Consumer Issues / Public News Service

Around 43% of participating voters said that while they are personally against abortion, they do not believe government should be preventing someone from making that decision for themselves. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, May 10, 2024

Poll: Rural AZ voters not a 'cultural monolith'

Arizona's primary election will take place in July, and a new Rural Democracy Initiative poll shows that likely voters from rural areas of the state …

The Denver Post reports the total number of Coloradans with Medicaid health insurance has dropped by 30% since 2023, just below Texas and Utah. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, May 9, 2024

Report: 86,101 Colorado children removed from Medicaid insurance rolls

More than 4 million children in the U.S. lost their health insurance after automatic Medicaid coverage renewals enacted during the COVID public …

New Mexico volunteers will join their counterparts in more than 10,000 cities and towns this Saturday for the annual

Thursday, May 9, 2024

NM's postal carriers go to bat for hunger May 11

It is nearly summer, and time to go to bat for those struggling with hunger in New Mexico. This Saturday, letter carriers with the U.S. Postal …

Federal researchers found nearly three in four children who were disenrolled during the

Report: NC works to keep kids on Medicaid health coverage

A new report showed North Carolina is one of only a few states taking a cautious approach to removing families with children from Medicaid since the p…

North Carolina is the sixth-largest producer of cotton in the United States. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

'Planet and people first': NC businesses see benefits of 'ESG'

Businesses large and small are doubling down on their commitment to more sustainable practices, even as lawmakers in North Carolina and other states …

Researchers studying ways to reduce the dairy industry's climate-altering emissions say a hotter climate can cause heat stress in dairy cows, reducing their feed intake, milk production, and fertility. (Adobe Stock)

Cow feed research aims to cut ME dairies' methane emissions

New research could help Maine dairy farmers increase profits while reducing effects on the climate. Scientists said adding a plant-based essential …

The Consumer Confidence Comic helps consumers get the best bang for their buck when purchasing a used car. (Oregon Consumer Justice)

Tuesday, May 7, 2024

Consumer advocates find colorful way to educate used-car buyers

Buying a used car can be a risky proposition, but a new consumer guide can help people avoid common pitfalls. The nonprofit Oregon Consumer Justice …

A new comic book in Spanish and English educates consumers on best practices when buying a used car. (Oregon Consumer Justice)

Can a comic coloring book help you avoid used car scams?

Buying a used car can be a risky proposition but a new consumer guide can help people avoid common pitfalls. The nonprofit Oregon Consumer Justice …

Children of color are disproportionately enrolled in Medicaid, underscoring the unwinding's potential impact on families of color. (Rawpixel.com/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 7, 2024

Report: More than 59,000 Tennessee kids lose health coverage post-COVID

A new report from Georgetown University's Center for Children and Families says nationwide, 4.16 million fewer children were enrolled in Medicaid and …

Skimming devices placed in grocery and convenience stores can be used to steal EBT card funds from low-income people. (Adobe Stock)

EBT 'skimming' on the rise, more Ohioans turn to food banks

The federal SNAP program allows nearly 1.3 million Ohio families to put food on the table -- but increasingly, when many recipients attempt to use …

Nearly seven in ten suicides in Wyoming were carried out with firearms between 2018 and 2022. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 7, 2024

Suicide rate prompts WY lawmakers to invest in mental-health services

Wyoming's suicide rate ranks first in the nation, according to the most recent data, and state lawmakers are taking steps to improve access to mental …

Texas, Florida, Georgia and California have seen the largest declines in numbers of children enrolled in Medicaid/CHIP. Together, the four states account for half of the total national decrease in children insured in these programs. (Andrii/Adobe Stock)

More than 1 million TX children disenrolled from Medicaid, CHIP

More than one million children in Texas no longer have health insurance through Medicaid, despite being eligible for coverage, according to a new …

University of New Hampshire scientists are researching how the addition of plant-based essential oils called Agolin in cow feed can improve overall milk quality and production while decreasing a cow's emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. (UNH)

Tuesday, May 7, 2024

NH scientists: Plant-based oils in cow feed cut climate-altering methane emissions

New research from the University of New Hampshire could help dairy farmers increase profits while reducing their effect on the climate. Scientists …

Children's advocates are pressing lawmakers to pass Assembly Bill 2956, which would continue pandemic-era flexibilities in Medi-Cal that allow more people to qualify. (Fizkes/Adobestock)

Hundreds of thousands of CA children dropped off Medi-Cal since last year

Medi-Cal has dropped several hundred thousand low-income children from the health insurance rolls since April 2023, according to a new report from …

For the 2023 tax year, the top five Minnesota counties under the state's wind energy production tax received nearly $12-million in combined revenue. (Adobe Stock)

In some MN counties, wind turbines are taxpayers, too

Minnesota is coming off another windy month of April. Those strong wind gusts may have translated into some extra cash for counties with wind …

In addition to claims of price gouging, consumer advocates say corporate consolidation has harmed grocery shoppers. (Adobe Stock)

Federal findings stoke more debate about grocery profits

Wisconsinites don't spend as much on groceries compared with other states. However, consumer groups say shoppers everywhere are still feeling the …

The American Heart Association said pregnancy, pre-eclampsia and chronic stress can increase women's risk for high blood pressure, a leading cause of stroke. (Tetiana/Adobe Stock)

Advocates address disparities for women in Missouri's health care system

Women, and particularly Black women, are disproportionately affected by strokes and other health conditions in Missouri. Keetra Thompson, a stroke …

In 2019, Walmart launched Walmart Health Centers. After five years, the company is now closing its venture. (Pixabay/jarmoluk)

Florida Health Centers step up as Walmart closes rural health-care services

Last week, Walmart became the latest major retailer to retreat from providing direct health-care service by announcing closures of all its health …

The Department of Energy estimates that the new standards, once finalized, will cumulatively reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2.5 billion metric tons or more. (Adobe Stock)

AZ consumer group praises new water heat efficiency standards

An Arizona consumer group is applauding the U.S. Department of Energy's new residential water heater standards that they say will save American …

Between October 2022 and November 2023, there were 136,295 eviction filings in Virginia, about 466 eviction filings on an average day. (Adobe Stock)

Eviction Defense Center helps VA renters fight eviction

As Virginia evictions rise, one group is helping low-income renters fight back. Before the pandemic, evictions peaked at 16,000 in January 2020…

An emergency order in Michigan bars lactating cattle from being displayed until the state passes 60 days with no new dairy farm detections. (Chanidapha)

Emergency avian flu safety guidelines begin this week in Michigan

Michigan farmers are responding to the new Avian Flu "Extraordinary Emergency" order from MDARD, Michigan's Department of Agriculture and Rural …

In 1975, the average rate of five-year breast cancer survival was 75.2%. In 2005, it was 90.5%. Scientists and doctors credit aggressive research and a better understanding of the disease. (Adobe Stock)

IA women behind on mammograms, despite deadly breast cancer rate

Results of a new study show more American women are falling behind on getting critical breast cancer scans. Nowhere is this perhaps more important …

Despite certain barriers to care, New York ranks high on Mental Health America's 2023 Access to Care Report. (Adobe Stock)

NY budget requires insurers to pay rates as high as Medicaid

New York's 2025 budget improves access to mental-health services. Budget legislation stipulates commercial insurers have to pay rates similar to …

The Center for Responsible Lending has reported 70% of payday loan borrowers take out a new loan the day they pay off another loan and nearly 75% of the revenue earned by payday lenders comes from borrowers who take out 10 or more loans per year.(jetcityimage/adobe stock)

Michigan lawmakers target predatory loan companies

Michigan legislators are tackling predatory lending practices, aiming to set standards for payday loans and maximum interest rates. In Kent County …

Nearly 27% of U.S. hospitals do not practice recommended suicide prevention practices, including safety planning, warm handoffs to outpatient care, patient follow-up and lethal-means counseling. (Adobe Stock)

Zero Suicide Institute aims to expand access to SC suicide care, prevention

Studies show suicide is a serious public health problem, claiming more than 48,000 lives each year in the nation. A new initiative from the Zero …

While going through ownership changes, the Mark III Tap Room in Muncie, Ind., has moved buildings, closed and reopened multiple times. (Adobe stock)

Closure of Indiana's oldest gay bar impacts LGBTQ+ community

By Meghan Holt for the Ball State Daily News .Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the Ball State Daily News-Free Pre…

Small rooftop solar systems in Ohio cost on average around $13,000 before tax credits, according to the website EnergySage. (Adobe Stock)

EPA’s Solar for All Program aims to help Ohioans lower energy bills, create jobs

The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $156 million to Midwestern states, including Ohio, to help residents lower their energy bills through …

A Minnesota research group said between 2020 and 2022, buried utility infrastructure was damaged 7,440 times, with broadband installation serving as a major factor. (Adobe Stock)

Broadband crunch produces side effect: underground digging mishaps

Government leaders are acting with urgency to get underserved communities connected with high speed internet but in Minnesota, underground digging …

The 340B rule empowers select safety-net providers by providing discounts on outpatient prescription drugs and in reaching more eligible patients to provide comprehensive services. (Banana Images/Adobe Stock)

Big Pharma uses red-meat rhetoric in fight over drug costs

Access to reduced-price medication is a necessity for many rural Missourians with low income. Rep. Cindy O'Laughlin, R-Shelbina, the Senate Floor …

Housing affordability was the most important issue to Utahns in a new Utah Foundation survey, while earning enough to pay for non-housing needs came in third. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Cost of living, government dysfunction rank as top issues for Utahns

More than three in five Utahns believe the state is on the wrong track and their quality of life is worse today than it was five years ago. A new …

In 2022, New Mexico joined the ranks of states offering free college for most through its Opportunity Scholarship. (theartofpics/AdobeStock)

NM studies financial equity among higher-education institutions

New Mexico is taking a deep dive into its funding of public colleges and universities to determine if inequities need to be addressed. The Higher …

Americans of Hispanic or Latino ethnicity report the highest average weekly spending on groceries, at $325.67 per week. (JackF/AdobeStock)

Feds: Grocery chains achieve record profits before and after pandemic

Consumer groups are claiming big grocery retailers such as Kroger and Walmart have been unfairly raising prices, both during the pandemic and now…

The 2022 Census of Agriculture report said Illinois has nearly 72,000 farms with an average size of 373 acres. (Adobe Stock)

IL farmers on costly hold amid legislative foot dragging

By Jennifer Bamberg for Investigate Midwest.Broadcast version by Terri Dee for Illinois News Connection reporting for the Investigate Midwest-Public N…

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, methane is the second most abundant anthropogenic greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide, accounting for about 16 percent of global emissions. (Adobe Stock)

North Carolina weighs in on Duke Energy's methane gas proposal

The North Carolina Utilities Commission is giving residents a chance to voice their opinion on a plan which could influence how their electricity is g…

There are 8,337 solar jobs in the state of Arizona, according to Solar Energy Industries Association. (Adobe Stock)

AZ receives millions of dollars for solar investments

The State of Arizona has received $156 million to invest into solar systems for Arizona families. Adrian Keller, Arizona program director for the …

About 6,000 Michigan short-term rental hosts earned roughly $146 million in 2021. (Tada Images/Adobe Stock)

MI short-term rental owners may face new long-term costs

Proposed regulations in Michigan could have a major impact on the state's tourism industry. The series of 10 bills introduced by House Democrats …

Households in Los Angeles, Riverside and San Francisco counties pay the highest prices for groceries in the state. (Stokkete/Adobe Stock)

Feds: Grocery chain profits soared during and after pandemic

Consumer groups are accusing major grocery retailers - like Amazon, Kroger and Walmart - of price gouging, both during and after the pandemic…

The United States has 25,000 conventional supermarkets and about 15,000 additional grocery retail stores of different kinds, employing more than 2.5 million people. (Adobe Stock/AI)

Report: Grocery revenues exceeded cost increases; profits remain elevated

A new report from the Federal Trade Commission casts doubt on the idea that rising grocery prices in Maryland and nationwide have been due to retailer…

Experts believe increasing access to healthy food is not just about nutrition, it is about addressing disparities and improving overall health outcomes. (ARTFULLY-79/Adobe Stock)

Breaking barriers for health equity with nutritional strategies

Missouri residents are gaining new insights into the powerful role of food in health care as experts and organizations advocate for a shift toward foo…

The number of undergraduate degree earners fell for the second year in a row in the 2022-23 academic years, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Poll: College affordability, debt keeping adults out of college

More than 70% of adults with student loans report having delayed at least one significant life event because of their debt situation, yet a new …

New rules should be in place by Thanksgiving requiring that airlines offer customers cash refunds before vouchers if flights are cancelled. (Sk�rzewiak/Adobe Stock)

Friendly skies get friendlier with cash refunds for flight cancellations

Just in time for the fall holidays, air travelers could face fewer obstacles in securing a refund if their flight is canceled or changed under new …

An estimated 65% of occupied housing units in Newburgh have renters living in them. Less than 35% are owner-occupied. (Adobe Stock)

Newburgh tenant protections overturned by county Supreme Court

Orange County's Supreme Court reversed a decision letting the city of Newburgh implement state tenant protections. The city declared a housing …

The U.S. Public Interest Research Group reported complaints about refunds for flight cancellations spiked at the start of the pandemic. They have eased but remain higher than pre-pandemic years. (Adobe Stock)

With new rules, consumers' wallets won't be grounded by airline cancellations

Air travelers could face fewer obstacles in securing a refund if their flight is canceled or changed under new federal rules announced Wednesday…

The federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program is distributing more than $42 billion to expand high-speed internet. (escapejaja/Adobe Stock)

Fed funding helps OR address barriers to internet access

Oregon is working to address the state's digital divide with hundreds of millions of dollars in funding. Infrastructure presents the largest …

In 2023, Nevadans lost an average amount of $1,925 per scam that was reported, according to LendingTree. (Adobe Stock)

FTC warns scams lead to highest per-capita losses in NV

Financial Literacy Month might be coming to an end soon, but the Federal Trade Commission wants to help Nevadans year-around spot, avoid and report …

The number of Americans with health coverage under the American Care Act has doubled since its 2014 launch, according to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (NLawrenson/peopleimages.com/AdobeStock)

NM aims to reduce out-of-pocket health-care costs for consumers

New Mexico saw record enrollment numbers for the Affordable Care Act this year and is now setting its sights on lowering out-of-pocket costs - those n…

While they're advertised as loans with little or no interest, the Center for Responsible Lending says cash-advance apps often structure their products with optional fees and subscriptions that can end up mirroring extra costs seen through a traditional payday loan. (Adobe Stock)

Not-so-easy money: Report details hidden fees in cash app loans

Wisconsin lawmakers recently debated reforms for payday loans. Efforts to protect consumers come amid new research about financial pain associated …

The U.S. Supreme Court's decision on Idaho's abortion ban will have ramifications for health-care providers in the state. (JudithAnne/Adobe Stock)

ID abortion law before SCOTUS this week

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments this week on Idaho's near-total abortion ban. Idaho v. United States is on the docket for Wednesday…

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PNS Daily Newscast - May 10, 2024

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Consumer

Poll: Rural AZ voters not a 'cultural monolith'

Report: 86,101 Colorado children removed from Medicaid insurance rolls

NM's postal carriers go to bat for hunger May 11

Report: NC works to keep kids on Medicaid health coverage

'Planet and people first': NC businesses see benefits of 'ESG'

Cow feed research aims to cut ME dairies' methane emissions

Consumer advocates find colorful way to educate used-car buyers

Can a comic coloring book help you avoid used car scams?

Report: More than 59,000 Tennessee kids lose health coverage post-COVID

EBT 'skimming' on the rise, more Ohioans turn to food banks

Suicide rate prompts WY lawmakers to invest in mental-health services

More than 1 million TX children disenrolled from Medicaid, CHIP

NH scientists: Plant-based oils in cow feed cut climate-altering methane emissions

Hundreds of thousands of CA children dropped off Medi-Cal since last year

In some MN counties, wind turbines are taxpayers, too

Federal findings stoke more debate about grocery profits

Advocates address disparities for women in Missouri's health care system

Florida Health Centers step up as Walmart closes rural health-care services

AZ consumer group praises new water heat efficiency standards

Eviction Defense Center helps VA renters fight eviction

Emergency avian flu safety guidelines begin this week in Michigan

IA women behind on mammograms, despite deadly breast cancer rate

NY budget requires insurers to pay rates as high as Medicaid

Michigan lawmakers target predatory loan companies

Zero Suicide Institute aims to expand access to SC suicide care, prevention

Closure of Indiana's oldest gay bar impacts LGBTQ+ community

EPA’s Solar for All Program aims to help Ohioans lower energy bills, create jobs

Broadband crunch produces side effect: underground digging mishaps

Big Pharma uses red-meat rhetoric in fight over drug costs

Report: Cost of living, government dysfunction rank as top issues for Utahns

NM studies financial equity among higher-education institutions

Feds: Grocery chains achieve record profits before and after pandemic

IL farmers on costly hold amid legislative foot dragging

North Carolina weighs in on Duke Energy's methane gas proposal

AZ receives millions of dollars for solar investments

MI short-term rental owners may face new long-term costs

Feds: Grocery chain profits soared during and after pandemic

Report: Grocery revenues exceeded cost increases; profits remain elevated

Breaking barriers for health equity with nutritional strategies

Poll: College affordability, debt keeping adults out of college

Friendly skies get friendlier with cash refunds for flight cancellations

Newburgh tenant protections overturned by county Supreme Court

With new rules, consumers' wallets won't be grounded by airline cancellations

Fed funding helps OR address barriers to internet access

FTC warns scams lead to highest per-capita losses in NV

NM aims to reduce out-of-pocket health-care costs for consumers

Not-so-easy money: Report details hidden fees in cash app loans

ID abortion law before SCOTUS this week