Social Policy News and Welfare, Inclusion & Public Reform Updates
U.S. long-term unemployment surge raises risks for workers and the economy
A growing share of U.S. jobless workers is remaining out of work for at least 27 weeks, highlighting deeper strain in a labor market that is hiring less aggressively. The increase is carrying ...
U.S. Social Security shortfall points to average $500 monthly benefit cut
A projected 2032 depletion of Social Security’s retirement trust fund is sharpening focus on how deeply beneficiaries’ monthly income could be reduced. A new analysis says the automatic 24% ...
Alabama secures AA ratings for $75 million bond sale
Alabama is preparing to bring $75 million of new debt to market in mid-June to finance capital projects across the state. The planned issuance includes general obligation bonds and Public School ...
U.S. SNAP rolls shrink as benefit cuts take effect
Higher living costs are coinciding with a sharp decline in federal food assistance for low-income households across the U.S. More than 3.5 million SNAP recipients lose benefits between July and ...
U.S. rejects UN migration forum declaration
The U.S. says it stays out of the International Migration Review Forum and does not back the May 8 declaration adopted there. The move extends Washington's opposition to UN migration frameworks ...
US states tighten SNAP-eligible purchases, soda and candy limits roll out from 2026
A widening group of US states is moving to narrow what items can be bought with SNAP benefits, after securing federal approval to deviate from long-standing program rules. The US Department of ...
