Schools’ chief Diane Douglas remains lukewarm about AzMERIT test

PHOENIX – Diane Douglas, Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction, discussed her lukewarm attitude toward the AzMERIT test and seemed puzzled when asked about Proposition 305, a ballot measure asking voters to stop the expansion of school vouchers in Arizona. Recent AzMERIT results showed a slight improvement over the previous year.

Diane Douglas

Equifax data breach spurs rush to protect online information: six tips to help

PHOENIX – Expect more online scams after the latest online hack at Equifax compromised the personal information of as many as 143 million Americans, Arizona experts said.

Michael Cocanower

Buzz on rumored DACA deal dissolves to drone on what was really said

WASHINGTON - It was the greatest political deal that was - until it wasn't. Unless it still is. After Democratic leaders said Wednesday night that they had reached a deal with President Donald Trump to preserve DACA, without a border wall requirement, social media exploded - along with some Republican members of Congress.


Scottsdale company teaches motorists to avoid wrong-way drivers

SCOTTSDALE – Business owners in Scottsdale horrified by a string of wrong-way collisions in Arizona have developed new technology designed to help motorists stay safe.

Wrong-way simulation

South Phoenix hopes light rail extension will bring end to historic segregation

PHOENIX - Tall corporate buildings, brand new modern apartment complexes and fancy restaurants compose most of Central Avenue in downtown Phoenix. However, just a few miles down, south of Salt River, it’s a different story. Small, family-owned businesses, abandoned buildings and empty lots become the scenery.

Street sign

Democrats raise the stakes in push to get vote on ‘clean’ DREAM Act

WASHINGTON - Hispanic House members took a page from President Donald Trump's playbook Friday, saying they are willing to risk a government shutdown later this year if they cannot get a vote on the DREAM Act.


ASU’s DACA students meet, plan action

PHOENIX — On Thursday evening, Arizona State University students crowded into a makeshift conference room, pulling chairs into a circle. When there wasn’t any room left, some students sat on the floor in the middle. They took turns introducing themselves – sharing their names, their majors and their fears about the repeal of DACA.

USEE meeting

Local attorney helps DREAMers plan for uncertain future

PHOENIX — After President Donald Trump’s official DACA decision was announced earlier this week, DREAMers now turn their focus to what could be next for them.

Daniel Rodriguez

Southwest Valley officials to cut salt cedar trees invading Gila River bed

BUCKEYE — Local leaders say salt cedar trees are invading the Gila River, causing flood andfire hazards and choking native vegetation and wildlife habitats. They say it’s time for the trees, planted a century ago to slow erosion, to make their final stand.

Salt Cedar trees along Gila River

Advocates warn that cuts to EPA budget will be felt in Arizona programs

WASHINGTON - The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality got $315 million in funding for specific federal programs over the past five years - funding that could be endangered by proposed cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency budget.


Arizona lawmakers weigh in on case pitting gay rights, religious rights

WASHINGTON - Three Arizona lawmakers were among the scores of House and Senate members who filed a court brief Thursday defending the Colorado cake shop owner who was sued for refusing to make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple.


Political message a sign of tension as Roosevelt Row development continues

PHOENIX — It’s a blindingly bright Tuesday morning in Phoenix’s Roosevelt Row arts district. Despite the lack of people on the sidewalks, it is anything but quiet. The sounds of construction fill the air at the intersection of Third and Roosevelt streets, and a promotional sign for the new Broadstone Roosevelt Apartments, which formerly read “Never Stop Exploring,” was altered with spray paint to read “Never Stop Exploiting.”