How Arizona national parks survived the longest government shutdown in U.S. history
GRAND CANYON – With community help, the two national parks in Arizona that remained open during the federal government shutdown are still beautiful and saw little negative impact.
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.
Shutdown cost economy $11 billion, but long-term effects likely minimal
WASHINGTON - The five-week government shutdown shaved as much as $11 billion off the gross domestic product while it lasted, and while much of that lost activity will come back when federal workers are repaid, other officials said the impact on individuals should not be minimized.
‘STOLEN’: Arizona approves digital license plates
PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation has approved digital license plates for use in Arizona, which is the second state to do so after California.
Congressional leaders, Trump reach deal to reopen government – for now
WASHINGTON – White House and congressional officials announced a plan to temporarily reopen the federal government Friday, as the partial government shutdown was about to begin its sixth week and furloughed workers were set to skip a second paycheck.
It’s the law that can’t be obeyed: Firms hire with E-Verify on hiatus
WASHINGTON – Arizona law requires businesses to use E-Verify, a system that checks job applicants' citizenship status, but with the government shutdown halting the service employers have to roll the dice and hope any new hires check out after government, and the service, come back.
Giles, other mayors blast plan to ask citizenship status on 2020 Census
WASHINGTON - Mesa Mayor John Giles derided the Trump administration's plan to ask people their citizenship status on the 2020 census, calling it a "just stupid" move that could lead to undercounts that cost local governments federal funding and congressional representation.
‘Enough is enough’: State considers cellphone ban for drivers weeks after officer’s death
PHOENIX – Three weeks after Officer Clayton Townsend was hit and killed at a traffic stop, allegedly by a motorist who was driving and texting, state Sen. Kate Brophy McGee introduced a “hands-free” bill to prohibit the use of a cell-phone in a moving vehicle.
Arizona comes up short again on highway-safety report for lack of laws
WASHINGTON - A new report says Arizona continues to be one of the worst states in the nation for its highway safety laws, falling "dangerously behind in adoption of ... optimal laws," but state officials disputed the report that they said overlooks many of the state's traffic-safety efforts.
Arizona high court hears appeal of Phoenix law protecting LGBT rights
PHOENIX – The Arizona Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday over the non-discrimination ordinance Phoenix approved in 2013 to protect the rights of gay Americans. The Christian owners of a calligraphy studio argue the law violates their rights to free speech and religion.
Thousands march in downtown Phoenix to celebrate MLK Day
PHOENIX – On Martin Luther King Day, thousands of people marched in the streets of downtown Phoenix to remember him
Arizona’s indigenous women led the Phoenix Women’s March
PHOENIX – At the head of this years Phoenix Women’s March were indigenous women bringing awareness to missing and murdered native women.
