Biden administration restoring climate-impact rules that could delay infrastructure plans

Oct 7, 2021
The Trump administration had rolled them back, delighting industry and worrying environmentalists.
The Biden administration will be restoring a requirement for infrastructure projects to be evaluated for their climate impact. Above, a crew resurfaces a road in June in Alhambra, California.
Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

U.S. will press China to stick to its trade agreement

Oct 4, 2021
U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai did not offer new strategies but a more pragmatic approach.
U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai outlined the importance of building U.S. competitiveness while speaking at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Above, a woman adjusts the Chinese flag at Beijing's Diaoyutai State Guest House in 2014.
Feng Li via Getty Images

Will easing international travel restrictions bring back foreign tourists?

Sep 21, 2021
For one sightseeing business, the future still looks very uncertain.
A traveler arrives at London's Heathrow Airport in August 2021. The U.S. may soon be lifting restrictions for vaccinated international travelers.
Tolga Akmen/AFP via Getty Images

Some low-income families may not be receiving child tax credit money

Sep 17, 2021
By one estimate, some 4 million children and their families may be missing out on the payments.
A student carries home free bagged meals as part of Stamford, Connecticut's COVID response in March 2020. Funds from the child tax credit may not be making it to low-income families, a new study shows.
John Moore via Getty Images

Government support credited with decline in poverty in 2020

Sep 14, 2021
The Census Bureau's supplemental poverty measure showed a big decline from 2019, despite a year of pandemic-induced economic disruption.
Pandemic relief helped more Americans stay out of poverty in 2020, but future poverty rates depend on what happens with the pandemic economy.
Alex Wong via Getty Images

Investment in solar power key to Biden's green energy goals

Sep 9, 2021
A Department of Energy study out today shows that the U.S. has the potential to power 40% of its electricity needs with solar power.
The 100-megawatt MGM Resorts Mega Solar Array is launched on June 28, 2021 in Dry Lake Valley, Nevada.
Ethan Miller via Getty Images

White House seeks to plug cybersecurity job hole

Aug 25, 2021
The U.S. needs to staff about half a million cybersecurity jobs, according to the Commerce Department.
President Joe Biden speaks during a meeting about cybersecurity in the White House on August 25, 2021.
Drew Angerer via Getty Images

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How does increasing SNAP benefits help low-income families?

Kimberly Adams talks to Sharon Parrott, president of Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, about the expansion of food assistance.
Scott Heins via Getty Images

Aid groups scramble to prepare homes for Afghan evacuees

Aug 20, 2021
The Biden administration has expanded the Special Immigrant Visa program to allow more Afghans who assisted the U.S. during the war to resettle here.
Laura Thompson Osuri, executive director of Homes Not Borders, tosses a pillow to volunteer Amal Abuldood as they prepare an apartment for an Afghan family soon to arrive on Special Immigrant Visas.
Kimberly Adams

Necessities top child tax credit spending

Aug 13, 2021
Payments to households with children have been made for the second month after a first round that cost $15 billion.
Most parents who received a child tax credit used it on necessities, like groceries, utilities or school supplies.
Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images