Consumer Issues / Public News Service

The number of Pennsylvania residents who have already installed solar power at their homes or businesses is now close to 15,000. (Diyanadimitrova/Adobe Stock)

Monday, September 26, 2022

Clean-Energy Investments to Boost PA Economy

Renewable energy has the possibility to boost the economy and benefit workers and the environment in the Keystone State. That was the message at the …

Every year, Hispanic Heritage Month begins Sept. 15, which marks the date of Mexico's independence from Spain. (MarekPhotoDesign.com/Adobe Stock)

Hispanic Heritage Month: WA Credit Union Finds Ways to Serve Community

Hispanic Heritage Month began in mid-September and runs through Oct. 15, and a financial institution in Washington state is finding unique ways to …

Nonprofit organizations employed nearly 30,000 Montanans in 2019. (Artur/Adobe Stock)

Workers at MT Nonprofits Feel Burden of Ramped-Up Demand

The work of some nonprofit organizations has only increased with the pandemic and the needs that have come from it. An author and expert in the field …

U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., says she plans to call a legislative hearing on the practices of credit reporting agencies. (Kalafoto/Adobe Stock)

Consumer Groups Press for Bill to Reform Credit Reporting

Consumer groups are pressing for legislation to reform the way credit agencies handle errors on credit reports. The calls to amend the Fair Credit …

The AARP Foundation's Tax Aide program will be available in about 40 sites across Idaho in 2023. (Creativa Images/Adobe Stock)

ID Tax Aide Program Seeks Volunteers for 2023

Another income-tax season is approaching and a program to help people with low and moderate incomes do their taxes for free is looking for volunteers…

Falls among adults age 65 and older caused more than 34,000 deaths in 2019, making it the leading cause of injury death for this group, according to the CDC. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Risk of Falling Increases with Age; Prevention Tools Can Help

One in four Americans age 65 and older takes an unexpected fall each year. During Falls Prevention Awareness Week, experts are encouraging older …

Since the Paris Agreement, the six largest U.S. banks have provided $1.4 trillion in financing to the fossil-fuel industry. (Adobe Stock)

How Climate Friendly is Your 401(k)?

As states like North Dakota debate whether to stay committed to fossil fuels, an online scorecard gives people with retirement accounts a glimpse …

The World Health Organization links indoor air pollution, including pollutants from burning natural gas, to increased chances of stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer. (Vladimir Semenov/Adobe Stock)

Groups Plead with Public Utilities Commission to 'Supercharge' Electrification

Nevada needs to move away from natural gas and toward clean energy - that's the view of climate action groups that spoke up on Tuesday at an open foru…

From July 2021 to June 2022 across the nation, there were 2,532 instances of individual books being banned, affecting 1,648 unique book titles, according to Pen America. (prettysleepyart/Pixabay)

TX ACLU Promotes 'Students' Rights Hub' During Banned Books Week

Ahead of Banned Books Week, the ACLU of Texas published what it calls a Students' Rights Hub. Kate Huddleston, attorney for the ACLU of Texas…

Three in four good-paying jobs in Colorado require a college degree or other post-secondary credentials. (Adobe Stock)

Deep Data Dive Finds Cost Biggest Barrier for Native Students

The biggest obstacle facing Indigenous students completing college degrees is cost, according to a new collaborative study by the National Native …

Persons with health insurance in Gwinnett County including children make up 82.3% of the population, meaning 17.7% are uninsured. (Gwinnett Coalition)

Gwinnett Coalition Improves Health-Care Access For Residents

Gwinnett County's uninsured population of 15.6% is slightly higher than the state rate of 15.3%, according to 2020 U.S. census data. Renee Byrd-…

According to a 2022 report from Vanguard, older Americans are saving the most for their retirement. (Adobe Stock)

New Bill Aids People Planning for Retirement

A new piece of legislation in Congress will help people across the U.S. prepare for retirement with greater ease. The EARN Act - short for …

Research shows around a quarter of Americans find it difficult to afford prescription drugs because of high out-of-pocket costs. (Adobe Stock)

Biden’s Insulin Cap is a Start, But WV Residents Can’t Afford Other Prescription Meds

The Inflation Reduction Act signed by President Joe Biden last month caps the cost of insulin at $35 per month for seniors who have Medicare…

The Inflation Reduction Act will lower energy costs for households and businesses, create manufacturing jobs for American workers and deliver a clean, secure, and healthy future for families. (Vitalli Vodolazskyi/AdobeStock)

Tennessee Rural Electric Co-ops to Benefit from Inflation Reduction Act

The Inflation Reduction Act has made a historic investment of $370 billion dollars to fight climate change over the next decade. Among its benefits…

While Minnesota hasn't joined the group of states to legalize sports betting, more debate is expected in future sessions as supporters argue about the potential for additional state revenue. (Adobe Stock)

Football is Back, Prompting Warnings to Avoid Gambling Traps

The Vikings and Gophers recently kicked off their new seasons, and for local football fans wanting to navigate online sports betting, there are …

If you put faith in predictions by the Old Farmer's Almanac, expect record-breaking cold in the eastern half of the United States this winter and above-average snow totals. (Claudia/Pixabay)

Old Farmer's Almanac Predicts 'A Tale of Two Winters' for 2023

Fall arrives in Texas next week, which means winter and its challenges will be right behind. But never fear, the Old Farmer's Almanac says it will be …

Health experts say making sure children are current with all their check-ups is important to their health and academic success. (Pixabay)

Experts Urge Checkups for Florida Kids, Including Mental Health

Experts are reminding parents to schedule time to get health screenings for kids - and to also think beyond the basic back-to-school physical…

The U.S. Department of Education estimates Americans collectively owe more than $1 trillion in federal student loans. (Adobe Stock)<br />

NC Colleges Hope Biden’s Loan Forgiveness Plan Improvess Financial Literacy

Federal student-loan relief applications are expected to be online in a few weeks, and financial-aid offices say this also is an opportunity to …

Earlier year, the FDA temporarily banned all Juul products from the market, but was forced to reverse that decision after the company challenged the agency in court. (Adobe Stock)

TN to Receive $13 Million in Juul Deceptive Marketing Settlement

After an investigation found the e-cigarette maker Juul Labs deliberately targeted young people using a variety of marketing practices, Tennessee is …

Experts believe the real cost of financial fraud is much higher than what's been reported, because so many people who've been taken advantage of are too ashamed to come forward. (Adobe Stock)

Report Suggests Fraud Descriptions Need a Makeover

Changing how people talk about victims of financial fraud could lead to a shift in how Minnesota and the nation respond to this growing sector of crim…

The Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection Program brought in $10 billion in capital to Connecticut during the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

CT Small Businesses Survived Pandemic, Face New Challenges

Although many small businesses in Connecticut have weathered the pandemic, it has not been the easiest of circumstances. And how are they doing now? …

A protest is expected today in Los Angeles, similar to one that took place in Chicago during the negotiations for the Trans-Pacific Partnership in 2011. (Arthur Stamoulis/Trade Justice Education Fund)

International Trade Talks Start Today in L.A.

Labor and environmental groups are asking for a seat in the "room where it happens" as government trade representatives gather today in Los Angeles to…

New Mexico ranks second in the nation for childhood hunger, according to Feeding America, with one in five children, or about 20.5% of children in the state, at risk of hunger. (nokidhungry.org)

Your Chance to Help Alleviate Hunger in New Mexico

A silver lining of the pandemic was more money available to address hunger, but those funds are drying up, and many in New Mexico will struggle this …

It's estimated that during World War II, some 20 million Americans planted

Can Municipal Canneries Make a Comeback?

It's that time of year when kitchens are bubbling over as home gardeners preserve their bounty. But there was a time when homegrown produce could be …

Ohio's labor market has recovered quickly after COVID-19, but the number of jobs in the state remains below the year 2000 level. (Adobe Stock)

New Ohio Labor Report Highlights Improvements and Challenges

A new report on working in Ohio offers a mixed picture of labor in the state. The annual State of Working Ohio report is out for 2022 and while …

More than 46 million people, one in five Americans, have unpaid medical debts on their credit report, according to Debt.org. (Adobe Stock)

Changes to Medical-Debt Listings on Credit Reports Benefit AZ Consumers

Health care can be expensive, and sometimes Arizonans get a bill that's more than they can afford. Unpaid medical bills can reduce a person's credit …

Congress passed historic legislation to battle climate change last month, but researchers say the average American badly underestimates support by their fellow citizens. (Niklas/Pixabay)

Study: Perception Versus Reality about Climate-Change Distress

If you protest in the streets of Texas about climate change and your neighbor doesn't, you may think they don't care about the issue. But new …

Experts say the gap between Social Security benefits and the cost of living leaves many older Americans struggling to pay the bills. (Andrii Iemelianenko/Adobe Stock)

Many Older VA Residents Struggle, Even as Government Benefits Go Unused

Many older, low-income adults in Virginia struggle to pay for medicine, food, and rent, and they may be unaware of the many programs available to …

Without a will, the state determines where your assets go, making the process more difficult and much more expensive for your family. (texaslegal.org)

What is a 'Will' and Do I Need One?

August is National Make-a-Will Month, and if you still have not started, experts say there is no good reason to put it off. End-of-life planning can …

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 …

Experts say older adults often struggle financially because Social Security benefits do not cover their basic cost of living, and many are not aware there are programs they can seek out for assistance. (Parten/Adobe Stock)

Older Nevadans May Be Missing Out on Thousands in Benefits

Advocates for lower-income adults in Nevada say many are leaving money on the table -- hundreds of dollars a month, in some cases -- because they may …

Food banks help the one in five New Mexico children estimated to be at risk for hunger, and one in eight overall, according to Roadrunner Food Bank. (dosomething.org)

Making 'HELP' Available to New Mexico's Hungry, Food Insecure

Inflation has caused some New Mexico families, who were breaking even six months ago, to once again struggle, and groups working to alleviate hunger …

Most people who have wills are over age 60. But since the beginning of the pandemic, the number of 18-to 34-year-olds with estate planning documents has increased by 50%, according to a 2022 survey by caring.com. (Adobe Stock)

Will-Making Can Reduce Stress, Cost for Loved Ones

August is National Make-a-Will Month, and if you still have not started, experts emphasized there is no good reason to put it off. End-of-life …

According to a 2020 Gallup poll, there's only been a five percent increase in the number of people who have a living will from 2005 to 2020. Most of those people are 65 and older. (Adobe Stock)

Procrastinators' Alert: Time to Start End-of-Life Planning

August is National Make-a-Will Month, one of many opportunities for Connecticut residents to begin end-of-life planning. Only around 46% of …

The Inflation Reduction Act would fine pharmaceutical companies that raise prices on medications faster than the rate of inflation. (Kenwnj/Adobe Stock)

Progressive Groups Tout Benefits of Inflation Reduction Act for NV

Progressive groups are praising the newly passed Inflation Reduction Act, saying it will save many families thousands of dollars a year and make …

The FTC says that in 2021, consumers reported losing a record-breaking $5.8 billion to fraud. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa Fraud Watch Tour to Address 'Scam Culture'

A statewide tour to help Iowans sharpen their fraud protection skills kicks off today. Organizers say perpetrators will never give up in trying to …

In 2017 and 2018, a quarter of New York Hospitals placed over 4,800 liens on patient's homes, according to a report from the Community Service Society of New York. (Adobe Stock)

NY Legislature Bans Some Types of Medical Debt Collection

The New York State Legislature passed two bills aimed at easing medical debt back in May, and a new report indicates they're much needed. The first …

A Caring.com survey finds since the pandemic began, the number of 18-to-34-year-olds with estate planning documents has increased by 50%. (Elnur/Adobe Stock)

Where There's a Will, There's a Way to Protect Loved Ones, Assets

August is National Make-a-Will Month, a reminder for people to get their affairs in order to avoid unintentionally burdening their families when they …

Victims of certain scams are urged to contact law enforcement to try to get their money back, which can make this impossible. (Adobe Stock)

CT Companies Used in National Car-Wrap Scam

Impostors have been using ads and images of legitimate companies headquartered in Connecticut as part of a scam to solicit money from people…

Home weatherization programs have evolved from placing plastic on windows. Industry leaders say crews analyze many aspects of the structure, including heating and cooling systems, the electrical system, and electric baseload appliances. (Adobe Stock)

In MA, Green Jobs Abound for Home Energy Upgrades

When it comes to "green jobs," installing solar panels and building wind turbines are often mentioned, and community action agencies in Massachusetts …

California hasn't raised the minimum liability amount that car insurance policies must cover for 55 years. (dusanpetkovic1/Adobe Stock)

Bill on Governor’s Desk to Raise Minimum Car Insurance Coverage

Consumer advocates are urging Gov. Gavin Newsom to sign a bill now on his desk that would raise the amount auto insurance companies must cover in the …

Experts say it's a good idea to review your will or trust every five years to make sure it is up-to-date. (Jacob Lund/Adobestock)

Expert Tips to Save Time, Money During 'Make A Will' Month

August is National Make-a-Will Month, and experts have some tips on saving you and your heirs time and money. According to Caring.com, only one-…

Experts say having a legal, up-to-date will is a powerful way to protect your loved ones and make decisions about the future on your own terms. (photographyfirm/Adobe Stock)

Make-a-Will Month a Good Time for End-of-Life Conversations

August is National Make-a-Will Month, and experts believe it is a good time for Arizona families to have a conversation about end-of-life plans…

A waiver to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program has significantly widened the pool of qualified workers. (wutzkoh/Adobe Stock)

Calls to Extend Waiver Simplifying Public-Worker Student-Loan Forgiveness

A streamlined process for erasing public-sector employees' student debt is expiring soon. State officials, including in Washington, are calling for …

Media consolidation hit rural America harder during the pandemic, as there are now fewer news outlets to cover big stories like the COVID-19 pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Media Coverage of COVID Underserves Rural Communities

COVID has been in and out of the news cycle for over two years now, but that news cycle is driven by the experience in major cities. Coverage of the …

A new report shows the meal gap in New Mexico is 43.6 million meals, according Feeding America's

Federal Pandemic Funds Reduced NM Hunger; Longterm Worries Remain

Food insecurity in New Mexico dropped during COVID, but groups working to fight hunger worry the temporary reprieve will reverse itself now that …

Indiana has more than 7,000 MW of clean energy in development - with the bulk of that in solar. (Branden/Adobe Stock)

Indiana Becoming America's 'Crossroads of Clean Energy'

Solar energy is growing fast in Indiana, which bodes well for clean energy as a whole in the state. Indiana ranks third among states in terms of …

To date, more than 550,000 individuals have used the Free Will platform to write a legal will. (Adobe Stock)

Online Tool Helps Create Legally Valid Will in 20 Minutes

August is National Make-a-Will Month, a gentle reminder to some seven in ten Americans who don't currently have a will or estate plan that it's never …

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