Category: Policy

HealthcarePolicy

White House to Unveil Employer-Based IVF Coverage Initiative

The White House is preparing to announce a new policy initiative that would encourage employers to offer in vitro fertilization coverage as a separate benefit. This marks the administration’s first concrete action on an issue President Trump repeatedly promised to address during his campaign. The guidance comes after months of deliberation between IVF proponents and conservative groups with ethical concerns.

New Fertility Coverage Initiative

The White House is set to announce a policy proposal that would make in vitro fertilization more accessible through employer-based coverage options, according to administration officials familiar with the matter. President Donald Trump is expected to make the announcement from the Oval Office on Thursday afternoon, representing the administration’s first concrete step toward addressing an issue he frequently highlighted during his campaign.

by Megan Carter
Economy and TradingPolicy

Fed Governors Split on Rate Cut Size as October Meeting Approaches

Federal Reserve officials are divided on the size of upcoming interest rate reductions, with Governor Stephen Miran pushing for a half-point cut while Christopher Waller advocates for a quarter-point reduction. The disagreement comes amid conflicting economic signals from labor market data and persistent inflation pressures.

Divergent Views Emerge Ahead of Fed Meeting

Federal Reserve Governors Stephen Miran and Christopher Waller have presented conflicting views on how quickly the central bank should lower interest rates, according to reports from the Invest i America Forum. The division comes as policymakers grapple with a weakening labor market and heightened geopolitical tensions that are complicating the economic outlook.

by Megan Carter
GovernmentPolicy

US Regulators Reverse Climate Risk Standards for Banks Following Political Pressure

US banking regulators have withdrawn climate-related financial risk standards for financial institutions. The move follows significant pressure from former President Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers who argued climate considerations had become overly influential in financial regulation.

Regulatory Shift on Climate Risk Management

United States banking regulators have reportedly reversed course on requiring financial institutions to detail their management of climate-related financial risks, according to recent statements from federal agencies. The decision comes after sustained pressure from former President Donald Trump and Republican Party lawmakers who have consistently argued that climate considerations were exerting undue influence on banking oversight.

by Megan Carter
International Business and TradePolicy

China Blames US Trade Policies for Rising Tensions, Warns Against Economic Decoupling

China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao has attributed escalating trade tensions to US restrictive measures implemented after recent bilateral talks. The minister warned against economic decoupling during a meeting with Apple CEO Tim Cook in Beijing, according to official statements.

China Points to US Policies as Primary Cause of Trade Friction

China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao has publicly attributed the recent escalation in trade tensions between the world’s two largest economies to American policy decisions, according to reports from the Ministry of Commerce. The minister’s comments came during a meeting with Apple Inc. Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook in Beijing this week, where he discussed the current state of bilateral economic relations.

by Megan Carter
Assistive TechnologyPolicy

California Governor Vetoes Data Center Water Reporting Bill Amid Drought Concerns

California Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed legislation that would have required data centers to disclose water consumption levels. The decision comes as the state faces significant water sustainability challenges and data centers continue to expand in water-stressed regions.

Governor Blocks Mandatory Water Reporting for Data Centers

California Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed legislation that would have required data centers in the state to disclose their water consumption levels, according to reports. The decision, first reported by The Register, blocks Assembly Bill 93 which would have mandated water use reporting for an industry known for significant water consumption for cooling operations.

by Tyler Brooks P.E
GovernmentPolicy

China Expands Civil Service Age Limits to Combat Workforce Age Discrimination

China has increased the maximum hiring age for civil service positions for the first time in three decades, from 35 to 38. The move aims to combat age discrimination in the job market and address demographic challenges facing the country’s workforce.

Historic Policy Shift in Civil Service Recruitment

China has reportedly increased the maximum hiring age for some civil service positions for the first time in three decades, raising it from 35 to 38 years old, according to Reuters reports. The revision was announced ahead of the opening of applications for the national civil service examination, with candidates now required to be between 18 and 38 years of age to apply. Sources indicate that for applicants with master’s or doctoral degrees, the age limit has been extended even further to 43 from the previous 40.

by Tyler Brooks P.E