Consumer Issues / Public News Service

Florida ranks fourth nationally in the share of children in rural areas covered by Medicaid/CHIP, with over 52% of rural children relying on the program for their health insurance. (Pixabay)

Thursday, January 23, 2025

Medicaid cuts could devastate rural Florida, affecting children

A new report from the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families highlights the significant role Medicaid plays in ensuring healthcare acc…

Health providers in rural Colorado, which operate on thin margins, could see more uncompensated care costs if proposed Medicaid cuts clear Congress. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, January 23, 2025

Report: Medicaid cuts would disproportionately affect rural Coloradans

As the new Congress considers cutting Medicaid by more than $2 trillion, a new report details how the move would disproportionately affect rural …

Since 2022, nearly 135 million domestic birds in all 50 states have been affected by avian flu. <br />(hedgehog94/Adobe Stock)<br />

Thursday, January 23, 2025

As more bird flu cases reach MI, infectious disease expert shares insights

Seven cases of H5N1 avian flu have been reported in Michigan since Dec. 16. The first case was discovered at a poultry facility in Ottawa County…

Ohio has the eighth-highest number of children that are covered by Medicaid in small towns and rural communities nationally. (IB Photography/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Ohio faces health care challenges as Medicaid funding wavers

As Congress debates potential cuts to Medicaid, a new report from Georgetown University sheds light on how these changes could disproportionately …

Forty states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Washington, D.C. have passed regulations on artificial intelligence. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Report: CT must consider legislation regulating AI

A new report examines how Connecticut should regulate artificial intelligence. The Connecticut Voices for Children report finds AI use is embedded in …

A new report from Georgetown University showed the effects a proposed cut to Medicaid would have on rural New Mexico, where residents already have worse health outcomes than those in cities. (Rob/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

New Mexico's rural families fear proposed federal cuts to Medicaid

With President Donald Trump back in office, Congressional Republicans are eager to extend his 2017 tax cuts, which likely means slashing the Medicaid …

The population of Kane County, Illinois, is about 500,000. Reducing rotting food in landfills will help the county achieve its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 25% below 2019 levels by 2030. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Kane County uses $500,000 grant to reduce food waste

Kane County officials plan to launch four composting programs at large-scale facilities to reduce food waste, as part of meeting the county's climate …

Georgia's home energy rebate program is kicking off with a limited pilot phase. Approved contractors will work with their current clients to bring energy savings to eligible households. The full program rollout is set for early 2025. (Ramon Cliff/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Report highlights needs for GA energy efficiency

A new report from the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy showed the Southeast, including Georgia, is not doing enough to invest in energy efficiency…

One in seven hospitalized patients will need a blood transfusion. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Maryland needs more blood donors

This month is National Blood Donor Month, and blood donor groups are making sure people know the importance of giving blood. Blood can't be …

Coloradans are nine times more likely to be forced to choose an out-of-network provider for mental health care, than for primary physical care, which leads to higher out-of-pocket costs for patients. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Insurance companies denying coverage for Coloradans' mental health care

More than 1 million Coloradans are living with a diagnosed mental health condition but insurance companies are denying coverage for care their policie…

Opponents of genetically engineered fish say if they escaped into the wild, they could bring disease and competition to the 25% of freshwater fish, including Atlantic salmon, already at risk of extinction. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

MA company ends production of genetically modified Atlantic salmon

Conservation groups are celebrating the end of a Massachusetts-based biotech company's pursuit of bringing genetically altered Atlantic salmon to mark…

Many rural residents in Alaska must travel long distances to see a doctor. Proposed cuts to the Medicaid program could slash funding for those trips, making access to care more difficult and expensive. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Health care advocate says future of Medicaid critical for rural Alaskans

A new report finds that significant cuts proposed for Medicaid funding would disproportionately affect rural and small-town residents in Alaska and ma…

In 2023, more than 16 million workers were represented by a union, an increase of more than 190,000. (SEIU Local 49)

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Union rep: SEIU joining AFL-CIO will help OR workers

The Service Employees International Union is joining the AFL-CIO, a move both groups said will make it easier for more workers to unionize. SEIU is …

One in five people in the United States lives in an area classified as non-urban. (BJP7images/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

Report: Potential Medicaid cuts would hit rural MO hardest

The Medicaid and CHIP programs are vital to rural Missouri, according to a report that says reliance on this safety-net health coverage is much …

The Federal Trade Commission and farmers' advocates said when producers have to wait in line for a repair at a John Deere dealership, they are losing money by not being in the field. It underscored a new lawsuit seeking to establish more repair options. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, January 20, 2025

'Right to repair' case seen as tip of iceberg for ND farmer fairness

Farmers in North Dakota and the rest of the country are monitoring an evolving legal case against a giant equipment manufacturer and they said repair …

Sustainable aviation fuel is a liquid fuel used in commercial aviation. It reduces carbon dioxide emissions by up to 80%, according to the International Air Transport Association. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, January 20, 2025

Future of sustainable aviation fuel in MT, U.S. depends on policy

Montana is a U.S. leader in the growing industry of sustainable aviation fuel. Experts in the field, and in the agricultural sector, hope to see new …

People in Alabama will experience increased risks from heat, rainfall and fires due to climate change over the next 30 years, according to ClimateCheck. (Ramon Cliff/Adobe Stock)

Report: AL needs to make energy efficiency a priority

A new report contended Alabama needs to invest more in energy efficiency so it can do more to lower power bills and curb the effects of climate change…

President-elect Trump's pick to head the Department of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., is a fan of raw milk, which can contain dangerous pathogens and spread zoonotic diseases, like avian flu. (Adobe Stock)

Cabinet nominees push deregulation of America's food systems

By Seth Millstein for Sentient.Broadcast version by Kathryn Carley for Maine News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboration…

The average retail electricity price in Texas is 2% lower than in West Virginia, 9% lower than in Ohio and 20% lower than in Pennsylvania, according to the Ohio River Valley Institute. (Adobe Stock)

PA power demand spurs concerns over rising rates, gas dependency

Utility providers foresee a big rise in electricity demand which could lead to double-digit rate hikes if it is met with new natural gas-fired power p…

The CDC says Listeria is the third-leading cause of death from foodborne illness, with about 260 fatalities per year. (Adobe Stock)

Expert: Raw milk carries higher health risks

By Grace Hussain for Sentient.Broadcast version by Zamone Perez for Maryland News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaborat…

Michigan House Rep. Carrie Rheingans, D-Ann Arbor, represents Michigan's 47th District, covering parts of Jackson and Washtenaw counties. She was elected in Nov. 2022 and began her term in Jan. 2023. (Rep. Carrie Rheingans)

Lawmaker fights for better health, housing for Michiganders

More Michigan residents need access to affordable housing and health insurance, according to a lawmaker pushing for change. Rep. Carrie Rheingans…

Gov. Tate Reeves's executive order requires artificial intelligence technologies to be carefully deployed in Mississippi, to mitigate potential risks and harms. (Adobe Stock)

AI leader praises MS governor’s push for responsible tech

Mississippi is embracing the future of artificial intelligence with Gov. Tate Reeves' executive order establishing a framework for its responsible …

Dental clinics operated by local health departments can be found in 45 out of 89 rural Tennessee counties, as well as in four of the state's six metropolitan areas. (luckybusiness/Adobe Stock)

TN community health centers meet growing demand for dental care

Community Health Centers are stepping up to meet a critical need for dental care across Tennessee. Dental visits at these clinics have increased by 1…

If President-elect Donald Trump's proposals are in effect in 2026, the richest 1% would receive an average tax cut of about $36,300 and the next richest 4% would receive an average tax cut of about $7,200, according to the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy. (Adobe Stock)

How could President-elect Trump's tax plan affect Arizonans?

A fiscally conservative advocacy group is pushing for the renewal of President-elect Donald Trump's Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Americans for Prosperity …

Ohio is the nation's fifth-largest producer of soybeans and corn, making agricultural policies like the Farm Bill critical for its economy. (JJ Gouin/Adobe Stock)

Ohio farmers navigate uncertainty amid Farm Bill delays

By Seth Millstein for Sentient.Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi for Ohio News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboratio…

Wyoming lawmakers in 2024 passed several bills for property tax relief, including for homeowners, veterans and senior citizens. (Adobe Stock)

Big tax talk expected in WY general session

One topic expected to make a big splash during Wyoming's general legislative session is property taxes at many levels. First on the agenda for the …

With a pending rule excluding medical debt from loan applications, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau predicted an uptick of 22,000 affordable mortgages approved every year because applicants will not have old medical bills upending their loan request.

Marylanders' medical debt off limits to banks, lenders

A new federal rule could ease some of the pressure when Marylanders apply for loans but may face challenges from the incoming Trump administration…

Dungeons and Dragons, a fantasy game filled with sorcerers, warlocks and wizards, could offer important lessons for today's political leaders. (Adobe Stock)

At 50, Dungeons and Dragons offers lessons for leaders

As the popular role-playing game Dungeons and Dragons turns 50, one Colorado State University instructor suggests today's political leaders could …

Nebraska produced more than 7.6 billion pounds of beef in 2023, remaining among the nation's leaders in beef production. (Adobe Stock)

Nebraska farmers 'cautiously optimistic' about farm policy

Some farm advocates in rural America, including Nebraska, are calling on the Trump administration to continue investing in small communities…

During 2024, 71,864 Kentucky residents enrolled in a health plan through the insurance marketplace, according to the health advocacy group KFF. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Kentuckians’ health insurance tax credits set to expire at end of 2025

This Wednesday is the deadline to enroll in Affordable Care Act marketplace health coverage. Advocates say this year is even more critical for …

The 2025 Idaho legislative session began Jan. 6. (Tracy King/Adobe Stock)

Medicaid expansion in play as ID Legislature gavels in

With state lawmakers back in Boise, changes could be coming to Medicaid. Voters approved Medicaid expansion in 2018, but Republican legislators have …

A new course highlights that profitability can be part of sustainable business models. (patpitchaya/Adobe Stock)

Sustainability practices help NC businesses stick around

North Carolina businesses are getting tips on how to harness a sustainable approach to their work. The North Carolina Sustainable Business Council …

About 20 million people, nearly one in 12 adults, owe medical debt, according to the Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker. (Adobe Stock)

Medical debt to be removed from credit reports

Nevada has about 170,000 adults who report medical debt, which can pose a significant financial hardship. But a new federal rule could ease some …

Some medical records can cost four figures to obtain. (terovesalainen/Adobe Stock)

WA lawmakers urged to lower cost to obtain medical records

Obtaining medical records can be a costly endeavor but there is hope Washington state lawmakers could find a fix this session. Medical providers …

Despite the decline, coal still plays a role in some regions, especially in states such as Wyoming, West Virginia and Kentucky, where coal is a significant part of the energy mix. (James Phelps Jr./Adobe Stock)

MI expert discusses wind, solar surpassing coal on U.S. grid in 2024

A Michigan expert weighs in on an historic shift in 2024 - wind and solar power surpassed coal on the U.S. grid. According to research from Ember - …

More than 420,000 Marylanders are members of the state's retirement and pension system. (Adobe Stock)

How to approach MD climate risks when saving for retirement

For workers or pension systems trying to keep support for the fossil-fuel industry to a minimum, one expert has some suggestions. Just last month…

Americans age 60 and older saw the largest number of cryptocurrency-related complaints, according to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center. (Adobe Stock)

AARP Arizona gears up for new legislative session

Monday is the start of Arizona's new legislative session. Advocacy groups such as AARP Arizona are gearing up and say they're ready to work to ensure …

According to the Arkansas Department of Finance, the short-term outlook for the Arkansas economy indicates stable and moderate growth for total personal income from fiscal year 2024 to fiscal year 2025. (diy13/Adobe Stock)

Economists cautiously optimistic about 2025 AR economy

Economists are optimistic about the Arkansas economy in 2025. According to the Arkansas Economic Development Institute, the state has outperformed …

Colorado's safety-net community health centers deliver coordinated dental, medical and behavioral health care. (Adobe Stock)<br />

CO community health centers saved $17.3 million in Medicare dollars

The Community Health Provider Alliance improved health care quality and saved $17.3 million in taxpayer money that would have been paid out by Medicar…

A record 16.6 million individuals have signed up for federal Health Insurance Marketplace coverage which began Jan. 1, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Two million of them signed up for the first time. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

Enrollment deadline for ME health insurance marketplace Jan. 15

Mainers who need coverage through the state's online health insurance marketplace have just one week left to apply. The deadline is Jan. 15 to sign …

Toxic PFAS chemicals have been detected in the blood of 99% of Americans, including infants, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)

Rising risks of toxic PFAS chemicals in CO drinking water

More than 143 million Americans are at risk of toxic PFAS, so-called forever chemicals, in their drinking water, according to new test results …

There are nearly 50,000 cryptocurrency kiosks across the country, up from just over 1,000 eight years ago. (Maksym/Adobe Stock)

Push to protect WA from crypto ATM scams

They may offer people a legitimate way to convert cash into cryptocurrency but crypto ATMs are also popular with scammers. Washington had the …

Banks, lenders to no longer consider medical debt under new rule

South Dakota is among the states with the highest percentage of residents carrying medical debt but a new federal rule announced this week could ease …

In 2015, New York passed a bill implementing reforms to the Port Authority. But because it is a dual state agency, and the bill did not pass in New Jersey, it never went into effect. (Adobe Stock)

NY/NJ bill reforming Port Authority may come back before lawmakers

A bill reforming the New York-New Jersey Port Authority is coming back before New York's Legislature. The reforms it would implement date back to …

Researchers say most newer models of electric vehicles are fitted with heat pumps, which can add roughly 10% extra range to cars during freezing conditions. (Adobe Stock)

EV upgrades could ease concerns about cold-climate performance

By Kristoffer Tigue for Inside Climate News.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Minnesota News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Networ…

Companies are increasingly providing apps and other tools for people to track their screen time with the hope of cutting back. But a Minnesota exert says those solutions are still reliant on technology, making the temptation too hard for many people. (Adobe Stock)

Not now, social media 'likes': Phasing out heavy screen time

If reducing screen time is your New Year's resolution, a Minnesota expert says it can be tough. But with increasing concerns about the effects of …

UCHealth, which reports medical outcomes above state averages in many areas, recorded nearly $840 million in 2023 profits. (Galatas)

Patients call for end of UCHealth lawsuits

Advocates for patients are calling on UCHealth to end its practice of filing lawsuits over unpaid bills, after a 9News report found that the state's …

EF Go Ahead tours reported a 17% increase in bookings for vacations in Nordic countries and a whopping 60% increase in destinations across Latin America in the past year. (Adobe Stock)

Culture, learning all the rage on international trips

Travel agencies say Americans are still embracing overseas trips, including destinations where the itinerary is loaded with learning opportunities …

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PNS Daily Newscast: Afternoon Update - January 23, 2025

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Consumer

Medicaid cuts could devastate rural Florida, affecting children

Report: Medicaid cuts would disproportionately affect rural Coloradans

As more bird flu cases reach MI, infectious disease expert shares insights

Ohio faces health care challenges as Medicaid funding wavers

Report: CT must consider legislation regulating AI

New Mexico's rural families fear proposed federal cuts to Medicaid

Kane County uses $500,000 grant to reduce food waste

Report highlights needs for GA energy efficiency

Maryland needs more blood donors

Insurance companies denying coverage for Coloradans' mental health care

MA company ends production of genetically modified Atlantic salmon

Health care advocate says future of Medicaid critical for rural Alaskans

Union rep: SEIU joining AFL-CIO will help OR workers

Report: Potential Medicaid cuts would hit rural MO hardest

'Right to repair' case seen as tip of iceberg for ND farmer fairness

Future of sustainable aviation fuel in MT, U.S. depends on policy

Report: AL needs to make energy efficiency a priority

Cabinet nominees push deregulation of America's food systems

PA power demand spurs concerns over rising rates, gas dependency

Expert: Raw milk carries higher health risks

Lawmaker fights for better health, housing for Michiganders

AI leader praises MS governor’s push for responsible tech

TN community health centers meet growing demand for dental care

How could President-elect Trump's tax plan affect Arizonans?

Ohio farmers navigate uncertainty amid Farm Bill delays

Big tax talk expected in WY general session

Marylanders' medical debt off limits to banks, lenders

At 50, Dungeons and Dragons offers lessons for leaders

Nebraska farmers 'cautiously optimistic' about farm policy

Kentuckians’ health insurance tax credits set to expire at end of 2025

Medicaid expansion in play as ID Legislature gavels in

Sustainability practices help NC businesses stick around

Medical debt to be removed from credit reports

WA lawmakers urged to lower cost to obtain medical records

MI expert discusses wind, solar surpassing coal on U.S. grid in 2024

How to approach MD climate risks when saving for retirement

AARP Arizona gears up for new legislative session

Economists cautiously optimistic about 2025 AR economy

CO community health centers saved $17.3 million in Medicare dollars

Enrollment deadline for ME health insurance marketplace Jan. 15

Rising risks of toxic PFAS chemicals in CO drinking water

Push to protect WA from crypto ATM scams

Banks, lenders to no longer consider medical debt under new rule

NY/NJ bill reforming Port Authority may come back before lawmakers

EV upgrades could ease concerns about cold-climate performance

Not now, social media 'likes': Phasing out heavy screen time

Patients call for end of UCHealth lawsuits

Culture, learning all the rage on international trips