Health Issues / Public News Service

About one-third of the legislation targeting trans people's rights across the country is focused on schools. (vivalapenler/Adobe Stock)

Monday, March 31, 2025

Honoring OR trans lives amid hostile political climate

Today is International Trans Day of Visibility, to recognize the contributions of transgender people in society - and raise awareness of the …

Cuts to Medicaid are one way Congress could pay for extending tax cuts passed in 2017. It is estimated two-thirds of the benefits of the extension would go to the wealthiest 20% of Americans. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, March 31, 2025

Cuts to Medicaid would affect one in five Coloradans

To pay for the priorities of President Donald Trump's administration, like mass deportations and tax cuts, Republicans in Congress are considering …

Preventive steps for poultry farmers regarding bird flu include restricting bird movement and enhancing farm sanitation practices. (PordeeStudio/Adobe Stock)

Monday, March 31, 2025

Poll: Americans fear bird flu's effect on finances over personal health

In January, H5N1 avian influenza struck more than 400,000 birds in Missouri, making it the second-highest state for affected flocks at the time and a …

More than 200,000 state employees in West Virginia rely on the Public Employees Insurance Agency for health insurance. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, March 31, 2025

Poll: Most WV voters oppose privatizing Public Employees Insurance Agency

More than 70% of West Virginians polled said they opposed privatizing or abolishing the state's health insurance agency for public employees…

According to the most recent data, there were nearly 600 people in North Dakota living with HIV. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, March 31, 2025

ND joins movement to end outdated HIV penalties

North Dakota has joined a handful of states in modernizing laws about the spread of HIV - the virus that causes AIDS - and criminal penalties associat…

Financial pressures play a big role in resident physicians' unionization and strikes. A survey by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) found that 14% of medical residents reported educational debt exceeding $300,000. (New Africa/Adobe Stock)

Monday, March 31, 2025

Doctors, WMed reach agreement, avert potential strike

A strike set to begin today has been averted at Western Michigan University's Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine, known as WMed. Its resident …

Smoke hovers above Los Angeles as seen on January 8, 2025, as a result of wildfires. (Zack Hughes)

Monday, March 31, 2025

Report: Wildfires inch closer to California health care facilities

Wildfires are creeping closer and closer to health care facilities in California, including hospitals and nursing homes, according to a new study…

According to 2024 DEA laboratory testing, five of 10 pills tested contain a potentially deadly dose of fentanyl. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Friday, March 28, 2025

KY advocates: HALT Fentanyl Act won’t address root causes of substance use

The federal HALT Fentanyl Act advancing through Congress would increase prison time for fentanyl traffickers. Kentuckians convicted on distribution …

Biosolids, also known as sewage sludge, were applied to farms in Johnson County as fertilizer to boost crop fertility. (zimmytws/Adobe Stock)

Friday, March 28, 2025

North TX county sues feds over PFAS contamination

By Sara Hashemi for Sentient.Broadcast version by Freda Ross for Texas News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboration John…

With more people in need, charities must stretch limited resources, increasing financial strain, especially in rural communities. (Monkey Business/Adobe Stock)

Friday, March 28, 2025

Rural MO charity braces for 'ripple effects' of federal cuts

Rural communities in Missouri are bracing for a tough reality as they plan ahead for the possibility of federal cuts to programs such as Medicaid…

The USDA reported since April 2024, there have been avian influenza virus detections in 336 commercial flocks and 207 backyard flocks, for a total of more than 90.9 million birds affected.(Adobe Stock)<br />

Friday, March 28, 2025

Poll: Americans concerned about bird flu effects on wallets over health

West Virginians are more concerned about bird flu's effect on grocery costs rather than health implications, and Republican voters are more likely to …

More than 25% of doctors in the United States were born outside the country, according to the Migration Policy Institute. (Adobe Stock)

Doctor shortages in VA lead to changes to licensing rules

By Arielle Zionts for KFF Health News.Broadcast version by Zamone Perez for Virginia News Connection reporting for the KFF Health News-Public News Ser…

Food banks in New Mexico and across the country were informed Wednesday that federal food shipments meant for distribution to needy residents had been suspended. (rrfb.org)

Federal funding freeze affects NM's food, farms, housing

A federal funding freeze affecting a broad swath of U.S. programs has left many organizations in limbo, with new fallout coming every day. Court …

Iowa factory farms dump approximately 109 billion pounds of manure each year, much of which winds up in nearby groundwater, according to Food and Water Watch. (Adobe Stock)

Iowa's cancer rate is an 'outlier,' but why?

By Nina B. Elkadi for Sentient.Broadcast version by Mark Moran for Iowa News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboration In …

Proposed federal cuts to Medicaid over the next decade are equal to program spending for 22 million children nationwide, or 76% of children enrolled, according to KFF. (Adobe Stock)

Montana teachers concerned over looming federal Medicaid cuts

The U.S. House of Representatives last month passed a budget resolution that would reduce the federal deficit by $880 billion over the next decade…

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)

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…

The National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics reported almost 3% of Hoosier teens age 12-17 abuse pain relievers. (Adobe Stock)

IN teen drug use stats show greater need for early intervention

Hoosier teens are nearly 3% more likely to have used cocaine, methamphetamines or heroin than other teens nationwide, according to the National …

According to the Wyoming Department of Education, Farm to School programs grew to include 90% of schools in the state last fall. The program has been cut by the Trump administration. (Adobe Stock)

Cuts to local food programs affect WY schools, food banks, producers

Federal programs supporting local food purchasing by food banks and schools have helped feed communities and support farmers but the Trump administrat…

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

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 …

Meals on Wheels of Northern Illinois has community cafés in Cook, Grundy, Kendall and Will counties, providing home-delivered meals to older residents of these areas. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Facing funding hurdles, IL 'March for Meals' event moves forward

A local "Meals on Wheels" organization is forging ahead with an event to provide meals and personal care items to seniors in four Illinois counties…

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, more than 50% of Tennessee adults with a mental illness did not receive treatment or care in 2022. (Seventyfour/Adobe Stock)

NAMI Tennessee to rally for Day on the Hill for mental-health care

Tennessee advocates are gathering at the state Capitol Wednesday to urge lawmakers to prioritize mental health funding and policies to strengthen fami…

The Trump administration is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse a ruling ordering the rehiring of thousands of federal workers, including in the Environmental Protection Agency. (Adobe Stock)

EPA workers in Chicago protest cuts to agency

Nearly 100 probationary workers for the Environmental Protection Agency in Chicago have had their jobs cut and then reinstated in the last month…

Colorado is the nation's fourth-largest oil and gas producer and there are currently more than 46,000 active wells. (Adobe Stock)

New camera reveals, documents toxic oil and gas emissions

As oil and gas well sites pop up next to more Colorado neighborhoods, residents are gathering evidence to hold operators accountable for toxic …

One in five Americans, or more than 70 million people, rely on Medicaid for health coverage, according to the American Hospital Association. (Adobe Stock)

KY Medicaid work requirement changes could further depress communities

Some Kentucky lawmakers want to make it mandatory for some Medicaid participants in Kentucky to work, but experts say that would disproportionately …

According to the Doula Advisory Group, as of February, 87 of Ohio's 88 counties had no doulas certified under the state's new program. (Adobe Stock)

Doula access in Ohio at risk in Nursing Board certification controversy

Tensions are rising in Ohio between doulas and the state Board of Nursing, as only a small number of doulas have been able to be certified for …

WI nonprofit creates song to interest younger kids in soil science

A local nonprofit with a mission to advance regenerative agriculture is hoping its new video can open up an untapped world of science to a younger aud…

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)

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 …

A new poll found large majorities of Americans, across party lines, see Medicaid as

WA caregivers rally against Medicaid cuts

This week, workers who provide in-home and nursing home care rallied against cuts to Medicaid. Washington's Medicaid, known as Apple Health…

New Mexico's 2021 methane waste rules require oil and gas operators to capture 98% of their produced natural gas by Dec. 31, 2026, and prohibit routine venting and flaring. (RobertCoy/Adobe Stock)

NM's state methane regulations expected to thwart federal rollbacks

Federal rules meant to better control harmful methane emissions will not take effect since Congress and President Donald Trump have intervened but the…

The most common NOAA warnings in Illinois are for severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, flooding and winter weather, especially during the spring and fall seasons. (Adobe Stock)

Potential NOAA cuts spell trouble for IL 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…

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, established by the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2020, provides free, confidential support to individuals in mental health crises. (Pixabay)

MS urged to reform mental health system to reduce jail overcrowding

As Mississippi grapples with a growing mental health crisis, state and local leaders are being urged to prioritize diversion programs and crisis care …

Among other efforts, NOAA has been leading the charge in mapping the bottom of the Great Lakes to improve navigation safety, understand the impact of climate change, locate pipelines and identify fisheries and shipwrecks. (Adobe Stock)

Potential NOAA cuts could put WI weather warnings on ice

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

A proposed $12 billion in cuts to federal school meal funding could impact 75 Montana schools serving more than 10,000 students. (Adobe Stock)

School meal programs on GOP's chopping block

Children's advocates are crying foul after House Republicans called for $12 billion in cuts to school meal programs, including the Community …

Data show integrating community health workers into the health care system creates more cost-effective and sustainable care. (buritora/Adobe Stock)

OR community health workers get a boost from tech

By Ramona Schindelheim for WorkingNation.Broadcast version by Isobel Charle for Oregon News Service reporting for the WorkingNation-Public News Servic…

Nationally, veterans are 1.5 times more likely to die by suicide than are nonveteran adults, with an average of almost 18 veteran suicides per day in 2021. (flysnow/Adobe Stock)

MI war veteran helps fellow vets access lifesaving resources

Michigan is home to more than 470,000 veterans, yet many have never accessed the military benefits to which they are entitled. The gap in support …

Research shows students' sense of belonging improves academic outcomes, increases continuing enrollment in school and is protective for mental health. (Monkey Business/Adobe Stock)

Immigrant children face increased cases of bullying across TX

As the immigration debate continues, many children of immigrants in Texas who are American citizens are caught in the middle. An elementary school …

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 …

There were more than 5,700 cases of missing or murdered Indigenous women and girls reported in 2016 in the U.S. Fewer than 200 were logged in the Department of Justice database. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Alarming violence rates continue against Indigenous women

Indigenous people have made great contributions to the state of Wisconsin yet the alarming rates of violence against them remains a public health cris…

In January 2014, approximately 10,000 gallons of chemicals used to process coal spilled from a storage tank into the Elk River in West Virginia, a water source which serving 300-thousand people in the Charleston area.(Adobe Stock)

Bill aims to weaken WV coal and gas industry chemical tank regulations

Lawmakers in the West Virginia Senate have passed a bill to remove mandated inspections for chemical storage tanks in the oil, coal and gas …

Some prison medical services require copays from those incarcerated, which can be a significant burden given the extremely low wages paid for prison labor. (b201735/Adobe Stock)

New MO-based newsroom focuses on health and justice

The Missouri Foundation for Health is partnering with The Marshall Project on the launch of a St. Louis nonprofit newsroom highlighting the legal …

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 …

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 …

Expanded oil and gas subsidies, included in current versions of upcoming federal tax legislation, would support a massive expansion of LNG projects to more than double national export capacity by 2030. (Jeeraphun/Adobe Stock)

Religious leaders gather in TX to fight oil and gas subsidies

Forty religious leaders from different denominations gathered in Texas this week to call for an end to fossil-fuel subsidies and expansion of related …

State wages, salaries and benefits saw a nearly $1 billion increase in 2025, as Maryland lawmakers weigh major cuts to disability-assistance programs. (Adobe Stock)

Advocate: State budget proposals threaten disabled Marylanders

Maryland is facing a $3 billion budget deficit, and planned cuts in 2026 would include millions in disability assistance. But one advocate says those …

According to the World Health Organization, climate change presents a fundamental threat to human health. (Adobe Stock)

Health and climate: A growing crisis in Florida

As the warming climate continues to reshape the environment, its impact on people's health is becoming increasingly evident in Florida. Doctors and …

Research done in 2024 by Gardenpals.com found that during the pandemic nearly 19 million people, mostly millennials, tried gardening for the first time. (Adobe Stock)

Homegrown food interest is widening amid rising grocery costs, food recalls

March is National Nutrition Month and rising grocery costs, and food recalls have consumers revisiting the idea of growing their own healthier and …

Family caregivers spend on average more than $7,200 annually - 26% of their income - on out-of-pocket expenses. (Adobe Stock)

Doubling down on care: Ohio’s push for caregiver tax relief

In a significant development for family caregivers across America, AARP is spearheading initiatives at both federal and state levels to provide tax …

According to AARP, about 112,000 Montanans were caregivers in 2023. As nursing homes continue to close, experts predict the number will grow. (Adobe Stock)

Nursing homes close as Montanans age

The Montana governor's proposed budget includes cuts to funding for senior long-term care. Those in the already-struggling industry said as more …

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the Public News Service (podcast)"
	"Hey Google, play the Public News Service podcast"
	"Alexa, play Public News Service podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the 2025 Talks podcast"
	"Hey Google, play the 2025 Talks podcast"
	"Alexa, play 2000 25 Talks podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

Audio Activation
	"Siri, play the Yonder Report podcast"
	"Hey Google, play the Yonder Report podcast"
	"Alexa, play the Yonder Report podcast" or "Alexa, what's my news flash?" once you set it up in the Alexa app
	Embed this Newscast

PNS Daily Newscast - March 31, 2025

2025Talks - March 31, 2025

The Yonder Report - March 27, 2025

Health

Honoring OR trans lives amid hostile political climate

Cuts to Medicaid would affect one in five Coloradans

Poll: Americans fear bird flu's effect on finances over personal health

Poll: Most WV voters oppose privatizing Public Employees Insurance Agency

ND joins movement to end outdated HIV penalties

Doctors, WMed reach agreement, avert potential strike

Report: Wildfires inch closer to California health care facilities

KY advocates: HALT Fentanyl Act won’t address root causes of substance use

North TX county sues feds over PFAS contamination

Rural MO charity braces for 'ripple effects' of federal cuts

Poll: Americans concerned about bird flu effects on wallets over health

Doctor shortages in VA lead to changes to licensing rules

Federal funding freeze affects NM's food, farms, housing

Iowa's cancer rate is an 'outlier,' but why?

Montana teachers concerned over looming federal Medicaid cuts

WA patients face huge fees to access medical records

IN teen drug use stats show greater need for early intervention

Cuts to local food programs affect WY schools, food banks, producers

Beshear signs licensing of nicotine retailers bill into law

Facing funding hurdles, IL 'March for Meals' event moves forward

NAMI Tennessee to rally for Day on the Hill for mental-health care

EPA workers in Chicago protest cuts to agency

New camera reveals, documents toxic oil and gas emissions

KY Medicaid work requirement changes could further depress communities

Doula access in Ohio at risk in Nursing Board certification controversy

WI nonprofit creates song to interest younger kids in soil science

Report: Cuts to Inflation Reduction Act would impact TX economy

WA caregivers rally against Medicaid cuts

NM's state methane regulations expected to thwart federal rollbacks

Potential NOAA cuts spell trouble for IL weather warnings

MS urged to reform mental health system to reduce jail overcrowding

Potential NOAA cuts could put WI weather warnings on ice

School meal programs on GOP's chopping block

OR community health workers get a boost from tech

MI war veteran helps fellow vets access lifesaving resources

Immigrant children face increased cases of bullying across TX

New findings: Arkansas abortion ban could impact potential workforce

Alarming violence rates continue against Indigenous women

Bill aims to weaken WV coal and gas industry chemical tank regulations

New MO-based newsroom focuses on health and justice

Kentucky proposes changes to buprenorphine prescribing, dispensing rules

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

Religious leaders gather in TX to fight oil and gas subsidies

Advocate: State budget proposals threaten disabled Marylanders

Health and climate: A growing crisis in Florida

Homegrown food interest is widening amid rising grocery costs, food recalls

Doubling down on care: Ohio’s push for caregiver tax relief

Nursing homes close as Montanans age