United States ·
The state of the nation, at a glanceHow is the US doing?
Most systems are operating normally. The main pressure points this week are the Sept. 30 federal funding deadline, active exploitation of widely used software, and a tropical storm in the Gulf.Most things are working fine. Three things to watch: the government could run out of money on Sept. 30, hackers are breaking into common software, and a storm is heading for the Gulf Coast.
Summary as of24 systems trackedthings we're watching
Methodology- 13 Stableall good
- 9 Elevatedkeep an eye on it
- 2 Strainedunder pressure
Watch listThings to watch
- Communications and CyberSeveral actively exploited vulnerabilities in widely used software; agencies urge rapid patching.Hackers are breaking into popular software more than usual. Officials say: update your devices.StrainedUnder pressure
- Federal Budget and Shutdown RiskFunding lapses in 3 days unless Congress passes a stopgap measure.The money runs out in 3 days. If Congress doesn't pass a short-term fix, parts of the government close.StrainedUnder pressure
SystemsThe big picture
Select a section for key indicators, recent developments, and sources.Tap a box to learn more.
Economy
Growth is positive but slowing; inflation remains above the Fed's 2% target and long-term borrowing costs are high.Money is still growing, but slower. Prices are going up a little faster than the goal, and borrowing money costs more than usual.
CPI inflation (12-month)How much prices rose in a year
Unemployment ratePeople looking for work
10-year Treasury yieldGovernment's cost to borrow
- stable:Federal Reserve
- stable:Stock Market
- elevated:Bond Market and Treasury
- stable:SEC and Regulation
- stable:Foreign Investment
- elevated:Labor and Inflation
Critical Infrastructure
Core systems are operating normally overall; cyber threats and late-season grid demand are the main pressure points.Lights, water, and travel are mostly working fine. Hackers and hot weather are the main worries.
Operating reserve margin (national, evening peak)Spare power at busy times
Exploited vulnerabilities added (30-day)Software holes hackers used
Airline on-time arrivalsFlights that arrived on time
- elevated:Energy Grid
- elevated:Water
- stable:Transportation
- strained:Communications and Cyber
- stable:Healthcare
- stable:Food and Agriculture
Domestic Governance
Government funding expires Sept. 30 with no full-year appropriations enacted; a stopgap bill is pending.Congress has until Sept. 30 to agree on a plan to pay for the government. If it doesn't, parts of the government close.
Days until funding lapsesDays until the money runs out
Bills enacted this CongressNew laws passed
States with early voting openStates where early voting is open
- strained:Federal Budget and Shutdown Risk
- elevated:Congress
- stable:Courts
- stable:Elections
Foreign Affairs and Security
Trade tensions persist with elevated tariffs; overseas deployments are unchanged this month.Taxes on things we buy from other countries are high. Nothing big changed with US troops this month.
Average effective tariff rateAverage tax on imports
Goods and services trade balanceSold abroad minus bought (monthly)
OFAC actions (30-day)New sanctions this month
- elevated:Trade and Tariffs
- stable:Sanctions
- elevated:Conflicts Involving the US
- stable:Alliances and Diplomacy
Hazards and Environment
Peak hurricane season with one active Atlantic storm; wildfire activity above average in the West.It's hurricane season and one storm is coming. Wildfires in the West are bigger than normal.
Active named Atlantic stormsStorms with names right now
Active large firesBig fires burning now
Major disaster declarations (YTD)Big disasters this year
- elevated:Severe Weather
- elevated:Wildfire
- stable:Seismic and Volcanic
- stable:Public Health Outbreaks
Who represents you
An interactive map of elected officials, from governors and senators down to district representatives and mayors.See who was voted in to run each state, city, and district.
Notable developments
Most recent first, across all sections.
- Hazards / Severe Weather
Tropical storm forecast to strengthen in the Gulf
Source: NOAA National Hurricane Center - Infrastructure / Energy Grid
Texas grid operator issues voluntary conservation appeal
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration - Governance / Federal Budget and Shutdown Risk
House passes continuing resolution through Nov. 21
Source: Library of Congress (Congress.gov / CRS) - Economy / Bond Market and Treasury
30-year auction draws below-average demand
Source: U.S. Department of the Treasury - Foreign Affairs / Sanctions
Treasury designates procurement network
Source: Office of Foreign Assets Control, U.S. Treasury - Hazards / Wildfire
Evacuations ordered near large fire in Northern California
Source: National Interagency Fire Center