Policy News
The latest policy stories, summarized by AI
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States Consider Banning Junk Food and Restricting SNAP Benefits
RFK Jr. advocates for banning junk food in states, but there is confusion and logistical challenges in defining what foods are banned under SNAP, leading to concerns among retailers and beneficiaries about enforcement and fairness. States like Utah, Indiana, and others are implementing bans with limited guidance, causing operational difficulties and uncertainty about compliance.

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Trump's IVF Initiatives Spark Mixed Reactions and Policy Changes
vox.com•2 months ago
California enacts pioneering laws to regulate AI and protect public health
Politico•3 months ago
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Debate Intensifies Over Potential Social Security Benefit Cuts for Older Americans
Originally Published 3 months ago — by Salon.com

The Trump administration proposes changes to Social Security disability rules that could make it harder for older Americans, especially those in their 50s and 60s, to qualify for benefits by removing age as a factor, sparking concerns about increased hardship for vulnerable workers. Critics argue this could disproportionately impact those with legitimate claims, while supporters say it aligns with longer lifespans and workforce changes. The proposal is part of ongoing political debates over Social Security's future.
UK Considers Dropping Apple Encryption Backdoor Demands to Ease Tensions
Originally Published 5 months ago — by The Verge
The UK government is reportedly planning to withdraw its demand for a backdoor into Apple's encryption, influenced by US pressure during trade negotiations, to avoid conflicts with US tech policies and legal treaties.
Trump's Nationalization and Nippon Steel's $15B U.S. Steel Takeover
Originally Published 6 months ago — by The Dispatch

President Trump approved the sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel, but only after securing extensive government controls through a 'golden share' that grants the U.S. government veto power over major decisions, effectively nationalizing the company and raising concerns about government intervention in private industry.
Trump's Crypto Connections Influence U.S. Digital Asset Legislation
Originally Published 7 months ago — by The Block

The House Financial Services Committee held a hearing on the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act (CLARITY), aiming to establish clear crypto regulations, but discussions were overshadowed by scrutiny of President Trump's involvement in crypto ventures, complicating bipartisan support and raising concerns about conflicts of interest.
"SEC Expands Oversight to Include Crypto, DeFi, and High-Speed Traders"
Originally Published 1 year ago — by The Block

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has adopted a 247-page rule that will require market participants transacting in crypto assets meeting the definition of securities or government securities to comply with federal securities laws, including those involved in decentralized finance (DeFi). The rule, which will become effective 60 days after being published in the Federal Register, has faced pushback from the crypto industry, with concerns raised about the practicality and impact on innovation. The SEC's move aims to provide stricter oversight over dealers, including those operating in the cryptocurrency and DeFi space, to protect investors and ensure fair and level competition.
"Federal Courts' Audio Access Rules: Limited Exceptions for Trump Cases"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Roll Call

The policymaking body of the federal courts has not considered changing rules to allow livestreaming of criminal trials, including those of former President Donald Trump. Democratic lawmakers had requested the courts to change their policy to allow the broadcast of proceedings against Trump, but the request was not addressed. Trump is scheduled to face federal criminal trials in Washington, D.C., and Florida, separate from the state cases in New York and Georgia. The judge in the Georgia case has ruled that proceedings there may be televised.
"July 1st: Illinois Faces New Taxes and Laws"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by NBC Chicago

Starting July 1, several new laws will take effect in Illinois and Chicago, impacting residents' wallets. In Chicago, the minimum wage will increase to $15.80 for employers with 21 or more employees, and to $15 for employers with four to 20 employees. Tipped employees will also see an increase in their minimum wage. Cook County suburbs will see similar increases. The Fair Workweek Ordinance will introduce updated compensation metrics for certain industries. The suspension of Illinois' 1% grocery tax will end, and the gas tax will increase due to inflation. Changes to school holidays include exemptions for teachers on Saturdays and recognition of commemorative holidays.
Hinman's SEC Emails and Speech Shed Light on ETH's Security Status
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Block - Crypto News

Former SEC director William Hinman planned to have a conversation with Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin in 2018 to "confirm our understanding of how the Ethereum Foundation operates" and to support his stance that ETH was not a security. The recently surfaced document provides a glimpse into internal discussions at the SEC preceding the Hinman speech in which he suggested that bitcoin and ether were not securities. The SEC has filed a lawsuit against Ripple Labs for raising over $1.3 billion via an unregistered digital asset securities offering with its own XRP cryptocurrency.
SEC's Crypto Crackdown Sparks Debate on Regulatory Framework and Exchange Registration.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Block - Crypto News

JPMorgan strategists predict that US-based crypto exchanges, including Coinbase and Binance.US, may eventually have to register with the SEC as brokers and most cryptocurrencies could be treated as securities. The SEC's recent lawsuits against Binance and Coinbase for allegedly violating US securities laws could result in exchanges delisting tokens and limiting their respective blockchains' potential development, which could benefit Ethereum. JPMorgan also called for US lawmakers to develop a clear regulatory framework for the crypto industry this year to offer more transparency and investor protection.
Crypto Compliance and Lawsuits: A Rough Week for Binance and Coinbase
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Block - Crypto News
SEC Chair Gary Gensler outlined multiple paths for crypto projects to register with the agency and comply with securities law, while criticizing Binance and pushing back on arguments made by Coinbase. Gensler noted that Binance executives knowingly broke the law and redirected billions in customer assets to investment vehicles owned by CEO Changpeng ‘CZ’ Zhao. He also pointed out that Coinbase made a calculated economic decision to take the risk of enforcement as the cost of doing business.