Supporters: Debt collection act an important protection, but not a cure-all
WASHINGTON - Prop 209's backers say voter approval of the Predatory Debt Collection Protection Act will go a long way toward keeping people from being "forced out on the street" for medical debt. But they say consumers will still need to be on their guard.
Fighting hate: Approaches range from expanding hate crime definitions to gathering data
LOS ANGELES – The system for reporting hate in America is broken. The FBI’s database has limited scope, and people often don’t – or sometimes can’t – report hate crimes to authorities. But federal, state and local entities are tackling hate in a variety of ways – from expanding definitions and launching hotlines to capturing data.
‘Two minds work better than one’: Tyi Skinner, Jaddan Simmons take reins for ASU women’s basketball
TEMPE – The Arizona State women’s backcourt duo of Jaddan Simmons and Tyi Skinner, who transferred from Delaware with coach Adair, are taking charge of leading this season’s team after the Sun Devils lost their prestigious head coach, leading scorer and top rebounder.
Colleges expect more undocumented students this spring after Prop 308
WASHINGTON - Arizona voters did a sharp about-face this fall, narrowly voting to allow in-state tuition for undocumented state residents, a 180-degree reversal of a policy that was overwhelmingly approved by voters in 2006 prohibiting such aid for Dreamers in the state.
Statewide hotline to support mental health during and after pregnancy
TUCSON – A hotline expected to launch next spring seeks to help improve access to information and treatment options for perinatal mental health.
Phoenix Rising coach Juan Guerra plans to take advantage of academy in future
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Rising signed the franchise’s first-ever academy player to the first team in 2021, but Niall Dunn is one of few players to earn a promotion since the academy opened in 2021. Coach Juan Guerra has plans to change that.
Voters limited their own power to legislate, told state lawmakers to butt out
WASHINGTON - Arizona voters this fall made it slightly tougher on themselves when it comes to passing laws at the ballot box, but they also sent a strong message to state legislators - keep your hands off voter initiatives.
Catalyst for change: How Jerry Colangelo, 1992-93 Suns transformed downtown Phoenix
PHOENIX – The 1992-93 Phoenix Suns were more than a success on the basketball court, where they were good enough to reach The NBA Finals. With a new coach, a new superstar in Charles Barkley and a new arena, that team launched a renaissance in downtown Phoenix that transformed the city.
Fire districts face uncertain funding future after ballot measure’s failure
WASHINGTON – Voters said no to a plan that would have added one-tenth of a penny to the state sales tax to benefit rural fire districts, but firefighters warn that the need - and the threat to public safety - have not gone away.
Two good? Perry Pumas continue dominance in search of consecutive state championships
GILBERT – Perry basketball, led by Cody Williams, Koa Peat and Sam Duane Jr., are hoping to repeat as state champions this season. After an 11-0 start, can the Pumas win back-to-back titles?
From NFL to high school sidelines, Conrad Hamilton has found success revitalizing Desert Mountain
SCOTTSDALE – In his fourth season at Desert Mountain, former NFL player Conrad Hamilton has reinstituted a winning culture as one of many former pro football players finding success in the high school coaching ranks.
Border communities, Border Patrol brace for migrant surge as Title 42 ends
TUCSON - Record-high numbers of migrants stressed humanitarian organizations and border officials alike in 2022. Now, both groups are bracing for a new surge, with the end next week of Title 42, a pandemic-era rule that allowed 2.5 million migrants to be turned away.
