Public News Service

NV leaders call for clean energy investments options for all

Nevada state leaders held a workshop on clean energy home upgrades and discussed how people can leverage available tax credits on solar power…

Federal debt among borrowers age 62 and older has increased by 36.8% since 2017, according to Education Data Initiative. (Adobe Stock)

Student loan consolidation deadline could save older NV borrowers big

Student loan borrowers of all ages in Nevada and around the country have an opportunity to have their student loans canceled or the chance to receive …

In addition to cost savings, EVs provide other consumer benefits, including better performance and reduced noise. (Adobe Stock)

Report examines long-term savings for Nevada EV drivers

A new analysis found Nevada drivers can save thousands of dollars by making the switch from a gas-powered car to an electric vehicle. The …

The new data reveal more than half of older Americans with federal student-loan debt, 1.48 million individuals, first got their loans more than 15 years ago. (Adobe Stock)

Older borrowers struggle to repay federal student loans

New federal data from the Department of Education confirm retirement-age borrowers are struggling to repay their federal student loans. About 60% …

The global market for smart toys grew from $14.1 billion in 2022 to $16.7 billion this year. (Adobe Stock)

Expert advises parents to learn about the dangers toys pose to kids

With the holiday gift-giving season here, consumer advocates want to make sure parents and caregivers understand the threats toys can pose to …

The Ready Campaign's 2023 National Preparedness Month theme is

Following Extreme NV Weather, Are You Prepared for Next Disaster?

The state of Nevada has gotten its fair share of intense weather in recent weeks - and with September being National Preparedness Month, experts are …

New vehicles that are assembled outside of North America are not eligible for a tax credit. (Stefan Bayer / Adobe Stock)

EV Sales Increase, Consumers Want More EV Infrastructure

One expert says interest and sales of electric cars aren't stalling. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, Nevada has one of the highest …

According to the United Way of Southern Nevada, Project REACH helped more than 1,800 households in 2022. (Adobe Stock)

Program Helps Southern NV Seniors Pay Past-Due Utility Bills

One Nevada program is aiming to help seniors on fixed incomes pay their utility bills. United Way of Southern Nevada has announced the dates of the …

As of June, close to 21,000 children are enrolled in the state's Children Health Insurance Program, according to the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services. (Adobe Stock)

NV Children Could Lose Health Coverage in Medicaid Redetermination

As kids head back to school, parents in Nevada should check to ensure they still have health insurance. States are re-determining people's …

On a scale of 1-10, Gen Z'ers said COVID-19 has affected their physical health (4 of 10) and their mental health (6 of 10), according to the Linus Report. (Adobe Stock)

Mental Health Care: A Top Priority for Gen Z

Research on social trends shows emotional and mental health is at the core of Gen Z's identity. The Pew Research Center considers anyone born after …

Around 78% of participants are concerned or very concerned Pharmacy Benefit Managers decide which drugs are available to consumers, according to the poll by Lake Research Partners. (Jacob Lund/Adobe Stock)

National Poll: Bipartisan Support to Regulate Pharmacy Benefit Mangers

A new national poll shows Nevadans, like most Americans, do not want to pay more for prescription drugs. The poll conducted by Lake Research …

According to the Nevada Conservation League, Nevada produces almost no gas and spends $1.4 billion every year importing fossil fuels from out-of-state sources. (Adobe Stock)

NV Group Opposes Bill to 'Modernize' Natural Gas Infrastructure

Clean-energy and environmental advocates aren't pleased with a bill in the Nevada Legislature that they say would commit the state to using fossil fue…

About 92% of surveyed small-business owners say hospitals are unfairly charging high prices leading to high health-care costs and that it is time for price regulation. (Adobe Stock)

Report: NV Small-Business Owners Want Less Hospital Consolidation

New research shows Nevada's small-business owners say hospital consolidation in the state is exacerbating high health-care costs and want action to be…

The median loss last year for fraud that starts with a phone call was $1,400, according to the Federal Trade Commission. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Nevadans See High Levels of Fraud, Identity Theft

Nevada is among the top five states for highest per-capita rates of both fraud and identity theft. The Federal Trade Commission wants to help …

States will have until May 2024 to complete the task of reconfirming eligibility for more than 34.2 children who receive their health coverage through Medicaid programs. (Adobe Stock)

NV Can Prevent Post-Pandemic Rebound in Uninsured Kids

Nevada could see a rebound of children losing their health insurance as a federal requirement that kept families insured during the pandemic comes to …

Los estados tendr�n hasta mayo de 2024 para completar la tarea de llevar a cabo la elegibilidad de m�s de 34.2 ni�os inscritos en Medicaid. (Adobe Stock)

NV puede prevenir el repunte pospandémico en niños no asegurados

Nevada podría ver un repunte de niños que pierden su seguro médico a medida que finaliza el requisito federal que los mantuvo a ellos y…

About 15% of cars affected by the Takata airbag recall in the United States still need to be recalled and are likely still on the road. (The Toidi/Adobestock)

Consumer Auto Safety Groups Aim for Zero Takata Airbag Deaths in 2023

It's a brand new year - and consumer auto safety groups are hoping to avoid further deaths from faulty Takata airbags - by raising awareness about the…

Data show students of color are significantly more likely to attend for-profit colleges, where students are less likely to graduate and have much higher rates of debt and default. (Terovesalainen/Adobe Stock)

Groups Press for Debt Cancellation to Lessen Racial Wealth Gap

The U.S. Supreme Court just set a date to consider whether President Joe Biden's student debt cancellation plan is legal - and advocates say Black …

A study by the Healthcare Cost institute found the average price of insulin has nearly doubled since 2012. (Ratmaner/Adobestock)

During National Diabetes Month, Hope for People Struggling to Afford Insulin

November is National Diabetes Month, and more than 250,000 Nevadans have been diagnosed with the disease, according to the American Diabetes …

A group of state attorneys general is asking the feds to enforce the antitrust provisions of the 1929 Packers and Stockyards Act. (Etonastenka/Adobestock)

NV Cattlemen Welcome Biden Move to Promote Competition in Meat Processing

The Biden administration recently announced $73 million in grants to diversify the meat processing industry, an effort to improve competition…

The World Health Organization links indoor air pollution, including pollutants from burning natural gas, to increased chances of stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer. (Vladimir Semenov/Adobe Stock)

Groups Plead with Public Utilities Commission to 'Supercharge' Electrification

Nevada needs to move away from natural gas and toward clean energy - that's the view of climate action groups that spoke up on Tuesday at an open foru…

Experts say older adults often struggle financially because Social Security benefits do not cover their basic cost of living, and many are not aware there are programs they can seek out for assistance. (Parten/Adobe Stock)

Older Nevadans May Be Missing Out on Thousands in Benefits

Advocates for lower-income adults in Nevada say many are leaving money on the table -- hundreds of dollars a month, in some cases -- because they may …

The Inflation Reduction Act would fine pharmaceutical companies that raise prices on medications faster than the rate of inflation. (Kenwnj/Adobe Stock)

Progressive Groups Tout Benefits of Inflation Reduction Act for NV

Progressive groups are praising the newly passed Inflation Reduction Act, saying it will save many families thousands of dollars a year and make …

hearing aids are not covered under Medicare or most insurance plans. (EdwardOlive/Adobestock)

Feds to Allow Hearing Aids to be Sold Over-the-Counter

Relief may be on the way for many older Nevadans who need hearing aids but can't afford to pay $3,000 to $5,000 for a pair. The Food and Drug …

A recent survey found 35% of Nevadans believe high out-of-pocket costs are the biggest issue people face in the health-care system. (shahrilkhmd/Adobe Stock)

Senate Debates Health-Care Measures as Nevadans Worry About Costs

Congress is considering a major package of bills that could affect not only investments in fighting climate change, but also the affordability of …

The National Low-Income Housing Coalition estimates that a family would need to make at least $45,416 per year to afford the average two-bedroom rental home in Nevada. (Zimmytws/Adobestock)

Congressional Hearing This Week Tackles Housing Crisis

Local housing advocates are speaking out ahead of a congressional hearing before the House Ways and Means Committee this Wednesday called "Nowhere to …

PETA wants the government to change its rules that allow

PETA Calls on Feds to Stop Approving “Humane” Labels on Meat

Government labels on meat products that say "humane" or "raised in a stress-free environment" are meaningless, according to some animal-rights groups…

The Governor and climate advocates will speak at a press conference today in Las Vegas, with a climate-themed mural by artist Gui Lemes as a backdrop. (Ivan Serge/@apvevents)

This Earth Day, Advocates Call for Climate Action

To honor Earth Day tomorrow, Gov. Steve Sisolak will join environmental advocates in a call to invest in our planet. The most recent report from …

Martha Neff of Las Vegas holds a sample of a migraine medication that helps reduce pain, but costs $1,000 a month without insurance. (Courtesy of Neff Family)

Advocates for Older Americans Press U-S Senate for Action on Drug Prices

Groups that fight for older Americans are pressuring Congress to pass prescription drug reform, which has been stalled along with the Biden …

Typically, prior to the Public Health Emergency, 17% to 25% of mail from the state Medicaid program was returned each month, according to state data. About a quarter of recipients would lose coverage and would re-enroll later. (ZimmyTWS/Adobestock)

Advocates Warn Families May Lose Medicaid Coverage In Coming Months

Children's advocates are warning that thousands of Nevada children could lose Medicaid coverage over the next year, starting as early as May 1…

Por lo general, antes de la emergencia de salud p�blica, cada mes se devolv�a del 17 % al 25 % del correo del programa de Medicaid, seg�n cifras estatales. Alrededor de una cuarta parte de los beneficiarios perder�an la cobertura y volver�an a inscribirse m�s tarde. (ZimmyTWS/Adobestock)

Defensores advierten que familias pueden perder cobertura de Medicaid en los próximos meses

A medida que la emergencia de salud pública llega a su fin, los requisitos para que los estados mantengan a las personas inscritas en Medicaid …

Thousands of educational resources, including open-source textbooks such as

UNLV Moves Toward Open-Source Textbooks to Cut Student Expenses

CORRECTION: Clarification was made of the $1,200 figure in UNLV student expenditures per year. (3:10 p.m. MST, Feb. 21, 2022) Open-source textbooks…

In Nevada, children used to be able to ditch the car booster seat at age six. Now, a new law requires kids to be 57 inches tall in order to use a seat belt without a booster. (Taras/Adobe Stock)

New NV Booster-Seat Law Now in Effect

If you threw out the booster seat in your car when your child reached six years of age, you may need to buy a new one, due to a change in Nevada …

Security firm Safewise estimates that 210 million packages were stolen from Americans so far in 2021 (Cybrain)

Authorities Warn Consumers About Holiday Scams

CARSON CITY, Nev. -- During the holiday season, scams involving gift cards and package delivery are everywhere, according to federal authorities…

A student at Owyhee Consolidated School studies in the parking lot in order to use the building's Wi-Fi signal. (Lynn Manning John)

$65 Billion in Infrastructure Bill to Tackle Rural Broadband

OWYHEE, Nev. -- There's a light at the end of the tunnel for rural Nevadans struggling with slow, spotty internet service as the Biden …

Currently, Medicare Part D does not have a hard cap on the amount people pay out-of-pocket for prescription drugs; the Build Back Better Act would change that. (Mensatic/Morguefile)

Older Nevadans Excited for "Build Back Better" Vote

CARSON CITY, Nev. -- Groups that advocate for older Americans are pressing for passage of the Build Back Better Act, Build Back Better Act which is …

Payday loans often have triple-digit interest rates that can lead consumers into a cycle of debt. (Krossel/Morguefile)

Groups Slam Feds for Failing to Crack Down on Rent-a-Bank Schemes

CARSON CITY, Nev. -- Twenty state Attorneys General, including Aaron Ford from Nevada, are slamming proposed new federal banking guidelines for not …

A FEMA program will reimburse families for funeral expenses of multiple COVID victims, up to a limit of $35,500 per applicant. (Pixel shot/Adobestock)

Federal Program Offers $9K for COVID Victims' Funerals

CARSON CITY, Nev. -- Did you know the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has a program to reimburse funeral expenses up to $9,000 when …

A new poll shows that Nevadans favor policies to lower deductibles and prevent insurance companies from selling junk plans. (Volgariver/Adobestock)

New Poll Indicates High Anxiety About Health-Care Costs in NV

CARSON CITY, Nev. - The rising cost of health care is a top concern for Nevadans, according to a new poll. The survey, of 600 registered voters …

A GAO report found in 2020, U.S. Postal Service package-delivery business generated $11 billion, but it wasn't enough to put the agency in the black. (Lost In the Midwest/Adobe Stock)

Business Groups Press for Postal Service Reform

RENO, Nev. -- Supporters of the U.S. Postal Service are pressing for passage of a bill to shore up the troubled agency. Twin versions of the …

According to a new survey, 92% of Americans agree that deductibles should be low enough to not get in the way of a person's access to health care. (DoubletreeStudio/Adobe Stock)

Survey Confirms Frustration with Healthcare Costs

LAS VEGAS, Nev. -- A new survey shows most Americans are worried about out-of-pocket healthcare costs - deductibles, premiums and co-pays, and …

La Comisi�n de Transporte Regional del Condado de Washoe agregar� 19 nuevos autobuses este mes. Algunos son el�ctricos y otros h�bridos, como parte de su esfuerzo por tener una l�nea de combustible totalmente alternativa para 2035. (navee/Adobe Stock)

El área de Reno recibe 19 nuevos autobuses híbridos con biodiésel y electricidad

RENO, Nev. -- La línea de tránsito del Condado de Washoe se está volviendo más ecológica este mes, con 17 nuevos autobuses h&…

Nevadans can find out if they're eligible for subsidies to help pay for premiums at Nevada Health Link, the online marketplace for the Silver State Health Insurance Exchange. (rukxstockphoto/Adobe Stock)

Deadline Looms for Nevadans Shopping for Health Insurance Plans

CARSON CITY, Nev. - Nevadans shopping for health care coverage for 2021 still have time to enroll in a plan under the Affordable Care Act - the …

Nevada's new, state-level eviction moratorium requires tenants to fill out a declaration establishing that they meet the criteria. (tab262/Adobe Stock)

Legal-Aid Groups: Know Your Rights in New NV Eviction Moratorium

LAS VEGAS, Nev. - Nevadans unsure of whether they'll be able to make rent in the coming months because of the pandemic may still be able to avoid …

A lack of literacy about health and health plans often can result in surprise medical bills. (MabelAmber/Pixabay)

Getting a Jump on Affordable Care Act Enrollment for 2021

LAS VEGAS -- Since March, Americans have been learning together about COVID-19 -- and that doctors don't have all the answers right now. It's also …

As of June 2020, one in every six U.S. residents collected Social Security benefits, including about 348,000 Nevadans. (Silviarita/Pixabay)

Tax Deferral: Fatter Paychecks in 2020, Leaner in 2021

LAS VEGAS, Nev. -- Many American workers will enjoy a 6.2% bump in their take-home pay for the rest of the year, but leaner paychecks are coming in 20…

Wildflowers bloom in the valley of the Tobin Range Wilderness Study Area, which would become the Grandfathers' Wilderness after the bill is signed into law. (Kurt Kuznick)

Nevadans Urge U.S. Senate to Pass Pershing County Wilderness Bill

LAS VEGAS, Nev. -- Vast stretches of land in rural northwest Nevada will be preserved if Congress can finally pass legislation that would protect …

Nevada will use $10 million in federal pandemic funds for short-term rental assistance to stall evictions. (publicdomainpictures/Pixabay)

Nevada Evictions Paused as Health Crisis Continues

LAS VEGAS -- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Tuesday it would temporarily halt evictions for some Americans struggling to pay thei…

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