Policy Analysis — The World Signal

Policy

Reading gains offer hope but US literacy recovery remains incomplete

A new study shows U.S. students in grades K-8 made significant reading progress last year, but the gap from pre-pandemic

Sep 20

Policy

USDA's 60-Year Animal Welfare Failure: Dogs Still Suffering Under Federal Watch

Despite 60 years of the Animal Welfare Act, USDA's chronic under-enforcement has allowed licensed dog breeders to abuse

Sep 19

Policy

Lawmakers Urged to Let Health Accounts Cover Produce

A new push urges Congress to let health savings and flexible spending accounts pay for fruits and vegetables, arguing cu

Sep 19

Policy

AI Data Centers Face New Scrutiny Over PFAS 'Forever Chemicals' in Cooling and Chips

AI data centers already face backlash over power and water use; now, their reliance on PFAS 'forever chemicals' in cooli

Sep 18

Policy

AI Data Centers Face New Scrutiny Over PFAS Contamination Risks

AI data centers face backlash over water and power use, but a new concern emerges: PFAS 'forever chemicals' in cooling s

Sep 18

Policy

Film tax breaks under fire as cleanup needs grow

New analysis shows Hollywood tax incentives yield poor returns, while environmental restoration offers better value and

Sep 18

Policy

Fed's Rate Hike Targets Supply-Driven Inflation, Risking Jobs

The Fed's latest rate hike aims at inflation driven by supply shocks and tariffs, risking employment without addressing

Sep 18

Policy

Trump administration narrows Endangered Species Act protections

The Trump administration has quietly narrowed Endangered Species Act protections, redefining 'harm' to only cover intent

Sep 18

Policy

Crypto Industry Shifts Focus to SEC and CFTC After Senate Bill Fails

The Clarity Act's failure in the Senate pushes crypto industry to rely on SEC and CFTC rulemaking, with agencies signali

Sep 17

Policy

Heinrich blocks Husted's data center ratepayer bill in Senate

Sen. Heinrich blocked Husted's data center bill, saying it's toothless. The House-passed measure would require hearings

Sep 17

Policy

NOAA Fall 2026 Forecast: Warm North, Wet South as Super El Niño Looms

NOAA's latest seasonal forecast shows a warm fall for most of the US, but a strong El Niño is setting up sharp regional

Sep 17

Policy

OMB Rule Could End Publisher Fees for Public Access to Research

A proposed OMB rule could eliminate publisher fees for federal research, clarifying that free repository deposits meet p

Sep 17