Consumer Issues / Public News Service

In 2022, 42.4% of full-time undergraduate students worked while enrolled to cover their costs, reflecting the growing challenge of affording higher education. (William W. Potter/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Ohio universities see tuition spike, enrollment decline

By John Hilber / Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi reporting for the Kent State NewsLab-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. In the last 21 years…

If the Kroger-Alberstons merger is approved, Gunnison's 6,000 residents would have to travel 65 miles to find a grocery store not owned by Kroger, which owns King Soopers in Colorado, according to the American Economic Liberties Project. (Galatas)

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Corporate consolidation, lack of competition linked to rising grocery prices

As a federal judge considers a lawsuit aiming to block a proposed $25 billion merger between Kroger and Albertsons, a new report detailed how …

Sheep graze on a solar field in Garrard County owned by Silicon Ranch Corp. (Silicon Ranch)

Monday, September 9, 2024

KY communities consider solar zoning ordinances

As Fayette County considers approving industrial-scale solar operations on farmland, more communities in the Commonwealth are considering special …

Solar panels on the roof of Lifeline Church of God in Princeton, W.Va. (Resource Rural)

Monday, September 9, 2024

Federal funding reduces barriers to solar for WV schools, churches

Wayne County Schools and a church in Princeton have installed solar panels with help from the Inflation Reduction Act, local grants and solar …

In addition to Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, Vice Presidential nominees Tim Walz and J.D. Vance have been holding plenty of campaign events in battleground states like Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, September 9, 2024

Battleground state bonanza: Guidance for WI voters on campaign interactions

For the 2024 presidential election, Wisconsin has retained its status as a battleground state. That means voters are hearing a lot from campaigns …

According to Redfin, in 2019 Minneapolis became the first city to eliminate exclusively single-family zoning citywide. (Delores Harvey/Adobe Stock)

Monday, September 9, 2024

AARP NE grant funds design contest for one type of 'missing middle housing'

Drawing attention to a housing option that could make it easier for older Nebraskans to "age in place" is one of the goals of an AARP Community Challe…

Iowa has provided more than $3.3 billion to communities to help finance water quality improvement projects over the years, according to the Iowa Environmental Council. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, September 9, 2024

Iowa seeks to remove dangerous lead water pipes

Iowa is getting federal help to eliminate lead water pipes in the state. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is working with local water …

The Biden administration is providing a range of subsidies to spur carbon-capture projects to help reduce carbon emissions. But as projects take shape in the Midwest, issues such as landowner rights have led to extensive public debate. (Adobe Stock)

Survey sheds light on public sentiment about carbon-capture land conflicts

In a new poll, 81% of registered voters from several Midwestern states said they oppose corporations resorting to eminent domain for private projects…

Weston Lombard, at his Athens County farm, uses regenerative practices funded by the Inflation Reduction Act. (Photo credit Sijie Yuan)

Ohio reacts to Biden's investment targeting rural electrification

President Joe Biden has announced a landmark $7.3 billion investment, the largest since the FDR New Deal, aimed at electrifying rural America…

Close to 4 million tons of food waste ends up in New York City landfills yearly, which comprises 20% of the city's waste. (Adobe Stock)

NYC nonprofit helps communities fight food insecurity

A New York City nonprofit is helping communities fight food insecurity. Rethink Food began in 2017 with the mission of taking excess food from top …

In a new national survey, people 65 and older were more likely than other age groups to think raw milk was less safe than pasteurized milk. (Adobe Stock)

Rural residents more likely to consider raw milk to be safe

By Tim Marema for The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Wisconsin News Connection for the Public News Service/Daily Yonder Collaboration…

80% of Wyoming adults say that EMS should be considered an essential service, according to a 2024 AARP survey. (Kirill Gorlov/Adobe Stock)

Survey: Wyomingites support increased EMS funding

Some emergency medical services, or EMS, are consolidating or closing across Wyoming, while the need for services is increasing. In 2021, Wyoming EMS …

A key goal of Michigan's Healthy Climate Plan is to limit energy burden from powering and heating homes to not more than 6% of annual income for low-income households. (M.studio/Adobe Stock)

New solar deal brightens Lansing's green future

Lansing residents and businesses can breathe easier following a new 15-year renewable energy deal. The partnership between General Motors and North …

The Federal Trade Commission received 60,599 fraud reports from consumers in North Carolina in 2023. (Adobe Stock)

Beware election scams: BBB warns NC voters of fraud risks

Scammers are on the prowl this election season to target the emotions of voters to steal donations, seek polling information or gain their financial …

A new California bill requiring speed warning systems on vehicles does not require data to be stored. Privacy issues would remain in the hands of car manufacturers. (Rawintanpin/Adobe Stock)

Newsom urged to sign bill to require speeding alert systems on cars

Groups fighting for safer roads are urging Gov. Gavin Newsom to sign a bill requiring new vehicles to have a speed-monitoring system to warn drivers …

Around 17 million people attempt to get a new Social Security card every year. (Adobe Stock)

Protecting your Social Security number: GA residents urged to stay vigilant

In Georgia, the demand for Social Security cards is soaring, with nearly 34,000 residents in Gwinnett County alone requesting appointments for new …

Experts warn not to give in to an event organizer's pressure to participate in a festival or fair. Also, if they are pushy about getting payments but are not giving details, it could be a scam. (Adobe Stock)

Experts advise CT consumers about safe shopping at festivals

Experts are advising Connecticut consumers to be cautious with what they buy at late-summer fairs and festivals. As fun as the events can be…

On price negotiations alone, the Congressional Budget Office estimates the Inflation Reduction Act will generate more than $100 billion in savings over 10 years for those using Medicare. (Adobe Stock)

With new caps, WI Medicare enrollees expected to save $1500 next year

Older Wisconsin residents struggling to manage prescription drug costs, have new data on how much they might save as a new federal rule kicks in …

Medicare enrollees will not have to spend more than $2,000 annually on prescription drugs, starting next year. (Burlingham/Adobe Stock)

Report: New prescription drug cap for Medicare means big savings

Hundreds of thousands of older Californians will see huge savings on prescription drugs starting in January, according to a new report from AARP…

The Arizona State University Center for Tribal Digital Sovereignty is designed to provide tribal nations with the resources they need to build proactive digital platforms. (ASU)

New ASU program to help tribal governments develop digital sovereignty

Historic inequities have left many tribal nations behind the rest of the country but a new Arizona State University program is designed to launch them…

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 - …

From 2011 to mid-2020, 95 gigawatts of coal capacity was closed or switched to another fuel and another 25 gigawatts is slated to shut down by 2025, according to federal data. (Adobe Stock)

West Virginia’s PSC faces lawsuit over coal-plant directive

The Public Service Commission of West Virginia is facing legal challenges for its 2021 directive that Appalachian Power increase the usage of three of…

Beginning in January, new federal changes will cap out-of-pocket prescription drug costs at $2,000 annually for 56 million Americans with Medicare drug plans. (Adobe Stock)

Some older Kentuckians will save on prescription drugs next year

Around 60,000 Kentucky seniors will save more money on their medications in the New Year, according to a new AARP report. Under the federal …

The Middle Class Borrower Protection Act has passed the House and was received in the Senate on July 10, 2023. (Man888/Adobe Stock)<br />

Federal bill aimed to help MI homebuyers draws criticism

Michigan has seen a 10% rise in foreclosures this year. The Middle Class Borrower Protection Act, intended to assist middle-class homebuyers…

Actions by the Biden administration reduced the number of people with medical debt on their credit reports from 46 million in 2020 to 15 million Americans in 2024. (Adobe Stock)

Nationally proposed medical debt policies can aid NYers

New Yorkers could see relief from medical debt if several national proposals move forward. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau proposed a new …

Research shows South Dakota had the fifth-highest rate of cropland abandonment between 1986 and 2018, trailing Texas, North Dakota, Kansas and Montana. (Adobe Stock)

Former croplands could be ‘sweet spot’ for renewable-energy production

Researchers mapped American croplands that have fallen out of production in hopes of inspiring new uses for them, such as renewable energy. Roughly 3…

Opponents of changes to California's auto lemon law include the National Consumer League and the Consumer Federation of America. (AA+W/Adobe Stock)

Consumer groups blast bill to change CA Lemon Law

Consumer groups are calling for the withdrawal of a bill that would change the way California's auto lemon law works - before the legislative session …

Colorado is investing in key infrastructure to power and maintain electric vehicles, including connecting new solar canopies to the electric grid, and adding more charging stations. (Adobe Stock)

Clean buses coming to Colorado transit systems

The Colorado Department of Transportation is investing nearly $32 million to help local governments and other stakeholders transition to electric vehi…

Iowa's newly released Child Care Connect website displays child care providers with vacancies by geography or along a designated driving route. With the tool, people can identify child care providers close by between their home and office. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa releases real time online child care finder

Iowa has released an interactive website to help parents find real-time child care options for their kids. Iowa Child Care Connect, which the state …

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Mainers seek more ‘sustainable’ seafood but labels may be misleading

Mainers are buying more "sustainable" and "humane" seafood but animal welfare advocates said such labels may not be telling the whole story. The …

Access to affordable medicines is critical for managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, depression or asthma and preventing emergency treatment. (Adobe Stock)

Big Pharma siphoning off critical health center resource

As Congress heads back to work after the August recess, advocates for the nation's safety net Community Health Centers are urging lawmakers to end …

According to newsbug.info for Illinois, the median monthly rent is $1,627 and almost 33% of Illinoisans are renters. (Adobe Stock)

New IL law widens tenant-landlord divide

A controversial Illinois law signed earlier this month has pushed landlords and tenants even further apart. Gov. JB Pritzker signed the Landlord …

The Postsecondary National Policy Institue says in 2020, 22% of the 18- to 24-year-old Native American population were enrolled in college compared to 40% of the overall U.S. population. (Adobe Stock)

MN's new free tuition program resets higher ed path for tribal students

Indigenous populations have long faced barriers in pursuing higher education and Minnesota's new free college tuition program could help put some of t…

FAFSA forms last year were not launched until the end of December and were not fully available for all applicants until January. (Adobe Stock)

Hoosier families face financial aid setback with new FAFSA delay

Hoosier families with current and future college students should prepare for a delay in accessing financial aid. The Department of Education has …

The 340B program was launched in 1992 when Congress empowered the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to encourage pharmaceutical companies to reduce outpatient drug prices for hospitals serving low-income populations. (jarmoluk/Pixabay)

FL patients face uncertain future amid prescription drug program challenges

The 340B Drug Pricing Program, designed to provide discounted medications to safety-net hospitals and clinics serving low-income populations…

There have been 2,097,915 FAFSA applications completed for the 2024-2025 school year. That's a 9.5% decline from the previous school year, according to the National College Attainment Network. (Adobe Stock)<br />

MA college aid experts optimistic FAFSA rollout will be glitch-free

College financial aid experts in Massachusetts say this year's phased rollout of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid should be error free…

China is Maine's top export destination for seafood, accounting for 80% to 85% of U.S. lobster sales and bringing in more than $300 million to the state's economy in 2022. (Adobe Stock)

U of Maine study reveals pathways for U.S. seafood independence

A new study from the University of Maine found the nation could reduce the amount of seafood it imports and still meet consumer demand. Americans …

The BLM's Rock Springs planning area in southwest Wyoming is one of the largest in the lower 48 states and is part of the world's longest recorded mule deer migration. (Adobe Stock)

BLM's Rock Springs management plan has some wins for conservation

The Bureau of Land Management proposed a new plan for public lands in southwest Wyoming, that makes some headway for conservation. The BLM's new …

Every five years, the Farm Bill expires and is renewed through a lengthy process of proposal, debate, and approval by Congress, followed by the President's signature to become law. (JackF/Adobe Stock)

MO livestock producers seek fairness in consolidated meat industry

Missouri livestock producers are pushing Congress to restore country-of-origin labeling for beef in the next farm bill, believing it'll boost their …

After public backlash, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection has rescheduled meetings to discuss developing golf courses and other amenities in state parks until the week of Sept. 2, 2024. (Pixabay)

Controversial FL state park development meetings postponed

In a rare unifying and bipartisan rebuke, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection has postponed tomorrow's meetings to discuss a …

The number of Kentuckians who had their power disconnected increased by 228% in 2022, compared to a 29% increase nationwide, according to a new study by the Energy and Policy Institute and Center for Biological Diversity. (Adobe Stock)

Experts: Utility disconnections in extreme weather harm communities

Housing advocates said they are seeing more Kentuckians affected by electricity shut-offs. In 2022, the number of Kentuckians who had their power …

The objective of the Health Connector program is to ensure enhanced and equal access to healthcare options for all residents, according to Dallas County officials. (Dallas County Health Department)

Iowa transportation program aims to reduce missed health appointments

County health officials in rural Iowa are using a new app to connect people to their doctors and cut down on missed appointments. The Health …

Illinois is the nation's fifth-largest electricity producer, and typically sends about one-fifth of the power it generates to other states over interstate transmission lines. Illinois generates more electricity from nuclear energy than any other state.(Adobe Stock)

New study says IL needs new less expensive energy options

A new study warns that Illinois will face future energy shortages and a higher risk of blackouts, unless investments are made soon in cleaner energy…

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, lower courts usually define a

MN livestock producers may take concerns to the polls

Concerns about consolidation in the meat industry could drive livestock producers to the polls. Just four companies process about 85% of American …

A new documentary short captures how these organizations are innovating to open doors for Missoula residents to become property owners (Neighborkworks Montana)

Montana group uses co-op model to take on housing crisis

A coalition of advocates is using a novel approach to address the housing shortage in Missoula, helping renters become owners. Prices and …

As Colorado experiences more extreme heat due to climate change, upgrading to efficient, all-electric appliances can reduce indoor air pollution and provide cooling for Denver's income-qualified residents. (Energy Outreach Colorado)

Colorado's first multifamily housing units upgraded to all-electric

A coalition effort led by Energy Outreach Colorado has completed a first-of-its-kind multi-family electrification project, replacing gas-powered …

In California, 750,000 fast-food workers were covered by the increase in the minimum wage in the sector from $16 to $20 per hour. (BlueSkyImages/Adobe Stock)

Fast food jobs increasing in CA despite rising minimum wage

New data show fast food jobs have been on the upswing in the four months since the minimum wage in the sector went from $16 to $20 an hour. The …

A Building Decarbonization Coalition report showed the combination of high fuel costs and high distribution system costs can lead to rising cost requirements from ratepayers. (Adobe Stock)

NYS Public Service Commission approves gas rate increase

New York's Public Service Commission has approved a three-year rate increase for National Grid. The more than 19% rate increase will impact Brooklyn…

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Consumer

Ohio universities see tuition spike, enrollment decline

Corporate consolidation, lack of competition linked to rising grocery prices

KY communities consider solar zoning ordinances

Federal funding reduces barriers to solar for WV schools, churches

Battleground state bonanza: Guidance for WI voters on campaign interactions

AARP NE grant funds design contest for one type of 'missing middle housing'

Iowa seeks to remove dangerous lead water pipes

Survey sheds light on public sentiment about carbon-capture land conflicts

Ohio reacts to Biden's investment targeting rural electrification

NYC nonprofit helps communities fight food insecurity

Rural residents more likely to consider raw milk to be safe

Survey: Wyomingites support increased EMS funding

New solar deal brightens Lansing's green future

Beware election scams: BBB warns NC voters of fraud risks

Newsom urged to sign bill to require speeding alert systems on cars

Protecting your Social Security number: GA residents urged to stay vigilant

Experts advise CT consumers about safe shopping at festivals

With new caps, WI Medicare enrollees expected to save $1500 next year

Report: New prescription drug cap for Medicare means big savings

New ASU program to help tribal governments develop digital sovereignty

AR ranchers want a bigger cut from beef industry

West Virginia’s PSC faces lawsuit over coal-plant directive

Some older Kentuckians will save on prescription drugs next year

Federal bill aimed to help MI homebuyers draws criticism

Nationally proposed medical debt policies can aid NYers

Former croplands could be ‘sweet spot’ for renewable-energy production

Consumer groups blast bill to change CA Lemon Law

Clean buses coming to Colorado transit systems

Iowa releases real time online child care finder

Mainers seek more ‘sustainable’ seafood but labels may be misleading

Big Pharma siphoning off critical health center resource

New IL law widens tenant-landlord divide

MN's new free tuition program resets higher ed path for tribal students

Hoosier families face financial aid setback with new FAFSA delay

FL patients face uncertain future amid prescription drug program challenges

MA college aid experts optimistic FAFSA rollout will be glitch-free

U of Maine study reveals pathways for U.S. seafood independence

BLM's Rock Springs management plan has some wins for conservation

MO livestock producers seek fairness in consolidated meat industry

Controversial FL state park development meetings postponed

Experts: Utility disconnections in extreme weather harm communities

Iowa transportation program aims to reduce missed health appointments

New study says IL needs new less expensive energy options

MN livestock producers may take concerns to the polls

Montana group uses co-op model to take on housing crisis

Colorado's first multifamily housing units upgraded to all-electric

Fast food jobs increasing in CA despite rising minimum wage

NYS Public Service Commission approves gas rate increase