Consumer Issues / Public News Service

The financially beleaguered U.S. Postal Service expects to save billions of dollars by using electric rather than gas-powered mail delivery trucks. (USPSoig.gov)

Friday, October 11, 2024

NM streets will be quieter, cleaner when USPS electric mail trucks arrive

Neighborhoods across New Mexico and other states will soon be cleaner and quieter as the U.S. Postal Service rolls out its new electric mail-delivery …

The Inflation Reduction Act allocates more than $369 billion in funding through tax breaks, incentives and grants to combat the climate crisis, addressing the increasing toll of extreme weather and worsening air quality on communities. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, October 11, 2024

Savannah climate resilience efforts get boost from federal investments

Savannah's leaders are pointing out the ways federal dollars are being used to boost the area's resilience against climate change. In the aftermath …

Around 90% of young voters in Arizona say the cost of living is a serious concern to them, followed by affordable housing (86%) and protecting the water supply (81%), according to Arizona State University. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, October 10, 2024

AZ voting advocates switch focus to voter education

Now that the deadline to register to vote in Arizona has passed, voting-rights advocates are switching their focus to voter education. Today…

This year, the North Carolina Maternal Mortality Review Committee reported bias and discrimination contribute to traumatic and near-death experiences. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

NC moms speak out on medical neglect in high-risk pregnancies

By Kylie Marsh for the Charlotte Post, with support from the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting.Broadcast version by Shanteya Hudson for North …

In 2022, 563,512 or 39% of Connecticut's 1.4 million households were below the ALICE threshold. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

New data show CT families struggle to afford the basics

New data show many Connecticut residents can't afford daily life. This year's ALICE update shows the number of asset-limited, income-constrained …

Water purification in Orange County's Groundwater Replenishment System involves three steps: microfiltration, reverse osmosis and advanced oxidation. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

CA facilities could turn sewage into tap water, but public acceptance lags

By Matt Vasilogambros and Kevin Hardy for Stateline.Broadcast version by Kathleen Shannon for California News Service reporting for the Solutions Jour…

According to projections from the South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation, the state's economy is expected to have 39,500 more jobs in 2032 than it did in 2022, an increase of 7.7%. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

SD data show wind sector to lead job growth in coming decade

Projections of South Dakota's job growth could lead to more degrees from technical colleges, which are seeing increased enrollment. Occupational …

The American Clean Power Second Quarter 2024 Market Report ranked Ohio fourth nationally and first in the Midwest for clean power installations and first in the Midwest for utility-scale solar capacity this year. (AnnaStills/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Ohio’s clean-energy surge drives jobs, growth

As Ohio continues to embrace clean energy solutions, the debate over its economic and environmental impact remains a focal point for residents…

Keven Dardon was among the leaders on the negotiation team in Oregon during the largest health care strike in history. (SEIU Local 49)

Workers celebrate one year on from largest health care strike in US history

It's been one year since the largest health care strike in U.S. history, and union members say they've seen changes since their 2023 victory…

All Arkansas employers must display an approved Arkansas minimum-wage poster in a prominent place to inform employees about the minimum wage and their worker's rights under Arkansas labor law. GoodIdeas/Adobe Stock)

Study: Low wage workers in AR could benefit from minimum wage increase

A new study finds minimum-wage increases have little or no impact on job loss. The Economic Policy Institute study comes as federal lawmakers …

Nearly 90% of nonbinary adults in the workforce are younger than age 35 and half are people of color. (Marcos/AdobeStock)

Boosting transgender employment could boost a company's bottom line

Experts say a diverse workforce is crucial for creativity and social justice, and equally good for a company's bottom line. But reluctance to hire …

In 2021, 48 of 50 states recorded the highest number of online shopping fraud reports within the past five years. (A2Z AI/Adobe Stock)

Ohioans confront event ticketing challenges

Concert and sports fans in Ohio are expressing growing frustration over rising ticket prices and hidden fees. In response, Congress is considering …

In 1979, cuts to Amtrak included the discontinuation of a long multistate route running through the southern half of North Dakota. (Adobe Stock)

A reunion nearly 50 years in the making? ND eyes possible Amtrak route return

This week, federal officials announced a new round of funding for passenger rail projects. It is part of a larger push to expand and restore service…

A bill known as the People's Privacy Act was introduced in Olympia in 2023 to protect people's personal information. (Pakin/Adobe Stock)

Trade rules pushed by big tech could undermine WA regulatory legislation

Groups are warning technology companies could undermine protections on a number of issues with their push for certain provisions in international trad…

America's Health Rankings rated Illinois in 38th place in the country for the highest number of residents aged 60 and above who have faced food insecurity. (Adobe Stock)

IL seniors face mental, physical roadblocks to nutritious meals

The baby boomer generation is getting older and the ability to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including regular access to nutritious meals, can …

Congressional lawmakers introduced the 'Momnibus Act', a series of bills providing funding and services to reduce maternal mortality and disparities in maternal health care. (Adobe Stock)

NY works to address high maternal mortality rates

New York is working to address its maternal mortality rates. The state's Department of Health reported between 2018 and 2020, there were 121 …

New Hampshire has the 23rd highest average loan balance among all states and it is $747 lower than the national average of $38,883, according to Experian Data. (Adobe Stock)

NH student loan debt grows along with costs of graduate degree

The cost of a graduate degree in the U.S. tripled between 2000 and 2020, according to a new report. People with master's degrees, law, medical or …

During the holiday seasons of Fiscal Years 2021 and 2022, the U.S. Postal Service handled record mail volumes with improved average delivery times, dropping from 2.7 to 2.5 days despite high volume. (Robert Latawiec/Adobe Stock)

MS part of National Day of Action to save the Postal Service

This is a National Day of Action for workers at the U.S. Postal Service. Mississippi postal workers are among those rallying to demand that Postal …

It can take up to 10 weeks for some people to have symptoms of listeriosis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)

UT food-safety expert: Food policy 'strong' but implementation could improve

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a widespread recall of Boar's Head deli meats for contamination of listeria earlier this year. The …

Banks, credit unions and nonprofits offer free financial counseling and connect people with credit-building and first-time homebuyer programs. (Karolina Kaboompics/Pixabay)<br />

FL Latino families urged to build credit, secure financial futures

As part of National Hispanic American Heritage Month, financial experts are urging Latino families in Florida to take steps toward building wealth …

There were more than 70 substantial pesticide producers in the United States in the 1960s. (Adobe Stock / AI)

Report: Agribusiness monopolies harming farmers, consumers

A new report looking at agribusiness consolidation found decades of mergers have reduced competition, leading to higher costs for farmers and …

The U.S. Postal Service's Delivering for America plan is not expected to cause layoffs, but Ricci Roberts, the branch president of mail handlers in Cheyenne, said keeping a job under the changes may require relocating. (Adobe Stock)

As WY mail to be routed out of state, many say concerns unheard

As the U.S. Postal Service continues to implement a long-term reform plan, rural customers in places such as Wyoming may pay the price. Following …

The American Postal Workers Union says inadequate staffing levels make it nearly impossible to meet their performance targets for delivery time for three- to five-day letters. (Lost_in_the_Midwest/Adobe Stock)

NE town understands issues highlighted by nationwide Postal Union rallies

American Postal Workers Union members are holding a nationwide "Day of Action" rally today to draw attention to a number of concerns, several of them …

The American Postal Workers Union represents more than 200,000 workers across the country. (MelissaMN/Adobe Stock)

Postal workers to hold day of action, ID rallies planned

U.S. postal workers will rally across the country on Tuesday to bring attention to their working conditions. An Idaho postal worker helped start the …

The CDC reports Pennsylvania has a rate of heart disease deaths of 173 per 100,000 population, not ideal, but well below the national average of 210 per 100,000. (Adobe Stock)

Doctors: To stay healthy, know your cholesterol numbers

The American Heart Association is spearheading a critical initiative to educate Pennsylvanians about the silent risks posed by high levels of LDL chol…

National parks in Wyoming supported about $479 million in labor income in 2023, according to a National Park Service report. (Adobe Stock)

Grand Teton National Park sees high visitor spending, seeks input

Visitor spending in and near national parks contributed to the U.S. economy at a record high level last year. Grand Teton is one park looking at how …

The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates more than one-third of food produced in the U.S. is never eaten, wasting the resources used to produce, process and distribute it. (Adobe Stock)<br />

ME tackles food waste in effort to mitigate climate change

A new study found Maine households are a leading contributor of food waste in local landfills, which in turn contributes to climate change. …

60.5% of all graduate school completers have federal student loan debt; 54.2% have debt from their graduate studies, according to the Education Data Initiative. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Graduate degree costs have tripled since 2000

The cost of a graduate degree tripled between 2000 and 2020, according to a new report from the Georgetown University Center on Education and the …

Montana residents who qualify can receive up to $675 in property tax rebates. (Adobe Stock)

Deadline approaches for Montana tax rebate

Tomorrow is the deadline for Montana residents who qualify to apply for a property tax rebate. The State Legislature passed the measure during its …

New York State has 700 home health agencies, independent living centers and other businesses acting as providers for the state's Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP). (Adobe Stock)

NY disability rights advocates worry about assistance program changes

New York disability rights advocates are voicing concerns about changes to what's known as the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program…

With the addition of behavioral therapists, a new union bargaining unit at Legacy's Unity Center for Behavioral Health represents 120 workers. (ONA)

Therapists unionize as OHSU, Legacy submit plans for merger

Oregon Health and Science University and Legacy Health have officially submitted merger plans to state regulators. Behavioral therapists at Legacy …

Many banks, credit unions and nonprofit agencies offer free financial counseling and can connect people with programs to establish credit or aid first-time home buyers. (Self-Help Federal Credit Union)<br />

During Hispanic Heritage Month, tips on financial literacy

During National Hispanic American Heritage Month, financial experts are speaking out to help Latino families build wealth. Federal data show that …

The website FundHubWA shows Washingtonians clean energy opportunities, such as electric vehicle rebates. (IanDewarPhotography/Adobe Stock)

With unprecedented climate funding available, WA launches resource hub

Washington state has launched a new website that lets people and organizations know about ways they can fund going green. With resources for clean …

A blood test is the only way to determine your cholesterol levels. (jarun011/Adobe Stock)

TX among states with high cholesterol numbers

On this last day of Cholesterol Education Month, the American Heart Association is highlighting the importance of knowing your cholesterol numbers - …

A recent multi-specialty survey reveals 87% of respondents feel Medicare cuts have significantly affected their practices, with 53% believing the future success of their practice is unlikely. (Adobe Stock)

Medicare cuts threaten private medical practices, access to care in NC

Physicians in North Carolina are warning that what they describe as Medicare's outdated payment system is putting patient care on the line, …

The recent allocation of $5 million to small businesses in the semiconductor industry mostly went to West Coast companies. (Maha Heang 245789/Adobe Stock)

OR business a recipient for fed semiconductor investments

The Biden administration has made more investments in revitalizing the U.S. semiconductor industry, including in an Oregon company. Seventeen …

Despite care gaps, health experts with the American Heart Association say in Minnesota, every resident is within 30 minutes of a hospital able to provide stroke care. (Adobbe Stock)

With new grant, MN renews efforts to improve care for stroke patients

Minnesota has 120 hospitals designated for treating stroke patients but health leaders say more work is needed to reach underserved populations…

A blood test for thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) costs between $10 and $250 depending on which health care facility you choose. A comprehensive metabolic panel ranges from $10 to $700. (Adobe Stock)

New tool helps consumers compare costs, quality of hospital care

Shopping for health-care procedures has historically been more challenging than getting the best deal on groceries or even car repairs. But Cari …

IL small businesses hope tax deduction stays afloat

A large tax hike could appear soon, that would affect Illinois' small businesses still rebounding from the pandemic. One group hopes Congress will …

Critics of Project 2025 allege it would put water at greater risk of pollution and contamination for the sake of corporate profits. (wckiw/Adobe Stock)

NM news org identifies impacts of 'Project 2025' on state residents

A New Mexico nonprofit news organization wants voters to know what is included in "Project 2025" and how it could potentially change the course of the…

IN small businesses resist potential tax hike

A large tax hike could be awaiting small businesses still rebounding from the pandemic. One group hopes Congress will act before two bills expire and …

According to the report, data centers and large manufacturing facilities may run around the clock and require that 100 megawatts of power be available every hour of the day. (Eimantas Buzas/Adobe Stock)

Growing industries threaten Georgia’s climate goals amid rising energy demand

A new report warned climate goals in Georgia and nationwide are threatened by the rapid growth of industries like data centers and electric vehicles…

Some 78% of Americans are concerned about rising utility bills, according to a 2024 survey from CNET. (Adobe Stock)<br />

WV regulators dismiss AEP rate hike proposal

A proposed rate hike by American Electric Power that would have affected customers in two dozen West Virginia counties is off the table for now…

More than four out of ten Mainers have medical debt in their household, and nearly all of them who've accrued that debt within the past two years still have it, according to a survey from Consumers for Affordable Health Care. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Mainers offer insight into barriers to affordable health care

Mainers will get a chance to weigh in on health care costs today at the state's annual public hearing on health care affordability. Legislation …

Starting in January, Californians' credit scores will no longer be affected by most medical debt. <br />(Orcea David/Adobe Stock)

Gov. Newsom signs bill to eliminate medical debt from credit reports

Starting in January, medical debt will no longer count against millions of Californians' credit scores thanks to a bill signed Tuesday by Gov…

The Environmental Protection Agency said aviation in the United States accounts for nearly 10% of greenhouse-gas emissions from the transportation sector. (Adobe Stock)

Cruising at 30,000 feet with cleaner jet fuel: MN part of sustainability efforts

Some Minnesotans might already be booking flights for the upcoming holiday season. In the future, they could end up flying on a jet relying on …

The debate over a new Farm Bill and where to prioritize funding comes as the number of farms declines while farm sizes go up. Experts said it is a symptom of corporate consolidation within agriculture. (Adobe Stock)

Future health of WI's farmland monitored in Farm Bill fight

Congress has one week from today to reauthorize a sweeping policy playing a big role in shaping the nation's food production system, and Wisconsin …

Restaurants and food businesses in the U.S. use nearly 1 trillion pieces of disposable plasticware and packaging annually, according to Upstream, a reuse advocacy organization. (Adobe Stock)

Takeout with a side of sustainability: MA restaurants avoid single-use plastic

By Meg Wilcox for Civil Eats.Broadcast version by Kathryn Carley for Commonwealth News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public N…

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Consumer

NM streets will be quieter, cleaner when USPS electric mail trucks arrive

Savannah climate resilience efforts get boost from federal investments

AZ voting advocates switch focus to voter education

NC moms speak out on medical neglect in high-risk pregnancies

New data show CT families struggle to afford the basics

CA facilities could turn sewage into tap water, but public acceptance lags

SD data show wind sector to lead job growth in coming decade

Ohio’s clean-energy surge drives jobs, growth

Workers celebrate one year on from largest health care strike in US history

Study: Low wage workers in AR could benefit from minimum wage increase

Boosting transgender employment could boost a company's bottom line

Ohioans confront event ticketing challenges

A reunion nearly 50 years in the making? ND eyes possible Amtrak route return

Trade rules pushed by big tech could undermine WA regulatory legislation

IL seniors face mental, physical roadblocks to nutritious meals

NY works to address high maternal mortality rates

NH student loan debt grows along with costs of graduate degree

MS part of National Day of Action to save the Postal Service

UT food-safety expert: Food policy 'strong' but implementation could improve

FL Latino families urged to build credit, secure financial futures

Report: Agribusiness monopolies harming farmers, consumers

As WY mail to be routed out of state, many say concerns unheard

NE town understands issues highlighted by nationwide Postal Union rallies

Postal workers to hold day of action, ID rallies planned

Doctors: To stay healthy, know your cholesterol numbers

Grand Teton National Park sees high visitor spending, seeks input

ME tackles food waste in effort to mitigate climate change

Report: Graduate degree costs have tripled since 2000

Deadline approaches for Montana tax rebate

NY disability rights advocates worry about assistance program changes

Therapists unionize as OHSU, Legacy submit plans for merger

During Hispanic Heritage Month, tips on financial literacy

With unprecedented climate funding available, WA launches resource hub

TX among states with high cholesterol numbers

Medicare cuts threaten private medical practices, access to care in NC

OR business a recipient for fed semiconductor investments

With new grant, MN renews efforts to improve care for stroke patients

New tool helps consumers compare costs, quality of hospital care

IL small businesses hope tax deduction stays afloat

NM news org identifies impacts of 'Project 2025' on state residents

IN small businesses resist potential tax hike

Growing industries threaten Georgia’s climate goals amid rising energy demand

WV regulators dismiss AEP rate hike proposal

Mainers offer insight into barriers to affordable health care

Gov. Newsom signs bill to eliminate medical debt from credit reports

Cruising at 30,000 feet with cleaner jet fuel: MN part of sustainability efforts

Future health of WI's farmland monitored in Farm Bill fight

Takeout with a side of sustainability: MA restaurants avoid single-use plastic