Public News Service

Environmental researchers say locally based-food growers tend to be more conscious about minimizing harmful runoff from their farmland. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, September 16, 2024

WI program serves up fresh produce, with a side of climate benefits

Access to nutritious food can be hard to come by for underserved populations. A Wisconsin program that relies on contributions from locally based …

Consumer prices are not just getting attention in the presidential race. Federal budget talks have included debate about how much authority agencies should have in going after corporations suspected of treating consumers unfairly. (Adobe Stock)

Consumer protections swept up in federal budget fight

Even in a stable economy, consumers in Wisconsin and elsewhere still express pessimism and advocates said a key federal agency working on issues like …

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)

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 …

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…

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 …

A Wisconsin travel agent says seeking out deals through services such as Airbnb can be beneficial, but often come with extra fees. She says travel agents often don't charge the customer because they get paid through hotel commissions and wholesalers, and can also find customers deals they wouldn't otherwise have access to. (Adobe Stock)

Planning a summer getaway without packing those budget breakers

Summer is here, but some Wisconsin households juggling higher consumer costs and other basic needs might feel like a vacation is out of reach…

Transportation accounts for 29% of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. (Adobe Stock)

Local WI leaders: Don't mess with EPA car emission standards

With the weather warming up, Wisconsinites will head out for road trips. Some local leaders hope in the future, drivers will pass through their …

the United Health Foundation says that for older adults, the early death rate has gone down by 8%. Officials say while that's an improvement, the rate is still higher than pre-pandemic levels. (Adobe Stock)

Some well-being metrics improve for seniors, but troubling trends loom large

Older adults in Wisconsin and across the nation are navigating various challenges that affect their quality of life. An annual report shows progress…

The federal government collects more than $1 billion every year through an excise tax on such items as licenses, guns, arrows and fishing tackle to fund wildlife conservation programs. (Adobe Stock)

Farm Bill debate is back on; hunters, anglers hope for more support

This week, Congress is picking up work on a new Farm Bill and hunters and anglers say billions of dollars in investments in private-lands …

As of mid-May, the USDA has identified bird flu among dairy cows on 41 farms in nine states. (Parilov/Adobe Stock)

As bird flu spreads within dairy operations, experts want more testing

Across the U.S, there's been intense monitoring of avian flu jumping from birds to dairy cattle. So far, no cases have surfaced in Wisconsin's milk …

In addition to claims of price gouging, consumer advocates say corporate consolidation has harmed grocery shoppers. (Adobe Stock)

Federal findings stoke more debate about grocery profits

Wisconsinites don't spend as much on groceries compared with other states. However, consumer groups say shoppers everywhere are still feeling the …

The U.S. Public Interest Research Group reported complaints about refunds for flight cancellations spiked at the start of the pandemic. They have eased but remain higher than pre-pandemic years. (Adobe Stock)

With new rules, consumers' wallets won't be grounded by airline cancellations

Air travelers could face fewer obstacles in securing a refund if their flight is canceled or changed under new federal rules announced Wednesday…

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)

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 …

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 …

Funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is helping states accelerate efforts to boost access to high-speed internet. That includes the approval of Wisconsin's vision for creating digital equity. (Adobe Stock)

WI poised to break through digital equity logjam

Wisconsin has announced a big development in trying to establish more digital equity around the state. Gov. Tony Evers and the Public Service …

According to the World Resources Institute, more than 1,200 electric school buses are operating in the United States, with several thousand more either on order or being delivered. (Adobe Stock)

Electric bus movement looks to accelerate

Most school and transit buses on the nation's roadways these days are still powered by diesel engines but in Wisconsin and elsewhere, there is hope …

The 2024 tax filing season kicked off in late January, with this year's April 15 deadline falling on a Monday. (Adobe Stock)

Overwhelmed with tax filing costs? WI service sites are back

Many Wisconsinites have received their income documents for filing taxes. A long-standing program geared toward low to moderate-income adults is …

According to services company Custody X Change, most Midwestern states don't provide judges with a clear formula for helping establish alimony payments. (Adobe Stock)

Report calls for more consistency in alimony laws

Wisconsin is among the states without a defined formula for deciding alimony payments through divorce court proceedings. A new report says without …

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)

Did your child receive a 'smart toy'? Experts urge parents to research them

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

According to United Health Foundation's latest America's Health Rankings report, Wisconsin is 26th in the nation when it comes to adult tobacco use. (Adobe Stock)

WI in top half for health rankings, but resources low for public outreach

Wisconsin ranks 22nd in the country when it comes to a range of health measuring sticks, and local public health officials said more resources could …

In a new AARP survey, one in four consumers said they have either given or received a gift card with no monetary value on it. Experts said card manipulation by scammers is one factor at play. (Adobe Stock)

During holiday crunch, fraud awareness data raises concerns

Consumer advocates warned more people report being targeted by scammers as key information to protect their financial identity is not always getting t…

Around 74% of adults age 55 and older are susceptible to scams, losing an average of $350 per scam in 2022. (Adobe Stock)

WI ‘grandparents scam’ case prompts safeguard reminders

A Connecticut man has been indicted by a Wisconsin grand jury on wire fraud charges over accusations he scammed older residents. It's the latest case …

Health coverage assistance groups and providers warn that if you wait until the last minute and rush your enrollment for an insurance plan, you could end up in the wrong program or with benefits that don't suit your needs. (Adobe Stock)

Health coverage experts: Sidestep intimidation, prepare to enroll

The fall season is here, meaning many Wisconsinites will soon make decisions about their health coverage. Experts say early preparation with trusted …

Student loan payments begin in October, as the federal pause initially prompted by the pandemic ends, and interest on those payments has already resumed. (Adobe Stock)

As Student Loan Payments Resume, New Federal Relief Takes Shape

The pandemic-related pause on student loan payments is ending, and as Wisconsin borrowers resume efforts to chip away at their balance, they're urged …

As of Aug. 15, 2023, the federal government lists 75 disasters in the U.S. and its territories, compared with 55 in the same period last year. Senior advocates under climate change threats, more older adults need to be prepared for a disaster. (Adobe Stock)

Survey Indicates More Older Adults Need Disaster Readiness Plans

Most older adults are not as prepared as they should be to respond quickly in the event of natural disasters, which can strike with little notice…

As more traditional automakers bring electric vehicles to the market, industry analysts say it's going to be a learning curve for dealerships with little EV sales experience to become effective in marketing them to customers. (Adobe Stock)

Electric Vehicle Sales: Fact vs. Fiction in WI

The auto industry has been dealing with challenges lately, such as higher interest rates, but analysts said there are nuances, and they stressed …

Officials with the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Student Success Through Applied Research Lab are gathering data from colleges and universities across the country as they create a searchable database for Indigenous students seeking financial relief. They hope to have an initial version ready next year. (Adobe Stock)

WI Project to Create Financial Aid Tool for Native College Students

Indigenous college students face many obstacles in higher education, including overwhelming costs and not feeling culturally connected on campus…

While inflation has eased, consumer advocates say certain food costs, for such staples as bread, remain high. (Adobe Stock)

WI Part of National Effort to Rein in Food Costs

Wisconsin is part of a bipartisan effort among law enforcement leaders around the U.S. to beef up and crack down on anti-trust activity within the …

With the debt-ceiling debate winding down, Congress faces future budget battles, including the Farm Bill reauthorization this fall. (Adobe Stock)

WI Working Family Advocates Put Spotlight on Reps' Voting Records

This week's debt ceiling deal saw federal policymakers compromise on budget-related matters, but a new awareness campaign from a Wisconsin grassroots …

One of the tax credits offered under the Inflation Reduction Act is a home energy audit, where property owners can find out if their home is wasting energy. (Adobe Stock)

With Emerging Incentives, Clean Energy No Longer a VIP Club

Clean-energy products, such as electric vehicles or home heat pump systems, might seem out of reach for a lot of people. But with federal incentives …

Utilities behind the proposed Nemadji Trail Energy Center in Wisconsin hope to be in operation by 2027. (Rendering courtesy of Minnesota Power)

Following Energy Trends, WI Regulators Urged to Reconsider Gas Plant

Wisconsin regulators are being asked to take another look at previously approved plans for a proposed natural gas plant. An environmental group …

According to a study in the American Journal of Agricultural Economics, the average American household wastes 31.9% of its food each year. (Adobe Stock)

Knowing Food Date Labels Key to Cutting Waste

It's almost an everyday dilemma for consumers - whether to believe a food expiration date. Advocates for cutting waste say there are tips to avoid …

Consumer advocates say it's important for customers to read and understand a financial institution's terms and conditions to know what services are available. (AdobeStock)

Credit Unions Touted as Safe Alternative Amid Industry Concerns

The recent collapse of two banks has put the U.S. financial sector into focus. Customers in Wisconsin and elsewhere are being reminded that there are …

In its first five years, Wisconsin's Solar for Good program has paved the way for installation of 7.6 megawatts of solar power, enough to power 1,500 households. (Adobe Stock)

Solar for Good: Arrays Keep Rolling Out in WI

By Kari Lydersenfor Energy News Network.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Wisconsin News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Pu…

In a new AARP report, the work of unpaid family caregivers in Wisconsin is valued at $16.97 per hour. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Uptick in Hours, Value of Unpaid Family Care in WI

The economic value of uncompensated family caregiving in Wisconsin has increased by more than $2 billion, according to the latest report estimating …

According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, roughly 700,000 Wisconsinites rely on SNAP benefits to put food on the table. (Adobe Stock)

Guidance for SNAP Recipients as Pandemic Boost Ends

Wisconsin residents receiving federal food assistance have now seen their final round of emergency aid prompted by the pandemic. Hunger-fighting …

A national study from 2022 found a higher percentage of young adults ration their insulin supply, compared to those 65 and older. (Adobe Stock)

An Insulin Hurdle Out of The Way, Others Remain

Some older patients with diabetes are now getting easier access to insulin. But there is concern many younger ones are still navigating a difficult …

Some student loan scammers will use a website that mimics the U.S. Department of Education or the borrower's loan servicer, and their correspondence may even have tidbits of the borrower's real information, such as the current payment amount. (Fizkes/Adobe Stock)

Borrowers Inundated with Student-Loan Scams

Scammers targeting student-loan borrowers in Wisconsin and elsewhere are shifting into high gear - spurred by the uncertainty surrounding President Jo…

Fraud experts say scammers are constantly trying to improve the appearance of phony websites and other ways to engage with consumers in their attempts to steal money during busy times like the holiday season. (Adobe Stock)

Scam-Avoidance Warning Fatigue Mounts During Holidays

Holiday shoppers in Wisconsin and elsewhere are starting to face a time crunch in wrapping up their gift lists. As they rush to the stores or sift …

The U.S. saw an increase in Black-owned businesses between 2017 and 2019, but their supporters worry the pandemic may have derailed that progress. (Adobe Stock)

Holiday Season Perfect Time to Support WI Black Business Owners

The holiday shopping season is here, and people are being reminded about the importance of supporting Black-owned businesses, in Wisconsin and …

WI Households Have Ways to Block Heating Bill Sticker Shock

With winter almost here, Wisconsinites are being warned they will not be getting a break on their heating bills this season, and experts pointed out …

Leading scientists have warned that if utility companies do not quickly ramp up clean energy and retire coal and gas power plants, people across the planet will face an increasingly dangerous future from the effects of climate change. (Adobe Stock)

Report Grades WI Utilities on Clean-Energy Pledges

Utilities across the country are making climate pledges - but they're not always backing them up. That's according to a report that includes grades …

The U.S. government says 65% of Americans who are online receive at least one scam offer. (Adobe Stock)

Cybersecurity Awareness: Staring Down 'Social Engineering' by Hackers

In a digital world, employers often require some form of cybersecurity training. A local government official in Wisconsin is encouraging people not …

There are an estimated 700,000 federal student loan borrowers in Wisconsin. (Adobe Stock)

Student Debt Forgiveness: WI Borrowers Urged to Monitor Taxes, Scams

In the coming weeks, applications could become available for student loan forgiveness under the new Biden administration plan. In states like …

Also included in the Inflation Reduction Act is an extension of expanded subsidies in the American Rescue Plan that help bring down costs of ACA insurance plans. These subsidies are seen as important to those ages 50 to 64, who pay up to three times more for their insurance. (Adobe Stock)

IRA Passage: Older Wisconsinites to See Prescription Drug Cost Relief

Sweeping legislation approved by Congress is designed to address a range of issues, including climate change and deficit reductions. Other components …

According to the Department of Justice, drugs should never be flushed or poured down the drain, as they can contaminate rivers and lakes. (Adobe Stock)

Drug Take Back Day Offers Safe Path for Prescription Disposal

Saturday is National Drug Take Back Day, and there will be more than 135 events across Wisconsin where folks can dispose of both controlled and …

A new report from the Wisconsin Policy Forum finds Wisconsin spends about $541 per undergraduate student in financial aid, nearly half the national average of $980. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Financial Aid Lags Cost of Higher Ed for WI Students

Wisconsin offers dozens of financial aid programs for students looking to attend college, but a new report finds funding for those programs has …

A 2020 report by the Kaiser Family Foundation found about seventy percent of lower-income adults couldn't afford an unexpected $500 medical bill. (Adobe Stock)

'No Surprises Act' Shields WI Residents From Surprise Medical Bills

CORRECTION: Sarah Smith is the director of public affairs with the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance. A previous version incorrectly …

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WI: Consumer