skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Thursday, September 19, 2024

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

U.S. gender wage gap grows for first time in a decade; Trump has embraced NC's Mark Robinson, calling him 'Martin Luther King on steroids'; Volunteers sought as early voting kicks off in MN; Women's political contributions in congressional races fall short of men's.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Rising threats of political violence, a Federal Reserve rate cut, crypto industry campaign contributions and reproductive rights are shaping today's political landscape.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

Triple Digit Heat? Health Risks – and Help – Ahead

play audio
Play

Wednesday, June 27, 2012   

DENVER - June has been a record-setter in Colorado - and not in a good way.

For the last week, temperatures topped 100 degrees in many parts of the state - smashing daily highs and setting up June 2012 to become one of the hottest in Colorado history, according to the National Weather Service.

Even beyond the much-publicized fire danger, Skip Arnold, executive director of Energy Outreach Colorado, says high heat can be deadly.

"Heat waves in Chicago, and in California - we've heard a lot about heat waves in Europe. It's not uncommon in the summertime that heat waves actually kill people."

He says the problem is compounded when people don't have the money to pay electricity bills - and so they won't turn on an air conditioner to cool down a house. Energy Outreach Colorado offers summertime bill-paying help in those situations. Some of the funds come through House Bill 1028, which extended the transfer of state severance taxes to energy assistance programs through 2018. (For assistance, call toll-free 1-866-HEAT-HELP).

The legislation splits $13 million each year between three difference programs. Kelli Fritts, AARP advocacy director, says it was a good move by state lawmakers.

"I think stuff like that is just wonderful, and really does make a big difference in the lives of people who need it. It's specifically going to Colorado homes and families through this severance tax."

EOC uses the money to partially fund assistance during the months when state and federal programs aren't available - from April through October. Arnold says the money is helpful - but the need is greater.

"It certainly doesn't cover the massive need in Colorado that low-income households have for home energy, and particularly emergency assistance."

He reminds people that during these dog days of summer, it's important to check on vulnerable family and friends to make sure they're OK and able to cope with the heat.


get more stories like this via email

more stories
Recipients of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Grant can now access funding to drive financing for thousands of climate-focused and clean energy initiatives. (bilanol/Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

Michigan's most vulnerable communities are receiving federal funding to fight the devastating effects of climate change. It's part of the $27 billion …


Environment

play sound

A new report contends fossil fuel funding has biased Columbia University's climate research. The report, by two Columbia students, shows the …

Social Issues

play sound

An Alabama woman is on a mission to help people who've been incarcerated for decades successfully transition back into society. The mission to …


So far in 2024, community health centers in North Dakota have screened 11,580 patients for food insecurity. Through those screenings, more than three thousand box meals have been distributed. (Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

September is Hunger Action Month. In North Dakota, it isn't just food banks trying to help underserved populations get nutritious items. Health …

Environment

play sound

Marine biologists conducting deep dives near five California islands are collecting data they hope will strengthen the case for ending gillnet fishing…

AI queries require about 10 times the electricity of traditional internet searches and the generation of original music, photos and videos requires much more, according to the Electric Power Research Institute. (Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

Researchers at Iowa State University are taking aim at the huge amount of energy used by data centers, now and in the future. They have developed a …

Environment

play sound

Rising demands for clean energy efficiency are producing a wealth of work opportunities in Illinois. These in-demand jobs are also promoting a …

Social Issues

play sound

Like polling from other battleground states, the race for the White House remains close in Wisconsin. But fresh numbers out this week show some …

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021