As wildfires rage, federal firefighters see bump in minimum hourly pay
WASHINGTON - Fighting wildfires did not get any easier this month, but it did get a little more profitable for thousands of full-time and temporary firefighters employed by the federal government, which raised their minimum wage from $13 an hour to $15 an hour.
How COVID-19 and red tape pushed millions to the brink of homelessness
Across the U.S., as many as 1 in 5 renters have fallen behind on rent during the pandemic. For families who have no financial safety net to fall back on, the economic consequences of the pandemic have pushed them to the precipice of homelessness. The situation is made worse by bureaucracy.
With 253,000 Arizonans behind on rent, court halts eviction moratorium
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court's decision to overturn a national eviction moratorium late Thursday comes as an estimated one-fifth of U.S. renters are behind on the rent - including 253,000 in Arizona.
Some schools sticking with mask mandates, despite Ducey funding threat
WASHINGTON - Friday was the deadline for schools to drop mask mandates if they wanted to be eligible for a share of millions in COVID-19 state aid, but at least several districts in the state were refusing to comply with Gov. Doug Ducey's demand.
Climate advocates, lawmaker urge Sens. Sinema and Kelly to support Biden budget plan
PHOENIX – Arizona’s senators are being urged to support the “Build Back Better” budget to provide funding for clean energy initiatives and jobs to address the effects of climate change as extreme heat becomes more common.
Have app, will gamble: Arizona online sports betting sites open registration Saturday
PHOENIX – Online Sports betting sites open Saturday, moving one step closer to the launch date for sports betting in Arizona on Sept. 9.
As COVID-19 testing numbers rise, Embry Health hopes to expand services
MESA – COVID-19 testing numbers are increasing as schools reopen and the delta variant spreads. To counter the rise in numbers and reduce wait times, Embry Health is bringing in hundreds of new workers.
Temporarily knocked out, RUF Nation returns strong, features card at Celebrity Theatre
PHOENIX – This time last year, RUF had a different name, struggled to hold events due to the pandemic and had a much darker outlook for the future of Arizona MMA. This year, a lot has changed and business is booming, including a card Sunday at the Celebrity Theatre.
Taurasi’s return helps Mercury surge as WNBA playoff picture comes into focus
PHOENIX – After a lukewarm start to the season, the Phoenix Mercury have caught fire with five wins in a row. With the playoffs less than a month away, their timing is ideal.
Essential but ignored: How day care powered the pandemic workforce
The pandemic exposed how vulnerable and essential child care providers are in America. The median hourly wage is $10.31, and most workers receive no benefits, but they play a crucial role in getting people back to work.
With water dwindling in the Southwest, Arizona plans for coming restrictions
The federal government declared a water shortage for much of the Southwest last week, resulting in the first mandatory cutbacks for some who draw from the Colorado River. The first to see cuts will be farmers in central Arizona.
Roll on: New mats provide greater access to LA County beaches
Wheelchair users and other mobility device users now can roll on a synthetic mat at popular California beaches without getting stuck in the sand. It gives them freedom to move closer to the waves.
