News from around the nation.

Trump's tariff goes into effect at 10 percent, not the 15 threatened; Virginia health advocates warn of tailpipe regulation rollback; Older, rural WV residents most affected by loss of ACA tax credits; Safety in solidarity: NYC group gives trainings for ICE confrontations.

Transcript

The Public News Service Tuesday afternoon update, I'm Mike Clifford.

A new tariff on most global imports went into effect in the US just after midnight at 10 percent, despite President Trump's pledge over the weekend to impose a 15 percent rate.

According to the New York Times, the change underscored the confusion and uncertainty of the past few days after the Supreme Court on Friday struck down many of Trump's tariffs and he quickly vowed to replace them.

Meantime, as President Donald Trump prepares to deliver his State of the Union address, experts are calling the administration's repeal of the endangerment finding bad for public health.

The legal finding states that greenhouse gas emissions threaten the health and welfare of the public, and it forms the basis for the EPA's regulations on tailpipe emissions.

Earlier this month, the Trump administration announced it would revoke the finding.

Virginia doctor Bobby Mahajan with Inova Health System says fewer protections for clean air could threaten at-risk groups like children, the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.

At the end of the day, we need to look at not just an idea of what the plan is now, but for our future generations, we want to make sure that they're providing healthy air and something that's safe.

We stand behind the endangerment finding, which is supported by law and science and has been a cornerstone for protection for more than 15 years.

The Trump administration has defended the move, claiming revoking the finding is one of the largest deregulatory actions in American history, and it will save taxpayers more than a trillion dollars.

I'm Zamone Perez.

And around 67,000 West Virginians are enrolled in Affordable Care Act health insurance coverage.

Our Nadia Ramlegon reports.

Many are seeing their monthly premiums jump with an end of the enhanced ACA tax credits, according to a new report.

The federal subsidies began in 2021 and were extended through the end of last year.

There are ongoing efforts by Democrats to pass a three year extension.

Vaishu Jawahar with Protect Our Care says adults between the ages of 50 to 64 who don't yet qualify for Medicaid are now paying enormous costs for health care.

We've seen that premiums have skyrocketed to as much as $40,000 a year plus in premiums for older couples in West Virginia.

Only New Mexico has decided to fully cover the cost of lost tax credits for its residents.

This is Nadia Ramlagan for West Virginia News Service.

And immigrant New Yorkers are finding safety in solidarity through one group's peacekeeping efforts.

Julia Del Fuente with Nonviolent Peace Force says the organization's scenario training offers a realistic approach.

Such as community events in public spaces, being in a non-profit organization office.

The trainings teach participants how to stay calm and collected so they can make safe and informed decisions while they work through that situation.

Ongoing immigration raids have forced many communities into hiding.

Many groups are focusing on ensuring immigrants know their rights so they know how to respond if they encounter ICE officers.

This is public news service.

Some affordability advocates are now calling for a price freeze on key food items as New Hampshire residents struggle with high costs.

The Center for American Progress claims a negotiated temporary cap on dozens of staples like beef, eggs, and milk would provide immediate relief allow wages to catch up to food prices.

Senior fellow Michael Negron says lawmakers could then crack down on anti-competitive practices among the food industry's largest players.

Give them some breathing room on grocery prices, provide some relief, do that while creating space to undertake some bigger reforms that we think are important.

He adds grocers could recover any lost income through lowered credit card transaction fees, expanded SNAP benefits, and exemptions from certain tariffs.

Critics argue the plan could lead to food shortages while failing to address the root causes of inflation, including supply chain issues.

I'm Catherine Carley.

And early voting in North Carolina's 2026 primary election is underway.

People who've been involved in the justice system are still eligible to vote in many cases.

In-person early voting began on February 12th and lasts through the 28th.

Primary election day is March 3rd.

Whitley Carpenter with the North Carolina-based organization Forward Justice says people with misdemeanors can vote.

But those with felony convictions lose their right to vote while they're incarcerated or if they're on probation or parole after release.

Once you have completed any of that supervisory period of your sentence, then you can be registered to vote and can legally do so.

North Carolinians are able to register to vote in person during the early voting period.

For people with questions about their voting status, Forward Justice has what it calls a second chance voter hotline at 1-877-880-VOTE.

I'm Eric Tegethoff reporting.

And finally, money for Montana wildlife conservation is now available to the public.

Folks can learn more at an event this week.

The Montana legislature passed a law last session investing millions of dollars in wildlife habitat, public access, and outdoor recreation.

Ginny Cloutier with the Flathead Avalanche Center says the money could help maintain her group's weather stations, which provide data for avalanche forecasts and warnings.

Up-to-date information for the public as trail users are making decisions, in particular winter trail users are making decisions about their own safety and terrain choices.

The money, about $32 million over the next two years, comes from recreational marijuana taxes.

People can learn more about these funds at the first Montana Land and Legacy Tour stop this Thursday at Bias Brewing in Kalispell from six to eight p.m.

The Montana Conservation Voters Education Fund and other groups are planning more events like this across the state this spring, including in Billings and Livingston.

I'm Laura Hatch reporting.

This is Mike Clifford for Public News Service, member and listener supported.

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