Page 41 - Consumer Issues News Today

Almost one in ten Nebraskans receives Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, formerly known as food stamps, but that could change in the new year. If a 2021 expansion of income eligibility put in place during the pandemic is allowed to "sunset" in 2023, many fewer households and individuals will qualify for SNAP. Tina Rockenbach - executive director for Community Action of Nebraska - said some believe since many jobs lost when COVID was at its peak have ...

Despite gains in certain areas, Minnesota is still behind its current goals to reduce carbon emissions. But those in the clean-energy sector see big opportunities in 2023. Groups pushing for a quicker transition to these sources feel the upcoming legislative session could pave the way for key decisions to accelerate progress. ...

A new report says Arizonans who have a medical emergency and good health insurance could still find themselves with a costly "surprise" bill. The federal "No Surprises Act" is supposed to protect people from the high costs of out-of-network medical services. But it doesnt protect them from surprise ground ambulance costs - which Patricia Kelmar, senior director for Health Care Campaigns with the Arizona PIRG Education Fund, said is simply unfair. ...

With the holiday shopping season in full swing, scammers are hard at work, so the experts have some tips on how to shop smarter. The most common types of scams these days are online shopping scams, empty gift cards and package delivery scams, according to AARP FraudWatch. Kathy Stokes, director of fraud prevention programs for AARP, cautioned you should never click on a link directly from social media or an unsolicited email or text. ...

Holiday preparations are underway, and those who battle hunger in New Mexico are urging communities to remember their neighbors at a time when food could be scarce. Sonya Warwick, communications and events director for the Roadrunner Food Bank, said hunger affects one in five children in the state and one in eight people overall, with even more in rural counties. She explained from seniors hit by inflation, to those with chronic health conditions coping with the high cost of medicine, people f...

Kentuckys two dozen rural electric co-ops could do more to invest in energy efficiency and renewable energy, according to a recent ranking of southeastern rural electric co-ops. Co-op utilities provide power to 1.5-million people in nearly all Kentucky counties. Chris Woolery, residential energy coordinator with the nonprofit Mountain Association, said while more Kentuckians want investments that will lower their monthly costs, many arent aware of how they can voice concerns with their local c...

By Caleigh Wells for KCRW.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public News Service Collaboration Californias newest infrastructure project will hit two proverbial climate birds with one stone. And Los Angeles city officials just decided last week to try one of its own. The plan is to cover some of Californias exposed water canals with solar panels. ...

On the heels of last weeks news that Minnesotas budget surplus has grown larger, there are renewed calls to approve free school meals for all students, regardless of income. Districts that participate in the National School Lunch Program receive federal funds to offer free and reduced-price meals to eligible students. A universal program asks the state to provide the remaining funds to cover all students. ...

Before the pandemic, one in five people in Los Angeles County lacked consistent access to food - and in 2021, one in four low-income families experienced food insecurity, according to a new report from a coalition of county and nonprofit leaders. The Los Angeles County Food Equity Roundtable just released its strategic plan, designed to end food insecurity by 2030. Charity Faye, program manager for the group Sisters in Motion, Black Women for Wellness, said families of color in Los Angeles hav...

Agriculture groups and government agencies arent slowing down in trying to convince farmers to use more sustainable practices such as cover crops, and Wisconsin producers who have joined that movement will soon be able to sign up for reimbursements. Starting Monday, farmers who planted cover crops this year can apply for a $5-per-acre rebate on their summer 2023 crop-insurance premium. The applications are submitted to the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. ...