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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)

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

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 …

Aside from surgeons, North Dakota sits below regional and national averages in its numbers of physicians and specialists per capita. (Adobe Stock)

ND hopes new campaign beefs up rural health-care workforce

North Dakota lags behind other Midwestern states when it comes to having an adequate number of health-care physicians. State officials say a new …

According to the U.S. Conference of Mayors, 23 million lower-income households have benefited from the FCC's Affordable Connectivity Program. (Adobe Stock)

Federal funds drying up to keep internet service on for low-income households

Low-income households across the United States now face a deadline to sign up for federal funds that give them a break on their monthly internet bills…

Agriculture experts said even if farmers are lucky to have health insurance, behavioral health services may be considered

Despite more awareness, mental-health barriers remain for farmers

It is January and North Dakota farmers may already be looking ahead to the spring planting season. Mental health providers see hope and challenges …

Over the past year, a handful of the leading insulin manufacturers have announced price caps on the heels of policy changes under the federal Inflation Reduction Act that capped out-of-pocket costs for people enrolled in Medicare. (Adobe Stock)

More insulin price caps taking effect in 2024

The movement to cap insulin prices for diabetes patients grew larger in the United States this week. Consumer advocates in North Dakota say the news …

According to the advocacy group Kids in Danger, there were 100 children's product recalls in 2022, the highest number since 2013. (Adobe Stock/Generated with AI)

Post-holiday gift research urged for smart toys

The "smart toy" market is now a more than $16 billion industry and is expected to double by 2027. This holiday season, experts are warning parents to …

According to a project led by Northwestern University, the U.S. has lost almost 2,900 newspapers since 2005. All but about 100 were weeklies, which are often the sole provider of local news in small and midsized communities. (Adobe Stock)

For rural states like ND, local news access no longer a guarantee

There are some bright spots in beefing up local news coverage, but a new report says in North Dakota and elsewhere, there are still big concerns …

In a new survey, respondents from all eight regions served by Community Action Agencies in North Dakota cited housing as the most pressing community need. (Adobe Stock)

With emerging data, ND housing needs come into focus

More than 65% of North Dakotans say housing is the state's biggest overall need. That's according to new community-level survey data. The findings …

As the public becomes more aware of mental-health care needs in the United States, federal officials say it's not just an issue of not having enough counselors to see patients. They say there is still a lack of parity when it comes to approving insurance benefits for those seeking care. (Adobe Stock)

Feds crack down on insurance providers for limiting mental health care benefits

In rural states such as North Dakota, accessing mental-health care can be extremely difficult. Federal officials say it's even worse when someone's …

Around the country, surprise rental fees for things like trash removal, have garnered more attention amid the affordable housing crisis. (Adobe Stock)

'Move Out' Fees for Immigrant Renters in ND Draw Scrutiny

As refugees and immigrant families try to carve out new futures in North Dakota, aid groups said some people are having their lives upended by …

According to the Congressional Budget Office, nationwide spending on prescription drugs increased from $30 billion in 1980 to $335 billion in 2018. Consumer advocates accuse drug makers of sharply increasing their prices, forcing people to spend more on these medications. (Adobe Stock)

ND Voices See Light at End of Tunnel on Prescription Costs

Older North Dakotans and a key advocacy group are hopeful that seniors will see relief from the heavy burden of prescription drug costs - and they're …

Roughly 30 states now allow some form of raw-milk sales, including North Dakota. (Pixabay)

Raw Milk Gets Foot in the Door in ND, But Health Risk Warnings Remain

North Dakota has joined the raw-milk movement. The state now allows limited sales of the product, and officials are urging caution for consumers who …

The lack of broadband infrastructure has been seen as a huge barrier for rural Americans to access high-speed internet. But advocates say in areas where internet is available, monthly costs can be another burden. (Adobe Stock)

Giving Low-Income North Dakotans a Hand with Internet Costs

North Dakota will soon boost its infrastructure for high-speed internet, thanks to the latest federal subsidy. In the meantime, low-income households …

Now in its seventh year, AARP's Community Challenge grant program helps local groups address a range of issues, including food insecurity. A small North Dakota town is using the funds to keep its lone grocery store from closing by switching to a

In ND Food Desert, Town Gets Funds for 'Self-Service' Grocery Store

In recent years, North Dakota's smaller towns have seen at least 15% of their grocery stores disappear. That's prompted a flurry of action, including …

Gallup officials said while their recent poll does not look at why Americans have less confidence these days in higher education, it is reasonable to think affordability issues are a likely factor. (Adobe Stock)

Amid Troubling Poll Numbers, ND College Carries Out New Vision

A new Gallup poll found Americans' confidence in higher education has fallen to 36%. It added to the headwinds facing colleges and universities…

Smaller and mid-sized farms say due to market concentration and supply-chain issues within agriculture have made it much harder to get their foods to various markets, including schools and restaurants within their own regions. (Adobe Stock)

ND Farm Communities See Brighter Path with Food Business Centers

Rural development leaders say getting healthy, locally grown food to underserved areas is a challenge in states like North Dakota. They hope a new …

Operators of rural grocery stores say they often have thin profit margins while facing challenges to provide affordable healthy foods to customers. (Adobe Stock)

Grocery Store Co-ops Could Expand in North Dakota

In northeastern North Dakota, some rural grocery stores have embraced the "co-op" model in trying to stay afloat and address concerns about food …

This session, North Dakota lawmakers have faced calls to adopt additional prescription drug cost reform. Some efforts have come up short, but an insulin cap bill for public workers was sent to the governor. (Adobe Stock)

ND Lawmakers Advance Insulin Price-Cap Bill

In the national quest to help people with diabetes deal with the skyrocketing costs of insulin, North Dakota lawmakers are weighing in, as a bill to …

In addition to juggling higher credit card balances, U.S. consumers also are combating an upward trend in auto loan debt. (Adobe Stock)

Credit Card Debt Storm Hangs Over U.S. Consumers

Credit card debt in the U.S. is now at record levels. While those struggling to keep up might feel paralyzed, counselors say it's important to seek …

In 2021, North Dakota's community health centers recorded more than 127,000 visits. Leaders say these facilities save the state money by providing certain care that keeps patients out of emergency rooms. (Adobe Stock)

Workforce Issues Prompt Plea from ND's Community Health Centers

Nearly 30 states provide direct funding to community health centers, and there's a push to add North Dakota to the list. Supporters say the extra …

Last year, the Federal Trade Commission reported a 70% increase in reported fraud losses from consumers. (Adobe Stock)

Proposed Fraud Restitution Fund Advances in ND Legislature

Victims of investment-related fraud in North Dakota could soon recoup some of their losses through a proposed restitution fund. A bill to establish …

Crickets are now being used in some types of pet food as an alternative source of protein. (Adobe Stock)

Taking the 'Bark' Out of Carbon Emissions Linked to Pet Food Production

By Claire Elise Thompson for Grist.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Prairie News Service reporting for the Grist-Public News Service Collaboration …

On January 24th, AARP will lead advocacy day at North Dakota's state capitol, in hopes of getting more focus on issues such as prescription drug costs. (Adobe Stock)

ND Lawmakers Urged to Look at Drug Costs, Fraud Restitution

North Dakota lawmakers are scheduled to return to Bismarck early next month. They'll hear calls to help older residents, with the cost of …

Of all the fraud cases reported last year, the Federal Trade Commission reports nearly 1 million involved someone being taken advantage of by an imposter. (Adobe Stock)

Experts Hope to Stall Record Growth in Scams

Law enforcement and consumer advocates hope 2022 doesn't end with another record year of financial losses from scams. As part of the fight against …

Federal officials say higher retail natural gas prices are the main driver for the expected increase in heating bills this winter. (Adobe Stock)

Amid Expected Price Hikes, ND Ready with Home Heating Aid

Natural-gas bills are expected to increase across the U.S. this winter, including North Dakota, prompting reminders for eligible households to sign …

Since the Paris Agreement, the six largest U.S. banks have provided $1.4 trillion in financing to the fossil-fuel industry. (Adobe Stock)

How Climate Friendly is Your 401(k)?

As states like North Dakota debate whether to stay committed to fossil fuels, an online scorecard gives people with retirement accounts a glimpse …

Over the past decade, there's been a nearly 50% reduction in homelessness among military veterans nationwide. (Adobe Stock)

New ND Infinitive Helps Veterans Address Legal Barriers in Housing

The U.S. has made strides in reducing homelessness among military veterans, but barriers still exist in some situations. A new partnership aims to …

Since 2004, older adults have seen a five-fold increase in their percentage of the nation's student debt load. (Adobe Stock)

Urgency Builds in Managing Student-Loan Debt for Older Americans

North Dakota has some of the lowest student-loan debt rates in the U.S., but like all states, payments are a growing burden for older adults…

Consumer-protection groups say with natural-gas prices already higher, now isn't the time for utilities to seek rate hikes for system upgrades. (Adobe Stock)

Hearings for ND Utility Rate Hike Upcoming

This winter already has seen North Dakotans crank up their thermostats amid some cold stretches. Down the road, certain customers could have to pay …

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says at least 430 people in the United States die each year from carbon-monoxide poisoning. (Adobe Stock)

Bipartisan Push to Enhance Home Safety After Carbon-Monoxide Deaths

The recent deaths of a family of seven have renewed bipartisan attempts to keep homes safe from carbon monoxide. One North Dakota fire chief welcomes …

National studies have found that about one in every five emergency-room visits result in surprise medical bills. (Adobe Stock)

Landmark Medical Consumer Protection Law Takes Effect in 2022

Pictures of large medical bills are sometimes shared on social media to show how patients can be blindsided by unexpected costs for care, but as the …

It isn't just higher grocery bills and skyrocketing medication costs hitting the pocketbooks of people on a fixed income. In some North Dakota communities, property taxes have become a financial burden. (Adobe Stock)

ND Property-Tax Hikes Burden Older, Low-Income Homeowners

HORACE, N.D. - Some North Dakota cities are adding more residents and new homes, but there's a side effect: higher property taxes. Low-income …

When considering whether to buy something online, fraud experts say you should look for red flags such as spelling errors or a lack of a privacy policy. (Adobe Stock)

Fraud Experts: Slow Down and Research Before Making Holiday Purchases

BISMARCK, N.D. -- Over the coming weeks, North Dakotans will be clicking the "purchase" button as they order holiday gifts online, and fraud experts …

Weather forecasters say states such as North Dakota could see below-average temperatures at various points this winter, adding to concerns about higher home heating bills. (Adobe Stock)

North Dakotans Urged to Plan for Higher Heating Bills

BISMARCK, N.D. -- A recent dip in temperatures likely prompted many North Dakotans to start cranking up the heat. With natural-gas prices expected …

A recent analysis found that states in the western half of the U.S. are likely to bear the brunt of U.S. Postal Service cutbacks. (Adobe Stock)

ND Among Rural States Poised for Mail Delivery Gaps

BISMARCK, N.D. -- The majority of North Dakota's counties are rural. Opponents of new U.S. Postal Service standards argued it spells trouble for the …

North Dakota has nearly 1,700 active lawyers, but a report says most are centered in urban areas. A majority of the state's 53 counties have 5 or fewer lawyers. (Adobe Stock)

Is ND Turning Into a Legal Desert?

MINOT, N.D. - North Dakota has just had a new class of attorneys admitted to the state bar. But some in the legal community feel there aren't enough …

Police department parking lots and their video surveillance often are used as safe trading spots for people completing a transaction that began online. (Adobe Stock)

Police in ND: Avoid a Ripoff When Trading Items in Person

WEST FARGO, N.D. - West Fargo is the latest North Dakota city to offer "safe" trading spaces for online transactions. While not all communities …

In North Dakota, more than 90% of nursing-home residents are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, compared with just 64% of staff. (Adobe Stock)

As Variants Spread, Vaccination Pressure Builds for Nursing-Home Staffs

BISMARCK, N.D. - Amid a COVID-19 resurgence, advocates are calling on nursing homes to require that all staff members get vaccinated. Both nationally …

Industry observers say just four companies control nearly 80% of all the beef slaughtered in the United States. Advocates for livestock producers say it affects their bottom line. (Adobe Stock)

Through USDA Efforts, Ranchers Flex Some Selling Muscle

JAMESTOWN, N.D. -- The beef or chicken you buy from the grocery store is often processed by the same small number of companies. Advocates for …

When it's extremely hot, energy-efficiency experts say even just raising your thermostat a degree or two during certain times can help reduce grid demand. (Adobe Stock)

Before Cranking Up the AC, Think of the Energy Burden

BISMARCK, N.D. - It's been tempting for North Dakota residents to blast their air conditioners during the early-summer heat wave. With hot and sticky …

Groups such as Community Action Partnership focus on helping low-income North Dakotans break the cycle of poverty and obtain security in areas such as housing. (Adobe Stock)

ND Celebrates Community Action Work After Challenging Year

FARGO, N.D. -- This month, agencies that help low-income residents escape poverty are being honored for their work, including efforts in North Dakota…

The issue of affordable medications saw plenty of debate this year in the North Dakota Legislature. (Adobe Stock)

ND Lawmakers Make Key Decisions on Drug-Cost Bills

BISMARCK, N.D. -- Those calling for sweeping action to reduce prescription-drug prices in North Dakota saw mixed results this legislative session…

Some in North Dakota's health-care sector think the state should adopt a program connecting patients with care experts embedded in the community. (Adobe Stock)

ND Might Explore Program to Address Health Access Issues

BISMARCK, N.D. -- A Legislative committee heard testimony this week on a way to improve health-care access and outcomes in North Dakota. Supporters …

Legal Services of North Dakota says one reason it helps low-income households with free income-tax preparation is so they don't pay high fees for a firm to do the work, negating any tax refund they might receive. (Adobe Stock)

Winter Weather, Pandemic Won't Stop Free ND Tax Help

BELCOURT, N.D. -- Despite the recent arctic blast and ongoing challenges of the pandemic, a North Dakota group is reaching out in tribal areas to …

In 2012, the Supportive Services for Veteran Families program was added in North Dakota. While a key focus is helping Veterans find stable housing, a new service helps them navigate health care. (Adobe Stock)

ND Group Helps Low-Income Veterans Navigate Health Care

FARGO, N.D. - A North Dakota group is now working to help low-income military Veterans find their way through the complex maze of health coverage…

Despite some resistance to the Affordable Care Act, North Dakota was one of many states to expand Medicaid under the program. (Adobe Stock)

Despite State Concerns, ND Residents Urged to Explore ACA Enrollment

BISMARCK, N.D. -- The head of North Dakota's insurance department has long opposed the Affordable Care Act (ACA). But with a special enrollment …

Advocates for providing free lunches to all students say it's time to remove any stigma associated with meal-assistance programs. (Adobe Stock)

ND Lawmakers Hear Plan for No-Cost Lunch for All Students

BISMARCK, N.D. -- North Dakota families facing hardships could see some relief from state lawmakers, with a bill that calls on the state to cover …

In 2019, 4,311 prescription drugs experienced a price hike, with the average increase hovering around 21%, according to data compiled by Rx Savings Solutions. (Adobe Stock)

Drug Importation Bills Get Hearing in ND Legislature

BISMARCK, N.D. -- This week, a North Dakota legislative committee will hear proposals on a system for importing less-expensive prescription drugs …

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