Phoenix saw 9.7% inflation in 2021, outstripping national rate of 7%
WASHINGTON – Consumer prices rose by an average of 7% in U.S. cities last year, the steepest rise in decades, and they grew even faster in the Phoenix metro area, according to new data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
South Central Mercado a creative hub of local businesses
The South Central Mercado was established in October of 2019 by Cecilia Rivera, Sam Gomez and Joe Munoz. The pop-up market gives small businesses, artists and entrepreneurs a space to create business plans and sell their goods.
Audit shows Border Patrol hampered by outdated technology, flawed evaluation of new equipment
NOGALES – The U.S. Customs and Border Protection has received more than $743 million in funding since 2017 for upgrades in border technology. But it has only bought 28% of the equipment needed to modernize and coordinate systems designed to thwart the flow of illegal goods and border crossers.
Arizona saw ten-fold jump in catalytic converter thefts, second-most in nation
WASHINGTON - Theft of catalytic converters - a part of a car's exhaust system that changes toxic gases to less-harmful emissions - is surging across the country, and Arizona has seen the second-highest increase in thefts in the nation in 2021, according to one report.
Arizona bowl organizers look to bounce back from 2020’s fanless games
WASHINGTON – With COVID-19 protocols prohibiting fans at the Fiesta and Arizona bowls, and a lack of eligible teams forcing a cancellation of the Guaranteed Rate Bowl last year, organizers of the three college bowls in Arizona are eager to welcome fans and teams back this year.
First phase ending for child tax credit, a ‘game changer’ for families
WASHINGTON - Arizona families may have seen the last - for now - payment Wednesday under an expanded child tax credit program that advocates say has been a "game changer" for low-income families in the state.
‘Every penny counts’: Phoenix restaurants struggle to find food and workers while keeping prices low
PHOENIX – Restaurants across metro Phoenix are struggling to find a balance between finding quality ingredients without breaking the bank and raising prices. Restaurants also are experiencing staffing shortages and shipping complications that make it harder to stay in business.
Searching for solutions to the global supply chain crisis
PHOENIX - As consumers continue to face empty shelves and rising prices, public and private experts are coming together to solve the American supply chain crisis. Read their opinions, findings and suggestions here.
Fewer Christmas trees in Oregon means fewer trees in metro Phoenix
PHOENIX – This year, droughts and forest fires in the Northwest, supply chain issues and planting times have resulted in a shortage of Christmas trees in lots across the country.
COVID relief funds used to build homeless shelter in west Phoenix for ages 55 or older
PHOENIX – The nonprofit CASS partnered with Phoenix and neighborhoods in west Phoenix to create Project Haven 2, a homeless shelter for ages 55 or older. The project is supported by federal COVID-19 relief funds.
It’s beginning to look a lot like a post-COVID Christmas for retailers
WASHINGTON - In the second holiday season of the pandemic era, goods may cost more, but Americans have more money to spend - and they appear to be eager to spend it, and that's true in Arizona, where retailers say holiday shopping is already in full swing.
Arizona jobless rate continues steady decline, workforce keeps growing
WASHINGTON – Arizona's unemployment rate continued its steady decline in October, falling to 5.2%, down a full percentage point from just two months earlier and almost one-third of the state's pandemic high, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
