‘YOU ROCK!!!’: Digital license plate messages let drivers express themselves
LOS ANGELES – Digital license plates are pricey compared to the regular metal plates, but they’re fun, have some practical value and could save motorists from that dreadful annual trek to their state’s department of motor vehicles.
Prop 132 called both rational tax safeguard, anti-democratic power play
WASHINGTON - When Arizona voted in 2020 to increase school funding by raising income taxes on higher earners, they did so by a comfortable 52-48% margin. Too comfortable for backers of Proposition 132, which would require 60% approval for any initiative that raises taxes.
‘Struggling’ fire districts look to Proposition 310 for new funds to help
WASHINGTON - Supporters of Proposition 310 don't think an added tenth-of-a-penny sales tax is too much to ask to help fire districts across Arizona "that are in a complete crisis." But critics say the bill is too broad, making everyone pay for the problems of a few rural districts.
Arizona leaders join others at White House for forum on federal funds
WASHINGTON - Arizona local, tribal and labor leaders were at the White House Friday to hear administration officials highlight the billions in recent federal funding that is coming to states for everything from roads to water to broadband.
Amid high inflation, St. Mary’s Food Bank serves a record number of people in need
PHOENIX – A record-breaking 50,000 families visited the Phoenix and Surprise locations of St. Mary’s Food Bank just in August. With the cost of living on the rise, Arizonans in need are turning to the food bank to help make ends meet.
Latinos working frontline jobs powered U.S. economy during peak of pandemic, report says
LOS ANGELES – At the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Latino community made significant contributions to maintaining the country’s gross domestic product. New numbers show the Latino population is making great contributions to the economy as labor workers, homeowners and college graduates.
Tempe plans to reopen long dormant water reclamation plant amid grinding drought
PHOENIX – Tempe plans to use $60 million to reopen the Kyrene Water Reclamation Facility which closed in the aftermath of the Great Recession. The plant will help Tempe collect and recycle water as Arizona struggles with its worst drought in 1,200 years.
Sky Harbor to build taxiway overpass with federal funds to support growing air traffic
PHOENIX – Sky Harbor is receiving federal funding to build a $260 million taxiway that will create easier flow for planes on the tarmac before takeoff and after landing. More than half the project is funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
As Arizona recovers from pandemic, Black entrepreneurs still face challenges
PHOENIX – The 2022 State of Black Business report revealed that although Black business owners still have the lowest entrepreneurship rate nationally, they contribute significantly to Arizona’s economy. But entrepreneurs like Fernanda Sayles, owner of FernDiggidy Sweets & Treats, have prevailed despite hardships.
Casino divide: Tribes split as California voters consider online sports betting
LOS ANGELES – A year after Arizona legalized sports betting, California may follow suit. Propositions 26 and 27 would legalize in-person and online sports betting, and expand in-person games, like roulette and craps. Tribes, however, are in a bind.
Ghost in the machine? These rental cars are driven by remote control
LOS ANGELES – Anyone who sees this electric rental car whiz by might think it’s yet another self-driving test car. After all, there’s no one behind the wheel. But someone is driving the car – likely from several miles away. That’s what makes this business model stand apart from the many other self-driving vehicle operations.
Pretty in ink: Woman-owned LA studio making tattoos more accessible, inclusive
LOS ANGELES – Milla Press, 24, opened Girlxfriend LA, a tattoo studio with the goal of an unconventionally feminine atmosphere that makes a diverse set of clients feel welcome, included and supported.
