Consumer Issues / Public News Service

More than 60% of adults in the United States report using prescription drugs, with nearly half taking four or more. (Burlingham/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

MI lawmakers propose pharmaceutical watchdog legislation

Lawmakers in Michigan have introduced a package of bills designed to lower costs and expand health care access. Senate Bill 3 would create a …

Volunteers with AARP's Fraud Watch Network can help people identify scams, develop steps to avoid fraud as well as come up with an action plan if you have experienced fraud. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

AARP AZ cautions people about romance scams ahead of Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is this Friday and AARP Arizona wants to caution Arizonans to be careful with who they are talking to online. The National Retail …

Nordic countries lead the world in press freedom, according to the World Press Freedom Index, which saw the U.S. fall three notches in 2023 to 45th place. (yavuzsariyildiz/AdobeStock)

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

NM lawmaker says journalists of all stripes need protection

A former community organizer and newly-elected lawmaker is responding to the Trump administration's escalating attacks on the press with a proposed la…

Roanoke Cooperative serves customers in seven counties in eastern North Carolina near the Virginia border. (Indy beetle/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Programs in rural NC, other states provides cost-efficient energy upgrades

Programs in North Carolina and across the country are bringing energy efficiency to rural customers without breaking the bank. Known as Inclusive …

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been no human-to-human transmission of bird flu but more than 60 people across the United States have been infected from exposure to sick animals. (frank/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Officials monitor latest AR bird flu outbreak

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is investigating a bird flu outbreak at an Arkansas broiler operation in Clay County as well as in some backyard …

The transportation sector accounts for about a third of Oregon's climate emissions and the state hopes to cut the numbers by putting more electric vehicles on the road. (zinkevych/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

OR electric vehicle drivers show love this week

A coalition of clean car advocates has declared the days leading up to Valentine's Day EV Love Story Week. The effort comes in the midst of …

In the first three quarters of 2024, the Federal Trade Commission received more than 22,000 fraud reports from Minnesota consumers, with losses totaling nearly $103 million. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

As consumer fraud hits crisis mode, MN advocates want state action

This session, Minnesota lawmakers are expected to take a strong look at preventing more fraud attempts against state government. Meanwhile, consumer …

A new federal report found U.S. service members, when buying cars, are less likely to make a down payment, more likely to make a smaller down payment, and more likely to make a negative equity trade-in than civilian buyers. (Freedomz/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Service members in VA pay more for car loans, report finds

Military borrowers pay higher costs and face greater financial risks than civilian borrowers when taking out credit to buy a car, according to a new …

A recent study showed 44% of adults are affected by medical debt and $88 billion in outstanding medical bills are currently in collections nationwide. (Creative Commons)

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Study: Medical debt in rural MN has far-reaching effects

By Liz Carey for The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Mark Richardson for Minnesota News Connection for the Public News Service/Daily Yonder Collabor…

Farmed seafood products make up half of the world's seafood supply, but U.S. production lags, leading to a $16.9 billion seafood deficit in the United States in 2020, according to NOAA. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Monday, February 10, 2025

Industrial aquaculture poised to grow under second Trump administration

The Trump administration aims to increase domestic seafood production through industrial aquaculture but opponents said it puts Maine's coastal commun…

The AARP Foundation's Tax-Aide program is able to help a person with their past three years' returns. (RomanR/Adobe Stock)

Monday, February 10, 2025

Tax assistance available at sites across ID

Tax season is in full swing and locations are available across Idaho to assist people with preparing their returns. The AARP Foundation's Tax-Aide …

A new federal report finds U.S. service members, when buying cars, are less likely to make a downpayment, more likely to make a smaller downpayment, and more likely to make a negative equity trade-in than civilian buyers. (Freedomz/Adobe Stock)

Monday, February 10, 2025

Report: Military service members pay more for car loans

Military borrowers pay higher costs and face greater financial risks than civilian borrowers when taking out credit to buy a car - according to a new …

According to Innovative Hematology, Marion and Lake counties have the highest rates of sickle cell disease patients in Indiana. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, February 10, 2025

Blood disorder impacts hundreds of IN residents, women of color

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report the life-shortening blood disease sickle cell anemia affects about 100,000 Americans, mostly …

Monday, February 10, 2025

AZ heart attack survivor stresses importance of CPR for Heart Month

February is American Heart Month, and an Arizona heart attack survivor wants more folks to learn CPR - which he said saved his life. Bob Spicer …

Family caregivers on average are spending 26% of their income on caregiving activities, according to a 2021 AARP survey. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, February 10, 2025

WY AARP hosts tele-townhall on expected caregivers tax credit

Advocates for family caregivers are expecting federal lawmakers to propose a tax credit for the group, after President Donald Trump said on the …

Salmonella, campylobacter, listeria and E. coli are among the leading bacterial causes of foodborne illnesses resulting in hospitalizations and death. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, February 10, 2025

Government report offers ways to better monitor foodborne illnesses

Foodborne illnesses from meat and poultry products kill thousands of people a year and a new report from the Government Accountability Office offers w…

Researchers from the Center for a Livable Future at Maryland's Johns Hopkins University looked at fisheries in Alaska, Norway and Vietnam to explore sustainable practices for fish byproducts. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, February 10, 2025

Leftover fish parts could help keep industrial fishing waste low

About 20% of fish caught in the wild are not used to feed people across the world but a recent study found the unused portions of fish prepared for th…

Electric vehicle registration went up by nearly 25,000 cars between September 2023 and 2024 in North Carolina. (Nick Starichenko/Adobe Stock)

Monday, February 10, 2025

Electric vehicle drivers show love for pollution-free cars

Electric vehicles in North Carolina and around the country are getting love this week. A coalition of clean vehicle advocates has declared the week …

The Tax Foundation estimates that the standing tariff on China, and the proposed tariffs on Canada and Mexico, would shrink economic output by 0.4% and increase taxes by $1.1 trillion between 2025 and 2034. (Adobe Stock)

Experts have consumer tips on navigating tariff scenarios

States such as Wyoming could see unique effects under President Donald Trump's approach to tariffs. Uncertainty lies ahead, but one expert says …

Data from the consulting firm My Perfect Resume's

Ohio workers weigh job stability against work-life balance

Americans working multiple jobs to cover living expenses has become increasingly common and Ohioans are no exception. According to U.S. Census data…

Average health care premiums rose in Maine and other states in 2024 but premiums paid by consumers qualifying for financial assistance increased by less than $33 per month due to enhanced subsidies from the federal government.(Adobe Stock)

Record number of Mainers enrolled in online health care marketplace

Consumer advocates in Maine said the availability of enhanced subsidies have helped record numbers of people get the health care coverage they need…

According to Consumer Reports, a majority of Americans support regulations that push automakers to deliver new vehicles that cost less to fuel and have fewer emissions. (Adobe Stock)

Survey: Fuel efficiency top of mind for AR car shoppers

Americans continue to see improving fuel economy as the most significant change they want from vehicle manufacturers when they offer new products…

Data from the State of Supplemental Income report shows paying down debt, paying off student loans, saving for major life goals and covering living expenses are the top reasons for working multiple jobs. (Adobe Stock)

The benefits, pitfalls of juggling two jobs

Americans working two jobs to help with living expenses and cover some extras has become the norm. A study conducted by the company My Perfect …

According to the mental health advocacy group Inseparable, insurance companies force patients to go out-of-network much more often for behavioral health care because of limits on the number of available providers and lower reimbursement rates. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates: Unfair insurance policies causing DE mental health crisis

Mental health advocates in Delaware and beyond are concerned certain practices by insurance companies are creating a crisis by hindering many patients…

Currently, insurance companies get to decide how much of a public ambulance service's rate to pay, which can lead to patients being charged the unpaid balance. (Adobe Stock)

CO lawmakers aim to close ambulance surprise-billing gap

Colorado lawmakers are working to ensure all Coloradans with health coverage for ambulance services are not hit with surprise bills or charged higher …

The Outer Banks is a 200-mile stretch of barrier islands spanning three counties. (oldmn/Adobe Stock)

Outer Banks officials want to make tourism more sustainable

By Taylor Haelterman for Triple Pundit.Broadcast version by Eric Tegethoff for North Carolina News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Netw…

According to the nonprofit Feeding Texas, one in six households in the state are food insecure. (Stella/Adobe Stock)

$450 million available to feed Texas kids this summer

The final deadline is approaching for members of the Texas Legislature to decide on participating in the Summer EBT program, which provides grocery …

Researchers at Yale University recently forecast under an escalated trade led by the Trump administration, Americans could see their annual purchasing power go down, with losses ranging between $1,900 to $7,600 per household. (Adobe Stock)

Experts have consumer tips on navigating tariff scenarios

States like North Dakota could see unique effects under President Donald Trump's approach to tariffs. Uncertainty lies ahead, but one expert said …

Rental application fees alone create $276 million in profits for landlords each year, far above the actual cost of background checks and processing applications, according to a Biden-era report. (Adobe Stock)

Cost of living tops Denver lawmaker’s priorities

Addressing Colorado's rising cost of living and protecting clean air and water are priorities for Democratic Representative Emily Sirota of Denver in …

A planned battery system in Texas would reduce carbon emissions by more than 150,000 tons per year. (Adobe Stock / AI)

Possible funding freeze sparks uncertainty in TX energy projects

The back and forth over President Donald Trump's federal funding freeze raises questions about Biden-era investments in energy infrastructure in 23 st…

Patients are nearly nine times more likely to go out of network to meet with a psychiatrist, according to research from the nonprofit RTI International. (Adobe Stock)

Insurance ‘clawbacks’ hurt MD mental health specialists

Some mental health care providers said a number of insurance company practices are driving them out of the insurance network, including the little-…

Americans lost more than $5.6 billion to cryptocurrency scams in 2023, the most recent FBI data available. (Adobe Stock)

NE lawmakers look at tougher regulation of 'crypto kiosks'

Nebraska lawmakers are considering a bill to implement consumer protections and license requirements for the cryptocurrency industry, and they're …

According to Edmunds, EVs and PHEVs combined made up 8.5% of the vehicles sold in May 2024, while gas-powered vehicles made up 82.4% of the market that same month. (Wikimedia Commons)

Survey: NC drivers want carmakers to keep improving fuel efficiency

Americans continue to say improved fuel economy is the most significant change they want from vehicle manufacturers when they offer new products…

Statewide, Medi-Cal provides medical and dental benefits for 38% of the population, or 14 million people. (Carlos/Adobe Stock)

New report shows big racial gaps in use of Medi-Cal dental benefits

A new report shows what it calls a "dental divide" in the Los Angeles area - finding that only 20% to 25% of people on Medi-Cal actually use their den…

Infrastructure experts say there is a $1 trillion dollar need for drinking water, stormwater and wastewater improvements over the next 20 years in the United States. (Adobe Stock)

MN cities dig deep for safe drinking water, but can they meet goals?

An Environmental Protection Agency rule, finalized near the end of the Biden administration, calls on states and cities to replace all lead pipes in …

Private health insurance administrative costs in the U.S. are nearly six times higher than the costs of Canada's single payer system. (Adobe Stock)

Universal ‘Medicare for All’ bill advances in CO legislature

As health insurance premiums keep rising, Colorado lawmakers are advancing a bill to look at a universal Medicare for All option. A 2020 report in …

Houses are most likely to catch fire from the top down because of falling embers. (Jamie Hooper/Adobe Stock)

Simple ways to protect OR homes from wildfires

As Los Angeles starts to recover, residents across the Pacific Northwest are being reminded of the risks wildfires pose. Timothy Ingalsbee, …

Many Americans with a minimum wage or low-paying job often need a second job to make ends meet. (Seika/AdobeStock)<br />

Study reveals pros, cons of New Mexicans juggling two jobs

Millions of American workers are now juggling two jobs to make ends meet, while some moonlight to pay for extras such as vacations or hobbies…

Among respondents to a Consumer Reports survey, 95% said fuel economy is at least somewhat important when buying a vehicle. (Adobe Stock)

Survey: Virginians want better fuel economy standards

A new survey finds the vast majority of Virginians want automakers to continue improving their vehicles' fuel efficiency. Large majorities of …

We Don't Waste serves more than 100 hunger relief organizations across Denver, and has so far saved 220 million servings of food. (Galatas)

Denver nonprofit tackles food waste, hunger

By Taylor Haelterman for Triple Pundit.Broadcast version by Eric Galatas for Colorado News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-P…

President Donald Trump's proposed $79 billion in higher tariffs would result in an average annual tax increase of $625 for the average U.S. household, according to estimates from a Tax Foundation report. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Trump’s proposed tariffs could cost Wyomingites, Americans

New research details the major impacts for Americans if President Donald Trump's proposed tariffs take effect. A Tax Foundation report finds tariffs …

Study finds juggling two jobs has benefits, pitfalls

Americans working two jobs to help with living expenses and cover some extras has become the norm. The U.S. Census shows that 25% of Midwest women …

The survey reveals that car buyers want improvements in purchase price, maintenance costs, infotainment systems and cargo space. (rh2010/Adobe Stock)

Survey: PA drivers want carmakers to keep improving fuel efficiency

Americans continue to see improving fuel economy as the most significant change they want from vehicle manufacturers when they offer new products…

According to Edmunds auto data, EVs and plug-in hybrid EVs combined made up 8.5% of the vehicles sold in May 2024, while gas-powered cars made up 82.4% of the U.S. market in the same month. (Adobe Stock)

Survey: Georgia drivers say carmakers should continue to improve fuel efficiency

Americans continue to see improving fuel economy as the most significant change they want from vehicle manufacturers when they offer new products…

A Tax Foundation report estimated President Donald Trump's proposed tariffs would cost the U.S. 142,000 full-time jobs. Overall, it says the policies would add up to $79 billion in tariffs. (Adobe Stock)

NY, U.S. face high costs if Trump’s proposed tariffs take effect

New research details the major potential changes for New York and the nation if President Donald Trump's proposed tariffs take effect. A Tax …

Research firms said staffing shortages and not enough technology upgrades are making it harder for state and local governments to keep up with fraudsters eyeing services funded by taxpayers. (Adobe Stock)

SD among states debating tricky issue of combating government fraud

A South Dakota legislative committee Monday debated proposals designed to help combat government fraud and there were clear differences of opinion on …

Last year, Press Forward funded 205 local publications. (DN6/Adobe Stock)

Press Forward supports small-town CO newsrooms

By Ilana Newman for The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Eric Galatas for Colorado News Connection for the Public News Service/Daily Yonder Collabora…

A new Ohio State University study found Ohio households paid an estimated $1.2 billion more over the past decade by choosing retail electricity suppliers instead of staying with the utility's default service. (Adobe Stock)

Study reveals market failures in Ohio electricity

Ohioans have long had the ability to choose their electricity providers but new research highlighted the financial consequences of such decisions…

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Consumer

MI lawmakers propose pharmaceutical watchdog legislation

AARP AZ cautions people about romance scams ahead of Valentine's Day

NM lawmaker says journalists of all stripes need protection

Programs in rural NC, other states provides cost-efficient energy upgrades

Officials monitor latest AR bird flu outbreak

OR electric vehicle drivers show love this week

As consumer fraud hits crisis mode, MN advocates want state action

Service members in VA pay more for car loans, report finds

Study: Medical debt in rural MN has far-reaching effects

Industrial aquaculture poised to grow under second Trump administration

Tax assistance available at sites across ID

Report: Military service members pay more for car loans

Blood disorder impacts hundreds of IN residents, women of color

AZ heart attack survivor stresses importance of CPR for Heart Month

WY AARP hosts tele-townhall on expected caregivers tax credit

Government report offers ways to better monitor foodborne illnesses

Leftover fish parts could help keep industrial fishing waste low

Electric vehicle drivers show love for pollution-free cars

Experts have consumer tips on navigating tariff scenarios

Ohio workers weigh job stability against work-life balance

Record number of Mainers enrolled in online health care marketplace

Survey: Fuel efficiency top of mind for AR car shoppers

The benefits, pitfalls of juggling two jobs

Advocates: Unfair insurance policies causing DE mental health crisis

CO lawmakers aim to close ambulance surprise-billing gap

Outer Banks officials want to make tourism more sustainable

$450 million available to feed Texas kids this summer

Experts have consumer tips on navigating tariff scenarios

Cost of living tops Denver lawmaker’s priorities

Possible funding freeze sparks uncertainty in TX energy projects

Insurance ‘clawbacks’ hurt MD mental health specialists

NE lawmakers look at tougher regulation of 'crypto kiosks'

Survey: NC drivers want carmakers to keep improving fuel efficiency

New report shows big racial gaps in use of Medi-Cal dental benefits

MN cities dig deep for safe drinking water, but can they meet goals?

Universal ‘Medicare for All’ bill advances in CO legislature

Simple ways to protect OR homes from wildfires

Study reveals pros, cons of New Mexicans juggling two jobs

Survey: Virginians want better fuel economy standards

Denver nonprofit tackles food waste, hunger

Report: Trump’s proposed tariffs could cost Wyomingites, Americans

Study finds juggling two jobs has benefits, pitfalls

Survey: PA drivers want carmakers to keep improving fuel efficiency

Survey: Georgia drivers say carmakers should continue to improve fuel efficiency

NY, U.S. face high costs if Trump’s proposed tariffs take effect

SD among states debating tricky issue of combating government fraud

Press Forward supports small-town CO newsrooms

Study reveals market failures in Ohio electricity