Public News Service

Some 36,000 Arkansas Medicare beneficiaries used insulin in 2020. (motortion/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

AR seniors to benefit from Medicare prescription drug cap

Arkansans who are on Medicare will see big savings next year thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act. The Act will cap prescription drug costs…

Meatpackers are able to lower the cost of processing each animal by running bigger operations compared to smaller facilities. (Dragosh/Adobe Stock)

AR ranchers want a bigger cut from beef industry

The price of beef could be on the minds of Arkansas farmers and ranchers when they go to the polls in November. Currently, just four companies - …

According to the Urban Institute, low-income people with medical debt are likely to forgo needed medical care, have difficulty meeting other basic needs and face an increased risk of bankruptcy. <br />(Andy Dean/Adobe Stock)

Routine medical care out of reach for some low-income AR residents

By Tess Vrbin for The Arkansas Advocate.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for The Arkansas Advocate-Winthrop Rockefe…

Animal rights groups point to commercial egg production facilities leaving hens in cages 24/7 as

Animal activists push back on AR factory-farm industry 'ag-gag' laws

Legislatures in states such as Arkansas and others are passing legislation, known as "ag-gag laws," to stop undercover reporting of the often …

Every county in the Land of Opportunity has at least one food desert, putting the state's food insecurity rate at 15.5%, well above the national average of 10.4%. (Danieldzura/Adobe Stock)

AR governor addresses food insecurity among students

By De'Stani Clark for the Arkansas Delta Informer.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for The Arkansas Delta Informer-…

Various institutions offer resources to promote financial wellness but additional hurdles remain as institutions debate how to extend resources within diverse communities. (kerkezz/Adobe Stock)

Arkansas banks reach out to 'unbanked' residents

By De'Stani Clark for the Arkansas Delta Informer.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for The Arkansas Delta Informer-…

Brian Burton with the Arkansas Food Bank said children experiencing malnourishment have a tougher time learning in the classroom. (fotokitas/Adobe Stock)

Hunger is another struggle for Arkansas 'ALICE' residents

By Mary Hennigan for The Arkansas Advocate.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Arkansas News Service reporting for The Arkansas Advocate-Winthrop Rock…

In 2023, Arkansas' Farm to School Kitchen Equipment Grant Program increased the capacity to process and serve more specialty crops to students through the school cafeteria. (Cheangchai/Adobe Stock)

Arkansas students learn importance of healthy foods through school gardens

School children in Arkansas are learning how to grow their own fruits and vegetables through the Farm to School and Early Childhood Education program …

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…

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data tracker in the most recent week this month, more than 32,000 people have been hospitalized for COVID-19. (Cherryandbees/Adobe Stock)

Health misinformation vs. science: Can you tell the difference?

In Arkansas and across the country, public health experts say the rapid spread of health misinformation online is contributing to a dangerous decline …

Our Blood Institute provides blood products to more than 244 hospitals across Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas. (Aidman/AdobeStock)

Arkansans urged to donate blood amid critical shortage

Blood donations are important year-round, and January, which is National Blood Donor Month, presents a unique challenge because of the most recent …

Last month, the U.S. Economic Development Administration committed a $1.2 million grant, matched by $1 million from Arkansas, to expand the Greenhouse Outdoor Recreation Program across four Opportunity Zones. (Nicholas & Geraldine/Adobe Stock)<br />

Arkansas Initiative aims to expand outdoor recreation, boost economy

The Natural State Initiative latest report recommends increasing access to outdoor recreation, which will help grow the state's economy. The …

Prior to the start of this 2024 open enrollment period, about 1.5 million more people enrolled in marketplace coverage nationwide from March to Sept. 2023, compared to the same period in 2022.<br />(STOATPHOTO/Adobe Stock)

Arkansans still have time to sign up before ACA enrollment deadline

In Arkansas and across the nation, open enrollment for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act ends on December 15 at midnight. The …

Arkansas universities offer cybersecurity programs to train students in software applications, firewall protection, security breach prevention and data decoding. (Jayadiudara/Adobe Stock)

Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Tips to stay safe online

In a digital world where people are always online, cyberattacks are on the rise, and a blogger who specializes in tech topics said anyone using …

One of every five households in Arkansas is considered food insecure, according to the nonprofit Feeding America. (Adobe Stock)

Nutrition Program Would Expand Access to Healthy Foods in Rural Arkansas

September is Hunger Action Month, and an advocacy group is working to get legislation expanded to provide more healthy foods to people in rural …

In Arkansas, sale and distribution of vapor products, e-liquids or any component thereof are prohibited to be sold to persons younger than age 21, unless the person is an active-duty member of the military. (And.one/AdobeStock)

Report Calls for Ending Disposable Vape Sales in Arkansas

In Arkansas and across the country, disposable vapes are posing a growing environmental threat, according to a recent report. The U.S. Public …

Arkansas is a major exporter of rice, soybeans, cotton, poultry and feed grains. Of the 49,346 farms statewide, 97% are family-owned. (Branex/AdobeStock)

Bill Aims to Foster Farmer-led Education Networks in Arkansas

New federal legislation aims to help farmers in Arkansas and elsewhere share their knowledge of conservation practices as they face an increasing numb…

In Arkansas, a family of four can expect to spend an average of $8,838 per year on groceries, the fifth-lowest amount among states, according to the Economic Policy Institute's Family Budget Calculator. (Prostock-studio/AdobeStock)

Arkansas Joins USDA to Probe Grocery Price Gouging

Attorneys general from more than 30 states including Arkansas recently announced a bipartisan effort to bring down costs and create more choices at th…

The SAVE plan would forgive loan balances after 10 years of payments, instead of 20 years, for borrowers with original loan balances of $12,000 or less. (Andrii/Adobe Stock)

SAVE Plan Could Mean Lower Payments for Student Borrowers

A new student-loan forgiveness plan could lower monthly bills and reduce the amount these borrowers have to pay back over the lifetime of their loans…

According to Bankrate, the current mortgage interest rate in Arkansas is 7.22% for a 30-year fixed mortgage and 6.51% for a 15-year fixed mortgage. (seanlockephotography/Adobe Stock)

Bridging the Gaps in Homebuyer Education in Arkansas

Despite the roller coaster housing market over the past few years, a recent Gallup Poll reported nearly 28 million Americans, including people in …

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)

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 …

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 …

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 …

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…

In recognition of Women's History Month, AARP celebrates Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus. Her passion for working with retirees grew into her becoming the founder of AARP in 1958. (Robert Kneschke/AdobeStock)

AARP Provides Resources for Caregivers During Women's History Month

In celebration of Women's History Month, AARP Arkansas is sharing resources and information affecting women ages 50 and up, specifically women who …

The District of Columbia and 35 states have enacted

Telehealth Benefits Rural Arkansans with Internet Service

Telehealth services have increased access to health care for many people living in rural Arkansas, but it requires a good internet connection…

The U. S. Census Bureau estimated in 2016 the total population in Arkansas was more than 2.9 million people and more than 21.6% of the residents are seniors aged 60 or older. (Chris Ryan/KOTO/AdobeStock)

AARP Priority: Connecting More Arkansans to High-Speed Internet

Broadband internet is increasingly seen as a necessity, but many rural Arkansas communities still lack high-speed broadband service. Arkansas ranks 4…

The most recent Arkansas Food Desert Working Group report found the state has

Grocery Chain Mega-Merger Could Affect Rural Arkansas

The proposed merger between the grocery chains Albertsons and Kroger has antitrust laws in the spotlight, as the supermarket companies are already …

More than 444,000 Arkansans are not always sure where their next meal is coming from, according to Feeding America, and more than 138,000 of them are children. (Monkey Business/AdobeStock)">

Report: Group Works to Alleviate Arkansas Food Deserts

A recent report shows Arkansas has a "food desert" issue in urban and rural communities. Gov. Asa Hutchinson formed the Arkansas Gov.'s Food Desert …

Two-thirds of people surveyed by the AARP Fraud Watch Network said they shopped online last year, and 21% said they planned to shop online again this holiday season. (Shintartanya/Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

AARP Has Tips to Avoid Latest Holiday Scams, Fraud

The holiday shopping season is already in full swing, and AARP Arkansas has some tips on how to avoid becoming a victim of fraud or identity theft…

In Arkansas, the utility Entergy Arkansas, Inc. provides electricity to about 728,000 customers in 63 counties. (Oleksii/Adobe Stock)

Report: Arkansas Utility Delivering On Its Climate Promises

A report by the Sierra Club rates utility companies for what they say they're doing to transition to cleaner energy sources - versus what they're actu…

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Arkansas ranks first in the nation for its high rate of chronic lower-respiratory diseases, such as emphysema, and third in terms of heart disease, diabetes and kidney disease rates. (Andrii Zastrozhnov/Adobe Stock)

Survey: "Back to Basics" for Living Longer, Healthier in Arkansas

In a new survey, most people say they want to take steps to live healthier and longer, but some are unaware of the lifestyle factors that can make …

A Caring.com survey finds since the pandemic began, the number of 18-to-34-year-olds with estate planning documents has increased by 50%. (Elnur/Adobe Stock)

Where There's a Will, There's a Way to Protect Loved Ones, Assets

August is National Make-a-Will Month, a reminder for people to get their affairs in order to avoid unintentionally burdening their families when they …

The government is allowing all federal loan repayments to count toward PSLF requirements, regardless of the payment plan, for those who have applied to the program before Oct. 31, 2022. (Yurii Kibalnik/Adobe Stock)

AR Group Touts Benefits of Federal Student-Loan Forgiveness

A report from the Center for Responsible Lending says women with student loans to repay were hit hard by the pandemic. An Arkansas nonprofit wants …

Medicare fraud costs taxpayers an estimated $60 billion each year. (Adobe Stock)

My Health Care Tracker Tool Helps Medicare Recipients Prevent Fraud

A new tool aims to help older adults in Arkansas and beyond who receive Medicare track what happens at their doctor appointments. It also can help …

If you use powdered infant formula, be aware certain Similac, Alimentum and EleCare products have been recalled and should not be used, the FDA warns. (Adobe Stock)

AR Social Worker Creates Resource for Finding Baby Formula Amid Shortage

The baby-formula shortage has hit families in Arkansas hard, and one Little Rock resident aims to alleviate the stress on parents by creating an …

In a new survey, Arkansas Medicaid applicants said they've experienced such issues as no one answering the phone or calls being dropped, trouble navigating the website, and long wait times for support. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Arkansans Face Barriers to Medicaid Enrollment

Some Arkansans who are eligible for Medicaid have trouble applying for it, according to a new report. Community advocates want administrators and …

Bill Bynum is founder and CEO of HOPE Credit Union, which issued more than 5,000 Paycheck Protection Program loans from April 2020 to April 2021 that allowed businesses to retain employees during the pandemic. (Courtesy of HOPE)

Award Honors Founder of Credit Union That Serves Low-Income Southerners

By Claire Carlson for The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Emily Scott for Arkansas News Service reporting for The Daily Yonder-Public News Service C…

At least 20% of eligible workers nationwide don't claim the Earned Income Tax Credit each year. (Adobe Stock)

173,000 Workers in Arkansas Eligible for Tax Credit Under Expansion

A newly expanded tax credit program for low-income people means more Arkansans are eligible than ever, and advocacy groups hope to spread the word…

The average eliminated medical debt for Arkansans was approximately $1,500 per household. (Adobe Stock)

Groups Help Erase Medical Debt for 24,000 Arkansans

Philanthropic groups have collaborated to erase more than $35 million in medical debt for Arkansas residents. Over the last few months, the groups …

Medicaid recipients from the storytelling project also suggested that annual allotments for appointments, prescriptions and transportation be improved to increase access to care. (Adobe Stock)

AR Medicaid Storytelling Project Features Experience Navigating Program

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Arkansas health advocates have launched a new project aiming to tell the stories of how the Medicaid system has supported …

Researchers at Consumer Reports are particularly interested in hearing from rural households of color in a survey on internet speed, reliability and cost. (Prosstock/Adobe Stock)

Consumer Reports Asks Americans to Upload Internet Bills

By Adilia Watson. Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter. Reporting for the Daily Yonder-Arkansas News Service Collaboration Consumer Reports, in …

Arkansas True Grass's proposed amendment would have the state's Agriculture Department regulate the recreational marijuana industry. (Adobe Stock)

AR Group Gathers Signatures to Get Recreational Marijuana on Ballot

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Arkansas marijuana activists are pushing to get a recreational-cannabis amendment on the 2022 ballot. Arkansas True Grass …

The newest edition of the Annie E. Casey Foundation's Kids Count Data Book explores how America's child population fared during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Lack of Health Insurance Continues to Increase Among Arkansas Kids

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - New survey data offers a clear picture of how Arkansas kids and families are faring. The state ranks 39th in the nation when it …

Total student-loan debt across the United States is about $1.71 trillion, including federal student loans. (Adobe Stock)

Arkansas AG Warns of Potential Fraud, Financial Stress from Student Loans

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Among Arkansans who graduated in 2018, 53% have student-loan debt. State officials say it's important to read the fine print…

According to the Federal Communications Commission, at least 18 million Americans lack fast and reliable internet service. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Temporary Federal Program Aims to Help Folks Afford Internet

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- The Federal Communications Commission said it will provide $50-a-month direct payments toward internet bills to people who sign …

The CARES Act made it easier for people to withdraw up to $100,000 from their retirement accounts if their jobs and income took a hit from the coronavirus pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Tips for Financial Health During Pandemic-Year Tax Season

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - The IRS has extended the income-tax filing deadline by an extra month, and experts say while the pandemic has shaken retirement …

Arkansas consistently ranks low as a place to live in the United States, because of its lack of renter protections. (Adobe Stock)

AR Lawmakers Consider Rental Housing Standards Bill

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- State lawmakers are considering legislation that would require landlords to provide and maintain safe, habitable housing…

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PNS Daily Newscast: Afternoon Update - September 18, 2024

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AR: Consumer