Public News Service

Environmental advocates say the growth of so-called 'fast fashion' is adding to greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. Buying just one white cotton shirt produces the same amount of emissions as driving 35 miles in a car, according to the climate action group, WRAP. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Serving looks with books: Libraries fight ‘fast fashion’ by lending clothes

By Claire Elise Thompson for Grist.Broadcast version by Kathryn Carley for New Hampshire News Connection reporting for the Grist-Public News Service C…

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services reported a child care staff vacancy rate of 26% in 2023, forcing some facilities to reduce capacity or close classrooms. (Adobe Stock)

NH voters find common ground on need for affordable child care

A majority of New Hampshire voters want elected officials to do more to fix the growing child care crisis, according to a new survey. More than 80% …

Political observers note artificial intelligence can be an inexpensive way to help candidates save time and money on advertising but many down-ballot campaigns lack the expertise to spot AI-generated falsehoods, which could tip races decided by narrow margins. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

Federal lawmakers tackle AI-generated ‘deepfakes’ as election nears

Newly introduced federal legislation aims to protect voters from the growing threat of political ads generated by artificial intelligence. …

University of New Hampshire scientists are researching how the addition of plant-based essential oils called Agolin in cow feed can improve overall milk quality and production while decreasing a cow's emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. (UNH)

NH scientists: Plant-based oils in cow feed cut climate-altering methane emissions

New research from the University of New Hampshire could help dairy farmers increase profits while reducing their effect on the climate. Scientists …

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 …

More than 700 New Hampshire childcare providers remained in operation in 2022 with a capacity to serve more than 44,500 children but staffing vacancies are on the rise. (Adobe Stock)

NH 'Kids on Campus' program boosts retention, offers hands-on learning

You might say "every day is 'bring your child to college day'" at New Hampshire's Manchester Community College. On-campus childcare programs are …

A University of New Hampshire study showed annual rainfall, which has increased more than eight inches since 1901, is expected to increase another 7% to 9% by the middle of the century. Scientists say most of this increase will arrive in heavy precipitation events, increasing the risk of flooding and significantly affecting agriculture. (Adobe Stock)

Farm relief funds in NH would counter climate change-related crop damage

Two proposed relief funds for New Hampshire farmers aim to recover losses from climate change-related weather events. Years of droughts were …

On average, the lowest-income 20% of taxpayers face a state and local tax rate nearly 60% higher than the top 1% of households, according to Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy. (Adobe Stock)<br />

NH tax system requires more from low, middle-income families

New Hampshire has the 18th most regressive state and local tax system in the country, according to a new report. The Institute on Taxation and …

Vaccination rates among U.S. kindergartners for routine childhood shots have not returned to pre-pandemic levels with just 93% of students meeting vaccination requirements, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)

Vaccine rates drop as health misinformation spreads via social media

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

More than 2.5 billion users log into Google Play's online store on Android each month. The company also commands 90% of the search engine market. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br /><br />

States’ attorneys general settle antitrust lawsuit with Google

Android phone users in New Hampshire could receive some of a $700 million antitrust lawsuit settlement with Google. States' attorneys general …

In PragerU's 2023 biennial report, the company states that young people are being indoctrinated by

Right-leaning PragerU takes root in NH public schools

Educators in New Hampshire say the state's approval of a financial literacy course by conservative nonprofit PragerU spells trouble for public schools…

Landfills in the U.S. receive more than ten million tons of leaves and yard waste each year, producing underground methane, a potent greenhouse gas, which is then released into the air as landfill piles are bulldozed to make room for more waste. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Leave free or die: More NH homes put down the rake

New Hampshire yards will soon be covered in fallen leaves, but a new survey finds a growing number of people are willing to leave them lie to improve …

Effort Grows to Prevent 'Deepfakes' in NH Campaign Ads

As the 2024 presidential hopefuls ramp up their campaigns in New Hampshire, federal officials are considering new rules on so-called "deepfakes" in …

Studies show people experiencing outdoor activities reported higher well-being scores and improved mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

'Outdoor Renaissance' Leads to Changes in New England’s National Forests

Researchers with the University of New Hampshire say the dramatic increase in visitors to New England's national forests during the COVID-19 pandemic …

More than 8.3 million U.S. homes and businesses lack access to high-speed broadband, according to the FCC. (Adobe Stock)

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Boosts Rural NH Broadband

An infusion of federal aid is expected to greatly expand access to broadband, or high speed internet service, across rural New Hampshire. Nearly $200…

Oyster reefs provide habitat for hundreds of species, including mussels, barnacles and sea anemones, which settle on reefs and provide food for many other species. Crabs and fish also hide from predators within reef crevices. (Adobe Stock)

Oyster Reef Restoration Benefits Farmers, Coastal Communities

By Lynn Fantom for Civil Eats.Broadcast version by Kathryn Carley for New Hampshire News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Pub…

A solar-plus-storage system costs $25,000 to $35,000, depending on the battery size and other factors, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, but just adding a battery to a solar system will cost anywhere from $12,000 to $22,000. (Adobe Stock)

NH Battery-Storage Program Lowers Energy Costs, Emissions

By Sarah Shemkus for Energy News Network.Broadcast version by Kathryn Carley for New Hampshire News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism …

Advocates for regional food economies say bringing locally produced dairy products to local schools not only improves food security for students, but reduces food waste and contributes to a more sustainable food system for New Hampshire. (Adobe Photo Stock)

Grants Help NH Farmers Keep Dairy Products Local

Dairy farmers and processors in New Hampshire are eligible for grants to help improve their operations, as part of a growing movement to keep locally …

Almost 98 of every 100,000 African Americans have died from COVID-19, a mortality rate one-third higher than for Latinos, and more than double the COVID death rate among whites. (Adobe Stock)

NAACP Workshops Aim to Teach Medical Self-Advocacy

A series of online health workshops from the NAACP of Manchester aims to address health disparities in communities of color, and also help people …

Medicaid home- and community-based services in New Hampshire were a smaller portion of all Medicaid long-term services and supports expenditures than nationally, totaling 47.2% in 2019, which was also lower than all other New England states. (Adobe Stock)

Creating a System of Healthy Aging in the Granite State

An alliance of health and consumer advocacy groups in the Granite State is working to create a coordinated system of long-term care for healthy aging…

If you or a loved one has been targeted by a scam or fraud, help is available via the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 877-908-3360. Help is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time (Adobe Stock)

Lonely NH Elders More Vulnerable to Holiday Scams

Crime experts say the holidays offer scam artists another opportunity to prey upon people's giving nature, especially older adults living alone…

The New Hampshire Insurance Department hosts its annual hearing on health insurance premium rates on Oct. 20, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at UNH Law School in Concord, and online via webinar. (Adobe Photo)

NH Open Enrollment for ACA Insurance Begins Nov. 1

Nearly 77% of New Hampshire residents get their health insurance through an employer. This indicates strong economic conditions in the Granite State…

A spike in natural-gas prices is expected to double the cost of electricity in New Hampshire. (Adobe Stock)

Granite Staters Face Energy-Cost Woes: Help Is Out There

As New Hampshire faces another week of hot, humid temperatures, its residents also are bracing for a dramatic spike in energy bills. As a result of …

Abortion now is banned in at least nine states. (Adobe Stock)

Reproductive Health Providers Urge NH to Pass Laws Protecting Abortion

New Hampshire is the only New England state without a law on the books protecting the right to an abortion. Still, providers want Granite Staters to …

In addition to funds from the American Rescue Plan Act, infrastructure dollars will also be coming into the Granite State for broadband. (Andrey Popov/Adobe Stock)

NH Gets $50 Million from Feds for Broadband Buildout

New Hampshire is getting $50 million dollars from the federal government to expand broadband access. According to the White House, the money…

Around 87% of Americans think Congress needs to take action to lower the price of prescription drugs. (steheap/Adobe Stock)

Granite Staters: Time is Now to Lower Prescription-Drug Costs

Advocates for older Americans are urging Congress to take action on lowering drug prices, specifically, allowing Medicare to negotiate with drug …

3G networks were first rolled out in 2004, and now telecommunications carriers are shutting them down to make way for 3G. (escapejaja/Adobe Stock)

Officials to Granite Staters: Upgrade 3G Devices This Year to Stay Connected

As phone companies prepare to shut down their 3G networks, officials are urging Granite Staters to check if they use any affected devices. AT&T …

In New Hampshire, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program helps residents complete more than 5,000 federal tax returns each year. (cn0ra/Adobe Stock)

IRS-Certified Tax Prep Volunteers Here to Help

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

nearly 67% of personal bankruptcies in the United States. (motortion/Adobe Stock)">

"No Surprises Act" Could Stop Unexpected Medical Bills

A new federal law, the "No Surprises Act," expands state protections already in place in New Hampshire to prevent surprise medical billing. In 2018…

In some New Hampshire communities, slower-than-advertised broadband speeds are making working or learning from home more difficult. (Claudiu/Adobe Stock)

NH Officials: Rural Granite Staters Need More Reliable Broadband

Granite Staters say the funding for broadband in the bipartisan infrastructure package signed into law last month is critical for their communities…

Advocates for children and families say the Build Back Better Act would improve Medicaid and CHIP, the federal Children's Health Insurance Program (Evgeniy Kalinovskiy/Adobe Stock)

Report: Build Back Better Would Help NH Children, Families

CONCORD, N.H. -- Health advocates are pressing the U.S. Senate to pass the Build Back Better Act, after it cleared the House last month. It would …

Three in four Americans have experienced some type of fraud in the past. (Anna Voloshyna/Adobe Stock)

Groups: Watch Out for Scammers During Holiday Shopping

CONCORD, N.H. -- With the holiday shopping season under way, experts are urging Granite Staters to watch out for scammers. A survey from AARP found …

If passed, nearly 24,000 New Hampshire residents would save hundreds of dollars on average per year in healthcare costs, according to White House estimates. (Adobe Stock)

Potential Savings for NH Seniors in Build Back Better Healthcare Reforms

CONCORD, N.H. -- The $1.7 trillion Build Back Better Act heads to the U.S. Senate after passing the House last week. The bill attempts to lower …

A single person in New Hampshire can make up to $37,696 and still be eligible to receive fuel assistance for home heating. (rh2010/Adobe Stock)

As Winter Moves In, Granite Staters Urged to Apply for Fuel Assistance

CONCORD, N.H. -- As cold weather moves in, Granite Staters are being urged to apply for fuel assistance, if they think they might need some help …

The White House says its plan to allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices could yield over a half- trillion dollars in federal savings over 10 years. (Olivier Le Moal/Adobe Stock)

NH Groups Urge Healthcare Improvements on Medicare, Medicaid Anniversary

CONCORD, N.H. - New Hampshire advocates for affordable healthcare access want Congress to lower prescription costs by allowing Medicare to negotiate …

More than 50% of the New Hampshire population has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. (Adobe Stock)

Unvaccinated in NH? Get 'One-on-One' Time with Healthcare Providers

CONCORD, N.H. - Health experts and advocates for older Americans are encouraging unvaccinated New Hampshire residents to have one-on-one …

Bumblebees can die or be rendered sterile by systemic pesticides present in flower pollen. (PANNA)

Gardeners, Nurseries Urged to Protect Bees

CONCORD, N.H. - This spring, pollinator gardens are gaining popularity - but some well-meaning gardeners may not realize they could be harming the …

The cost to attend Southern New Hampshire University will decrease by more than 50% starting in fall 2021. (Vitalii Vodolazskyi/Adobe Stock)

One NH College Works to Increase Affordability Amidst Pandemic

MANCHESTER, N.H. - As many families struggle financially in the pandemic, higher education becomes out of reach for more high-school seniors and …

People looking for purebred puppies, including Pomeranians, are being targeted by scam online ads. (Youngthousands/Flickr)

Pet Scams on Rise in New Hampshire

CONCORD, N.H. -- People trying to buy purebred puppies and kittens online should beware of a scam that's already hit half a dozen New Hampshirites in …

New Hampshire renters could face a wave of evictions once the moratorium ends this summer. (I-Frontier/iStockPhotos)

Announcement Possible Thursday on Plan to Prevent Evictions

CONCORD, N.H. -- The Sununu administration is expected to release a plan as soon as Thursday to prevent evictions, and housing advocates are hoping …

More than 110 people have passed away from COVID-19 in New Hampshire, with close to 80% of deaths occurring in long-term care facilities, such as Bellamy Fields. All 19 new deaths announced on Wednesday were long-term care residents. (Bellamy Fields Website)

COVID Long-Term Care Death Rate Highest in New Hampshire

CONCORD, N.H. - Nearly 80% of people dying from COVID-19 in New Hampshire lived in long-term care facilities - the highest share of these deaths of …

Advocates fear that people without health insurance will forgo COVID-19 treament for fear of costly medical bills.(Volgariver/Adobestock)

White House Criticized for Refusing to Reopen ACA Enrollment

CONCORD, N.H. -- Groups that advocate for greater access to health care are slamming the White House's decision not to allow people to apply for …

Effective Mar. 17, Gov. Chris Sununu ordered all health insurance providers in New Hampshire to cover the costs of telehealth services. (USDAgov/Creative Commons)

NH Executive Order Increases Telehealth Access Amid COVID-19

CONCORD, N.H. - New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu has ordered the expansion of telemedicine services during the COVID-19 outbreak. Sununu signed an …

Americans over age 65 account for 12% of all U.S. bankruptcy filings, with 3% of those filers at least 75 years of age. (blackstarvideo/Pixabay)

Americans Say They Can't Save Enough for Retirement

CONCORD, N.H. -- With the 2020 New Hampshire primary in the history books and the field of Democratic Party presidential contenders narrowing…

According to a recent survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, New Hampshire high school students vape more than teens anywhere else in the country. (Ethan Parsa/Pixabay)

NH Considers Moratorium on E-Cigarettes Amid Teen Vaping Surge

CONCORD, N.H. -- A New Hampshire bill advocating a moratorium on e-cigarettes is facing a big vote this week. House Bill 124 on Thursday is having a …

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

Shaheen: 'Citizens United' Stopped Plan to Curb Surprise Medical Billing

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

When this year's sales figures are tallied, Christmas tree prices are expected to be about 4% higher than last year. They rose 5% in 2018. (Jill Wellington/Pixabay)

Christmas Tree Prices Rose in New England, Despite Good Crop

MANCHESTER, N.H. -- Even though the crop for Christmas trees was good this year, prices still went up a bit in New Hampshire and Vermont. Weather …

Sen. Elizabeth Warren speaking at a UNH town hall Wednesday. (NEWS CENTER Maine/Facebook)

Warren to UNH: Medicare for All Plan Coming Soon

DURHAM, N.H. – Democratic Party presidential candidate Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts visited the University of New Hampshire on …

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