Consumer Issues / Public News Service

People in Alabama will experience increased risks from heat, rainfall and fires due to climate change over the next 30 years, according to ClimateCheck. (Ramon Cliff/Adobe Stock)

Friday, January 17, 2025

Report: AL needs to make energy efficiency a priority

A new report contended Alabama needs to invest more in energy efficiency so it can do more to lower power bills and curb the effects of climate change…

President-elect Trump's pick to head the Department of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., is a fan of raw milk, which can contain dangerous pathogens and spread zoonotic diseases, like avian flu. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, January 17, 2025

Cabinet nominees push deregulation of America's food systems

By Seth Millstein for Sentient.Broadcast version by Kathryn Carley for Maine News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboration…

The average retail electricity price in Texas is 2% lower than in West Virginia, 9% lower than in Ohio and 20% lower than in Pennsylvania, according to the Ohio River Valley Institute. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, January 17, 2025

PA power demand spurs concerns over rising rates, gas dependency

Utility providers foresee a big rise in electricity demand which could lead to double-digit rate hikes if it is met with new natural gas-fired power p…

The CDC says Listeria is the third-leading cause of death from foodborne illness, with about 260 fatalities per year. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, January 17, 2025

Expert: Raw milk carries higher health risks

By Grace Hussain for Sentient.Broadcast version by Zamone Perez for Maryland News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaborat…

Michigan House Rep. Carrie Rheingans, D-Ann Arbor, represents Michigan's 47th District, covering parts of Jackson and Washtenaw counties. She was elected in Nov. 2022 and began her term in Jan. 2023. (Rep. Carrie Rheingans)

Friday, January 17, 2025

Lawmaker fights for better health, housing for Michiganders

More Michigan residents need access to affordable housing and health insurance, according to a lawmaker pushing for change. Rep. Carrie Rheingans…

Gov. Tate Reeves's executive order requires artificial intelligence technologies to be carefully deployed in Mississippi, to mitigate potential risks and harms. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, January 17, 2025

AI leader praises MS governor’s push for responsible tech

Mississippi is embracing the future of artificial intelligence with Gov. Tate Reeves' executive order establishing a framework for its responsible …

Dental clinics operated by local health departments can be found in 45 out of 89 rural Tennessee counties, as well as in four of the state's six metropolitan areas. (luckybusiness/Adobe Stock)

Thursday, January 16, 2025

TN community health centers meet growing demand for dental care

Community Health Centers are stepping up to meet a critical need for dental care across Tennessee. Dental visits at these clinics have increased by 1…

Ohio is the nation's fifth-largest producer of soybeans and corn, making agricultural policies like the Farm Bill critical for its economy. (JJ Gouin/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Ohio farmers navigate uncertainty amid Farm Bill delays

By Seth Millstein for Sentient.Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi for Ohio News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboratio…

Wyoming lawmakers in 2024 passed several bills for property tax relief, including for homeowners, veterans and senior citizens. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

Big tax talk expected in WY general session

One topic expected to make a big splash during Wyoming's general legislative session is property taxes at many levels. First on the agenda for the …

If President-elect Donald Trump's proposals are in effect in 2026, the richest 1% would receive an average tax cut of about $36,300 and the next richest 4% would receive an average tax cut of about $7,200, according to the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

How could President-elect Trump's tax plan affect Arizonans?

A fiscally conservative advocacy group is pushing for the renewal of President-elect Donald Trump's Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Americans for Prosperity …

With a pending rule excluding medical debt from loan applications, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau predicted an uptick of 22,000 affordable mortgages approved every year because applicants will not have old medical bills upending their loan request.

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Marylanders' medical debt off limits to banks, lenders

A new federal rule could ease some of the pressure when Marylanders apply for loans but may face challenges from the incoming Trump administration…

Dungeons and Dragons, a fantasy game filled with sorcerers, warlocks and wizards, could offer important lessons for today's political leaders. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

At 50, Dungeons and Dragons offers lessons for leaders

As the popular role-playing game Dungeons and Dragons turns 50, one Colorado State University instructor suggests today's political leaders could …

About 20 million people, nearly one in 12 adults, owe medical debt, according to the Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, January 13, 2025

Medical debt to be removed from credit reports

Nevada has about 170,000 adults who report medical debt, which can pose a significant financial hardship. But a new federal rule could ease some …

Some medical records can cost four figures to obtain. (terovesalainen/Adobe Stock)

WA lawmakers urged to lower cost to obtain medical records

Obtaining medical records can be a costly endeavor but there is hope Washington state lawmakers could find a fix this session. Medical providers …

Despite the decline, coal still plays a role in some regions, especially in states such as Wyoming, West Virginia and Kentucky, where coal is a significant part of the energy mix. (James Phelps Jr./Adobe Stock)

Monday, January 13, 2025

MI expert discusses wind, solar surpassing coal on U.S. grid in 2024

A Michigan expert weighs in on an historic shift in 2024 - wind and solar power surpassed coal on the U.S. grid. According to research from Ember - …

Nebraska produced more than 7.6 billion pounds of beef in 2023, remaining among the nation's leaders in beef production. (Adobe Stock)

Nebraska farmers 'cautiously optimistic' about farm policy

Some farm advocates in rural America, including Nebraska, are calling on the Trump administration to continue investing in small communities…

During 2024, 71,864 Kentucky residents enrolled in a health plan through the insurance marketplace, according to the health advocacy group KFF. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Monday, January 13, 2025

Kentuckians’ health insurance tax credits set to expire at end of 2025

This Wednesday is the deadline to enroll in Affordable Care Act marketplace health coverage. Advocates say this year is even more critical for …

The 2025 Idaho legislative session began Jan. 6. (Tracy King/Adobe Stock)

Medicaid expansion in play as ID Legislature gavels in

With state lawmakers back in Boise, changes could be coming to Medicaid. Voters approved Medicaid expansion in 2018, but Republican legislators have …

A new course highlights that profitability can be part of sustainable business models. (patpitchaya/Adobe Stock)

Monday, January 13, 2025

Sustainability practices help NC businesses stick around

North Carolina businesses are getting tips on how to harness a sustainable approach to their work. The North Carolina Sustainable Business Council …

Americans age 60 and older saw the largest number of cryptocurrency-related complaints, according to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center. (Adobe Stock)

AARP Arizona gears up for new legislative session

Monday is the start of Arizona's new legislative session. Advocacy groups such as AARP Arizona are gearing up and say they're ready to work to ensure …

According to the Arkansas Department of Finance, the short-term outlook for the Arkansas economy indicates stable and moderate growth for total personal income from fiscal year 2024 to fiscal year 2025. (diy13/Adobe Stock)

Economists cautiously optimistic about 2025 AR economy

Economists are optimistic about the Arkansas economy in 2025. According to the Arkansas Economic Development Institute, the state has outperformed …

Colorado's safety-net community health centers deliver coordinated dental, medical and behavioral health care. (Adobe Stock)<br />

CO community health centers saved $17.3 million in Medicare dollars

The Community Health Provider Alliance improved health care quality and saved $17.3 million in taxpayer money that would have been paid out by Medicar…

A record 16.6 million individuals have signed up for federal Health Insurance Marketplace coverage which began Jan. 1, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Two million of them signed up for the first time. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

Enrollment deadline for ME health insurance marketplace Jan. 15

Mainers who need coverage through the state's online health insurance marketplace have just one week left to apply. The deadline is Jan. 15 to sign …

Toxic PFAS chemicals have been detected in the blood of 99% of Americans, including infants, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)

Rising risks of toxic PFAS chemicals in CO drinking water

More than 143 million Americans are at risk of toxic PFAS, so-called forever chemicals, in their drinking water, according to new test results …

There are nearly 50,000 cryptocurrency kiosks across the country, up from just over 1,000 eight years ago. (Maksym/Adobe Stock)

Push to protect WA from crypto ATM scams

They may offer people a legitimate way to convert cash into cryptocurrency but crypto ATMs are also popular with scammers. Washington had the …

Banks, lenders to no longer consider medical debt under new rule

South Dakota is among the states with the highest percentage of residents carrying medical debt but a new federal rule announced this week could ease …

Researchers say most newer models of electric vehicles are fitted with heat pumps, which can add roughly 10% extra range to cars during freezing conditions. (Adobe Stock)

EV upgrades could ease concerns about cold-climate performance

By Kristoffer Tigue for Inside Climate News.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Minnesota News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Networ…

In 2015, New York passed a bill implementing reforms to the Port Authority. But because it is a dual state agency, and the bill did not pass in New Jersey, it never went into effect. (Adobe Stock)

NY/NJ bill reforming Port Authority may come back before lawmakers

A bill reforming the New York-New Jersey Port Authority is coming back before New York's Legislature. The reforms it would implement date back to …

EF Go Ahead tours reported a 17% increase in bookings for vacations in Nordic countries and a whopping 60% increase in destinations across Latin America in the past year. (Adobe Stock)

Culture, learning all the rage on international trips

Travel agencies say Americans are still embracing overseas trips, including destinations where the itinerary is loaded with learning opportunities …

The Maryland Constitution requires the state budget to be balanced every year. (MDGovpics/Wikimedia Commons)<br />

What to expect in Maryland’s legislative session

On Wednesday, Maryland's legislative session begins in Annapolis - and state lawmakers are facing numerous challenges. Maryland expects pressure …

Data from the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau show people pay about $9 billion a year in overdraft and NSF fees, costing an average of $150 a year for families that pay these fees. (Jacob Lund/Adobe Stock)

New laws take effect this year to protect CA consumers

Two new laws designed to protect California consumers take effect this year - cracking down on hard-to-cancel subscriptions and certain types of bank …

In the winter, heart-related deaths increase by about 20% with cold weather. (Andrii IURLOV/Adobe Stock)

MO doctor shares tips on staying heart healthy in cold temps

January's cold temperatures in Missouri and across the nation can pose risks for those with heart conditions. The American Heart Association has …

Companies are increasingly providing apps and other tools for people to track their screen time with the hope of cutting back. But a Minnesota exert says those solutions are still reliant on technology, making the temptation too hard for many people. (Adobe Stock)

Not now, social media 'likes': Phasing out heavy screen time

If reducing screen time is your New Year's resolution, a Minnesota expert says it can be tough. But with increasing concerns about the effects of …

UCHealth, which reports medical outcomes above state averages in many areas, recorded nearly $840 million in 2023 profits. (Galatas)

Patients call for end of UCHealth lawsuits

Advocates for patients are calling on UCHealth to end its practice of filing lawsuits over unpaid bills, after a 9News report found that the state's …

According to the U.S. Public Interest Research Group, 92% of Americans said they received spam calls in 2023, and 86% received spam texts. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Report: Only half of phone companies use required anti-robocall technology

More than three years after a federal law was passed requiring phone companies to install anti-robocall technology, fewer than half of those …

Cybersecurity attacks poised to increase without tighter safeguards

A former White House cybersecurity expert is warning of potential cyberattacks on critical infrastructure. And in Illinois, security analysts are …

Being able to repair electronics at home is expected to save Oregonians up to $540 million per year. (Raul Mellado/Adobe Stock)

A push for Oregon's 'right to repair' law to include wheelchairs

Oregon's right to repair law, which increases consumers' ability to repair their own electronics, takes effect this week. The law requires …

According to a report from Trace One, droughts, hurricanes, excessive flooding and cold waves are the top reasons for agriculture loss from natural disasters every year. (Adobe Stock)

Meat, dairy prices edge upwards for IL shoppers due to climate change

Consumers are unhappy with increasing food prices and blame inflation. In reality, natural disasters have a direct link to grocery costs, with no end …

New for 2025: A weaker CA lemon law

Starting this year, changes to California's "lemon law" will make it harder for consumers to get a refund or a replacement vehicle. The changes mean …

Scientists said the E. coli bacteria can grow in the intestines of cattle and other ruminating animals without causing the animal any symptoms. When they defecate, the fecal matter is contaminated with the toxic organism. (Adobe Stock)

Experts: Poor farming practices cause most toxic E. coli outbreaks

By Seth Millstein for Sentient.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Texas News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboration An…

Vacations steeped in cultural learning all the rage

Travel agencies say Americans are still embracing overseas trips, including destinations where the itinerary is loaded with learning opportunities …

According to recent polling data from Navigator Research, nine in 10 people living in battleground districts want Congress to ban so-called

New MN laws target junk fees, pricey concert tickets

With 2025 at hand, Minnesotans might be mapping out the concerts they want to attend or things they want to buy in the new year but the presence of …

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported New Hampshire is home to more than 3,000 U.S. Postal Service workers, who earn an average hourly wage of $27.08. (Adobe Stock)

NH rural towns face proposed postal delays in 2025

The Postmaster General has proposed reduced delivery days and other changes starting next year which could particularly affect rural New Hampshire…

Shoppers in the U.S. budgeted a record $902 each on average for gifts and other holiday items this year. (Ganka/Adobe Stock)

Toy safety: What to watch for with new products

The National Retail Federation said people have spent nearly $989 billion this year on holiday shopping but not everyone takes the time to make sure w…

The U.S. Secret Service warns consumers never to respond

USPS warns Mississippians of 'smishing' scams targeting package recipients

Many Mississippians are still expecting holiday packages this week and the United States Postal Service is warning customers not to fall for "smishing…

Homeowners in a record number of school districts aren't getting the full benefit of Ohio state law meant to keep property-tax

'Safety valve' meant to limit OH property tax hikes doesn’t help some

By Andrew Tobias for Signal Cleveland.Broadcast version by Brett Peveto for Ohio News Connection reporting for the Signal Ohio-Public News Service Col…

The Bureau of Labor Statistics says Illinois is home to almost 15,000 U.S. Postal Service workers. (Adobe Stock)

Proposed U.S. Postal Service cost increases under scrutiny

Proposed changes to the U.S. Postal Service are causing concern for Illinoisans. Reduced delivery days and "Forever" stamp price increases are just …

Extreme political polarization in the U.S. has led to a significant increase in threats of violence against election officials and members of Congress, according to the Brennan Center.

NM political expert says 'polarization' is the logical 'word of the year'

Between endless doomscrolling and nonstop negative headlines, a New Mexico political science professor said it's no surprise the Merriam-Webster …

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PNS Daily Newscast: Afternoon Update - January 17, 2025

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Consumer

Report: AL needs to make energy efficiency a priority

Cabinet nominees push deregulation of America's food systems

PA power demand spurs concerns over rising rates, gas dependency

Expert: Raw milk carries higher health risks

Lawmaker fights for better health, housing for Michiganders

AI leader praises MS governor’s push for responsible tech

TN community health centers meet growing demand for dental care

Ohio farmers navigate uncertainty amid Farm Bill delays

Big tax talk expected in WY general session

How could President-elect Trump's tax plan affect Arizonans?

Marylanders' medical debt off limits to banks, lenders

At 50, Dungeons and Dragons offers lessons for leaders

Medical debt to be removed from credit reports

WA lawmakers urged to lower cost to obtain medical records

MI expert discusses wind, solar surpassing coal on U.S. grid in 2024

Nebraska farmers 'cautiously optimistic' about farm policy

Kentuckians’ health insurance tax credits set to expire at end of 2025

Medicaid expansion in play as ID Legislature gavels in

Sustainability practices help NC businesses stick around

AARP Arizona gears up for new legislative session

Economists cautiously optimistic about 2025 AR economy

CO community health centers saved $17.3 million in Medicare dollars

Enrollment deadline for ME health insurance marketplace Jan. 15

Rising risks of toxic PFAS chemicals in CO drinking water

Push to protect WA from crypto ATM scams

Banks, lenders to no longer consider medical debt under new rule

EV upgrades could ease concerns about cold-climate performance

NY/NJ bill reforming Port Authority may come back before lawmakers

Culture, learning all the rage on international trips

What to expect in Maryland’s legislative session

New laws take effect this year to protect CA consumers

MO doctor shares tips on staying heart healthy in cold temps

Not now, social media 'likes': Phasing out heavy screen time

Patients call for end of UCHealth lawsuits

Report: Only half of phone companies use required anti-robocall technology

Cybersecurity attacks poised to increase without tighter safeguards

A push for Oregon's 'right to repair' law to include wheelchairs

Meat, dairy prices edge upwards for IL shoppers due to climate change

New for 2025: A weaker CA lemon law

Experts: Poor farming practices cause most toxic E. coli outbreaks

Vacations steeped in cultural learning all the rage

New MN laws target junk fees, pricey concert tickets

NH rural towns face proposed postal delays in 2025

Toy safety: What to watch for with new products

USPS warns Mississippians of 'smishing' scams targeting package recipients

'Safety valve' meant to limit OH property tax hikes doesn’t help some

Proposed U.S. Postal Service cost increases under scrutiny

NM political expert says 'polarization' is the logical 'word of the year'