Consumer Issues / Public News Service

The federal Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program is distributing more than $42 billion to expand high-speed internet. (escapejaja/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Fed funding helps OR address barriers to internet access

Oregon is working to address the state's digital divide with hundreds of millions of dollars in funding. Infrastructure presents the largest …

In 2023, Nevadans lost an average amount of $1,925 per scam that was reported, according to LendingTree. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

FTC warns scams lead to highest per-capita losses in NV

Financial Literacy Month might be coming to an end soon, but the Federal Trade Commission wants to help Nevadans year-around spot, avoid and report …

The number of Americans with health coverage under the American Care Act has doubled since its 2014 launch, according to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (NLawrenson/peopleimages.com/AdobeStock)

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

NM aims to reduce out-of-pocket health-care costs for consumers

New Mexico saw record enrollment numbers for the Affordable Care Act this year and is now setting its sights on lowering out-of-pocket costs - those n…

While they're advertised as loans with little or no interest, the Center for Responsible Lending says cash-advance apps often structure their products with optional fees and subscriptions that can end up mirroring extra costs seen through a traditional payday loan. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Not-so-easy money: Report details hidden fees in cash app loans

Wisconsin lawmakers recently debated reforms for payday loans. Efforts to protect consumers come amid new research about financial pain associated …

The U.S. Supreme Court's decision on Idaho's abortion ban will have ramifications for health-care providers in the state. (JudithAnne/Adobe Stock)

Monday, April 22, 2024

ID abortion law before SCOTUS this week

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments this week on Idaho's near-total abortion ban. Idaho v. United States is on the docket for Wednesday…

Shoppers are feeling the pinch of higher grocery prices in Montana, where food costs rose ninth-most in the nation in 2023. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, April 22, 2024

FTC: Grocers gouging consumers with food prices

Food prices remain high, in Montana and across the country. A new report by the Federal Trade Commission says the country's largest grocery …

In 2023, Utahns lost an average amount of $2,808 per scam reported, according to LendingTree. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, April 22, 2024

Utahns lost big to scammers in 2023. Expert has tips to protect yourself

April is Financial Literacy Month, and the Federal Trade Commission wants to help Utahns spot, avoid and report scams to keep their money safe…

According to a new poll, 71% of currently and previously enrolled student borrowers report delaying at least one significant life event because of student debt. (Adobe Stock)

Debt dilemma poll: Hoosiers wrestle with college costs

A new Gallup and Lumina Foundation poll unveils a concerning reality: Hoosiers may lack clarity about the true cost of higher education. The survey …

The Federal Trade Commission said the reported losses from investment scams grew in 2023 to $4.6 billion, although not all victims report their losses. (Adobe Stock)

Impostor schemes on the rise in North Carolina

April is Financial Literacy Month, when the focus is on learning smart money habits but also how to protect yourself from fraud. One problem on the …

Environmental advocates are asking California's next state budget to prioritize climate mitigation and cut tax breaks for fossil fuel companies. (The Climate Center)

Climate groups seek to remove tax breaks for oil and gas companies

As state budget negotiations continue, groups fighting climate change are asking California lawmakers to cut subsidies for oil and gas companies …

The Land of Enchantment has plenty of sunshine and some of the best solar incentives in the U.S. (Kristina Blokhin/Adobe Stock)

Personal energy electrification plans offered at NM Earth Day event

Saving New Mexico residents money as they adapt to climate change is the goal behind an Earth Day event in Albuquerque Sunday. The Rio Grande …

Shore Line East train service in December 2023 was 50.5% of what it was in 2019. (Adobe Stock)

CT lawmakers consider bills to boost public transit

Two pieces of legislation in Connecticut could bolster public transportation if they make it through the General Assembly. Senate Bill 277 would …

The New York HEAT Act could cut utility bills nearly in half for 1 in 4 energy-burdened New Yorkers. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates want NY HEAT Act in the final budget

The New York HEAT Act might not make the final budget. The bill reduces the state's reliance on natural gas and cuts ratepayer costs by eliminating …

Tax credits for home solar projects have been around for a while and local leaders in Wisconsin noted new federal policies have been more aggressive in helping governments, businesses and homeowners offset costs of installing panels. (Adobe Stock)

A snapshot of federal investments being put to use in WI

City and county governments are feeling the pinch of rising operating costs but in Wisconsin, federal incentives are driving a range of local …

Nearly 60% of Connecticut's almost 113,000 undocumented immigrants do not have access to any form of health insurance. (Adobe Stock)

Day of action focuses on CT undocumented residents' health care needs

Today, Connecticut health care advocates are holding a student day of action. They will speak to state lawmakers about raising the age limit for …

According to research from Virginia Commonwealth University, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative created 2,115 local jobs in Virginia. (Adobe Stock)

VA General Assembly considers RGGI budget amendments

Virginia's General Assembly will consider budget amendments to reenter the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, known as RGGI. Gov. Glenn Youngkin …

Fertilizer was responsible for 20% of a farmer's costs in 2022, according to data from the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. (Adobe Stock)

FTC chair in Iowa to hear fertilizer antitrust concerns

The chair of the Federal Trade Commission will be in rural Iowa this weekend to hear from farmers and other residents about the proposed sale of Iowa …

The 1922 Colorado River Compact gives priority to Lower Basin states: Arizona, California and Nevada, for rights to Colorado River Water. (Adobe Stock)

Study: 90% of CO River irrigation water goes to cattle

As Colorado and other states grapple with shrinking Colorado River water levels, new research pinpoints how much water is being diverted for cattle …

Census data show more than 100,000 North Dakotans have some college credits, but no degree. Unpaid tuition or other school debt is cited as one reason why it's hard for these individuals to re-enroll. (Adobe Stock)

ND looks to ease 'upskill' obstacles for former college students

This summer, colleges and universities will have to comply with a new federal rule and not withhold students' transcripts over unpaid tuition and …

A typical New Hampshire child care worker earned roughly $32,500 in 2023 while the federal poverty guideline for a family of four last year was $30,000, according to the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Burnout, low wages leave NH child care centers short staffed

A persistent child care worker shortage across New Hampshire is leaving families with few options. The state is currently short more than 7,000 …

In a 2022 South Dakota News Watch poll, 79% of South Dakota voters said they think the state tax on groceries should be lowered or repealed. (Adobe Stock)

Measure to end sales tax on groceries could go to SD voters

South Dakotans face high prices at the grocery store and some are working to ease the burden. A new report from the Federal Trade Commission finds …

In Mississippi, around 11% of the total population was uninsured in 2021. (Drazen)

Mississippi seniors may benefit from dual-eligible special-needs coverage

Certain health plans offer benefits for eligible low-income seniors in Mississippi who have special medical needs, but not everyone knows they are …

More than 19,000 bachelor's degrees were awarded by Utah public colleges and universities during the 2022-23 academic school year, according to Utah Commissioner of Higher Education Geoffrey Landward. (Adobe Stock)

UT students could get a bachelor's degree in just 3 years

A new degree program could grant students across the Utah System of Higher Education a bachelor's degree in just three years. Geoffrey Landward…

When the school year ends, millions of children from households with low incomes lose access to the school meals they rely on. Help is available. (Adobe Stock)

CO families must sign up to get $120 per child for food through Summer EBT

Colorado families must sign up before the end of April to receive $120 per child to buy food through the new Summer EBT program approved by Congress…

Experts said common mistakes people make in health care planning are completing an advanced directive, and not telling anyone or not adding a rider to their living will specifying the kind of care they want. (Adobe Stock)

NYers can benefit from early health care decision planning

Today is National Healthcare Decisions Day, and New Yorkers have reason to start early planning. A new report cites rates of Alzheimer's disease …

Teleheath services have expanded since the start of the pandemic. (Nattakorn/Adobe Stock)

Frozen screens? Telehealth access imperiled

By Sarah Jane Tribble for KFF Health News.Broadcast version by Eric Tegethoff for Illinois News Connection reporting for the KFF Health News-Public Ne…

Despite a looming 2030 deadline to dramatically reduce fossil fuel emissions in order to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, PacifiCorp has ditched plans to invest big in wind and solar. (Adobe Stock)

Pacificorp throws a lifeline to Wyoming coal and natural gas industry

PacifiCorp's updated energy roadmap throws a lifeline to Wyoming's coal industry but critics said the new Integrated Resource Plan is a major setback …

A new Maryland law would limit tech companies' ability to collect location data. (Adobe Stock/AI)

Assembly strengthens data privacy for Marylanders

Advocates are cheering the General Assembly for legislation protecting Marylanders' data privacy and are calling on Gov. Wes Moore to sign the bill…

In 2021, an estimated 38.4 million people in the United States were living with diabetes, a disproportionate share of them Black or Asian, according to Policy Matters Ohio. (Adobe Stock)

Insulin price gouging continues despite attempts to rein in the industry

Nearly one million Ohioans have been diagnosed with diabetes, but the cost of insulin continues to be a barrier for people needing the medication…

IRS Direct File is a new tax tool to file federal income tax returns for free, directly with the IRS. It comes with access to live customer service representatives who can answer tax questions. (stevepb/Pixabay)

Get ahead of Tax Day: IRS introduces free tax-filing program

Florida residents can now file their simple income-tax forms for free and save time through the Internal Revenue Service's Direct File pilot program…

People can receive online tax-filing support from IRS staff Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time. (Adobe Stock)

New IRS tool makes filing taxes easier for some in AZ

Arizonans have until Monday to file their individual income-tax returns, and for some, the Internal Revenue Service wants to make the chore a little …

Most of the USDA produce samples tested in this year's Dirty Dozen list from the Environmental Working Group were within the legal allowance for chemical pesticide residue. (Adobe Stock)

Strawberries top Dirty Dozen list of produce packed with pesticides

Nonorganic fruits and vegetables are loaded with chemical pesticides, including fungicides which can harm male reproductive systems, according to the …

Governor Ned Lamont's budget proposal advocates using $5.75 million in ARPA funds to support statewide resiliency and climate preparedness. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates: CT General Assembly must act on climate bills

Connecticut's General Assembly is weighing several climate change bills. It comes after what advocates describe as detrimental inaction on the …

AARP data shows the prices for the top 25 Medicare Part D drugs tripled since they were introduced. (Adobe Stock)

VA advocates upset about prescription drug affordability veto

Gov. Glenn Youngkin has vetoed legislation making prescription drugs more affordable. The bill would have created an independent body to evaluate …

Solarize Frankfort helped 27 Frankfort homeowners install solar in 2023, spurring the investment of over $600,000 in our local economy, according to the Kentucky Solar Energy Society. (Andy McDonald)<br />

Solarize campaign vets KY solar companies for consumers

As out-of-state, and sometimes disreputable companies offering solar installations crowd the market, a local effort called Solarize aims to connect …

A KFF study found between 2004 and 2021, facility fees grew 531%, four times the rate of professional fees (132%) for emergency department evaluation and management services. (Adobe Stock)

US could learn from NY’s facility fees disclosure law

As federal agencies crack down on "junk fees." experts feel they can learn a thing or two from New York. The state is one of 13 to pass facility fee …

It's estimated that Direct File would save the average user $160 in filing fees, and hours of their time, each year. (Parradee/Adobe Stock)

Free IRS tool can help Texans file taxes

CLARIFICATION: In last paragraph, it is estimated that 4 million Texans are eligible to use the Direct File program, not that 4 million will actually …

A new walk-in program provides immediate, in-person support for urgent mental health and substance use needs for anyone, regardless of their ability to pay, whether or not they are an existing client, or speak English. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Mental health urgent-care facility now available in northeast Boulder

Boulder and Broomfield County residents can now access mental health services the same way they can access urgent medical care. Dr. Nadia Haddad…

Experts say the decline in college enrollment threatens the broader landscape of higher education, which relies on the talent and diversity of students, faculty and staff to thrive. (Adobe Stock)

Indiana colleges urged to prioritize student concerns

Amid a nationwide decline in college enrollment, schools and policymakers are being urged to prioritize student concerns, especially in conservative …

If Minnesota adopts a plan that asks private companies to fund innovations in recycling and the collection of discarded materials, the state also would set a goal of all packaging being reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2032. (Adobe Stock)

MN plan would overhaul its recycling approach

Minnesota ranks high for its recycling rate, but it still has a waste problem, putting more pressure on local governments. A plan in the …

More than 20,000 people have applied to help people file their tax returns since the pandemic began. (igorkol_ter/Adobe Stock)<br />

Last-minute free tax prep provided for procrastinators in Pennsylvania

In less than a week, Pennsylvania residents who need assistance in filing their income-tax returns can use the free services of the AARP Foundation's …

The AARP Foundation says its Tax-Aide program helped secure more than $1.1 billion in refunds for more than 1.5 million taxpayers last year. (RomanR/Adobe Stock)

Tax-filing procrastinator? Free help still available in MS

From now until next Monday, Mississippi residents who need assistance in filing their income tax returns can use the free services of the AARP …

NEVI covers planning, acquisition, installation and operational costs of the EV unit. (Adobe Stock/serperm73)

IA joins nationwide network of EV charging stations

Iowa is accepting bids from people who want an EV charging station on their land. It's part of a nationwide network of infrastructure designed to …

Older Americans are more able to save than younger ones. Surveys show people younger than 35 have an average of $5,400 saved. Meanwhile, adults 65 to 74 have an average of $13,400 saved up. (Adobe Stock)

America Saves Week: CT groups teach money saving techniques

Today is the beginning of America Saves Week, and Connecticut groups are hosting events all week. Each day is correlated to a different aspect of …

More than 90% of available land in the Greater Chaco region, former home of Ancestral Puebloan civilizations, is dotted with oil and gas wells, according to WildEarth Guardians. (WildEarthGuardians.org)

Orphaned wells: Environmental, visual pollution for SW Indian Country

Tribal communities, including those in New Mexico, can now apply for grant funding and direct assistance to clean up orphaned oil and gas wells …

Nearly three in 10 (27%) dual-eligible Missourians enrolled in D-SNPs in 2021. (Flamingo Images/Adobe Stock)

Missourians unaware of dual eligible special needs plans for healthcare savings

Dual Special Needs Plans such as Medicare Advantage in Missouri offer low costs with minimal co-pays and deductibles. In Missouri and across the …

The IRS says undocumented workers who don't have a valid Social Security number need to complete a W-7 form so they can get an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), a key tool they need to file their federal and state tax returns. (Adobe Stock)

During tax time crunch, multilingual sites in MN pitch in

Minnesotans who haven't completed their tax returns yet might be fretting about meeting the April 15th deadline. For those facing language barriers …

Older Coloradans who may have never been issued a birth certificate because they were born at home qualify for assistance getting vital documents, including identification cards but many cannot access Colorado's Necessary Documents Program. (Adobe Stock)

Cutting red tape to access IDs and other vital documents

Advocates are urging Colorado lawmakers to make key improvements to a state program seen as critical to helping people fleeing domestic violence or ex…

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Consumer

Fed funding helps OR address barriers to internet access

FTC warns scams lead to highest per-capita losses in NV

NM aims to reduce out-of-pocket health-care costs for consumers

Not-so-easy money: Report details hidden fees in cash app loans

ID abortion law before SCOTUS this week

FTC: Grocers gouging consumers with food prices

Utahns lost big to scammers in 2023. Expert has tips to protect yourself

Debt dilemma poll: Hoosiers wrestle with college costs

Impostor schemes on the rise in North Carolina

Climate groups seek to remove tax breaks for oil and gas companies

Personal energy electrification plans offered at NM Earth Day event

CT lawmakers consider bills to boost public transit

Advocates want NY HEAT Act in the final budget

A snapshot of federal investments being put to use in WI

Day of action focuses on CT undocumented residents' health care needs

VA General Assembly considers RGGI budget amendments

FTC chair in Iowa to hear fertilizer antitrust concerns

Study: 90% of CO River irrigation water goes to cattle

ND looks to ease 'upskill' obstacles for former college students

Burnout, low wages leave NH child care centers short staffed

Measure to end sales tax on groceries could go to SD voters

Mississippi seniors may benefit from dual-eligible special-needs coverage

UT students could get a bachelor's degree in just 3 years

CO families must sign up to get $120 per child for food through Summer EBT

NYers can benefit from early health care decision planning

Frozen screens? Telehealth access imperiled

Pacificorp throws a lifeline to Wyoming coal and natural gas industry

Assembly strengthens data privacy for Marylanders

Insulin price gouging continues despite attempts to rein in the industry

Get ahead of Tax Day: IRS introduces free tax-filing program

New IRS tool makes filing taxes easier for some in AZ

Strawberries top Dirty Dozen list of produce packed with pesticides

Advocates: CT General Assembly must act on climate bills

VA advocates upset about prescription drug affordability veto

Solarize campaign vets KY solar companies for consumers

US could learn from NY’s facility fees disclosure law

Free IRS tool can help Texans file taxes

Mental health urgent-care facility now available in northeast Boulder

Indiana colleges urged to prioritize student concerns

MN plan would overhaul its recycling approach

Last-minute free tax prep provided for procrastinators in Pennsylvania

Tax-filing procrastinator? Free help still available in MS

IA joins nationwide network of EV charging stations

America Saves Week: CT groups teach money saving techniques

Orphaned wells: Environmental, visual pollution for SW Indian Country

Missourians unaware of dual eligible special needs plans for healthcare savings

During tax time crunch, multilingual sites in MN pitch in

Cutting red tape to access IDs and other vital documents