Author: Sarah Collins

On Sunday, President Joe Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act (H.R. 82) into law, repealing two controversial tax provisions that reduced Social Security benefits for certain federal workers and public servants. The repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO) will effectively increase benefits for over 2 million retirees and 750,000 spouses and survivors. Impact of the Repeal The WEP previously reduced Social Security benefits for retired federal workers who also spent part of their careers in the private sector. Similarly, the GPO reduced spousal and survivor benefits for families with retired government employees.…

China’s Tourism Faces Uncertainty as HMPV Sparks Pandemic Fears China’s booming tourism industry, bolstered by expanded visa-free policies and record-breaking visitor numbers, faces a potential setback as Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) infections surge. With overcrowded hospitals and growing global concerns, the situation draws uncomfortable parallels to the early days of COVID-19. Could this new threat derail the progress of global travel and tourism once again? What is HMPV? Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), discovered in 2001, is a respiratory virus related to RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus). It typically causes symptoms similar to the common cold or flu but can escalate into severe conditions…

A Year of Progress in Employment Spain concluded 2024 with its lowest December unemployment figures in nearly two decades, reflecting steady economic recovery and job growth. The Labour Ministry reported that the number of registered unemployed dropped to 2.56 million, marking a 0.98% decrease from November and a 5.4% decline compared to December 2023. Labour Minister Yolanda Díaz highlighted the milestone on X, stating:“We finished the year 2024 as we had started it: reducing unemployment, fighting precariousness, and with the will to go forward. In 2025 we will keep improving data and win over more time to live better.” December’s…

Jobless Claims Defy Expectations The number of new unemployment insurance applications fell to its lowest level since last April, signaling unexpected strength in the labor market even as broader employment conditions show signs of cooling. For the week ending December 28, jobless claims totaled 211,000, down 9,000 from the previous week and defying forecasts of an increase to 225,000. The four-week moving average of claims fell by 3,500 to 223,250, reinforcing signs of a resilient labor market. Additionally, the percentage of the workforce receiving unemployment benefits dropped to 1.2%, down from 1.3%. Federal Reserve’s Influence on Employment Trends The Federal…