Poverty Issues / Public News Service

The City of Dallas code states landlords must provide - and maintain in working order - heating equipment capable of maintaining an indoor temperature at least 15�F warmer than the outdoor temperature. (Nimur/Adobe Stock)

Friday, January 24, 2025

TX looks at ways to protect apartment tenants during extreme weather

Extreme weather has hit Texas over the last few weeks bringing snow to many parts of the state. During cold weather, landlords are required to …

Friday, January 24, 2025

Free lunch, breakfast could soon come to all VA students

Free school lunch and breakfast may soon be the law in the Commonwealth. House Bill 1958 would require local school boards to participate in federal …

Florida ranks fourth nationally in the share of children in rural areas covered by Medicaid/CHIP, with over 52% of rural children relying on the program for their health insurance. (Pixabay)

Thursday, January 23, 2025

Medicaid cuts could devastate rural Florida, affecting children

A new report from the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families highlights the significant role Medicaid plays in ensuring healthcare acc…

A new report by the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families said proposed cuts in Medicaid funding would cripple Iowa's rural health centers, where many children rely on the program for health insurance. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, January 23, 2025

Report: Threatened Medicaid cuts would hurt rural Iowa kids most

Advocates for young Iowans worry proposed federal cuts could affect families who rely on Medicaid for their health care. A new national report …

Health providers in rural Colorado, which operate on thin margins, could see more uncompensated care costs if proposed Medicaid cuts clear Congress. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, January 23, 2025

Report: Medicaid cuts would disproportionately affect rural Coloradans

As the new Congress considers cutting Medicaid by more than $2 trillion, a new report details how the move would disproportionately affect rural …

At Scenic Bluffs Community Health Centers, 45% of patients use Medicaid to cover their health care services. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

New report: 1 in 3 kids in rural Wisconsin insured by Medicaid

As Congress considers cuts to Medicaid, a new report showed one in three children living in rural areas of Wisconsin are insured by the health …

In Peoria, Ill., 42% of the population has a credential beyond high school, although almost 65% of the jobs available in the area require a post-high school credential. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Peoria prioritizes education to fill workforce, poverty gaps

By Laura Aka for WorkingNation.Broadcast version by Judith Ruiz-Branch for Illinois News Connection reporting for the WorkingNation-Public News Servic…

A new report from Georgetown University showed the effects a proposed cut to Medicaid would have on rural New Mexico, where residents already have worse health outcomes than those in cities. (Rob/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

New Mexico's rural families fear proposed federal cuts to Medicaid

With President Donald Trump back in office, Congressional Republicans are eager to extend his 2017 tax cuts, which likely means slashing the Medicaid …

More than 400,000 people are enrolled in MaineCare, the state's Medicaid program, according to the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. At least 40,000 recipients continue in an

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Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Rural ME braces for Medicaid cuts as lawmakers eye corporate tax breaks

Children and families in rural Maine would face the greatest harm should proposed funding cuts to the federal Medicaid program be implemented…

Nearly 41% of children in small towns and rural areas rely on Medicaid for their coverage, compared with about 38% in metro areas. (Karen Roach/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

TX Medicaid recipients could be facing cuts

A study by the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families showed most people who live in small towns and rural areas use Medicaid for heal…

One in five people in the United States lives in an area classified as non-urban. (BJP7images/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Report: Potential Medicaid cuts would hit rural MO hardest

The Medicaid and CHIP programs are vital to rural Missouri, according to a report that says reliance on this safety-net health coverage is much …

Many rural residents in Alaska must travel long distances to see a doctor. Proposed cuts to the Medicaid program could slash funding for those trips, making access to care more difficult and expensive. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Health care advocate says future of Medicaid critical for rural Alaskans

A new report finds that significant cuts proposed for Medicaid funding would disproportionately affect rural and small-town residents in Alaska and ma…

In 2022, 182,000 children were enrolled in Medicaid or CHIP in Nebraska, almost 53% of total Medicaid recipients in the state. Last year, Nebraska expanded eligibility for kids with special needs who live with their parents. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Report: Medicaid cuts threaten Nebraska youth

Advocates for young Nebraskans worry proposed federal cuts could affect families who rely on Medicaid for their health care. A new national report …

Rural Idaho children rely on Medicaid. More than 490,000 Idahoans live in rural communities. (Seventyfour/Adobe Stock)

Study: Rural Idahoans depend on Medicaid coverage

Rural communities in Idaho and other states rely heavily on Medicaid for health coverage, according to new research from the Georgetown University …

Virginians' view of the economy is still 23 points less favorable than pre-pandemic levels. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Monday, January 20, 2025

What is VA’s economic forecast for 2025?

A new State of the Commonwealth report by Old Dominion University finds Virginia had a strong year in 2024. But researchers say challenges remain…

Among adults younger than 65, about 18% of those in small towns and rural America get their coverage through Medicaid, compared with about 16% in metro areas. (AndriiKoval/Adobe Stock)

Possible cuts to Medicaid would hurt many AR families

A study by the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families shows most people who live in small towns and rural areas use Medicaid for healt…

According to the Texas Tree Foundation, the lack of trees and green spaces contributes significantly to the

TX nonprofit calls trees good for your health, cooling your neighborhood

By María Ramos Pacheco for The Dallas Morning News.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Texas News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism …

The state's Climate and Equitable Jobs Act aims to have 1 million electric vehicles on the road by 2030, and 100% transition from fossil fuels by 2050. (Adobe Stock)

How IL's grid plans will focus on underserved communities

Illinois plans to spend $1.5 billion through 2027 in significant grid investments to help meet the state's ambitious clean-energy goals, with nearly …

Volunteer Hector Silva of Hunger Action Los Angeles prepares burritos for distribution to fire victims in Pasadena, Calif. (Sara Donis)

Anti-hunger groups tackle increased need during the L.A. fires

Food donations are pouring in to help victims of the Los Angeles fires, to the point donors are being asked to hold off a bit so it can all be …

Wisconsin is one of nine states where voters are required to present photo identification to vote. The current state law has been in place since 2011. (Adobe Stock)

Wisconsin voter ID law one step closer to state constitution

A proposal to make Wisconsin's strict Voter ID law a constitutional amendment passed Wisconsin's Republican-controlled Assembly on Tuesday. Voters …

According to KFF Health News, roughly 77,000 Montanans were enrolled in Medicaid expansion last October, a topic expected to get a lot of attention this legislative session as the program is scheduled to expire in June. (Adobe Stock)

Groups rally at MT Capitol to maintain Medicaid expansion

A coalition of Montana groups will rally at the Capitol Wednesday to advocate for the protection of Medicaid expansion, which legislators will debate …

About 20 million people, nearly one in 12 adults, owe medical debt, according to the Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker. (Adobe Stock)

Medical debt to be removed from credit reports

Nevada has about 170,000 adults who report medical debt, which can pose a significant financial hardship. But a new federal rule could ease some …

During 2024, 71,864 Kentucky residents enrolled in a health plan through the insurance marketplace, according to the health advocacy group KFF. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Kentuckians’ health insurance tax credits set to expire at end of 2025

This Wednesday is the deadline to enroll in Affordable Care Act marketplace health coverage. Advocates say this year is even more critical for …

The 2025 Idaho legislative session began Jan. 6. (Tracy King/Adobe Stock)

Medicaid expansion in play as ID Legislature gavels in

With state lawmakers back in Boise, changes could be coming to Medicaid. Voters approved Medicaid expansion in 2018, but Republican legislators have …

Colorado's safety-net community health centers deliver coordinated dental, medical and behavioral health care. (Adobe Stock)<br />

CO community health centers saved $17.3 million in Medicare dollars

The Community Health Provider Alliance improved health care quality and saved $17.3 million in taxpayer money that would have been paid out by Medicar…

Colorado lawmakers are hoping better coordination between state agencies, local governments and nonprofits can prevent and reduce homelessness. (Adobe Stock)

Number of CO homeless families up by 134% in single year

The number of Colorado families experiencing homelessness rose by 134%, from 3,600 in 2023 to more than 8,500 families in 2024, according to new …

Patients collectively spent more than 57,000 days in Oregon hospitals in 2024. (DC Studio/Adobe Stock)

Task force tackles Oregon's hospital 'boarding' problem

Oregonians who are ready to leave the hospital but still require care do not have enough places to go, affecting providers and patients at all levels…

In 1984, former President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn started a tradition of volunteering one week a year to Habitat for Humanity. Carter had last volunteered at age 95, just five years before his passing on Dec. 29, 2024. (Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity)

Jimmy Carter’s lasting impact on Milwaukee

As the world continues to reflect on the life and legacy of former President Jimmy Carter during the nation's memorial observation, his influence has …

In 2024, over 771,000 people in the U.S. faced homelessness, meaning about 23 out of every 10,000 residents lived in shelters, transitional housing, or unsheltered spaces, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (Adobe Stock)

AL expands housing support for people with mental illness

Housing help is on the way for people in Alabama with mental health issues. A legislative committee has approved a new contract to help secure …

Data from the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau show people pay about $9 billion a year in overdraft and NSF fees, costing an average of $150 a year for families that pay these fees. (Jacob Lund/Adobe Stock)

New laws take effect this year to protect CA consumers

Two new laws designed to protect California consumers take effect this year - cracking down on hard-to-cancel subscriptions and certain types of bank …

UCHealth, which reports medical outcomes above state averages in many areas, recorded nearly $840 million in 2023 profits. (Galatas)

Patients call for end of UCHealth lawsuits

Advocates for patients are calling on UCHealth to end its practice of filing lawsuits over unpaid bills, after a 9News report found that the state's …

Alabama's maternal mortality rate is 36.4 deaths per 100,000 live births, which is more than double the national average of 17.4. (Adobe Stock)

Alabama Arise prepares to tackle poverty, health issues in 2025

With the 2025 legislative session around the corner, the nonprofit advocacy group Alabama Arise said it plans to take aim at poverty and systemic …

Colorado patients have been hit with surprise bills for ambulance services as high as $2,500. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Most ambulance rides in Colorado billed out-of-network

Colorado's surprise billing law does not currently limit out-of-network billing for ambulance services, and new analysis shows the true costs to …

Wisconsin municipal courts issued more than 27,000 arrest warrants and writs of commitment for people who failed to pay fines between Jan. 2023 and Aug. 2024, according to the ACLU of Wisconsin. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Some WI courts jailing people for unpaid tickets

If you have any unpaid traffic or parking tickets, the latest report on Wisconsin's municipal courts said in some areas, you could go to jail if you …

In 2022, of the more than 1.2 million households in Arkansas, 47% of them were below the ALICE threshold, according to United for ALICE. (Adobe Stock)

Arkansans who are just above the federal poverty line struggle to get by

Many households across Arkansas are just above the federal poverty line, but earn less than they need to cover their basic needs. These people…

Economists say minimum wage hikes can be a complex issue to sort out. But some say when you look past the numbers, higher wages can help boost morale and reduce the need to keep hiring new staff. (Adobe Stock)

Will ND keep standing pat on minimum wage?

When the calendar flips to January, a number of states will increase their minimum wage levels - but just like recent years, North Dakota won't be …

In the small but popular New Mexico community of Taos, entry level homes are in short supply for purchase by first-time homebuyers. (KristinaBlokhin/Adobe Stock)

NM nonprofit aims to broker affordable housing solutions in Taos

By Anya Petrone Slepyan for The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Roz Brown for New Mexico News Connection for the Public News Service/Daily Yonder Co…

The State of Illinois Department on Aging predicts by 2030, adults age 60 and older will be 25% of the state's population. (Adobe Stock)

Volunteers vital for meal delivery to older IL residents

As the new year approaches, people often make resolutions to donate money to a charity. Donating one's time as a volunteer is an option that …

New Mexico joined more than a dozen other states in 2023 offering child tax credits meant to boost economic security. (courtesy New Mexico Voices for Children)

Report: Tax credits shrink poverty for NM's kids, families

Child tax credits offer a financial lifeline to parents and can lift children out of poverty, according to a report from New Mexico's Voices for …

The Continuum of Care Rapid Re-Housing program offers temporary financial support for housing and case management to eligible unhoused Mississippians and families known as the Mississippi Balance of State.<br />(Tom Nast/Adobe Stock)

Mississippi group working in 71 counties to end homelessness in Mississippi

Cities and states, including Mississippi, are grappling with rising homelessness. In Mississippi, 982 people experience homelessness daily…

Medical bills are the leading cause of bankruptcy in the United States, emphasizing the importance of having health insurance. (Shutter2U/Adobe Stock)

Missourians reminded of final weeks to secure health coverage

We're entering the last few weeks of open enrollment, and Missourians are being reminded to secure health coverage before it's too late. The …

As of October, SNAP benefit levels and income limits have increased. A household of up to 10 people is now eligible to receive up to $2,196, with a maximum gross monthly income of $10,584. (fizkes/Adobe Stock)

Impact of Trump's proposed budget cuts cited for Pennsylvanians

As President-elect Donald Trump takes office, federal safety net programs such as Medicaid, CHIP and SNAP, which support 85 million low-income …

A coalition pushing for universal school meals in North Dakota says nearly half of food-insecure children do not qualify for federal nutrition programs, leaving thousands without access to free breakfast and lunch at school. (Adobe Stock)

Food insecurity prompts ND advocates to eye universal school meals

North Dakota is expected to rejoin the debate over whether all school children, regardless of their family income, should have access to no-cost …

The work of GreenLatinos Texas, centers around empowering frontline environmental justice and conservation advocates. Members are actively engaging with local communities to understand their campaign goals and identify areas where support is needed. (Photo courtesy of Green Latinos)

TX group works to give Latinos seat at table in fight against methane

Members of the environmental nonprofit GreenLatinos are involved in a push to get more Latinos across Texas involved in the fight against methane gas…

SNAP recipients currently receive as little as $23 per month to purchase food, and the average SNAP benefit is just $6 a day. (Adobe Stock)

SNAP funding in question as Congress works to avoid shutdown

Congressional efforts to avoid a government shutdown could extend funding for SNAP, the program formerly known as food stamps. And if the continuing …

The Doula Alliance of Arkansas (DAR) was formed with help from a $250,000 grant from Ingeborg Initiatives, a group seeking to improve maternal health. (Andrey Popov/Adobe Stock)

Doula Alliance of AR works to improve maternal health

Birth doulas across Arkansas have formed a new organization to improve maternal health care across the state and help pass legislation they hope will …

Approximately one in every 1,250 individuals in North Carolina is unhoused. (Adobe Stock)

Organization helps NC woman advocate for housing, awareness

One life-altering situation turned a North Carolina woman's stability into homelessness and now, she is sharing her journey to humanize homelessness …

Colorado's Community Food Grants are expected to create economic benefits for local economies, much like SNAP benefits that add $1.50 for every dollar invested. (Adobe Stock)

Nearly 90 food banks, pantries across Colorado get $2,611,500

Colorado is distributing over $2.6 million to food banks and pantries to ensure that the state's one in seven children facing hunger can access nutrit…

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PNS Daily Newscast: Afternoon Update - January 24, 2025

2025Talks - January 24, 2025

The Yonder Report - January 23, 2025

Poverty Issues

TX looks at ways to protect apartment tenants during extreme weather

Free lunch, breakfast could soon come to all VA students

Medicaid cuts could devastate rural Florida, affecting children

Report: Threatened Medicaid cuts would hurt rural Iowa kids most

Report: Medicaid cuts would disproportionately affect rural Coloradans

New report: 1 in 3 kids in rural Wisconsin insured by Medicaid

Peoria prioritizes education to fill workforce, poverty gaps

New Mexico's rural families fear proposed federal cuts to Medicaid

Rural ME braces for Medicaid cuts as lawmakers eye corporate tax breaks

TX Medicaid recipients could be facing cuts

Report: Potential Medicaid cuts would hit rural MO hardest

Health care advocate says future of Medicaid critical for rural Alaskans

Report: Medicaid cuts threaten Nebraska youth

Study: Rural Idahoans depend on Medicaid coverage

What is VA’s economic forecast for 2025?

Possible cuts to Medicaid would hurt many AR families

TX nonprofit calls trees good for your health, cooling your neighborhood

How IL's grid plans will focus on underserved communities

Anti-hunger groups tackle increased need during the L.A. fires

Wisconsin voter ID law one step closer to state constitution

Groups rally at MT Capitol to maintain Medicaid expansion

Medical debt to be removed from credit reports

Kentuckians’ health insurance tax credits set to expire at end of 2025

Medicaid expansion in play as ID Legislature gavels in

CO community health centers saved $17.3 million in Medicare dollars

Number of CO homeless families up by 134% in single year

Task force tackles Oregon's hospital 'boarding' problem

Jimmy Carter’s lasting impact on Milwaukee

AL expands housing support for people with mental illness

New laws take effect this year to protect CA consumers

Patients call for end of UCHealth lawsuits

Alabama Arise prepares to tackle poverty, health issues in 2025

Report: Most ambulance rides in Colorado billed out-of-network

Report: Some WI courts jailing people for unpaid tickets

Arkansans who are just above the federal poverty line struggle to get by

Will ND keep standing pat on minimum wage?

NM nonprofit aims to broker affordable housing solutions in Taos

Volunteers vital for meal delivery to older IL residents

Report: Tax credits shrink poverty for NM's kids, families

Mississippi group working in 71 counties to end homelessness in Mississippi

Missourians reminded of final weeks to secure health coverage

Impact of Trump's proposed budget cuts cited for Pennsylvanians

Food insecurity prompts ND advocates to eye universal school meals

TX group works to give Latinos seat at table in fight against methane

SNAP funding in question as Congress works to avoid shutdown

Doula Alliance of AR works to improve maternal health

Organization helps NC woman advocate for housing, awareness

Nearly 90 food banks, pantries across Colorado get $2,611,500