In 2021, a big change happened with Medicaid. The American Rescue Plan let states give pregnancy Medicaid coverage for 12 months after birth. This is a huge deal for new parents. But how is this new rule working out? No one really knows yet. Medicaid is a big help for many people. It pays for healthcare for those who can't afford it. Before this change, postpartum c...
Two countries in Europe are testing out different ways to fight obesity and heart disease. They are looking at how labeling calories on menus and taxing sugary drinks can make a difference. Belgium and Germany are the countries in question. They want to see if these policies can help people make healthier choices. They are also interested in how these changes might a...
The trade relationship between the United States and China hit a rough patch. The latest development? A public accusation from the U. S. President. He claimed that China had not kept its end of a recent trade bargain. This news sent a ripple through the stock market, causing a slight dip in early trading. Trade agreements are complex. They involve lots of back-and-f...
China is a massive player in the energy game. It is both the biggest energy producer and consumer on the planet. So, when it comes to sustainable development, China's moves matter a lot. In 2019, the Chinese government introduced the Resource Tax Law (RTL). This law aims to boost energy efficiency and promote sustainable energy use. But does it really work? A recent ...
Healthcare costs are a hot topic, and Medicare Advantage (MA) plans are shaking things up. These plans are private health insurance options that people with Medicare can pick instead of the standard Medicare. They often come with networks of hospitals and doctors, which can change how hospitals set prices for other insurance companies. This is crucial because it affe...
Home healthcare workers (HHCWs) face a tough reality. They often encounter workplace violence (WPV). This violence can be verbal, emotional, or even physical. Sadly, many HHCWs keep quiet about these incidents. They don't report them to their managers. This is a big problem. It shows that there are serious issues with how WPV is handled in these workplaces. Let's...
In March, Americans went on a shopping spree. They were rushing to buy items before new tariffs took effect. This sudden increase in spending gave the economy a much-needed boost. Meanwhile, inflation took a pause. It slowed down and moved closer to the Federal Reserve's target. The Commerce Department released some figures. They indicated that prices, as tracked by...
The current administration has decided to soften the blow of auto tariffs. This change is set to happen on a Tuesday. The focus is on easing duties on foreign parts used in cars made in the U. S. Additionally, there will be a move to prevent tariffs on imported cars from piling up with other taxes. The shift is part of a broader strategy. It aims to foster a stronge...
The Fed Chair Jerome Powell is facing intense pressure from the president. The president's frustration stems from Powell's reluctance to lower interest rates. The president believes that the Fed should have reduced rates earlier, especially when compared to the European Central Bank's recent move. This tension comes at a time when the economy is facing challenges due...
The announcement of new tariffs on April 2, 2025, marked a significant turning point in U. S. trade policy. President Trump, flanked by union workers, declared this day as a moment of liberation from the free-trade agreements that had long been hailed as economic saviors. These tariffs are not minor tweaks but a bold challenge to the elite who have profited from the ...