Consumer Issues / Public News Service

The Center for Responsible Lending has reported 70% of payday loan borrowers take out a new loan the day they pay off another loan and nearly 75% of the revenue earned by payday lenders comes from borrowers who take out 10 or more loans per year.(jetcityimage/adobe stock)

Friday, May 3, 2024

Michigan lawmakers target predatory loan companies

Michigan legislators are tackling predatory lending practices, aiming to set standards for payday loans and maximum interest rates. In Kent County …

Nearly 27% of U.S. hospitals do not practice recommended suicide prevention practices, including safety planning, warm handoffs to outpatient care, patient follow-up and lethal-means counseling. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, May 3, 2024

Zero Suicide Institute aims to expand access to SC suicide care, prevention

Studies show suicide is a serious public health problem, claiming more than 48,000 lives each year in the nation. A new initiative from the Zero …

While going through ownership changes, the Mark III Tap Room in Muncie, Ind., has moved buildings, closed and reopened multiple times. (Adobe stock)

Thursday, May 2, 2024

Closure of Indiana's oldest gay bar impacts LGBTQ+ community

By Meghan Holt for the Ball State Daily News .Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the Ball State Daily News-Free Pre…

Small rooftop solar systems in Ohio cost on average around $13,000 before tax credits, according to the website EnergySage. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, May 2, 2024

EPA’s Solar for All Program aims to help Ohioans lower energy bills, create jobs

The Environmental Protection Agency has awarded $156 million to Midwestern states, including Ohio, to help residents lower their energy bills through …

A Minnesota research group said between 2020 and 2022, buried utility infrastructure was damaged 7,440 times, with broadband installation serving as a major factor. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, May 2, 2024

Broadband crunch produces side effect: underground digging mishaps

Government leaders are acting with urgency to get underserved communities connected with high speed internet but in Minnesota, underground digging …

Housing affordability was the most important issue to Utahns in a new Utah Foundation survey, while earning enough to pay for non-housing needs came in third. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

Report: Cost of living, government dysfunction rank as top issues for Utahns

More than three in five Utahns believe the state is on the wrong track and their quality of life is worse today than it was five years ago. A new …

The 340B rule empowers select safety-net providers by providing discounts on outpatient prescription drugs and in reaching more eligible patients to provide comprehensive services. (Banana Images/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

Big Pharma uses red-meat rhetoric in fight over drug costs

Access to reduced-price medication is a necessity for many rural Missourians with low income. Rep. Cindy O'Laughlin, R-Shelbina, the Senate Floor …

In 2022, New Mexico joined the ranks of states offering free college for most through its Opportunity Scholarship. (theartofpics/AdobeStock)

Tuesday, April 30, 2024

NM studies financial equity among higher-education institutions

New Mexico is taking a deep dive into its funding of public colleges and universities to determine if inequities need to be addressed. The Higher …

Americans of Hispanic or Latino ethnicity report the highest average weekly spending on groceries, at $325.67 per week. (JackF/AdobeStock)

Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Feds: Grocery chains achieve record profits before and after pandemic

Consumer groups are claiming big grocery retailers such as Kroger and Walmart have been unfairly raising prices, both during the pandemic and now…

The 2022 Census of Agriculture report said Illinois has nearly 72,000 farms with an average size of 373 acres. (Adobe Stock)

IL farmers on costly hold amid legislative foot dragging

By Jennifer Bamberg for Investigate Midwest.Broadcast version by Terri Dee for Illinois News Connection reporting for the Investigate Midwest-Public N…

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, methane is the second most abundant anthropogenic greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide, accounting for about 16 percent of global emissions. (Adobe Stock)

North Carolina weighs in on Duke Energy's methane gas proposal

The North Carolina Utilities Commission is giving residents a chance to voice their opinion on a plan which could influence how their electricity is g…

There are 8,337 solar jobs in the state of Arizona, according to Solar Energy Industries Association. (Adobe Stock)

AZ receives millions of dollars for solar investments

The State of Arizona has received $156 million to invest into solar systems for Arizona families. Adrian Keller, Arizona program director for the …

About 6,000 Michigan short-term rental hosts earned roughly $146 million in 2021. (Tada Images/Adobe Stock)

MI short-term rental owners may face new long-term costs

Proposed regulations in Michigan could have a major impact on the state's tourism industry. The series of 10 bills introduced by House Democrats …

Households in Los Angeles, Riverside and San Francisco counties pay the highest prices for groceries in the state. (Stokkete/Adobe Stock)

Feds: Grocery chain profits soared during and after pandemic

Consumer groups are accusing major grocery retailers - like Amazon, Kroger and Walmart - of price gouging, both during and after the pandemic…

The United States has 25,000 conventional supermarkets and about 15,000 additional grocery retail stores of different kinds, employing more than 2.5 million people. (Adobe Stock/AI)

Report: Grocery revenues exceeded cost increases; profits remain elevated

A new report from the Federal Trade Commission casts doubt on the idea that rising grocery prices in Maryland and nationwide have been due to retailer…

Experts believe increasing access to healthy food is not just about nutrition, it is about addressing disparities and improving overall health outcomes. (ARTFULLY-79/Adobe Stock)

Breaking barriers for health equity with nutritional strategies

Missouri residents are gaining new insights into the powerful role of food in health care as experts and organizations advocate for a shift toward foo…

The number of undergraduate degree earners fell for the second year in a row in the 2022-23 academic years, according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Poll: College affordability, debt keeping adults out of college

More than 70% of adults with student loans report having delayed at least one significant life event because of their debt situation, yet a new …

New rules should be in place by Thanksgiving requiring that airlines offer customers cash refunds before vouchers if flights are cancelled. (Sk�rzewiak/Adobe Stock)

Friendly skies get friendlier with cash refunds for flight cancellations

Just in time for the fall holidays, air travelers could face fewer obstacles in securing a refund if their flight is canceled or changed under new …

An estimated 65% of occupied housing units in Newburgh have renters living in them. Less than 35% are owner-occupied. (Adobe Stock)

Newburgh tenant protections overturned by county Supreme Court

Orange County's Supreme Court reversed a decision letting the city of Newburgh implement state tenant protections. The city declared a housing …

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…

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

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 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…

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 …

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…

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the Public News Service (podcast)"
	"Hey Google, play the Public News Service podcast"
	"Alexa, play Public News Service podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the 2024 Talks podcast"
	"Hey Google, play the 2024 Talks podcast"
	"Alexa, play 2000 24 Talks podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the Yonder Report podcast"
	"Hey Google, play the Yonder Report podcast"
	"Alexa, play the Yonder Report podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

PNS Daily Newscast - May 3, 2024

2024Talks - May 3, 2024

The Yonder Report - May 2, 2024

Consumer

Michigan lawmakers target predatory loan companies

Zero Suicide Institute aims to expand access to SC suicide care, prevention

Closure of Indiana's oldest gay bar impacts LGBTQ+ community

EPA’s Solar for All Program aims to help Ohioans lower energy bills, create jobs

Broadband crunch produces side effect: underground digging mishaps

Report: Cost of living, government dysfunction rank as top issues for Utahns

Big Pharma uses red-meat rhetoric in fight over drug costs

NM studies financial equity among higher-education institutions

Feds: Grocery chains achieve record profits before and after pandemic

IL farmers on costly hold amid legislative foot dragging

North Carolina weighs in on Duke Energy's methane gas proposal

AZ receives millions of dollars for solar investments

MI short-term rental owners may face new long-term costs

Feds: Grocery chain profits soared during and after pandemic

Report: Grocery revenues exceeded cost increases; profits remain elevated

Breaking barriers for health equity with nutritional strategies

Poll: College affordability, debt keeping adults out of college

Friendly skies get friendlier with cash refunds for flight cancellations

Newburgh tenant protections overturned by county Supreme Court

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pacificorp throws a lifeline to Wyoming coal and natural gas industry

Assembly strengthens data privacy for Marylanders