Consumer Issues / Public News Service

In New York, the Inflation Reduction Act has helped grow manufacturing and jobs for numerous forms of clean energy. But the White House predicts a default would raise interest rates and lead to higher prices for these projects. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

U.S. Debt Default Would Impact NY Clean-Energy Investments

The looming U.S. debt default could affect a host of programs across the country - and in New York, the list includes clean-energy investments…

States across the country are working to bring broadband to rural areas. (Pink Badger/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

State Grants Bring High Speed Internet to Rural Washingtonians

State grants could bring high-speed internet access to nearly 15,000 Washingtonians. The State Broadband Office is awarding $121 million to 19 …

The FTC reports scammers will attempt to manipulate a victim's emotions by creating a sense of urgency, and then stressing that only they can help. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

AI-Powered Phone Scams Target Seniors

Phone scammers are now using artificial intelligence to steal money from victims with realistic-sounding facsimiles of loved ones. Scammers take …

Last year Xcel Energy posted over $8.3 billion dollars in gross profits, with Colorado contributing more to Xcel's earnings than its other subsidiaries. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Wednesday Hearing on Xcel Energy Rate Increase Request Open to Public

On Wednesday, Xcel Energy customers will have a chance to tell the Colorado Public Utilities Commission what they think about the company's request - …

Smaller and mid-sized farms say due to market concentration and supply-chain issues within agriculture have made it much harder to get their foods to various markets, including schools and restaurants within their own regions. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

ND Farm Communities See Brighter Path with Food Business Centers

Rural development leaders say getting healthy, locally grown food to underserved areas is a challenge in states like North Dakota. They hope a new …

Lawmakers have requested an analysis of the impact of an insurance mandate for kids' hearing aids from the California Health Benefits Review Program. The report is due June 7. (Peakstock/Adobestock)<br />

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Calls Grow to Require Insurance Companies to Cover Kids’ Hearing Aids

Groups fighting for children's health are asking Gov. Gavin Newsom and lawmakers to require insurance companies to cover hearing aids and related …

An American Hospital Association report revealed net losses in 2022 for some of the nation's largest nonprofit health systems were well above $1 billion, and in some cases, approached $2 billion. (AntonioDiaz/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Report: Hospitals Face Mounting Financial Pressures

The mounting financial pressures hospitals in Arkansas are facing are part of a national trend affecting people's access to care, according to a …

July 2022 was the hottest July since 1895 in Texas, according to Weather.com. (praewpailyn/Adobe Stock)

Texas Heatwaves are Coming; New Toolkit Available to Docs

Extreme heat kills about 700 people in the United States each year, but a new toolkit and weather alerts can protect folks in Texas and beyond…

The New Mexico Legislature passed a bill this year to provide free IDs for individuals experiencing homelessness. (Seventyfour/AdobeStock)

Study: New Mexico Homelessness Up Nearly 50% in 2023

Rent for New Mexicans has increased 70% since 2017, while wages have only grown by 15%, which is one factor pushing more people into homelessness…

One of the tax credits offered under the Inflation Reduction Act is a home energy audit, where property owners can find out if their home is wasting energy. (Adobe Stock)

With Emerging Incentives, Clean Energy No Longer a VIP Club

Clean-energy products, such as electric vehicles or home heat pump systems, might seem out of reach for a lot of people. But with federal incentives …

While there has been some backlash from customers, a number of states have adopted laws that allow dogs to be at outdoor restaurants, so long as they stay away from food preparation. (Adobe Stock)

Dining Out with Fido? Experts Have Tips to Keep Pets and Patrons Safe

May is National Pet Month, and South Dakota residents considering adoption are urged to do careful planning - while also making sure dogs can handle …

In exchange for 25 pro bono hours and 225 reduced rate service hours, the Montana Legal Services Association's RIPL program provides networking, assistance with business and client development, and hands-on legal experience. (Adobe Stock)

Program 'Incubates' New Lawyers and Rural Montanans

The Montana Legal Services Association has started a program to help young attorneys get started on a path to success - becoming community leaders…

Community Action Agencies provide services that go beyond energy assistance and home weatherization. Many offer job training programs that take into account the barriers low-income individuals face in advancing in the workplace. (Adobe Stock)

With New Partners, MN's Poverty-Fighting Offices Expand Financial Reach

May is Community Action Month, and Minnesota agencies that help address poverty say demand for services isn't going away. To help clients thrive…

Arkansas is slated to receive $54.1 million in the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula Program funding over five years, beginning with an initial allocation of $19.5 million for 2022-2023. (rh2010/Adobe Stock)

Two-Thirds of New US Cars Could be EVs by 2032

The EPA is accepting written comments on its latest vehicle emission standards until July 5th. Backers of the more stringent rules say they will help …

ACLU Plans Lawsuit If TX Anti-Trans Bills Become Law

The culture war over transgender identity is spreading in GOP-led states, and Texas is among those passing the harshest laws. The Human Rights …

PFAS, the chemicals contained in firefighting foam, are known to be toxic and affect ground and drinking water at many current and former military installations. (jana/Adobe Stock)

Analysis: DoD's PFAS Spending Not Enough to Fix Escalating Backlog

New Mexico has eight military sites with known or suspected discharges of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS, also known as "forever …

According to the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, there are currently more than 1,500 approved drilling permits that have not started production. (Adobe Stock)

Coalition Turns to CO Voters to Phase Out Fracking Permits

A coalition of grassroots groups is turning to Colorado voters in an effort to phase out all new oil and gas leases by 2030. Kate Christensen - an …

More 15-year-olds discussed finances with their parents when the topic was something the teens wanted to buy, according to a survey by the National Center for Education Statistics. (Adobe Stock)

Initiative Aims to Improve GA Teens' Financial Literacy

Aiming to close the financial literacy divide among teens and young adults, one investment company has set a goal of reaching one million of them by 2…

One in five people reported losing money to fraud through imposter scams in 2022, and the top fraud category last year reported to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission was identity theft. (Toa555/Adobe Stock)

AARP Warns Arkansas Seniors of Spike In Fraud, Scams

Consumer scams are on the rise, especially online, and AARP Arkansas is warning residents with tips on how to avoid becoming a victim of fraud or …

In 2020, 52% of U.S. homeowners who renovated their home were from the Baby Boomer generation, according to Statista. (Adobe Stock)

USDA Makes Loans, Grants Available for Low-Income Iowans' Home Repair

AARP Iowa is working to raise awareness of loans and grants the U.S. Department of Agriculture is making available to very low-income seniors for …

According to Indiana Small Business Statistics, between 1994 and 2018, Indiana small business employment grew by 4.2%, reaching 1.2 million employees in 2018. (Adobe Stock)

IN Small Businesses Thrive Despite Challenges

Starting a business is fraught with decisions ranging from defining the type of business to start, choosing whether to be a home-based, online…

If left unchecked, and without access to medications, chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure can turn into complications such as diabetic neuropathy and coronary vascular disease. (Adobe Stock)

Critical Medicines Closer to West Denver Metro Residents

After 18 months of planning and renovations, STRIDE community health center has opened its second pharmacy inside the Wheat Ridge clinic at 29th St…

New, used, and demonstration vehicles with a final purchase or lease price of $50,000<br />or less are eligible for rebates in Pennsylvania. (Ake1150/AdobeStock)<br />

New EPA Rule: 2 Out of 3 New Cars Could Be Electric By 2032

The Environmental Protection Agency recently proposed more stringent vehicle emission standards, which could significantly help reduce air pollution …

According to the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy, as of February around 12% of Kentuckians rely on SNAP benefits for food assistance. (Adobe Stock)

KY Road Show Highlights Programs that Improve Community Well-Being

A traveling roadshow highlighting changes to Medicaid, Kentucky Children's Health Insurance Program (KCHIP), the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance …

Coca-Cola workers in West Virginia recently went on strike. (Teamsters Local 175)<br />

WV Coca-Cola Workers End Strike, Say Grievances Still Ignored

More than one hundred workers at Coca-Cola plants in Logan and Charleston have returned to work after going on a days-long strike. Ken Hall - the …

A new survey found 92% of respondents age 45 and older say staying physically healthy is important. (JackF/Adobe Stock)

Survey: Financial Strains Top of Mind for Older Oregonians

A new survey found older Oregonians are concerned about the cost of living in many aspects of their lives. The Vital Voices research program from …

Changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid approved by Congress in 2020 will delay application availability from Oct. 1 until December this year. (cienpies/AdobeStock)

TX Rural Students Face College Shutout Without Changes to FAFSA

Texas educates more rural students than any other state at nearly 700,000, and there is concern a new law meant to simplify applying for college …

Following the 2020 election, Texas passed a controversial voting law, Senate Bill 1, which banned drive-through voting and 24-hour voting. (MoabRepublic/AdobeStock)

Texas GOP Lawmakers to Decide Bills Aimed at Harris County Elections

Three weeks remain in the 2023 Texas legislative session with a bill under consideration that could ultimately throw out future election results in th…

Bachelor's degree attainment for Black people aged 25 to 29 has increased more slowly than among white people, according to the Postsecondary National Policy Institute. (Adobe Stock)

West Virginia's Black College Student Population on Decline

Amid declining enrollment at colleges in the Mountain State, new research showed Black students are disappearing from classrooms at higher rates…

Researchers are studying how social media use relates to anxiety and depression through feelings of inadequacy relative to

Children's Advocates Applaud Kids Online Safety Act

Federal legislation aimed at protecting children and teens online has gained the support of leading advocates for children's health and privacy…

According to the CDC, 5% fewer Americans were screened for cancer in 2020 than in 2012, a difference that represents nearly 4 million people. (Adobe Stock)

In Kentucky, Cancer Deaths Among Highest in Nation

The latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data show Kentucky continues have among the worst cancer rates in the nation - with lung…

A solar-plus-storage system costs $25,000 to $35,000, depending on the battery size and other factors, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, but just adding a battery to a solar system will cost anywhere from $12,000 to $22,000. (Adobe Stock)

NH Battery-Storage Program Lowers Energy Costs, Emissions

By Sarah Shemkus for Energy News Network.Broadcast version by Kathryn Carley for New Hampshire News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism …

The Center for Budget and Policy Priorities said the

Medicaid 'Unwinding' Underway; DHHS Needs Up-to-Date Contact Info

Tens of thousands of Nebraskans receiving Medicaid benefits may lose them over the upcoming year. With the COVID-19 public health emergency ending…

The percentages of high-school students who say they often feel

NM Parents Encouraged to Know When Kids Need Mental Health Intervention

More behavioral-health providers may be enticed to move to New Mexico after a bill passed by the Legislature this year made treatment for behavioral h…

A federal appeals court in April tossed out a ban by the City of Berkeley, California, on gas hookups in new buildings. It followed a lawsuit paid for by one of the nation's largest gas utilities. (Adobe Stock)

NY Bans Use of Natural Gas, Fossil Fuels in New Buildings

The state of New York has passed a first-in-the-nation law banning the use of natural gas and other fossil fuel-powered systems in new buildings…

Robert Fisher of Adel, Iowa, prevailed in his efforts to have an electronic button installed to operate the door at the local U.S. Post Office. (Robert Fisher/Iowa Council on Developmental Disabilities)

One Person's Battle Against the Post Office Prevails

A man in Adel who is part of Iowa's community of people with disabilities has been successful in having an electronic door installed at the U.S…

Americans currently pay twice as much for medicines than people in other developed nations. (Adobe Stock)

Law Aiming to Lower Drug Prices Headed to Governor Polis' Desk

A law passed two years ago aiming to reign in skyrocketing prescription drug prices is set to get a booster shot with the passage of House Bill 1225 b…

Farmers in North Carolina lose crops worth roughly $79 million as a result of equipment breakdowns. (Alexey Zarodov/Adobe Stock)

Tractor ‘Right to Repair’ Could Save NC Farmers $103 Million a Year

North Carolina farmers are calling on lawmakers to address manufacturer-imposed repair limitations on tractors, and minimize disruptions on their …

New Mexico's 482,000 acres of wetlands are aided by the beaver, a keystone species, in creating new habitat that can support a myriad of birds and amphibians. (dfikar/Adobestock)

New Mexico's Drinking Water in Crosshairs of Sackett v. EPA

A favorable ruling in a case before the U.S. Supreme Court challenging the federal Clean Water Act could remove protections nationwide, and affect 90%…

An estimated 44% of the world's mail volume is processed and delivered by the U.S. Postal Service. (Vivoo/Adobe Stock)

USPS Workers Protest in TX, Elsewhere Over 'Hostile' Working Conditions

Postal workers in San Antonio and other cities want Congress to know their work environment is toxic due to understaffing and managers they claim "har…

Postal union leaders say understaffed facilities are taking a toll on the health and safety of postal workers and the service they provide. (Adobe Stock)

Postal Employees Say They're Fighting 'Toxic' Work Environment

Today is International Workers Day, and in the U.S. postal workers say they're struggling to keep up amid staffing shortages and a work environment …

Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows highlighted the dangers of

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Maine Officials Cite Dangers of 'Intexticated Driving'

State leaders in Maine are calling attention to the growing number of fatalities on U.S. roads and highways due to distracted driving. The …

Elementary students who spend more than two hours a day on screens are more likely to have emotional, social and attention problems, while students who have screens in their bedrooms tend to perform worse on academic tests than do those who do not. (Adobe Stock)

Screen-Free Week Challenges Families to Power Down, Reconnect

Starting today, families throughout Massachusetts will swap their digital entertainment for the annual challenge of "Screen-Free Week." The global …

The fossil fuel industry successfully lobbied Congress to add billions of dollars for carbon capture technologies in the recently passed Infrastructure and Jobs Act, and Inflation Reduction Act. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Unproven Tech Could Stall Action on Climate Change

Some 45 environmental groups across Colorado are sounding the alarm about a host of emerging technologies that have been attached to legislation aimin…

Arkansas is one of nine states with levels of food insecurity above the national average from 2019-2021, according to the USDA's Economic Research Service. (disha1980/Adobe Stock)

AR Changes SNAP Requirements to Ease Hunger, Temporarily

People may still be able to qualify for SNAP food benefits if they have up to $5,500 in assets, under a bill passed by the Arkansas Legislature…

According to a report from the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, Virginians lost $172,767,012 in online scams in 2021, among 11,785 victims. (Adobe Stock)

AARP VA Hosts 6th Annual Scam Jam

In the hopes of warning seniors about the dangers of online scams, AARP Virginia is hosting its annual Scam Jam April 29. Members of law enforcement …

Medical debt is one of the leading reasons why people get caught in cycles of debt collection. (Valeri Luzina/Adobe Stock)

OR Bill Would Protect Against Poverty-Inducing Debt Collection

Predatory lending practices can leave people in a cycle of debt and even drive them into poverty. Legislation in Oregon would strengthen protections …

Some 21,134 existing housing units in Denver are currently unoccupied, more than enough to house all the estimated 10,000 people experiencing homelessness across the state. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Colorado's Housing Affordability Crisis Calls for Strategic Investments

Housing affordability has become a top priority for Colorado lawmakers and voters, and a new report from an organization with nearly four decades of …

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PNS Daily Newscast - May 30, 2023

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Consumer

U.S. Debt Default Would Impact NY Clean-Energy Investments

State Grants Bring High Speed Internet to Rural Washingtonians

AI-Powered Phone Scams Target Seniors

Wednesday Hearing on Xcel Energy Rate Increase Request Open to Public

ND Farm Communities See Brighter Path with Food Business Centers

Calls Grow to Require Insurance Companies to Cover Kids’ Hearing Aids

Report: Hospitals Face Mounting Financial Pressures

Texas Heatwaves are Coming; New Toolkit Available to Docs

Study: New Mexico Homelessness Up Nearly 50% in 2023

With Emerging Incentives, Clean Energy No Longer a VIP Club

Dining Out with Fido? Experts Have Tips to Keep Pets and Patrons Safe

Program 'Incubates' New Lawyers and Rural Montanans

With New Partners, MN's Poverty-Fighting Offices Expand Financial Reach

Two-Thirds of New US Cars Could be EVs by 2032

ACLU Plans Lawsuit If TX Anti-Trans Bills Become Law

Analysis: DoD's PFAS Spending Not Enough to Fix Escalating Backlog

Coalition Turns to CO Voters to Phase Out Fracking Permits

Initiative Aims to Improve GA Teens' Financial Literacy

AARP Warns Arkansas Seniors of Spike In Fraud, Scams

USDA Makes Loans, Grants Available for Low-Income Iowans' Home Repair

IN Small Businesses Thrive Despite Challenges

Critical Medicines Closer to West Denver Metro Residents

New EPA Rule: 2 Out of 3 New Cars Could Be Electric By 2032

KY Road Show Highlights Programs that Improve Community Well-Being

WV Coca-Cola Workers End Strike, Say Grievances Still Ignored

Survey: Financial Strains Top of Mind for Older Oregonians

TX Rural Students Face College Shutout Without Changes to FAFSA

Texas GOP Lawmakers to Decide Bills Aimed at Harris County Elections

West Virginia's Black College Student Population on Decline

Children's Advocates Applaud Kids Online Safety Act

In Kentucky, Cancer Deaths Among Highest in Nation

NH Battery-Storage Program Lowers Energy Costs, Emissions

Medicaid 'Unwinding' Underway; DHHS Needs Up-to-Date Contact Info

NM Parents Encouraged to Know When Kids Need Mental Health Intervention

NY Bans Use of Natural Gas, Fossil Fuels in New Buildings

One Person's Battle Against the Post Office Prevails

Law Aiming to Lower Drug Prices Headed to Governor Polis' Desk

Tractor ‘Right to Repair’ Could Save NC Farmers $103 Million a Year

New Mexico's Drinking Water in Crosshairs of Sackett v. EPA

USPS Workers Protest in TX, Elsewhere Over 'Hostile' Working Conditions

Postal Employees Say They're Fighting 'Toxic' Work Environment

Maine Officials Cite Dangers of 'Intexticated Driving'

Screen-Free Week Challenges Families to Power Down, Reconnect

Report: Unproven Tech Could Stall Action on Climate Change

AR Changes SNAP Requirements to Ease Hunger, Temporarily

AARP VA Hosts 6th Annual Scam Jam

OR Bill Would Protect Against Poverty-Inducing Debt Collection

Report: Colorado's Housing Affordability Crisis Calls for Strategic Investments