As we close out the year 2017, we reflect on some of the most popular stories of this past year. The Department of Commerce continues to work every day to promote job creation and economic growth by ensuring fair and secure trade, providing the data necessary to support commerce, and fostering innovation by setting standards and conducting foundational research and development. The following blogs...

Hurricane Irma is a potentially catastrophic hurricane and will bring life-threatening wind, storm surge and rainfall to parts of the Caribbean – including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands – as well as the Florida Keys, portions of Southern Florida and the Florida Peninsula. Irma is expected to remain a powerful hurricane through the September 9 – 10 weekend. Take preparation actions now...

Hurricane Harvey brought catastrophic flooding to Texas and Louisiana this week. Please heed the advice of local emergency management officials and refer to your local weather forecast at www.weather.gov. Safety tips and resources: Check your local forecast for updates, and abide by instructions from local authorities to protect life and property Take preparation actions now, and be sure you know...

In connection with American Heroes Week (July 24 – 28, 2017), the U.S. Department of Commerce is proud to highlight its own American heroes and the important role Commerce agencies play in serving and protecting American communities. Did you know the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has a corps of commissioned officers, one of the seven uniformed services of the United States...

In connection with American Heroes Week (July 24 – 28, 2017), the U.S. Department of Commerce is proud to highlight its own American heroes and the important role Commerce agencies play in serving and protecting American communities. On board NOAA Hurricane Hunter aircraft, there are no small jobs. Each member of the crew plays a critical role in ensuring the safe operation of the aircraft and the...

The following is a cross-post from NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information From making sure warm winter coats are in stock at just the right time to accurately evaluating the underlying causes of fluctuations in the U.S. economy, NCEI’s environmental data provide critical information for retailers, manufacturers, and the companies that invest in them. As industries that are highly...

Happy World Ocean Day and National Ocean Month! From the food we eat to the air we breathe, we are all connected to the ocean. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) explores the ocean, provides tsunami warnings, addresses marine debris, manages national marine sanctuaries, ensures sustainable fisheries, and much, much more. NOAA and its partners are holding World Ocean Day...

Ed. note: This post is part of the Spotlight on Commerce series highlighting the contributions of current and past members of the Department of Commerce during Women's History Month. When Emma Hickerson started volunteering at Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary headquarters in Galveston, Texas, in 1996, it was just a "temporary thing" – or so she thought. But things didn't quite work...