Chicago will become the first school district to replicate New York City's success in using ballroom dancing classes to instill self-confidence and encourage respectful relationships between boys and girls at a difficult but formative age. For two hours a week, 5th graders from 18 schools will learn the waltz, samba, cha-cha, tango, fox-trot, and swing as well as the cultural associations of each dance. Chicago officials state that "Mad Hot Ballroom," the 2005 documentary celebrating the use of performing arts within an inner-city context, inspired them.

The United Way of Utah has unveiled a program that offers "wealth coaches" to state residents to advise and encourage them to boost their savings rate. Many Utah residents do not save enough money and must rely on government programs in times of need. Utah Saves, a partnership between nonprofit organizations, financial institutions, and government agencies, takes a proactive approach to increasing savings. Participants must take a written pledge to save a specific amount of money on a monthly basis. Wealth coaches then contact interested participants periodically, offering them support and referrals to sources of assistance.

To provide small- and medium-sized businesses with guidance on navigating intellectual property issues in China, the U.S. Department of Commerce, in coordination with the American Bar Association, the National Association of Manufacturers, and the American Chamber of Commerce in China have created the China Intellectual Property Rights Advisory Program. Volunteer attorneys will provide free, one-hour consultations to businesses seeking to protect and enforce their intellectual property (IP) rights. Currently, IP-based businesses comprise the largest sector of the U.S. economy.

The U.S. government is funding a new 200-acre sanctuary in Louisiana to allow laboratory chimpanzees the opportunity to enjoy their "retirement" years. Many chimps no longer needed for medical, technical, and space research reside long-term in cramped cages in government laboratories. Chimp Haven will eventually give up to 200 captivity-bred primates their first chance to climb a tree and forage for food in a lush environment resembling their native Africa. Staffed by medical and behavioral specialists, the sanctuary includes heated interior housing, a playground, running water, hammocks, and even a television. These amenities aside, Chimp Haven still costs the government half of what it pays for their current laboratory living arrangements.

To streamline reporting and increase transparency of small-business subcontracting activity with the federal government, the U.S. Small Business Administration and the General Services Administration have launched the Electronic Subcontracting Reporting System (eSRS). The Internet-based tool will provide all civilian federal agencies, and eventually the Department of Defense, immediate access to analytical data to evaluate subcontracting performance, obviating the need for contractors and public officials alike to process manual computations and paper reports. As the use of subcontracting for public service delivery increases, officials predict that eSRS will help government executives make more informed decisions while ensuring accountability on both ends.

Safe Homes - Safe Streets, a new program created by city and county officials in Albany, New York, uses landlords to help remove drug dealers from the city's streets. Property owners will learn how to avoid renting apartments to those with narcotics records and how to draw up leases that reflect community standards. Additionally, the city is empowering landlords to evict problematic tenants and strengthening enforcement of its "no trespass" laws.