North American Network

-- English (:30) -- “The next elections are just around the corner. And, with recent changes in election-law, it’s more important than ever to know how, when, and where to vote. That's why ‘A-A-R-P’ is providing up-to-date information—on how to register, the rules for early voting, and all deadlines. Remember, your vote is your voice. And, your future—and that of your loved-ones—depends on your vo...

-- English (:30) -- “During ‘Hispanic Heritage Month’, ‘A-A-R-P Texas’ is holding events, statewide, to share the history, heritage, and accomplishments of Hispanic and Latino Americans—both past and present. Some events are virtual—while others are in-person. But, all are free and open to the public. For a full list of events—and to discover everything that ‘A-A-R-P’ offers locally, to help you s...

Prior to 2015, individuals with disabilities receiving benefits from programs like Medicaid and “Supplemental Security Income” were only able to save two-thousand dollars in assets. Now, they can become savers and investors for the first time, with “ABLE United”—Florida’s disability-savings program. Director John Finch has more… “It’s important to prioritize financial wellness. With an ‘ABLE’-acco...

The “Credit-Card Competition Act” was recently introduced in the U-S Senate by Senators Dick Durbin and Roger Marshall—and, if passed, would create new rules for credit-card routing. However, Dan Berger—the president and C-E-O of the “National Association of Federally-Insured Credit-Unions”—believes that such a mandate would only serve large retailers, while hurting “Main Street” small-businesses...

The “National Pork Board” has teamed up with country-music superstar Luke Bryan—to help dispel what it believes are common misconceptions about modern pig-farming. The new campaign involves a focus-group video that metaphorically compares a modern pig-farm to a five-star hotel; it’s also being held alongside Bryan’s “Farm Tour”, which takes place this month throughout the Midwest. As part of the c...

The cumulative rate of “COVID-19”-related hospitalizations and risk-of-death for American Indian and Alaska Native communities remains the highest among all racial- and ethnic-groups in the U-S—regardless of age. That’s why the “Indian Health Service” urges all parents to get “COVID-19”-vaccinations for their children who are at least six months old. Doctor Loretta Christensen is its chief medical...

(These six soundbites are from David Harkey, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s president. For more about the study, visit iihs.org.) “We’ve introduced a nighttime-test of pedestrian ‘auto-braking’ systems—to address the high percentage of pedestrian-fatalities that occur on dark roads: Of the 23 models that we’ve tested so far—including midsize cars, midsize S-U-V’s, and small pickups—o...

This Saturday, September 3rd, is “National Cinema Day”. And, the one-day event will bring together audiences of all ages—to enjoy a day at the movies with both exclusive previews and special in-theater promotions, at a discounted admission of no more than three dollars. Jackie Brenneman is the president of “The Cinema Foundation”… “After this summer’s record-breaking return to cinemas, we wanted t...

With energy-prices still rising, homeowners might be surprised that the best and most-efficient source for both heating and cooling might be just under their feet. John Thomas—C-E-O of “Water-Furnace”—explains… “No matter the climate [that] you live in—or the time of the year—the temperature below ground stays fairly consistent. Geothermal systems tap into this resource, by using a series of under...

-- English (:30) -- “It’s hurricane-season—and Floridians with loved-ones in assisted living or long-term care want to ensure they’ll be safe. Do you know the facility’s emergency-plans and compliance-status, according to state-law? Find out when and how your loved-one will be evacuated—or have access to generators, food, and medicine, if sheltering in place. Request a copy of the facility’s emerg...

As parents send their kids back to school—with their backpacks full of new supplies—fake goods pose a constant danger. That’s why “U-S Customs and Border Protection”—or “C-B-P”—continues to raise awareness about counterfeit products. John Leonard is with its “Office of Trade”… “Counterfeits are always a problem—whether they involve school-supplies, computers, clothing, sports-equipment, household-...

Los estudiantes ya están regresando a clases en todo el estado. Y, el equipo regional de “Raise Your Hand Texas” está trabajando a fortalecer un electorado que apoya educación pública en todo el estado. Según Giovanni Escobedo, el representante del grupo, la organización está liderando la carga en múltiples frentes—con una visión de aprendizaje centrado en estudiantes, familias dedicadas, maestros...

Students throughout Texas are heading back to school. And, the regional-advocacy team of “Raise Your Hand Texas” is working to grow a “pro-public education” constituency across the state. According to the group’s Amy Dodson, it’s leading the charge on multiple fronts—with a vision for student-centered learning, engaged families, empowered teachers, and strong school-leaders. In addition, the group...

Half of U-S adults may be affected by musculoskeletal conditions—such as back-, knee-, or shoulder-pain. And, related treatments account for about 10-percent of annual medical-expenses. Doctor Russell Amundson, with “United-Healthcare”, says that telecommuting is adding to those concerns… “More time sitting at home—along with such awkward work-setups as a bed or couch—can contribute to an increase...

As summer ends, parents send their children back to school with mixed emotions; there’s an added layer of concern if their kids have allergies or asthma. Allergist Doctor Mark Corbett is the president of the “American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology”… “Be aware of normal classroom-allergens—like dust, mold, or even pet-dander carried in on other kids’ clothes. Work with the school to al...

Fake goods are a danger to families—including children who are about to start another school-year. That’s why the “U-S Chamber of Commerce” is raising awareness about counterfeit back-to-school products. Kasie [like “Casey”] Brill is with the Chamber’s “Global Innovation Policy Center”… “Counterfeiters lure customers with low prices for such items as backpacks, pencils, art-supplies, computers, an...

The Senate is preparing to vote on whether to finally allow Medicare to negotiate for lower drug-prices. That’s according to Alan Hollenbeck—“A-A-R-P Illinois’” state-president… “Drug-companies would also be penalized for increasing prices faster than the rate of inflation—which is particularly welcome in these times of economic uncertainty. And, there would be a limit on how much seniors would ha...

Small businesses have much at stake when it comes to energy-policy. That’s according to Karen Kerrigan—president of the “Small-Business and Entrepreneurship Council”... “High gas-prices are hurting Americans, and small businesses, across the country. In an attempt to avoid being blamed by voters, the Biden-administration—and other politicians—are blaming energy-companies. Some are even calling for...

-- English (:30) -- “Hey Florida, get ready to vote! ‘A-A-R-P Florida’ is empowering voters ‘50-plus’ to make their voices heard, on the issues that matter most. We have the information you need to be prepared to cast your vote. Make sure you know the latest voting-guidelines and -requirements—before you head to the ballot-box. Get a free copy of the ‘A-A-R-P Florida’ voter-guide at ‘a-a-r-p’-dot-...

Since 2007, the “United-Healthcare Children’s Foundation” has awarded more than 30-thousand medical grants—valued at over 62-million dollars. The 30-thousdandth grant was awarded recently to 12-year-old “Junior”, from New Braunfels, Texas—who was diagnosed with epilepsy at six years old. And, over the years, grants to thousands of other children have been for: speech-, hearing-, or development-dis...

This year’s total economic-impact from marijuana-sales, nationwide, should reach 99-billion dollars—up more than 20-percent from last year. That’s according to the latest “Factbook” from “M-J-Biz”—which also projects that it could reach 155-billion, in 2026. Chris Walsh is the company’s C-E-O… “Advocates often tout the tax-revenue that cannabis-sales generate. But, the benefits to the overall econ...

As veterans, you deserve a lot of things—including praise, honor, and respect. But, you certainly don’t deserve someone trying to take advantage of your service. And yet, veterans and their families are nearly 40-percent more likely to lose money to scams than civilians. In fact, “A-A-R-P’s Fraud-Watch Network” also finds that 80-percent have experienced scams that specifically target veterans. Th...

Organizations, throughout Kentucky, continue to offer both direct aid and legal services to victims of December’s tornadoes. And, several of these groups are now being helped in their efforts—by grants from “A-A-R-P Foundation” that total one-million dollars. Charlotte Whittaker is “A-A-R-P Kentucky’s” volunteer state-president… “We’re grateful to have this assistance for our fellow Kentuckians. T...

Florida has more jobs looking for people than people looking for jobs. Many Floridians aren’t properly qualified for these open positions—although these jobs are mid- to high-wage, and high-demand. That’s according to the recently launched “Future of Work Florida”-initiative—which promotes career- and technical-education as one solution to the state’s workforce-needs. Mark Wilson is president and...

In Pennsylvania’s race for governor, “50-plus” voters narrowly support Josh Shapiro over Doug Mastriano—48- to 47-percent. And, in the Senate-race, John Fetterman is slightly ahead of Mehmet Oz among older voters—49- to 46-percent. That’s according to a new survey from “A-A-R-P Pennsylvania”. Bill Johnston-Walsh is the group’s state-director… “Pennsylvanians ‘50-plus’ comprise an outsized portion...