Consumer Issues / Public News Service

The findings of a study on farmer's reactions to drought conditions will provide valuable insights to help shape more sustainable agricultural practices and water conservation strategies. (Bits and Splits/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Grant money used to study drought practices of AR farmers

Students and professors at the University of Arkansas-Little Rock are studying farmer's reactions to drought conditions. The university received a …

Nationwide, 1.63 million students used e-cigarettes, according to data from the CDC. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Beshear signs licensing of nicotine retailers bill into law

Kentucky will soon begin licensing retailers who sell nicotine, which advocates have said will help regulate an industry and protect minors from …

The combination of inflation and avian influenza has caused egg prices to rise more than 350% per dozen compared to last year, according to the American Farm Bureau. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

Importing eggs won’t lower prices, experts say

By Nina B. Elkadi for Sentient.Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan for West Virginia News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service …

Legislation failed to pass this session which would have capped health care providers' fees at $50 for patients and their advocates to access their records. (xixinxing/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, March 26, 2025

WA patients face huge fees to access medical records

Patient's rights advocates are working to restrict huge fees some Washington patients must pay in order to access their complete medical records…

In a new AARP survey, 37% of older adults with credit card debt report their debt level is higher now than it was a year ago. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Older Ohioans struggle with rising credit card debt

Nearly half of Americans age 50 and older are using credit cards to pay for basic living expenses, according to a new AARP survey but experts said …

A recent study UCLA study found vegetation near the Palisades and Eaton fires was 25% drier than normal because of climate change. (Neil/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Two CA bills seek to charge oil and gas companies for climate change

Insurance rates are rising quickly in California because of fires and floods linked to climate change and now, two new bills in Sacramento seek to …

Farmworkers on the East Coast earn 35% less than the national average. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

A week of awareness of challenges farmworkers face

As today begins National Farmworker Awareness Week, North Carolina boasts the sixth-largest number of farmworkers of any state. More than 150,000 …

The Kansas City Area Transportation Authority was established in 1965 to unify regional transit, evolving into today's RideKC system of buses, streetcars and more. (Matthew/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Riders, IRIS and union bus drivers fight Kansas City transit cuts

Kansas City transit riders and workers are fighting proposed cuts, warning of a looming public transit crisis. Hundreds of advocates of the Kansas …

In 2010, the passage of Oregon's Unlawful Trade Practices Act was extended to include banks. (PheelingsMedia/Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Legislation would protect OR consumers from unfair insurance practices

New legislation would bring the insurance industry under Oregon's Unlawful Trade Practices Act. Supporters said the change would protect consumers …

Mississippi wholesale eggs at $1.98 per dozen in March were 90% more expensive than in 2020, according to the USDA. (RENATOK/Pixabay)

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

MS egg prices stay high amid industry consolidation

By Nina B. Elkadi for Sentient.Broadcast version by Trimmel Gomes for Mississippi News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service …

In 2024, the National Chicken Council estimated per capita consumption of chicken in the U.S. was 104 pounds. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, March 24, 2025

Something to crow about: Technology reduces male chick culling in IN

By Grace Hussain for Sentient.Broadcast version by Terri Dee for Indiana News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboration Eg…

Sean Brown, recovering from methamphetamine addiction, lost his housing in the Eaton Fire in January.

Monday, March 24, 2025

L.A. County has cut homelessness, but wildfires impede progress

By Angela Hart for KFF Health News.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the KFF Health News-Public News Servi…

From 1980 to 2024, Virginia experienced more than 100 severe weather events, each with losses exceeding $1 billion. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

Monday, March 24, 2025

NOAA cuts forecast trouble for VA weather warnings

One of many federal agencies facing cuts by the Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Adm…

Reducing new clean energy projects would increase air pollution in Texas by over 17 million metric tons of carbon dioxide in 2030 and 83 million metric tons in 2035, equivalent to the annual air pollution from four and 21 coal-fired power plants, respectively. (Andrii/Adobe Stock)

Monday, March 24, 2025

Report: Cuts to Inflation Reduction Act would impact TX economy

Texas would be one of five states to suffer the most if the Trump administration repeals the Inflation Reduction Act, according to a report from the …

There are close to 19,000 federal workers in Iowa, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Many have been laid off as part of an aggressive effort by the Trump administration to downsize the government. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, March 24, 2025

Iowa town halls find 'empty chairs'

Overflow crowds are showing up at town hall meetings in Iowa, which had been planned to allow people to ask questions of their congressional …

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 enables tax-exempt school districts to receive IRS elective payments covering 30% of project costs, plus potential bonuses. (anatoliy_gleb/Adobe Stock)

Monday, March 24, 2025

PA works to counter Trump clean energy rollbacks

The Trump administration's rollback of clean energy progress and climate science is eliciting a strong response from Pennsylvania. Gov. Josh …

People from across Oregon rally together before speaking with legislators. Research shows that during a slowing economy, 1-billion dollars in new SNAP benefits would lead to an increase of 1.54- billion dollars in GDP. (Oregon Food Bank)

Monday, March 24, 2025

Supporters rally for Food for All Oregonians bill

Hundreds of people from across Oregon gathered in Salem for an advocacy day last week, urging lawmakers to pass what's known as the Food for All …

Housing industry voices say actions by the Trump administration, from cuts to the Department of Housing and Urban Development to prolonged tariff hikes, could hinder efforts to build more affordable units. (Adobe Stock)

Tariff talk adds uncertainty to already stressed affordable-housing movement

Industry groups say Minnesota is short more than 100,000 affordable-housing units to meet demand, and project leaders have said the Trump …

Polling from the Pew Research Center found 72% of Americans have a favorable view of the postal service. (tomalu/Adobe Stock)

ABQ's USPS workers join today's nationwide rally against proposed DOGE cuts

A National Day of Action is being held at post offices around the country today, including Albuquerque, amid looming cuts proposed by Postmaster …

Experts advised neighbors to work together to reduce the risk of fire racing across the block or through the neighborhood. (Brian/Adobe Stock)

After L.A. blazes, experts weigh in on fireproofing your house

As Los Angeles starts to recover from the firestorm, people are looking for ways to harden their homes against future mega-blazes. Experts said the …

The U.S. Postal Service provides critical services to many communities, such as delivering election ballots, medicine, taxes, government distributions and notices. (Colleen Michaels/Adobe Stock)

Rallies in NV set to protest possible U.S. Postal Service changes

Rallies in Las Vegas, Reno and Carson City are taking place today opposing the Trump administration's potential decision to privatize the U.S…

Lawmakers remain divided on how to address the U.S. Postal Service's financial crisis, with some advocating for government aid and others pushing for structural reforms. (Red Lemon/Adobe Stock)

MI postal workers join national 'Day of Action' to fight USPS privatization

Today, Michigan postal workers join colleagues nationwide, rallying to protect union jobs, and oppose postal privatization. With the theme "U.S. Mail…

Rural residents depend on the U.S. Postal Service for deliveries of medications, bills and other critical items. Service reductions could hinder access to necessities. (MargJohnsonVA/Adobe Stock)

MO postal workers unite in national fight against USPS privatization

Under the theme. "U.S. Mail, Not for Sale," Missouri postal workers are joining thousands nationwide, rallying to protect union jobs and oppose …

Research shows there is a direct correlation between unstable housing and food insecurity. (FamilyWorks Food Bank)

Advocates say WA rent stabilization bill important for ending hunger

While affordable housing advocates across the state have been cheering on Washington's rent stabilization bill in Olympia, so have organizations …

Privatization of the USPS requires a Congressional Act that is signed into law by the President. (Matt Gush / Adobe Stock)

Arizona rallies protest possible U.S. Postal Service reforms

Rallies in Tucson and Phoenix are taking place today opposing the Trump administration's potential decision to privatize the U.S. Postal Service…

Among older borrowers, 28% regularly provide unpaid help or care for an adult relative or friend, according to New America. (Adobe Stock)

Education department layoffs could leave NV older borrowers in limbo

Policy analysts have been sounding the alarm on the Department of Education's ability to reach and engage with low-income, disadvantaged and older …

Ohio ranks 46th in the nation for renewable energy generation, with solar and wind accounting for less than 4% of the state's electricity production, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio Supreme Court case could set precedent for solar energy projects

By Kathiann M. Kowalski for Canary Media.Broadcast version by Farah Siddiqi for Ohio News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-…

More than one in three older Americans who still owe debt from college live with a child or parent, according to New America. (Adobe Stock)

Dept. of Education cuts could spell trouble for UT's older student loan borrowers

Policy analysts have been sounding the alarm about the Department of Education's ability to reach and engage with low-income, disadvantaged and older …

Before its 1,700 workers were sent home, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau was set to regulate X, Elon Musk's social media site, as it rolls out financial transactions similar to PayPal and Venmo. (Adobe Stock)

Consumer protection agency cuts put Coloradans at risk for predatory banks

Coloradans with low bank balances would be on the hook for an extra $225 a year if Congress votes to roll back a new rule capping overdraft fees at $5…

Changes to Arkansas' abortion ban clarifies doctors acting in good faith would not be prosecuted for saving the life of a pregnant person. (Sikov/Adobe Stock)

New findings: Arkansas abortion ban could impact potential workforce

As members of the Arkansas Legislature debate changing the wording in the state's abortion ban, a new study showed states with strict abortion laws …

Postal workers to protest across CA, nation on Thursday

Postal workers are expected to protest in more than a dozen locations up and down California tomorrow, from Redding to Chula Vista. The motto for …

North Dakota's Theodore Roosevelt National Park offers amenities such as camping and has been one of the many sites around the United States seeing surges in visitors. But park advocates said Park Service staffing cuts under the Trump administration could undermine operations. (Adobe Stock)

'He didn't cut red tape': ND mayor echoes worry about national park layoffs

As legal fights play out, national park enthusiasts in North Dakota worry about a situation where staff reductions, carried out by the Trump …

The National Park Service makes up less than 1/15 of 1% of the federal budget but delivers a $15 boost to the nation's economy for every dollar invested. (luis sandoval/Adobe Stock)

National park layoffs affect AR economy

The seven national parks in Arkansas have not been spared from job cuts by the federal government. Nationwide, 1,700 park employees have been let go …

Clean=energy advocates say wind and solar projects in Texas are reducing air pollution, saving water, supporting the grid and combating the global warming that threatens native ecosystems. (Peter Adams/Adobe Stock)

Legislation could hinder TX wind, solar projects

Clean-energy advocates in Texas are closely monitoring a bill before the Legislature that, if passed, could stop the development and operation of …

Trash 2 Trends designers create runway looks from items headed to the landfill. Proceeds from the event fund recycling initiatives, litter prevention and community beautification in Orlando. (Trimmel Gomes)

Trash 2 Trends: Turning garbage into glamour to fight climate change

What if your trash could be the key to a more sustainable wardrobe? The group Keep Orlando Beautiful is proving it is possible with its annual "Trash…

PVC pipes are commonly joined by elastomeric sealing connections or solvent cement. These solvent cements can expose workers to hazardous chemicals such as tetrahydrofuran, a carcinogen. (Adobe Stock)

Fixing one problem, creating another? Ohio's lead pipe replacements

Ohioans are seeing changes in their water infrastructure as cities work to replace lead service lines, a requirement under federal regulations…

Agriculture trade groups want to see a rollback of federal environmental regulations on the meatpacking industry, along with fewer worker protections and food safety measures. (Adobe Stock)

Nebraska meatpackers call on feds to deregulate industry

By Nina B. Elkadi for Sentient.Broadcast version by Mark Moran for Nebraska News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service …

Aquaculture, particularly aquaponics, can improve food security by providing locally grown, fresh and nutritious food in food deserts. (Adobe Stock/B.Rath Photography)

Expanding NM's aquaculture-based fish farming could improve food security

New Mexico may never be a leader in aquaculture but some fish farmers are finding success in the arid state. Rossana Sallenave, professor and …

An August 2024 KFF analysis found Medicaid covers 3 in 8 Pennsylvania children, 5 in 8 nursing home residents, 2 in 5 people with disabilities, and 1 in 6 adults aged 19-64. (Selene Studio/AdobeStock)

SNAP, Medicaid cuts would strain PA emergency food system

By Anna Gustafson for the Pennsylvania Independent.Broadcast version by Danielle Smith for Keystone State News Connection reporting for the Pennsylvan…

Climate experts say drought can reduce both the availability and quality of water necessary for productive farms, and can also lead to insect outbreaks. (Adobe Stock)

SD farmer flexes drought-fighting muscle in face of dry conditions

The South Dakota region has seen some wet weather in recent days, but the entire state is still in varying levels of drought status. That has …

More than 15 million buprenorphine prescriptions were issued in 2023, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)

Kentucky proposes changes to buprenorphine prescribing, dispensing rules

The Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure recently proposed new changes to regulations around the prescribing and dispensing of buprenorphine, also …

Court challenges warn the Trump administration's cuts to staff, funding and contracts will directly impact visitor safety, wildlife protection and wildfire prevention. (Adobe Stock)

Court challenges of recent mass firings of federal workers making headway

The Sierra Club is taking the Trump administration to court, joining a slew of legal challenges over the mass firings of federal workers. Sierra …

Federal agencies are ramping up efforts to contain avian flu, with the U.S. Department of Agriculture rolling out a $1 billion plan focused on biosecurity, financial relief for affected producers and research into possible vaccines for poultry. (Adobe Stock)

Ohio leads nation in bird flu cases, consumers face rising costs

A Food and Water Watch report claims Ohio egg producers are profiting from the bird flu outbreak. Ohio, a top egg producer, has lost nearly 15 …

In a new AARP survey, 37% of older adults with credit card debt report their debt level is higher than it was a year ago. (Adobe Stock)

Survey: Older Americans lean more on credit cards for basic needs

Nearly half of Americans age 50 and older are using credit cards to pay for basic living expenses, according to a new AARP survey, and a Minnesota …

A rally for property tax cuts is set for Monday at the Indiana Statehouse. Organizers have encouraged attendees to wear green to signal their opposition to high property taxes. (Adobe Stock)

Indiana property tax fight grows as new plan adds to debate

Indiana lawmakers introduced a third property tax plan this week, aiming to protect local governments from funding cuts while offering minimal relief …

UT clean-energy advocates call out PacifiCorp for backpedaling

The Sierra Club's Utah chapter said electric utility PacifiCorp's long-term plan to embrace renewable energy has changed and is now placing more relia…

Protests are increasing nationwide as the Department of Government Efficiency fires tens of thousands of workers and dismantles entire federal agencies. (AdobeStock/serg3d-AI enhanced)

NM protests against Musk's Tesla dealerships expand to Sandoval County

Activists who believe Tesla CEO Elon Musk is overstepping his role in the Trump administration will protest today at a Tesla dealership in New Mexico'…

Every year AARP Foundation's Tax-Aide volunteers take appointments at more than 3,600 locations in libraries, malls, banks and community centers in all 50 states. (RomanR/AdobeStock)

Free tax prep available across Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania residents who need assistance filing their income tax returns can use the free services of the AARP Foundation's Tax-Aide program…

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Consumer

Grant money used to study drought practices of AR farmers

Beshear signs licensing of nicotine retailers bill into law

Importing eggs won’t lower prices, experts say

WA patients face huge fees to access medical records

Older Ohioans struggle with rising credit card debt

Two CA bills seek to charge oil and gas companies for climate change

A week of awareness of challenges farmworkers face

Riders, IRIS and union bus drivers fight Kansas City transit cuts

Legislation would protect OR consumers from unfair insurance practices

MS egg prices stay high amid industry consolidation

Something to crow about: Technology reduces male chick culling in IN

L.A. County has cut homelessness, but wildfires impede progress

NOAA cuts forecast trouble for VA weather warnings

Report: Cuts to Inflation Reduction Act would impact TX economy

Iowa town halls find 'empty chairs'

PA works to counter Trump clean energy rollbacks

Supporters rally for Food for All Oregonians bill

Tariff talk adds uncertainty to already stressed affordable-housing movement

ABQ's USPS workers join today's nationwide rally against proposed DOGE cuts

After L.A. blazes, experts weigh in on fireproofing your house

Rallies in NV set to protest possible U.S. Postal Service changes

MI postal workers join national 'Day of Action' to fight USPS privatization

MO postal workers unite in national fight against USPS privatization

Advocates say WA rent stabilization bill important for ending hunger

Arizona rallies protest possible U.S. Postal Service reforms

Education department layoffs could leave NV older borrowers in limbo

Ohio Supreme Court case could set precedent for solar energy projects

Dept. of Education cuts could spell trouble for UT's older student loan borrowers

Consumer protection agency cuts put Coloradans at risk for predatory banks

New findings: Arkansas abortion ban could impact potential workforce

Postal workers to protest across CA, nation on Thursday

'He didn't cut red tape': ND mayor echoes worry about national park layoffs

National park layoffs affect AR economy

Legislation could hinder TX wind, solar projects

Trash 2 Trends: Turning garbage into glamour to fight climate change

Fixing one problem, creating another? Ohio's lead pipe replacements

Nebraska meatpackers call on feds to deregulate industry

Expanding NM's aquaculture-based fish farming could improve food security

SNAP, Medicaid cuts would strain PA emergency food system

SD farmer flexes drought-fighting muscle in face of dry conditions

Kentucky proposes changes to buprenorphine prescribing, dispensing rules

Court challenges of recent mass firings of federal workers making headway

Ohio leads nation in bird flu cases, consumers face rising costs

Survey: Older Americans lean more on credit cards for basic needs

Indiana property tax fight grows as new plan adds to debate

UT clean-energy advocates call out PacifiCorp for backpedaling

NM protests against Musk's Tesla dealerships expand to Sandoval County

Free tax prep available across Pennsylvania