Cooperation Agreement
• Venezuela: Political Conditions and U.S. Policy
• Liberia’s Post-War Recovery: Key Issues and Developments
• Australia: Background and U.S. Relations
  

Interested in historical CRS reports? If you are here at the Boulder campus, check out the LexisNexis Congressional database, which has reports back to 1916.

Not on campus, but still want access to additional reports? The library has a guide linking to various additional sources of CRS reports.

Constitution Day, 2007

September 17, 2007 marks the 220th anniversary of the signing of the Constitution of the United States. Established as a federal holiday by Congress in 2004, Constitution Day marks the anniversary of September 17, 1787 -- the day members of the Constitutional Convention signed the final draft of the Constitution.

Find documents from the Continental Congress and the Constitutional Convention, 1774-1789 from American Memory at the Library of Congress. Find biographies of the Delegates to the Constitutional Convention sessions from the National Archives.

Learn more about the Constitution from the National Archives.

Want more information on historical documents and exhibits? Check out the library's guide.

GAO Releases this week

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is often called the investigative arm of Congress. This week they investigated a variety of issues, such as housing, oil and railroads. If you would like to know more about the GAO, check out the library's guide.

Reports

• Quadrennial Defense Review: Future Reviews Could Benefit from Improved Department of Defense Analyses and Changes to Legislative Requirements. GAO-07-709, September 14.
  http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d07709.pdf
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07709high.pdf
  
• Motor Carrier Safety: Federal Safety Agency Identifies Many High-Risk Carriers but Does Not Assess Maximum Fines as Often as Required by Law. GAO-07-584, August 28.
  http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d07584.pdf
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07584high.pdf
  
• Defense Infrastructure: Challenges Increase Risks for Providing Timely Infrastructure Support for Army Installations Expecting Substantial Personnel Growth. GAO-07-1007, September 13.
  http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d071007.pdf
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071007high.pdf
• Military Base Realignments and Closures: Plan Needed to Monitor Challenges for Completing More Than 100 Armed Forces Reserve Centers. GAO-07-1040, September 13.
  http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d071040.pdf
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071040high.pdf
  
• Securities and Exchange Commission: Steps Being Taken to Make Examination Program More Risk-Based and Transparent. GAO-07-1053, August 14.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1053
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071053high.pdf
• Economic Development: Formal Monitoring Approaches Needed to Help Ensure Compliance with Restrictions on Funding Employer Relocations. GAO-07-1005, September 10.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1005
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071005high.pdf
  
• Defense Infrastructure: Overseas Master Plans Are Improving, but DOD Needs to Provide Congress Additional Information about the Military Buildup on Guam. GAO-07-1015, September 12.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1015
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071015high.pdf
• Disabled Veterans' Employment: Additional Planning, Monitoring, and Data Collection Efforts Would Improve Assistance. GAO-07-1020, September 12.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1020
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071020high.pdf
• Influenza Pandemic: Further Efforts Are Needed to Ensure Clearer Federal Leadership Roles and an Effective National Strategy. GAO-07-781, August 14.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-781
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07781high.pdf
• Information Technology: DHS's Human Capital Plan Is Largely Consistent with Relevant Guidance, but Improvements and Implementation Steps Are Still Needed. GAO-07-425, September 10.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-425
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07425high.pdf

Testimonies

• September 11: Improvements Needed in Availability of Health Screening and Monitoring Services for Responders, by Cynthia A. Bascetta, director, health care, before the Subcommittee on Government Management, Organization, and Procurement, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, in New York City. GAO-07-1229T, September 10. (10 a.m.)
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1229T
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071229thigh.pdf
  

Correspondence

• Space Based Infrared System High Program and its Alternative. GAO-07-1088R, September 12.
  http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-07-1088R
  

Special Publications

• Federal Law Enforcement Mandatory Basic Training: Results of Surveys of Federal Civilian Law Enforcement Components. GAO-07-1066SP, August 10. [Internet only]
  http://www.gao.gov/special.pubs/gao-07-1066sp
  

Presentation By The Comptroller General

• "Making Tough Choices" by David M. Walker, comptroller general of the United States, at AARP's Life@50+2007 Event and Expo, in Boston, Massachusetts. GAO-07-1239CG, September 8. [text]
  http://www.gao.gov/cghome/d071239cg.pdf
  

Expanding endangered species list

The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources has just released the updated Red List of Threatened Species. This is the international version of the endangered species list and this year "41,415 species on the IUCN Red List and 16,306 of them are threatened with extinction, up from 16,118 last year. The total number of extinct species has reached 785 and a further 65 are only found in captivity or in cultivation" (from the press release).

Currently in the United States, 1351 plants animals are listed as threatened or endangered (from the Summary list of Endangered Species). This past week, the USGS released information on a study on the effects of decreasing sea ice on polar bear. The press release states that "future reduction of sea ice in the Arctic could result in a loss of 2/3 of the world's polar bear population within 50 years according to a series of studies released today by the U.S. Geological Survey."

Want to more discussion? Read or listen to NPR's "'Red List' Sheds Light on Species Extinction Crisis."

Want more information on Endangered Species? Check out the library's guide.

Another Prime Minister Resignation

Mikhail Fradkov resigned as Russia's Prime Minister today. President Vladimir Putin nominated a long-time associate, Viktor Zubkov, to be Russia's new Prime Minister. Zubkov was chosen hours after Fradkov resigned. Fradkov announced he was leaving his post so Putin would have "as free a hand as possible in making decisions" to create a new government in the presidential election in March and the parliamentary elections scheduled for December. Putin can not run for a third term as president. The Duma (lower house of Russia's parliament) will vote on Zubkov's nomination on Friday.

Read President Vladimir Putin's and Mikhail Fradkov's statements, "Beginning of Working Meeting with Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov" on the website of the President of Russia.

Check out "In Surprise Move, Putin Names New Prime Minister" from the Washington Post and "Putin names next prime minister" from BBC News.

Want to learn more about the Russian government? Check out the library's guide.

Prime Minister of Japan Steps down

The Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan announced, after only a year of services, that he is stepping down. This announcement came as a surprise and is so new it isn't even up on the Prime Minister's web site (as of 10:30 MST). In a parliamentary system, such as Japan's, the prime minister can resign and the party (not the people) will elect a new prime minister without holding elections.

Want to read more about this? Check out the New York Time's "Prime Minister of Japan will Step Down."

Want to learn more about Japan and its government? Check out the library's guide.

Patriot Day, 2007

Patriot Day, occurring on September 11th of each year, is a day designated to the memory of those who lost their lives in the attacks on September 11, 2001. Congress approved a joint resolution (S.J.RES.29 & H.J.RES.71) by a vote of 407-0 on October 25, 2001 to designate September 11 as a day of remembrance. President Bush signed the resolution into law on December 18, 2001 (Public Law 107-89).

Read more about Patriot Day, 2007 from the Proclamation Archives at the White House. Also available are the 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, and 2001 Proclamations.

Still want more information? Check out the library's guide on the War Against Terrorism.

CRS reports for the last two weeks

Sorry, I was in Yellowstone where there is no cell phone service, much less any Internet service, so I didn't post last week's CRS reports, so this week you get a double dose. The Congressional Research Service (CRS) is a research agency of Congress and writes reports at Congress's request. These short reports (usually 10-40 pages long) cover recent topics of concern, this week gives us reports on agriculture, oil spills and disasters. While these reports are in the public domain there is no central database available to the public. To get a copy of a CRS report you can request it from your Senator or Representative. This list is compiled from CRS reports discovered by Secrecy News and OpenCRS:

• Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (RPS): Background and Debate Over a National Requirement
• Immigration Reform: Brief Synthesis of Issue
• Oil Spills in U.S. Coastal Waters: Background, Governance, and Issues for Congress
• FEMA's Disaster Declaration Process: A Primer
• Conservation and the 2007 Farm Bill
• Extensively Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (XDRTB): Emerging Public Health Threats and Quarantine and Isolation
• International Food Aid and the 2007 Farm Bill
• Health and Safety Concerns Over U.S. Imports of Chinese Products: An Overview
• Managing Electronic Waste: An Analysis of State E-Waste Legislation
• Central Asia: Regional Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests
• Seat Belts on School Buses: Overview of the Issue
• Possible Expiration of the 2002 Farm Bill
• Caribbean-U.S. Relations: Issues in the 110th Congress
• Food Safety: Selected Issues and Bills in the 110th Congress
• Income Inequality and the U.S. Tax System
• The National Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility: Issues for Congress
• Pension Sponsorship and Participation: Summary of Recent Trends
• Renewable Energy: Background and Issues for the 110th Congress
• Iraq: U.S. Regime Change Efforts and Post-War Governance
• Older Workers: Employment and Retirement Trends
• Congress and the Internet: Highlights
• Pakistan-U.S. Relations
• United Nations Peacekeeping: Issues for Congress
• Intelligence Issues for Congress
• Extradition To and From the United States: Overview of the Law and Recent Treaties
• Congressional Commissions, Committees, Boards, and Groups: Appointment Authority and Membership

Interested in historical CRS reports? If you are here at the Boulder campus, check out the LexisNexis Congressional database, which has reports back to 1916.

Not on campus, but still want access to additional reports? The library has a guide linking to various additional sources of CRS reports.

From the too silly to be true column

Today, while pursuing the Washington Post column "In the Loop" I learned that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Corps have a song! Yes, it is a rowsing song and you can listen to it online with or without an instrumental.

If you want to learn more about some of the areas NOAA is better known for, weather and climate, check out this library guide.

Testimony-Day one on Iraq

Today General David H. Petraeus, Commander of the Multi-National Force in Iraq, and Ryan C. Crocker, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Iraq testified before the House Armed Services Committee.

Want the testimony? Well, it is not up on the House site, which doesn't even have this weeks schedule up. Although this link to live hearing audio looks promising, although I had some trouble getting it to work here.

But, you can get General Petraues's testimony and his slides from the Department of Defense. You can also get Ambassador Crocker's testimony from the Department of State. Unfortunately, this gives you none of the back and forth discussion. For that you can try CSPAN's web site, under "House Joint Hearing on the Petraeus Report - Part One." Tomorrow will give us part 2.

Want to read some media reaction? Check out the Washington Post's "Petraeus Says Objectives in Iraq Are Largely Being Met" or Fox News's "Petraeus: Drawdown in Iraq to Pre-Surge Levels Could Come Next Summer."

Finally, if you still want more information. Check out some library guides, such as, Iraq and Terrorism.

GAO Releases this week

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is often called the investigative arm of Congress. This week they investigated a variety of issues, such as housing, oil and railroads. If you would like to know more about the GAO, check out the library's guide.

Reports

• Maritime Transportation: Major Oil Spills Occur Infrequently, but Risks to the Federal Oil Spill Fund Remain. GAO-07-1085, September 7.
  http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d071085.pdf
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071085high.pdf
  
• Water Resources: Four Federal Agencies Provide Funding for Rural Water Supply and Wastewater Projects. GAO-07-1094, September 7.
  http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d071094.pdf
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071094high.pdf
  
• Climate Change: Agencies Should Develop Guidance for Addressing the Effects on Federal Land and Water Resources. GAO-07-863, August 7.
  http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d07863.pdf
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07863high.pdf
• Defense Acquisitions: DOD's Research and Development Budget Requests to Congress Do Not Provide Consistent, Complete, and Clear Information. GAO-07-1058, September 5.
  http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d071058.pdf
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071058high.pdf
  
• Department of Homeland Security: Progress Report on Implementation of Mission and Management Functions. GAO-07-454, August 17.
  http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d07454.pdf
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d07454high.pdf
  
• Employer-Sponsored Benefits: Many Factors Affect the Treatment of Pension and Health Benefits in Chapter 11 Bankruptcy. GAO-07-1101, September 6.
  http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d071101.pdf
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071101high.pdf
• Defense Business Transformation: Achieving Success Requires a Chief Management Officer to Provide Focus and Sustained Leadership. GAO-07-1072, September 5.
  http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d071072.pdf
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071072high.pdf
• National Flood Insurance Program: FEMA's Management and Oversight of Payments for Insurance Company Services Should Be Improved. GAO-07-1078, September 5.
  http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d071078.pdf
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071078high.pdf
• No Child Left Behind Act: Education Should Clarify Guidance and Address Potential Compliance Issues for Schools in Corrective Action and Restructuring Status. GAO-07-1035, September 5.
  http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d071035.pdf
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071035high.pdf
• Special Operations Forces: Management Actions Are Needed to Effectively Integrate Marine Corps Forces into the U.S. Special Operations Command. GAO-07-1030, September 5.
  http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d071030.pdf
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071030high.pdf
• World Trade Center: EPA's Most Recent Test and Clean Program Raises Concerns That Need to Be Addressed to Better Prepare for Indoor Contamination Following Disasters. GAO-07-1091, September 5.
  http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d071091.pdf
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071091high.pdf
  
• Homeland Security: U.S. Visitor and Immigrant Status Program's Long-standing Lack of Strategic Direction and Management Controls Needs to Be Addressed. GAO-07-1065, August 31.
  http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d071065.pdf
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071065high.pdf
  
• Securing, Stabilizing, and Rebuilding Iraq: Iraqi Government Has Not Met Most Legislative, Security, and Economic Benchmarks. GAO-07-1195, September 4.
  http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d071195.pdf
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071195high.pdf

Testimonies

• Securing, Stabilizing, and Rebuilding Iraq: Iraqi Government Has Not Met Most Legislative, Security, and Economic Benchmarks. GAO-07-1230T, September 7.
  http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d071230t.pdf
  
• Department of Homeland Security: Progress Report on Implementation of Mission and Management Functions. GAO-07-1081T, September 6.
  http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d071081t.pdf
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071081thigh.pdf
  
• Securing, Stabilizing, and Rebuilding Iraq: Iraqi Government Has Not Met Most Legislative, Security, and Economic Benchmarks. GAO-07-1222T, September 5.
  http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d071222t.pdf
  
• Securing, Stabilizing, and Rebuilding Iraq: Iraqi Government Has Not Met Most Legislative, Security, and Economic Benchmarks. GAO-07-1221T, September 5.
  http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d071221t.pdf
  
• Securing, Stabilizing, and Rebuilding Iraq: Iraqi Government Has Not Met Most Legislative, Security, and Economic Benchmarks. GAO-07-1220T, September 4.
  http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d071220t.pdf
  

Correspondence

• Radiation Exposure Compensation Act: Program Status. GAO-07-1037R, September 7.
  http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d071037r.pdf
  
• Social Security: Costs Associated with the Administration's Efforts to Promote Program Reforms. GAO-07-621R, August 10.
  http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d07621r.pdf
  
• Military Base Realignments and Closures: Observations Related to the 2005 Round. GAO-07-1203R, September 6.
  http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d071203r.pdf
  
• Military Personnel: DOD's Predatory Lending Report Addressed Mandated Issues, but Support Is Limited for Some Findings and Recommendations. GAO-07-1148R, August 31.
  http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d071148r.pdf

Special Publications

• Highlights of a Forum: Health Care 20 Years From Now--Taking Steps Today to Meet Tomorrow's Challenges. GAO-07-1155SP, September 7.
  http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d071155sp.pdf
  Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d071155sphigh.pdf
  

Judge Strikes Down National Security Letter Portion of the Patriot Act

U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero ruled today that portions of the USA Patriot Act are unconstitutional. Judge Marrero ordered the FBI to stop issuing National Security Letters (NSLs). NSLs are FBI letters requesting private customer information from businesses without court approval and preventing those who receive NSLs from discussing them. The judge ruled that NSLs violated the First Amendment and the Constitution's separation of powers. The lawsuit was filed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) on behalf of an unidentified Internet service provider that received an NSL. Read the ACLU's statement. The judge's opinion, decision and order is available from the Washington Post.

Find more information on the 2001 USA Patriot Act (H.R.3162) and the USA Patriot Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 (H.R.3199) from Thomas. Or if you are here on campus, search LexisNexis Congressional for additional reports and hearing.

Check out "Judge Rules Provisions of Patriot Act Unconstitutional" from the Washington Post and "Judge Strikes Down Part of Patriot Act" from FOX News.

Still want more information? Check out the library's guides on the War Against Terrorism.

Foreclosure Rates Set New Record

According to the National Delinquency Survey from the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), the delinquency rate on residential properties was 5.12% for all loans in the second quarter of 2007. This is up 28 basis points from the first quarter of 2007 and 73 basis points from this time in 2006. Delinquency rates do not include loans already in the foreclosure process, which stood at 1.40% for all loans in the second quarter of 2007. Foreclosure rates are up 12 basis points from the first quarter of 2007 and 41 basis points from this time in 2006. National delinquency and foreclosure rates are being driven by several states and the performance of prime and subprime adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs). California, Florida, Nevada and Arizona lead the numbers in defaults and foreclosures and account for more than one-third of the nation's subprime ARMs. Thirty-four states showed decreases in new foreclosure rates.

Last week President Bush announced steps at the federal level to help homeowners avoid foreclosure and to reform the mortgage finance system. For more information, read the president's statements on homeownership financing and the fact sheet, "New Steps to Help Homeowners Avoid Foreclosure."

Read the MBA's press release, "Delinquencies Increase in Latest MBA National Delinquency Survey." For articles, check out "New Mortgage Foreclosures Set Record" from the Washington Post, "Home Foreclosure Notices Hits Record High" from FOX News, and "New Forecloure Rate Surges to Record" from NPR.

Want more information? Check out the library's guides on housing and banking.

Walk on the Moon and Mars

NASA's traveling exhibit, The Vision for Space Exploration, lands at CU-Boulder's Fiske Planetarium on September 5 through September 7. NASA staff will lead tours through space. Visitors will learn about the surfaces of the moon and Mars, the history of NASA's research, and NASA's plans for future exploration. The second half of the tour allows visitors to walk on an interactive floor that simulates the surfaces of the moon and Mars.

The exhibit is free and open to the public from 9:00am-4:00pm Wednesday & Thursday, 10:00am-7:00pm Friday. Visit Mars and the moon in Lot 308 (in front of Fiske Planetarium, on Regent Drive and Kittredge Loop Drive). For more information check out the Fiske Planetarium's website.

Interested in additional information on space and astronomy? Check out the library's guide.