Consumer Issues / Public News Service

Traveling nurses found improved quarters in Houston thanks to a pandemic-loan program designed to help small minority-owned businesses rebuild. (voltamax/Pixabay)

Tuesday, November 30, 2021

SOAR Fund Lifts Up Small Businesses Hit by Pandemic

HOUSTON, Texas -- Minority-owned businesses across the South are benefitting from a program designed to help them get back on their feet post-…

Some estimates say roughly 150,000 rural Minnesotans lack access to high-speed internet, affecting things such as distance learning. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, November 30, 2021

MN's Rural Students to See Broadband Relief from Federal Bill

PRINCETON, Minn. -- President Joe Biden is expected to visit Minnesota today to tout passage of the new federal infrastructure bill. Those working …

Idaho student-loan borrowers have an average of about $32,000 in public and private education debt. (New Africa/Adobe Stock)

Monday, November 29, 2021

Ready or Not, Student-Loan Payments Set to Resume Next Year

BOISE, Idaho - Student loan borrowers take note: a pause on federal student-loan payments is set to end in February. The moratorium on payments has …

Minnesota student-loan borrowers have an average of $31,250 in public and private education debt. (New Africa/Adobe Stock)

Monday, November 29, 2021

Student Loan Payment Relief Set to Expire

MINNEAPOLIS -- Student loan borrowers take note: A pause on federal student-loan payments is set to end when February rolls around. The moratorium on …

The mission of the 'Buy Nothing Project' is to promote the giving of goods and services within hyperlocal circles. (bfleeson/Pixabay)

"Buy Nothing" Movement Gains Pandemic Momentum

AUSTIN, Texas -- Supply chain delays have some holiday shoppers stressed that gifts won't be on store shelves on this "Black Friday," or won't arrive …

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…

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 …

The Texas counties of Pecos, Nacagdoches and Hutchinson have the highest numbers of "orphan wells," according to data compiled by Native State Environmental. (nativestateenvironmental.org)

Conservatives Seek Reforms for "Orphan Wells" on Public Lands

AUSTIN, Texas -- The Build Back Better Act making its way through Congress includes reforms for oil and gas production on public lands first …

AARP recommends checking if your drug store is a preferred pharmacy under your chosen Medicare plan. It means you'll pay less for prescriptions there. (Adobe Stock)

Tips for Picking Medicare Plan This Open-Enrollment Season

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Choosing the right Medicare plan can be confusing, and during the open-enrollment period, it is recommended Pennsylvanians take …

The Providence R-N Medical Advice Line has been a valuable tool during the pandemic, where people can ask about COVID-19 symptoms. (Courtesy of Heidi Sweeney)

OR Nurse Advice Line Plagued by Understaffing

PORTLAND, Ore. - Nurses provide a range of care, and not all of it is delivered in person. The Providence RN Medical Advice Line is a phone number …

Of the 142,176 veterans living in Nebraska, only 33% have utilized their earned benefits at VA health care, according to U.S. Census data. (Adobe Stock)

New Online Navigator Aims to Streamline Access to Veteran Health Benefits

LINCOLN, Neb. - November is National Veterans and Military Families Month, and AARP has launched a free, one-stop online resource to help more …

Around 32% of Americans plan to travel for Thanksgiving this year, a decline from 35% last year, according to a recent survey from GasBuddy. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — Around 32% of Americans plan to travel for Thanksgiving this year, a decline from 35% last year, according to a recent survey from GasBuddy. (Adobe Stock)

Gas-Powered WV Drivers Pinched at the Pump This Thanksgiving

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - West Virginia gas prices continue to climb, and experts say drivers can expect to shell out more money for gas through next year…

Currently, Medicare Part D does not have a hard cap on the amount people pay out-of-pocket for prescription drugs; the Build Back Better Act would change that. (Mensatic/Morguefile)

Older Nevadans Excited for "Build Back Better" Vote

CARSON CITY, Nev. -- Groups that advocate for older Americans are pressing for passage of the Build Back Better Act, Build Back Better Act which is …

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 …

Gas bills in Indianapolis are expected to be on average $10 more per month this winter compared with last year. (fizkes/Adobe Stock)

Hoosier Households Urged to Apply for Heating Assistance

INDIANAPOLIS - As cold weather moves in, state agencies are working to make sure Hoosier households know how to apply for the Low-Income Home Energy …

In an AARP survey this fall, 81% of military members or veterans said they have not placed a security freeze on their credit reports that would help protect them from financial fraud. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Heightened Scam Risks for KY Veterans, Servicemembers

FRANKFORT, Ky. - A new survey by AARP finds veterans, military service members and their families are nearly 40% more likely to lose money to scams …

If you find your rates for a third-party utility provider is skyrocketing, AARP Maryland recommends canceling it and turning to regulated utility suppliers. (Adobe stock)<br /> — If you find your rates for a third-party utility provider is skyrocketing, AARP Maryland recommends canceling it and turning to regulated utility suppliers. (Adobe stock)

New Tool Helps Monitor MD Third-Party Utility Bills

ANNAPOLIS, Md. - About 60 million American households get their energy from third-party suppliers, and a new online toolkit helps these consumers …

Medicaid recipients from the storytelling project also suggested that annual allotments for appointments, prescriptions and transportation be improved to increase access to care. (Adobe Stock)

AR Medicaid Storytelling Project Features Experience Navigating Program

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Arkansas health advocates have launched a new project aiming to tell the stories of how the Medicaid system has supported …

This week's interactive "Conference on Aging" in New Mexico includes prizes for poetry, recipes and photo submissions. (BruceEmmerling/Pixabay)

NM Conference Urges Seniors to “Adapt, Overcome & Thrive”

SANTA FE, N.M. -- Forced isolation from the pandemic has made it hard for seniors' voices to be heard in the past couple years, and New Mexico's …

Collapse of the 90-year-old Lake Dunlap Dam spillway in 2019 because of aging structural steel highlighted infrastructure needs in Texas. (Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority)

U.S. Infrastructure Bill Signed, 'Build Back Better Act' on Deck

AUSTIN, Texas -- With the massive infrastructure bill now signed into law by President Joe Biden, environmental advocates are keeping the pressure on …

The Four Corners Power Plant, built in 1962, is one of the largest coal-fired generating stations in the U.S. (serc.carleton.edu)

NM Utility Provider Under Fire Over Aging Power-Plant Investments

SANTA FE, N.M. -- Critics of a plan by New Mexico's largest utility company to abandon one of the oldest coal-burning plants in the country say …

Modesto Junior College has waived tuition and fees for students for this semester. Future funding levels will determine if the program will continue going forward. (MJC)

Community Colleges Lure Students Back with Financial Incentives

MODESTO, Calif. -- Community colleges across California are using COVID-19 relief funds to lower costs for students and lure them back to campus…

At nearly 1.5 million, Texas has the second-highest population of veterans in the country. (27707/Pixabay)

Veterans, Military Families Acquire Easier Access to Health Care

AUSTIN, Texas -- Newly returned veterans or even those who've been back for years face obstacles, and a big one is how to pick the best health care…

Demand has skyrocketed for high-protein foods such as meat and poultry, foods least available to food-insecure individuals. (Adobe Stock)

Amid Inflation, Food Banks See Increased Demand for Protein-Rich Foods

ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. - Anti-hunger advocates say inflation, supply-chain issues and a labor shortage are driving up the demand for protein, as the …

If temperatures are 10% colder than forecast, the cost of heating propane is projected to rise by 94% this winter. (Adobe Stock)

Coloradans Warned to Brace for Higher Winter Heating Bills

DENVER - The U.S. Energy Information Administration projects that Coloradans will be paying considerably more to heat their homes this winter…

A nonpartisan analysis says South Dakota government would have to pay for only a small percentage of Medicaid expansion costs, if approved by voters. (Adobe Stock)

Proposed Medicaid Expansion for SD Enters Next Phase

PIERRE, S.D. - The South Dakota Secretary of State today is expected to receive signatures from a campaign pushing for Medicaid expansion. The …

Peak enrollment for federal marketplace plans in Ohio was in 2016, when more than 243,000 people signed up for insurance coverage. (Adobe Stock)

More Navigators On Hand for 'Healthcare.gov' Enrollment

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The federal health insurance marketplace is now open, and this fall, there's more help to guide Ohioans through the process of …

Americans pay at least three times more than residents of other developed nations for the exact same prescription drugs. (Adobe Stock)

AARP Members Call on Congress to Rein In Big Pharma

CHEYENNE, Wyo. - After the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bipartisan infrastructure bill late Friday, AARP is calling on lawmakers to pass …

An AARP report finds that stressful life events, such as the death of a loved one or a job loss, can leave seniors more vulnerable to scams. (Monkey Business/Adobe Stock)

Study: Stress Makes Seniors More Vulnerable to Scam Artists

PHOENIX, Ariz. - Scams are never a good thing to be involved with, but new research shows that people undergoing stressful events in their lives are …

Ten years ago, marchers from Occupy Portland came to Trailhead Credit Union to transfer their money to the nonprofit institution. (Francis Storr/Flickr)

A Decade Ago, Many Americans Ditched Banks for Credit Unions

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Ten years ago today, tens of thousands of Americans decided to join credit unions. It's now known as Bank Transfer Day. On the …

More than 44,000 people signed a petition supporting New York City cab drivers' debt relief from purchasing permits to own and drive a taxi. (Michayla Savitt)

More Aid on Way for NYC Yellow Cab Medallion Owners

NEW YORK -- The New York Taxi Workers Alliance and its allies are celebrating a new city deal which provides relief to cab drivers facing debt from pu…

Around 94% of moths spend some part of their life cycle in a leaf layer, many in the winter months as pupa. When they emerge, they lay eggs, and moth caterpillars are an important food source for many backyard birds. (Adobe Stock)

Leave the Leaves to Help NY's Environment, Naturalist Suggests

ALBANY, N.Y. -- A New York autumn is in full swing, and one nature expert said there are ways people should handle fallen leaves to protect wildlife …

Vitamin- and nutrient-filled jack-o'-lantern make nutritious treat for birds, squirrels and pigs. (onegreenplanet.org)

Leftover Pumpkins? Make Pigs Squeal With Delight

AUSTIN, Texas -- The trick-or-treaters are gone, but that doesn't mean your jack-o'-lantern has to be sent to the trash after Halloween. To help the …

Together, Medicaid, CHIP and the state insurance marketplace Pennie account for nearly 46% of children covered in Pennsylvania. (Adobe Stock)

Report: PA Kids' Health Coverage Increased During Pandemic

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Since the pandemic began, public health coverage for children has increased by 10% in Pennsylvania, and a new report underscored …

Urgency for the U.S. Congress to designate the Gila River as a Wild and Scenic River follows one of the worst years ever recorded for water levels on the Colorado River. (state.nm.us)

Heinrich, Lujan Reintroduce NM Gila River Protection Bill

SILVER CITY, N.M. -- New Mexico's U.S. senators are making another attempt to protect the last remaining free-flowing rivers and tributary systems to …

Thousands of Coloradans turned to Connect for Health Colorado, the state's health insurance marketplace, for the first time to get coverage after losing their employer-based insurance during the COVID health emergency. (Adobe Stock)

Financial Help for Health Coverage Available to More Coloradans

DENVER -- The costs of health insurance in Colorado are finally stabilizing, and Coloradans who do not get health coverage through their work will …

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 …

Arizona Public Service provides energy to more than 2.7 million customers across the state. (Sashkin/Adobe Stock)

Arizona Regulators Cut Power Company's Rate-Hike Request

PHOENIX, Ariz. -- Following pressure from consumer groups and ratepayers, the Arizona Corporation Commission this week made significant cuts to a …

Experts say health insurance through the Affordable Care Act is much improved after Congress passed the American Rescue Act earlier this year. (Tada Images/Adobe Stock)

Open Enrollment Begins for 2022 'Obamacare' Health Care Plans

SALT LAKE CITY -- Open enrollment for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act is underway in Utah and across the country, and experts are …

Nine out of ten U.S. consumers say they are more likely to shop at a small business that friends or peers have recommended. (Adobe Stock)

Reasons to Shop Local This Holiday Season

LINCOLN, Neb. -- Locally produced honey, artwork and handmade scarves and sweaters will not be stuck on a container ship this holiday season…

According to a recent poll, 65% of Wyoming voters say they want their state legislator to support Medicaid expansion. (Adobe Stock)

Poll: WY Lawmakers Out of Sync with Majority of Voters on Medicaid

CHEYENNE, Wyo. - Advocates for expanding Medicaid are regrouping after Wyoming lawmakers voted against an expansion bill during last week's special …

According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, Kentuckians have installed enough solar-energy capacity to power more than 6,000 homes. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — According to the Solar Energy Industries Association, Kentuckians have installed enough solar-energy capacity to power more than 6,000 homes. (Adobe Stock)

Solar-Power Advocates: KY Net-Metering Decision "Fair, Equitable"

FRANKFORT, Ky. - Kentucky's Public Service Commission has rejected a proposal by two utilities that would have drastically reduced the value of solar …

A mobile billboard is crisscrossing West Virginia to encourage Sen. Joe Manchin's support of President Joe Biden's "Build Back Better" plan. (David Zielonka)

'Build Back Better' Plan Gets Mobile Billboard in WV

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - You may spot a mobile billboard on your travels in West Virginia, and its creators hope the signage reminds people of how they …

An industry group says solar and clean-energy projects have invested $2 billion into Wisconsin's economy. (Adobe Stock)

WI Takes Big Leap in Clean-Energy Pursuit

MILWAUKEE - The clean-energy industry has welcomed its newest member to the "Gigawatt Club." Wisconsin's recognition for advancing such projects comes…

In 2015, nearly 200 countries agreed to individual plans to fight global warming in the historic Paris climate agreement. (TheDigitalArtist/Pixabay)

COP26: Another Attempt to Avert Climate-Change Catastrophe

AUSTIN, Texas -- As climate scientists warn time is running out to reverse the worst effects of climate change, some Texans will be among those …

Advocates for rooftop solar say it will better localize the energy system, making it more resilient. (kmlPhoto/Adobe Stock)

Utility's Study Could "Determine Future of Solar in ID"

BOISE, Idaho - A years-long battle over the future of residential solar power continues in Idaho. The Idaho Public Utility Commission is taking …

A recent survey found about one in six Americans lost money to a scam in the past year. (Rokas/Adobe Stock)

Report: Life Stress Can Lead to Fraud Susceptibility

SEATTLE - Scammers have upped their game during the pandemic. New research looks into who is most susceptible to falling victim to fraud. AARP …

The Minnesota Homeownership Center says last year, it worked with 533 households to prevent foreclosure. (Adobe Stock)

Homeownership Groups Warn of Economic Fallout from Foreclosures

ST. PAUL, Minn. - Programs that allowed struggling homeowners to pause monthly payments during the pandemic have reached their limits for millions of …

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