George Bridges

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AARP Louisiana fought back—and won—against legislation that could have made consumers virtually powerless to defend themselves against debt collectors.

Westar Energy, the largest electric utility in Kansas, has proposed raising rates for residential and small business customers while cutting rates for medium and large commercial customers. Westar officials have said the change would more fairly distribute costs because large businesses’ energy use is more stable than Kansans’ household use.

To help people sense when it’s time to hang up the phone or shut the door on con artists, AARP Oregon is hosting a Scam Jam Oct. 22 in Portland.

The Arizona Corporation Commission is considering whether to deregulate electric utilities. AARP opposes the move, citing concerns about deceptive marketing practices and higher monthly bills that have occurred in some deregulated states.

AARP is gathering stories from Nebraskans about their experiences with long-term care insurance. The information will be used to help lawmakers better understand the issues involved in buying and using such plans.

As part of Life Reimagined—which provides resources to help people navigate life transitions—AARP Vermont is working with the Peace Corps to help older volunteers consider adventures abroad.

In cooperation with AARP Maine, Governing magazine will host a forum on Sept. 19 for legislators, city officials, educators and other leaders to brainstorm ways to make communities throughout the state more age-friendly.

Doctors, hospitals and pharmacists in the Virgin Islands are going electronic, using a secure online system that makes it easier to access and share patients’ medical records.

Beginning next month, as many as 114,000 uninsured Kentuckians ages 50 to 64 could find affordable coverage through the state’s new health insurance exchange, kynect.