News Briefs

Sharon Nunn of The Wall Street Journal writes that although Tennessee’s unemployment rate has fallen sharply in recent months, much of the decline is due to people leaving the workforce. Nunn highlights the issues of educational attainment and health outcomes, two factors that have caused individuals to fall out of the labor force and may make the labor market appear healthier than other measures would suggest. WSJ

The Wall Street Journal reports that the Trump administration is increasing scrutiny in the employment-visa application process, which could make it harder for businesses to hire foreign workers. Some business leaders have expressed concern that they will be unable to hire highly-skilled workers who are currently in short supply, while administration officials say that they are adding much-needed security to the application process. WSJ