Consumer Issues / Public News Service

Around 97% of the Utah hog inventory is on farms with 5,000 or more hogs, according to the National Pork Producers Council. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

Utah feels impact of California's ban on gestation crates

Farm advocates claim price gouging on meat and poultry in California is spreading across the country, including Utah's pork industry, which garnered …

Hunger Free America's 2023 Annual Hunger Survey found more than 400,000 people in Kentucky are food insecure. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

Kentucky clinic receives grant to battle poverty, food insecurity

A Kentucky community health center is one of eight facilities nationwide to participate in a program addressing food scarcity. The National …

There are no income or registration requirements for kids to participate in the state's Summer Meals program, which serves breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner to all youths up to age 18. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

Summer meals for kids available to-go and by delivery in remote rural areas

With school cafeterias closed for the summer, community groups and nonprofits are working to ensure that Colorado's one in five children who go …

Using a ceiling fan can reduce air conditioning costs by up to 30% when the fan is circulating counterclockwise. It pushes cooler air downward, creating a cooling effect. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, July 1, 2024

Rising AZ summer temps also mean higher energy bills

Summer is in full swing and as temperatures increase across the state of Arizona, so do energy bills. Diane Brown, executive director of the Arizona …

Beyond legal-related maneuvers, the USDA has taken other steps to create more market fairness in the heavily consolidated livestock and meat production industry, including funding for more local processing options. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, July 1, 2024

The little guy could get a bigger voice in proposed USDA fairness rule

From North Dakota to Texas, the beef raised on farms goes through a production process controlled by four major companies and independent ranchers …

According to the U.S. Department of energy, e-bikes topped the 1 million mark in sales in 2022, almost four times the total from 2019. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, July 1, 2024

Can e-bikes become a carbon reduction force?

Tomorrow Minnesota will reopen online applications for electric bike rebates. Environmental advocates are closely watching consumer demand for …

According to the financial site Forbes Advisor, Illinois ranks 20th in the nation for struggling most with credit card debt. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, July 1, 2024

IL financial jobs seen at risk with possible merger

Two of the largest credit card companies in the United States want federal regulators to greenlight a merger and the deal has been met with skepticism…

A price change for mail service will take effect July 14. The new rates include a 5-cent increase in the price of a first class Forever stamp from 68 to 73 cents. (AdobeStock)

Monday, July 1, 2024

Mississippi observes National Postal Worker Day

Today is National Postal Workers Day, celebrated annually to show appreciation for postal workers in Mississippi and across the country. The U.S…

Reports show newly constructed electric buildings can have lower energy bills than those with fossil-fuel systems. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, July 1, 2024

‘All-Electric Buildings’ law part of NY building code update

New York's Building Code Council is set to include the All-Electric Buildings Act in its 2025 code update. The 2023 law bans natural gas and other …

United States Postal Service locations have been evaluating whether to move processing to larger hubs. (IanDewarPhotography/Adobe Stock)

Monday, July 1, 2024

Mail carriers celebrated on National Postal Workers Day

Today is National Postal Workers Day, a celebration of the job they do to deliver the mail. Postal workers provide a vital service, especially …

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management says the state has a 50% recycling goal for municipal waste, and requires mandatory reporting of solid waste and recycling data to track progress. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, July 1, 2024

IN book offers recycling resources for event organizers

Summer in Indiana produces a variety of festivals, outdoor concerts, and athletic competitions. These attractions produce large crowds and hundreds …

American manufacturing has led to a significant increase in solar deployment in 2023. A record 32.4 gigawatts of solar capacity were installed nationwide, up 50% from 2022. (freshidea/Adobe Stock)<br />

New plan to increase tariffs on Chinese imports garners public support

Today is the last day for Pennsylvanians to submit feedback to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative about a Biden administration proposal to …

A Better Business Bureau report found home improvement and online purchase scams are two of the top five scams people fell victim to in 2023. (Adobe Stock)

CT residents should watch out for summertime scams

Amid the fun in the sun, Connecticut residents should be wary of summertime scams. Utility company impostor scams are prominent this time of year…

Consumer fireworks should only be discharged on personal property or a location designated by the Indiana State Fire Marshal. (Adobe stock)

IN experts stress fireworks safety ahead of July 4th

As Hoosiers gear up for Independence Day, safety experts are stressing the importance of handling fireworks responsibly. Trevor Hash, division chief …

Amazon sold a chemical used for suicide at high concentrations but said it cannot be held responsible for how customers use products. (michelangeloop/Adobe Stock)

Amazon responsible for selling chemical used for suicide, lawsuits allege

Lawsuits are seeking to hold Amazon accountable for selling a chemical used by people for suicide. The substance is known as sodium nitrite and is …

Montana currently has no law against the use of gestation crates to raise livestock. (Adobe Stock)

Montana feels effects of California 'price gouging'

California joined a dozen other states across the U.S. either banning or regulating the use of gestation crates to raise livestock and a ballot …

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits brought more than $700 million to local Colorado economies in 2017, creating more than $1.25 billion in economic activity. (Adobe Stock)

Farm Bill proposal would cut SNAP food assistance by $30 billion

One proposed version of the next Farm Bill, introduced by the Republican chair of the House Agriculture Committee, would cut the Supplemental …

Corporations have raised retail pork prices by 20%, but the farmers supplying California with crate-free pork are only receiving about 5% more for their hogs, according to data from the USDA. (Adobe Stock)

California 'price gouging' ripples to Iowa

Farm advocates claim price gouging on meat and poultry in California is spreading across the country, including in Iowa, which is the nation's …

The New York City Environmental Justice Alliance's newest report shows traffic congestion causes pollution to spike twice a day with the recorded air pollution levels significantly higher during rush hours. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Air quality worsens in NYC environmental-justice areas

A new report finds New York City environmental-justice communities face worsening air quality. It's part of the Community Heat and Air Mapping …

Some 24% of people with student-loan debt say they do not expect they'll ever be able to pay it off, according Bankrate. (Adobe Stock)

NV nonprofit calls Biden's student debt initiatives economic justice

President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump have different views on most issues, and student loan debt is no different. In the Reno-Sparks …

North Dakota is moving forward with more than $25 million in federal funding to spur construction of electric vehicle charging stations, mainly in rural areas along interstates. (Adobe Stock)

ND isn't known for EV chargers but statewide network takes next step

Electric-vehicle owners in North Dakota have long called for more action to boost the state's charging station network. There continues to be mixed …

If you are displaced by a natural disaster such as a flood, consumer watchdogs say you should keep all your receipts, including for food and temporary lodging as your home is repaired. It can help recoup expenses when going through necessary insurance claims and other forms of assistance. (Adobe Stock)

Watchdog hopes MN flood victims keep shady contractors at bay

Communities across Minnesota, especially in its southern half, have been responding to flood emergencies, and consumer protection groups are urging …

As of June 2023, about 5% of Americans had unpaid medical bills on their credit reports - down from 14% in March 2022, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. (Adobe Stock)

WV advocates: eliminate medical debt from credit scores

West Virginia healthcare advocates are applauding a recent proposed rule by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to remove medical bills from cred…

There is a shortage of almost 140,000 affordable and available rental homes for extremely low-income Indiana residents, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition. (Adobe Stock)

Hoosiers push for statewide commission to tackle housing crisis

By Marilyn Odendahl for The Indiana Citizen.Broadcast version by Mark Richardson for Indiana News Service reporting for the Indiana Citizen-Free Press…

'Death by a thousand cuts' for Bozeman's low-income renters

A group formed to fight for the rights of Bozeman's lower-income renters is pushing for mandatory legal assistance for people facing eviction…

Male fertility has been dropping worldwide in the past few decades, especially in countries that produce a lot of chemicals known to disrupt hormones, including PFAS substances. (Adobe Stock)

WSU study reveals PFAS chemicals in men affect their offspring

A groundbreaking report from a team of Wayne State University researchers revealed fathers pass down more than genetics to their children. They are …

The World Health Organization says globally, one in two people can be considered

America's 'Radical Elders' continue their work for fairness, justice

Members of the group Radical Elders are participating in a Chicago tech conference this weekend to explain the impact of technology on older Americans…

North Carolina is home to 934,604 small businesses. (Adobe Stock)

North Carolina businesses fear effects of 'bathroom bill'

North Carolina's business community is alarmed after Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson praised the controversial House Bill 2, known as the "Bathroom Bill," at …

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…

In 2023, Arkansas' Farm to School Kitchen Equipment Grant Program increased the capacity to process and serve more specialty crops to students through the school cafeteria. (Cheangchai/Adobe Stock)

Arkansas students learn importance of healthy foods through school gardens

School children in Arkansas are learning how to grow their own fruits and vegetables through the Farm to School and Early Childhood Education program …

Groups call for new citizens to have greater access to federal lands, waters

June is National Immigrant Heritage Month, and advocates in Utah want to see a pathway to U.S. citizenship include easier access to public lands and …

A majority of board members of the newly merged Clinica Family Health and Wellness will continue to be patients who receive services, working alongside community volunteers. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado health merger aims to unify behavioral and medical care

Clinica Family Health and Mental Health Partners have announced plans to merge operations by September of this year. Mental Health Partners co-CEO …

The United States sends nearly 80 billion pounds of food to municipal solid waste landfills annually. (Pixel-Shot/Adobe Stock)

Ohio State tackles household food waste

Ohio State University is spearheading a $2.5 million U.S. Department of Agriculture-funded initiative to reduce food loss and waste in the United …

The current version of the Farm Bill is an extension of the 2018 bill, which expired in 2023 and was extended for one year. (Kenishirotie/Adobe Stock)

MO advocates demand fairness in beef labeling, support for small farms

Family farm advocates are pushing for major changes in the new Farm Bill, including reduced subsidies for large factory farms, mandatory beef country-…

Oregon is set to receive $689 million from the federal government to connect all state residents to high speed internet. (New Africa/Adobe Stock)

OR closer to receiving 'historic investment' in internet infrastructure

The stage is set for a massive investment in Oregon's plans to bring high-speed internet to everyone in the state. The second volume of Oregon's …

According to Jonathan Tyndall, about 30% to 40% of farm produce goes to waste and doesn't get used. He says Ripe for Revival is working to make those numbers smaller. (Courtesy of Joe Mecca/Coastal Credit Union)

New mobile market tackles food deserts in North Carolina

A new mobile market is tackling food deserts in North Carolina, where 1.4 million people struggle to find healthy food. Ripe for Revival, a nonprofit …

The Biden administration is awarding more than $600 million in grants to build the nation's electric-vehicle charging network. Maine is just the fifth state to benefit from what's known as the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Formula. (Adobe Stock)

Federal funds boost ME high-speed EV charging network

Clean-energy advocates in Maine are applauding an expansion of the state's electric vehicle charging network. State officials recently announced the …

Environmental groups are working to attract more Latino families to enjoy the great outdoors on public lands such as the Alabama Hills National Scenic Area in southern Inyo County. (Louis Medina)

Latino environmental groups push for greater access to public lands

Conservation groups are circulating a petition asking the feds to give "America the Beautiful National Parks and Recreation Lands" passes to new citiz…

Advocates are concerned that large corporate

MN farmers push for more protection from corporate agriculture in Farm Bill

With a September deadline looming for Congress to finish work on renewing the Farm Bill, Minnesota family farmers are pushing for more regulations to …

Around 27% of South Dakotans who applied for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, funded by Inflation Reduction Act dollars in 2023, were accepted. (Marc Braner/Adobe Stock)

House Farm Bill could chop climate-smart programs

The U.S. House of Representatives will likely vote this summer on a version of the Farm Bill, which passed through the committee process last month…

Restaurants are the third-largest employer of young people ages 16 to 24 in New York. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Young NYers prioritize living-wage jobs at ballot box

A new report finds New York's rising cost of living and having living-wage jobs are priority issues for young voters. Research shows a single …

Consumer groups allege a new cryptocurrency regulation bill contains loopholes, undermining investor protection. (BBbirdZAdobestock)

Financial-justice advocates criticize crypto regulation bill

Consumer advocates are coming out against a bill to regulate the cryptocurrency market, saying it is a wolf in sheep's clothing. The Financial …

In 2021, an estimated 352,000 children and adolescents younger than 20, or 35 per 10,000 U.S. youths, had diagnosed diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Childhood diabetes becoming more common in Kentucky

Experts say sedentary lifestyles, food insecurity, and other factors are driving an increase in childhood diabetes in Kentucky. Research shows …

Staring July 1, Minnesota drivers 55 and older will only have to take four hours of a driver safety course to get an auto insurance discount, down from the current requirement of eight course hours. (Adobe Stock)

MN finalizes overhaul of driver safety education policy

On average, nearly 40% of traffic-fatality victims in Minnesota are 55 and older. A law change soon goes into effect to help more of these drivers …

Minnesota has joined nearly a dozen other states in passing Clean Light laws that center around banning the sale of fluorescent bulbs, which contain mercury. (Adobe Stock)

MN turns out the light on fluorescent bulbs

Walk through a store or schools, and there's a chance the overhead lighting will come from long fluorescent tubes. Minnesota is taking steps to phase …

From July 1, 2022, to July 1, 2023, Direct Subsidized Loans had a 4.99% interest rate with a maximum of $5,500, while Direct Unsubsidized Loans for undergraduates had the same interest rate and can go up to $20,500, minus any subsidized amounts received. (Small Smiles_dimple/Adobe Stock)

Rising interest rates prompt higher loan costs for MO students

Federal student loan interest rates have surged to their highest levels in over a decade, posing yet another challenge for Missouri students and …

More than 80% of 65-to-69-year-olds are internet users, and two-thirds say they have broadband internet connections at home, according to data from The Pew Research Center. (Adobe Stock)<br />

KY to use $12M to boost internet access in underserved communities

Kentucky is set to spend $12 million over the next three years to boost internet access in communities across the state. The funding will go toward …

The grandparent of a multi-generational family with children attending Albuquerque's Los Padilla Elementary School picks up food at a monthly free food distribution site. (photo courtesy Roadrunner)

'Map the Meals Gap' shows rural NM counties have highest food insecurity

There's no shortage of food in America, but there's a huge food insecurity gap in New Mexico and other states. Feeding America's latest report - …

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Consumer

Utah feels impact of California's ban on gestation crates

Kentucky clinic receives grant to battle poverty, food insecurity

Summer meals for kids available to-go and by delivery in remote rural areas

Rising AZ summer temps also mean higher energy bills

The little guy could get a bigger voice in proposed USDA fairness rule

Can e-bikes become a carbon reduction force?

IL financial jobs seen at risk with possible merger

Mississippi observes National Postal Worker Day

‘All-Electric Buildings’ law part of NY building code update

Mail carriers celebrated on National Postal Workers Day

IN book offers recycling resources for event organizers

New plan to increase tariffs on Chinese imports garners public support

CT residents should watch out for summertime scams

IN experts stress fireworks safety ahead of July 4th

Amazon responsible for selling chemical used for suicide, lawsuits allege

Montana feels effects of California 'price gouging'

Farm Bill proposal would cut SNAP food assistance by $30 billion

California 'price gouging' ripples to Iowa

Report: Air quality worsens in NYC environmental-justice areas

NV nonprofit calls Biden's student debt initiatives economic justice

ND isn't known for EV chargers but statewide network takes next step

Watchdog hopes MN flood victims keep shady contractors at bay

WV advocates: eliminate medical debt from credit scores

Hoosiers push for statewide commission to tackle housing crisis

'Death by a thousand cuts' for Bozeman's low-income renters

WSU study reveals PFAS chemicals in men affect their offspring

America's 'Radical Elders' continue their work for fairness, justice

North Carolina businesses fear effects of 'bathroom bill'

Planning a summer getaway without packing those budget breakers

Arkansas students learn importance of healthy foods through school gardens

Groups call for new citizens to have greater access to federal lands, waters

Colorado health merger aims to unify behavioral and medical care

Ohio State tackles household food waste

MO advocates demand fairness in beef labeling, support for small farms

OR closer to receiving 'historic investment' in internet infrastructure

New mobile market tackles food deserts in North Carolina

Federal funds boost ME high-speed EV charging network

Latino environmental groups push for greater access to public lands

MN farmers push for more protection from corporate agriculture in Farm Bill

House Farm Bill could chop climate-smart programs

Report: Young NYers prioritize living-wage jobs at ballot box

Financial-justice advocates criticize crypto regulation bill

Childhood diabetes becoming more common in Kentucky

MN finalizes overhaul of driver safety education policy

MN turns out the light on fluorescent bulbs

Rising interest rates prompt higher loan costs for MO students

KY to use $12M to boost internet access in underserved communities

'Map the Meals Gap' shows rural NM counties have highest food insecurity