Behind the diamond: How big MLB payrolls affect postseason success
PHOENIX – The Los Angeles Dodgers are perennial World Series contenders, due in part to their large payroll. They don’t win the World Series every year, which shows that high-spending teams aren’t always the last team standing.
Future of ACA, health insurance coverage at stake in presidential election
WASHINGTON – Since the Affordable Care Act was implemented in 2013, local community members called navigators have helped enroll underserved Arizonans in health insurance and access medical care. But with the future of the ACA on the ballot in this year’s presidential election, navigators are bracing for what’s to come.
Proposition 479 seeks to continue half-cent sales tax that helps fund Maricopa County public transit, roads
PHOENIX – Proposition 479 would continue a half-cent sales tax for Maricopa County through 2045. It would produce an estimated $14.9 billion in revenue, with $9 billion of that going to fund transportation. The revenue would help to create 11.9 new miles of light rail and 28.3 miles of bus routes as well as new traditional and high-occupancy vehicle freeway lanes, but opponents say the sales tax is unneeded due to "abysmal failure" of the light-rail system.
Buying championships: How NBA’s second apron changes team building for owners, general managers
PHOENIX – Following an era of spending to win championships, the new second apron player payroll threshold is changing the way NBA teams construct their rosters.
Donald Trump opposes U.S. funds for massive Phoenix chip factory, could scrap deal with Taiwan semiconductor giant if elected
WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden’s CHIPS and Science Act gives Taiwan semiconductor giant TSMC billions to build Phoenix factories. Former President Donald Trump may scrap the subsidy if he’s elected.
Weight-loss drugs like Ozempic too costly for Arizona patients on Medicaid, until obesity leads to diabetes
WASHINGTON – Ozempic and other weight-loss drugs have proven to be a powerful — but pricey — way to combat obesity. But a state policy excluding these drugs from Medicaid coverage has put them out of reach for hundreds of thousands of Arizonans.
Bed shortages and inadequate care leave patients with Serious Mental Illness in metro Phoenix at risk
With bed shortages across Arizona for SMI patients following the closure of St. Luke’s Behavioral Health Center, other facilities like Phoenix Medical Psychiatric Hospital are left to carry the burden and advocacy groups like Arizona Mad Moms are left fighting for the mental health care their loved ones need.
Gila River Indian Community solar panel-over-canal project powers up on a hot October day
SACATON – A recent event held in Sacaton marked a historic milestone for the Gila River Indian Community. Its solar-over-canal project is the first in the Western Hemisphere.
Southern California transportation upgrades will support sustainable 2028 Olympics in LA
Railway extensions, highway expansions and walkable route additions will benefit Los Angeles and Southern California through the 2028 Olympic Games and beyond.
Sens. Mark Kelly and Ted Cruz join forces to cut red tape on U.S. semiconductor projects
WASHINGTON – Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, a Democrat, worked with Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz on a bill to streamline approval of U.S. semiconductor projects. Arizona is a leader in the industry and the bipartisan deal, which now heads to President Joe Biden’s desk, is expected to speed the creation of chipmaking jobs.
ASU tuition surcharge, cuts in response to state budget reflect lower Arizona higher education spending
PHOENIX – Arizona State University will make cuts to its Arizona Promise Program and the Arizona Teachers Academy, close the Lake Havasu center and add a tuition surcharge in response to higher education cuts in the state budget. Advocates, students and legislators weigh in.
Arizona has seen growth in clean energy jobs under Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, at a cost Republicans call wasteful
WASHINGTON – The 2-year-old Inflation Reduction Act gives incentives for clean energy projects. Democrats tout job growth and progress against climate change, but Republicans remain skeptical at the high cost.
