News in Numbers
The rise in homelessness in Missouri over the past year, while the national rate dropped 2.1 percent.
One of the largest federal penalties for violations of the Clean Water Act. The Georgia Department of Transportation recently paid it to settle accusations that it polluted streams with rocks and soil cast off during roadwork.
The percent of Florida residents who were denied benefits since the state's new unemployment law took effect. Only 21 percent of jobless applicants were denied benefits during the same period last year.
The number of education unions in Wisconsin -- of 206 total -- that voted to retain their official status in the first round. Under the collective-bargaining law passed earlier this year, 51 percent of unions' membership must vote annually for recertification.
The number of homicides per 100,000 people in New Orleans last year, compared to less than 7 per 100,000 in New York. The city’s homicide rate was 10 times the national average.
The extra money that high school dropouts get from the government each year compared to what they pay in taxes. They get more from the government than they pay because they're more likely to be in prison or get government benefits, according to a new study.
The number, which is the lowest since the early 1970s, of illegal migrants arrested for trying to cross the U.S.-Mexico border in fiscal year 2011. This and other government data suggest that the historic flood of Mexican migration north has slowed dramatically.
The number of local public pension plans in Pennsylvania -- the most of any other state. Nationwide, there are 3,196 plans run by municipalities.
The amount of exports that U.S. states sold to the Netherlands -- the biggest importer of state goods in 2009.
The share of Americans who are senior citizens, which is an all-time high. With the first baby boomers turning 65 this year, the trend is likely to accelerate.
The rise, over the previous four school years, in the rate of U.S. students receiving subsidized lunches. In Tennessee, there was a 37-percent spike in the number of students receiving free or low-cost meals.
The percent of Colorado state prisoners that are held in long-term solitary confinement, compared to a national average of 1-2 percent.
The number of primary care doctors who have taken advantage of federal incentives to adopt a certified electronic medical record system.
The number of governors that have traveled to China this year -- up from 8 in 2010 -- in search of economic allies. Virginia even opened an office this year in Shanghai.
The last time Washington state saw a sales-tax increase. Gov. Chris Gregoire has proposed asking voters for a temporary half-penny boost in the tax to fund education, public safety and social services.
The percent of Chicago public employees who owe the city money -- down from 7 percent five weeks ago when Mayor Rahm Emanuel threatened to fire or suspend workers who didn’t settle their debts. The city has so far collected $1.1 million.
The number of states that have substantially scaled back their support for public media in recent years. Four states have completely cut funding for public TV and radio stations.
The portion of Americans who moved in the last year -- the lowest mobility rate since the U.S. Census Bureau began tracking it in 1948.
The approximate number of signatures that Ohio Democratic groups need to put an election overhaul bill on the November 2012 ballot. They have until Nov. 24.
The backlog of requests from states for federal funding to help rebuild their disaster-damaged roads. This is 20 times the amount of money Congress sets aside every year for the Federal Highway Administration’s Emergency Relief program.
The number of Utah highway troopers that were hit by a car while responding to road-side accidents last year. As a result, a new state law requires drivers in minor accidents to get off the next exit and then call 911.
The amount of debt that Jefferson County, Ala., amassed over the last few years as a result of a corruption-plagued sewer project. The county just declared municipal bankruptcy -- the largest in U.S. history.
The number of mayoral candidates on the San Francisco ballot, which used ranked-choice voting for the first time.
The time that the first-ever nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System will occur today.
The unusually high portion of deaths in New York state and privately run homes for the developmentally disabled that are a result of unnatural or unknown causes. The figure is more like one in 25 in Connecticut and Massachusetts.
The number of states that enacted voter ID laws, which U.S. House Democrats have asked election officials in all 50 states to oppose. Democrats contend the laws are deliberate efforts to keep their core voting blocs from casting ballots next year.
The date of New Hampshire's first presidential primary. The GOP primary calendar is now complete, with Iowa kicking off the caucuses Jan. 3.
The length of time a dog barking in Los Angeles is considered excessive, subjecting the owner to hefty fines under an amended law that Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is expected to sign.
The number of homes a child in Washington state's foster-care system had before turning twelve years old. The state just signed a lawsuit settlement to improve its system by the end of 2013.
The number of school districts -- twice as many from two years ago -- that have only four-day weeks to save money.
