Public News Service

Massachusetts residents can call the MassHealth Service Center to speak with a counselor and determine if they qualify for a dual-eligible special-needs plan at 800-841-2900. (Adobe Stock)<br />

MA seniors encouraged to take advantage of dual-use special needs plans

Health care advocates in Massachusetts said special health care plans are available for seniors and people with disabilities to help ensure they get t…

Atlantic herring serve as valuable bait for fishermen and lobstermen in Massachusetts, making them vital to the health of the state's blue economy, which grew 38% between 2009 and 2019. (Adobe Stock)

New England anglers seek greater protections for Atlantic herring stock

Recreational fishermen in New England say commercial trawlers are threatening the survival of smaller businesses relying on a healthy stock of Atlanti…

More than 75% of Massachusetts mothers with infants also work. For those who rely on child care facilities, the majority require parents to supply a week's worth of diapers at a time or find alternative care. (Adobe Stock) <br />

MA diaper distribution program helps families make ends meet

Supporters of a federal pilot program to distribute diapers to low-income families in Massachusetts hope to build upon its success. More than 1 …

Over the last decade, the average grant aid per full-time undergraduate student has doubled, from $5,190 in 2001 to $10,590 in 2021. (Adobe Stock)

MA families in limbo as college financial-aid awards delayed

Families in Massachusetts will have to wait even longer for financial aid offers from colleges and universities this year because of an error in the F…

The Greater Boston Food Bank reports one in three households in Massachusetts experienced child-level food insecurity in 2022. That means a child was hungry, skipped a meal or did not eat for<br />a whole day because there wasn't enough money for food. (Adobe Stock)

Stalled Farm Bill puts pressure on MA food banks

Massachusetts food banks are struggling to keep up with demand as the Farm Bill remains stalled in Congress. The bill is renegotiated every five …

Studies show the development and dissemination of vaccines have saved millions of lives and played a critical role in historic increases in average life expectancy - from 47 years in 1900 in the U.S. to 76 years in 2023. (Adobe Stock)

Vaccination rates decline as health misinformation spreads online

Public health experts say the rapid spread of health misinformation online is contributing to a dangerous decline in vaccination rates. Surveys …

Some 51% of Americans say hidden fees for telecommunications services have caused them to exceed their budget for cable, internet or phone service. Two out of three Americans say they're paying more in hidden fees now than they did five years ago, according to Consumer Reports. (Adobe Stock)<br />

FTC, states propose new rules to target 'junk fees'

Federal and state regulators are cracking down on so-called "junk fees," which companies often use to hike prices on consumer products above what is a…

There were 45 book challenges in Massachusetts in 2022 affecting 57 titles, however no books have been banned in the state, according to the American Library Association. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

Legislation aims to classify book bans as federal civil rights violations

New federal legislation would classify discriminatory book bans as violations of federal civil rights law. The Books Save Lives Act would ensure …

Massachusetts had almost 5,000 fewer early educators, on average, in 2021 than before the COVID-19 pandemic, with roughly one in three child-care centers unable to serve their full capacity statewide, according to a report from The Boston Foundation. (Adobe Stock)

MA family child care providers ease shortage, seek greater state backing

Advocates in Massachusetts say increasing the pay of smaller, family child care providers could help ease the shortage and provide economic benefits …

The cost to attend public colleges in Massachusetts is increasing faster than it is in any other state, while the average graduate in Massachusetts carries more than $33,000 in debt. (Adobe Stock)

Student loan payment restart riddled with errors for MA borrowers

A new report from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau found the repayment process for federal student loans has been filled with errors…

This past spring, the Federal Trade Commission accused Amazon of violating the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act Rule through its Alexa service by keeping the voice recordings of children indefinitely and failing to delete children's transcripts, even when requested by parents. (Adobe Stock)

Consumer watchdog: ‘Smart toys” put kids' privacy at risk

With the holiday shopping season underway, a consumer watchdog report is warning parents about the privacy risks associated with so-called 'smart …

Massachusetts residents in non-subsidized housing with heat included in their rent may be eligible for a 30% reimbursement of their monthly rent paid back to them, according to MASSCAP. (Adobe Stock)

Home heating aid program in MA keeps families safe, warm

Winter is coming, and the annual statewide campaign to inform Massachusetts residents about available heating assistance is underway. Advocates for …

Wages for low- and middle-income workers in Massachusetts have not risen substantially since the late 1970s, while wages for upper-income workers have increased fourfold, making it difficult for<br />people with low incomes to cover basic needs, according to to a study by MassBudget. (Adobe Stock)<br />

MA 'baby bonds,' expanded tax credits aim to end racial wealth divide

Legislation introduced in Massachusetts aims to reduce the racial wealth gap by creating a statewide "Baby Bonds" program. It is a publicly-funded…

A survey of nearly 1,200 people nationwide found just 25% of people leave their leaves where they fall despite 72% of respondents acknowledging that fallen leaves and the leaf layer are beneficial to wildlife and biodiversity. (Adobe Stock)

More MA homeowners open to leaving leaves where they fall

Autumn leaves will soon be falling, and a growing number of homeowners in Massachusetts are willing to leave them on the ground. A new survey from …

Media experts say to avoid being duped by disinformation, double and even triple check the source of a story, and then try to find this information elsewhere in other reputable places, like mainstream news outlets. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Tech Companies Scale Back Efforts to Control Election Disinformation

Introduced federal legislation aims to counter the growing threat of election disinformation as social media platforms scale back efforts to control i…

Research shows children who live in households that receive the Earned Income Tax Credit have better school performance, greater college enrollment and increased work and income in adulthood. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates Push for 'Tax Fairness' with Expanded Child Tax Credits

As Massachusetts lawmakers work to finalize tax-relief measures, advocates for low-income families are calling for an expansion of tax credits proven …

Researchers are studying how social media use relates to anxiety and depression through feelings of inadequacy relative to

Children's Advocates Applaud Kids Online Safety Act

Federal legislation aimed at protecting children and teens online has gained the support of leading advocates for children's health and privacy…

Elementary students who spend more than two hours a day on screens are more likely to have emotional, social and attention problems, while students who have screens in their bedrooms tend to perform worse on academic tests than do those who do not. (Adobe Stock)

Screen-Free Week Challenges Families to Power Down, Reconnect

Starting today, families throughout Massachusetts will swap their digital entertainment for the annual challenge of "Screen-Free Week." The global …

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government gave the airline industry a $54 billion lifeline meant to keep the airlines running and cover payroll for 18 months, through September 2021. <br />(Adobe Stock)

Consumer Air Travel Complaints Surge Despite Fewer Travelers

The number of people who traveled on U.S. airlines last year remained below pre-pandemic levels but consumer complaints about the airlines nearly …

MA 'Baby Bonds' Bill Aims to Close Racial Wealth Gap

Legislation introduced in the Commonwealth aims to reduce the racial wealth gap by creating a statewide "Baby Bonds" program. The investments are …

Unburned gas from stoves and building pipelines collected in the greater Boston area contained twenty-one different hazardous air pollutants known as volatile organic compounds, including benzene, which increases risks for asthma, cancer, and other illnesses. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Ventilation Key to Reducing Health Risks from Gas-Burning Stoves

The health risks associated with gas-burning stoves have caused a recent stir and unfounded fears of a government ban on the appliances, but …

Consumer advocates say the power-wheelchair market is dominated by two national suppliers, both of which are owned by private equity firms, able to increase profits by limiting what they spend on technicians and repairs. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

MA Lawmakers Urged to Strengthen Wheelchair Warranty Protections

Advocates for people with disabilities say lawmakers in the Commonwealth must strengthen wheelchair warranty protections to ensure wheelchair users ar…

Service workers employed by Swissport USA at Boston's Logan International Airport take part in a strike on December 8th, 2022 citing wage theft and unfair labor practices. (32BJ SEIU)

Logan Airport Service Workers Strike, Citing Unfair Labor Practices

Some service workers at Logan International Airport went on strike today to protest alleged unfair labor practices. The non-union airplane cabin …

Despite having one of the lowest uninsured rates in the country, more than one in four Commonwealth residents reported that their families had unmet health-care needs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Adobe Photo) <br /> <br /><br />

Open Enrollment for ACA Health Coverage Begins Nov. 1 in MA

Massachusetts continues to have the lowest uninsured rate in the country, at just under 2.5%, but folks still looking for a health plan - or who want …

According to MASSCAP, a single-family household in the Commonwealth could be facing more than $3,000 in home heating-oil costs to make it through the winter. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

Preparing for Low Temperatures, High Energy Costs in MA

Community service agencies say requests for home heating assistance were increasing even before National Grid - the power company that serves many in …

Home weatherization programs have evolved from placing plastic on windows. Industry leaders say crews analyze many aspects of the structure, including heating and cooling systems, the electrical system, and electric baseload appliances. (Adobe Stock)

In MA, Green Jobs Abound for Home Energy Upgrades

When it comes to "green jobs," installing solar panels and building wind turbines are often mentioned, and community action agencies in Massachusetts …

For college students or young adults entering the workforce, analysts say short-term insurance plans can help with unexpected injuries or medical events before another plan kicks in. (Adobe Stock)

Preparing for College This Fall? Don't Forget Health Coverage

As graduating seniors in Massachusetts and around the U.S. carve out their immediate future, they are reminded to make health insurance a priority…

Eliminating a burdensome retirement benefit pre-funding requirement could save the U.S. Postal Service $5.65 billion per year. (Sundry Photography/Adobe Stock)

Workers: Postal Service Reform Act First Step to Shore Up Agency

Congress has passed a bill to help shore up the U.S. Postal Service, and it's now on to President Joe Biden for a signature. Amid mail slowdowns…

Tax preparers with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA) are guaranteed to be IRS-certified. (RomanR/Adobe Stock)

Tax-Prep Help Available for Low-to-Moderate-Income MA Families

With tax season underway, Massachusetts groups are raising awareness about the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA), an IRS-sponsored …

Old electronics can be sold, donated or recycled instead of thrown out to reduce waste. (Mihail/Adobe Stock)

Consumers Advocate: Give Experiences, Refurbished Gifts This Holiday Season

BOSTON -- This holiday season, consumer advocates are urging Commonwealth residents to consider giving gifts that don't require purchasing anything…

Four post offices in Virginia, Washington D.C., Maryland and New York are offering payroll and business checking services. (eqroy/Adobe Stock)

USPS Changes Have MA Postal Workers Worried About Agency's Future

WORCESTER, Mass. - Post offices across Massachusetts and the nation are implementing service changes in an effort by the agency to cut costs…

Of the Massachusetts users who consulted the website 'iFixit.com' last year, 23% of searches were for cellphone repair guides, and 17% were for laptops. (NorGal/Adobe Stock)

Report: People Face Barriers to Repairing Their Own Electronic Devices

ROSLINDALE, Mass. - A new report finds Massachusetts residents would rather repair electronic devices than send them to landfills, but manufacturers …

Uber and Lyft are among the app-based companies that successfully campaigned for a ballot initiative to allow them to classify their workers as independent contractors. (Kaspars Grinvalds/Adobe Stock)

Organized Labor Urges Congress to Pass PRO Act

BOSTON - The AFL-CIO is holding a week of action to urge Congress to pass the Protecting the Right to Organize - or PRO - Act, what some labor …

Roughly 18,500 households in Massachusetts are excluded from the Earned Income Tax Credit because at least one member can't get a Social Security number. (JackF/Adobe Stock)

Report: MA Should Open Earned Income Tax Credit to Working Immigrants

BOSTON -- Groups are calling on Massachusetts to open up the state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to working residents who pay taxes but may not qual…

Errors on credit reports can lower a person's credit score, which can hurt their ability to take out a loan or buy a house. (Engdao/Adobe Stock)

Report: Failure to Investigate Credit Complaints a Top Issue for MA Consumers

BOSTON -- The number of consumer complaints to financial companies, including banks, credit bureaus, debt collectors, rose dramatically in 2020…

Just 5% of Americans who received post-secondary degrees lack a bank account, compared with 13% of people with a high school degree or less. (Paul Lowry/Flickr)

Post Office Financial Services Could Help Traditionally Under-Banked Residents

BOSTON -- Advocates for postal banking contend having more financial services accessible at U.S. Postal Service locations could help the nation make …

Multiple license applications are already in the pipeline to allow state-approved applicants to deliver marijuana to homes in Boston for recreational use. (Growweedeasy)

Commission Paves Way for MA Home Delivery of Recreational Marijuana

BOSTON -- Massachusetts residents may soon be able to get recreational marijuana delivered to their doorsteps. On Monday, the state Cannabis Control …

About 1.5 million Americans are highly allergic to sesame seeds and sesame-based products. (TAndrews/Morguefile)

Sesame May Be Named Country's Ninth Major Allergen

BOSTON -- Some 1.5 million Americans are highly allergic to sesame, yet it isn't required to be listed on food labels. That may be about to change…

Biobot sends wastewater treatment facilities a bottle to collect a continuous subsample over 24 hours. The sample is then separated into three 50-milliliter valves for analysis. (Biobot Analytics)

MA Company Analyzes Wastewater for Early COVID Detection

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - As novel coronavirus cases climb, Cambridge-based tech startup Biobot is looking at an early clue lurking underground - sewage…

A new report has found that natural features such as the dunes at Cape Cod National Seashore are more effective than man-made barriers at protecting communities during big storms. (Donna Benavides/Wikipedia)

Report: Nature Offers Best Protection Against Natural Disasters

CAPE COD, Mass. -- As hurricane season begins, a new report from The National Wildlife Federation and Allied World insurance shows that natural …

Boott Cotton Mills is part of Lowell National Historical Park, which has a maintenance backlog of more than $20 million. (National Park Service)

Vote Expected This Week on Bill to Fix National Parks

BOSTON -- Congress is expected to vote this week on a bill that would cut in half the maintenance backlog at national parks and other federal sites…

Scammers are using stolen identities to request unemployment or COVID assistance, and having the funds deposited into an account linked to a prepaid card registered to the victim's name. (Reuven W. Brewer/Wikimedia Commons)

MA Unemployment Benefits Targeted in Massive Scam

BOSTON -- Cybersecurity experts estimate that scammers from Nigeria could already have bilked millions of dollars from Massachusetts' state unemployme…

This is the current number of volunteers who have signed up for human challenge studies as part of COVID-19 vaccine trials through the nonprofit 1 Day Sooner. (1 Day Sooner)

Support Grows for "Human Challenge" Trials for COVID-19 Cure

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - At least three possible COVID-19 vaccines, including from Cambridge biotech firm Moderna, have seen promising results in Phase One …

The Bank of North Dakota, at more than 100 years old, remains the only state-owned bank in the United States. Two dozen other states are considering opening their own. (Charles Russell/Wikimedia Commons)

Advocates: Public Banking Could Reboot Post-COVID-19 Economy

BOSTON -- Advocates for public banking are pressing states to create their own banks, which could lend at lower rates and prioritize the recovery of …

Experts say that pre-COVID 19, housing assistance was available to just one out of four American families that need it. (Wikimedia Commons)

Housing as Health Care: Advocates Press for COVID Crisis Solutions

BOSTON -- Housing advocates say the COVID-19 pandemic cannot be contained until everyone has the ability to isolate -- and that means everyone must ha…

The 275,000 undocumented immigrants in Massachusetts don't qualify for unemployment benefits, state of federal relief, putting them in a tough position in the COVID-19 pandemic. (Massachusetts Jobs with Justice Labor Day 2019/Facebook)

Groups Raise COVID-19 Relief Fund to Aid Undocumented in MA

BOSTON -- A new fund is launching to support immigrants facing COVID-19 in Massachusetts, since they're ineligible for most state and federal …

The Drug Repurposing Hub at the Broad Institute now has a collection of more than 6,000 approved drugs in humans. (Drug Repurposing Hub/YouTube)

MIT/Harvard Study: Dozens of Approved Drugs May Kill Cancer

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - A new study from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard tested thousands of existing drugs on close to six hundred …

Sen. Jean Shaheen, D-N.H., says dark money is making the work of Congress much more difficult. (Office of Sen. Shaheen)

Did 'Citizens United' Money Enable Ads Protecting Surprise Medical Bills?

BOSTON - As the tenth anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court's Citizens United decision approaches, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., said the nation's …

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MA: Consumer