Lack of broadband puts tribal, rural areas ‘in jeopardy,’ lawmakers told

WASHINGTON - The Havasupai tribe is falling behind in education, health and emergency needs because - like millions of residents in rural communities - it lacks affordable, reliable and high-speed broadband, a tribal councilwoman told House lawmakers in a hearing on rural broadband.


Ducey not among governors supporting 55 mpg fuel efficiency standards

PHOENIX – Governors of 23 states and Puerto Rico this week urged the Trump administration to adopt a stronger emissions standard for vehicles. Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey was not one of those governors.


Cyberbully solutions: Target becomes an activist; ASU researchers develop Instagram app

PHOENIX – Cyberbullies targeted Grace Martinez, tormenting her on social media. Now she uses her voice to stand up against bullies while ASU researchers develop an Instagram app for parents, teens.


Throwing a lifeline to poor patients ‘dumped’ by health care providers

PHOENIX - The Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act of 1986 bars hospitals from refusing healthcare for those in need and makes it illegal to dump patients on the streets, but the practice persists. That's where groups like Circle the City come in.


No bursting in air: Carefree uses drones instead of fireworks to celebrate the Fourth

PHOENIX – Drones can replace Fourth of July fireworks without the risk of fire or frightening animals and also help military veterans who deal with post-traumatic stress disorder.


Making America grill again: Cost of cookouts little changed this year

WASHINGTON - The American Farm Bureau said the cost of a traditional Fourth of July cookout for 10 rose less than 1 percent from last year to just is just $5.28 per person this year, according to its annual market survey. And the cost is even lower in Arizona, the farm bureau in the state says.


Climbing in Joshua Tree: Breaking bones and belaying friendships

JOSHUA TREE, California – Two climbers trace the evolution of the sport through their 40-year friendship. Todd Gordon and Tucker Tech pioneered many of the routes in Joshua Tree National Park, as visitors surge to nearly 3 million a year.


Maricopa County approves updates to vote-counting system to avoid snafus

PHOENIX – The Board of Supervisors will spend $6.1 million over three years to upgrade voting systems, and it hired an executive to oversee elections.


Chemical retardant used to fight wildfires could pose harm, group says

PHOENIX – Fire retardant is one of several tactics being used to battle the Woodbury Fire east of Mesa. But this mixture of water and chemicals has raised questions with some people who believe it can be dangerous to people and the environment.


Why some tattoo artists choose vegan inks over traditional formulas

PHOENIX – Some Phoenix tattoo artists are choosing to use vegan inks instead of non-vegan tattoo inks for ethical and practical reasons.


It’s rattlesnake season. Are you prepared?

SCOTTSDALE – The Phoenix Herpetological Society offers training classes on how to handle venomous snakes.

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Arizona’s average age still below U.S., but it’s catching up fast

WASHINGTON – Arizona's average age of 37.9 in 2018 was relatively young compared to other states, but the rise in age from 2010 was twice the national average and second-highest in the U.S., new Census data show, as births fell and older residents continued to move in.