Arizona food banks prepare for possible government shutdown – again

PHOENIX – Food banks that helped furloughed federal employees learned lessons that will help if the government shuts down again.


Standing up for veterans who need haircuts, housing and other help

PHOENIX – Stand Down, a nationwide event conducted in Maricopa County for nearly two decades, once served only about 200 people. But in January, thousands descended on the State Fairgrounds for services from barbers, doctors and judges.


Arizona skateboards shred the Union Hills Classic competition

GLENDALE – Arizona skateboarders competed in Cowtown Skateboards’ Union Hills Classic skateboarding competition


Future of Suns, Diamondbacks in downtown Phoenix causing angst

PHOENIX – With the potential of the Diamondbacks and Suns leaving downtown Phoenix, growth of the area could slow down.


Rainy day fund, drought and teacher pay: Ducey proposes 2020 budget

PHOENIX – Gov. Doug Ducey’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2019-20 would set aside twice as much as last year for a rainy day, continue a salary hike for teachers and prepare the state for water shortages in the future.


Partnerships are crucial to saving dogs at Maricopa County shelter

PHOENIX – Maricopa County Animal Care & Control is always tight on funds and its facilities overcrowded. But thanks to creative marketing and partnerships, the county is able to place 95 percent of the dogs in homes.


Phoenix couple’s nonprofit helps more Haitian children get adopted

PHOENIX – Craig and Kathi Juntunen adopted three children from Haiti, and that experience inspired the couple in 2006 to launch Chances for Children, a foundation for Haitian orphans.


Save water, drink beer: Camp Verde collaboration swaps corn for barley

CAMP VERDE – A collaboration among Camp Verde farmers, investors and the Nature Conservancy has reduced Verde River water usage by getting farmers to swap our summer corn for winter barley, a key ingredient in beer.


Phoenix and some companies offer options for recycling holiday lights

PHOENIX – Phoenix now offers light-recycling services. Residents can drop off lights at one of two transfer stations, starting the day after Christmas.


ASU groundskeeper leaves his stamp on Cheez-It Bowl

TEMPE – Meet Brian Johnson, Arizona State’s athletic grounds facilities manager. He spends the bulk of his time during football season caring for the fields at Sun Devil Stadium, but he recently helped with the Cheez-It Bowl at Chase Field.


Hispanics, blacks more likely to develop Alzheimer’s; cardiovascular diseases may be a factor

LAVEEN – The family network of care for Santiago González has become, over the years, as familiar as the lyrics of his favorite music. The family is like those of many of more than millions diagnosed in the U.S. with Alzheimer’s. But older Hispanics are more likely than older whites to be diagnosed with the brain disease, which affects memory.


Barley shortage tied to climate change could have you crying in your craft beer

PHOENIX – A recent global study said beer prices could double under extreme heat and drought trends. Phoenix-area breweries said that prediction, if true, would affect them the most. However, they believe they’ll be able to find ways to adapt to the rising temperatures and drought conditions.