Arizona ports of entry get at least $315 million for upgrades, expansion
WASHINGTON - Arizona is set to receive at least $315 million for improvements to three ports of entry along the Mexican border, money that officials say is badly needed to ease cross-border trade while improving border security.
Uranium mine near Grand Canyon permitted by court, despite mining ban
WASHINGTON - A federal court ruled Tuesday that a uranium mine near the Grand Canyon can operate, even though it sits on 1 million acres that the federal government has declared off-limits to new mining.
Arizona Senate overrides education spending cap, avoids $1.2 billion in cuts to public schools
PHOENIX – In a 23-6 vote, the Arizona Senate passed SCR 1050 and overrode the Aggregate Expenditure Limit, an education spending cap that would have required a $1.2 billion cut in public school spending.
As assistance for renters still lags, fears of eviction rise in Arizona
WASHINGTON – The number of Arizonans fearing eviction has grown sharply since a pandemic moratorium ended in September, with advocates and landlords both saying rental assistance from the federal government has not reached renters fast enough.
COVID and political fatigue inspired ‘lighter, comedic’ Super Bowl ads
PHOENIX – Super Bowl television commercials adopted a kinder and more humorous tone during the big game this year after a few companies built their spots around the pandemic or politics in 2021 – if they advertised at all.
Arizona economy nears pre-pandemic norms as unemployment rate declines
PHOENIX - Arizona’s economy has seen tremendous job growth in the past year, economists say. The Back-to-Normal report ranks Arizona fifth in the nation.
Thunderbirds expect fundraising bounce back after ’21 Phoenix Open COVID-19 limitations
PHOENIX – The Thunderbirds spent a year prepping TPC Scottsdale for the 2022 WM Phoenix Open. On the heels of a limited-access tournament last year because of COVID-19, the organization is expected to raise about $10 million from this event.
Rising wages could not keep pace with rising prices in Arizona in 2021
WASHINGTON - Wages rose 5.3% in the Phoenix metro area last year, but prices rose almost twice as fast, with rising fuel and food prices eroding workers' buying power despite a surging economy.
Nearly $1.2 billion at risk for Arizona public schools if Legislature fails to override cap
PHOENIX – Arizona public school districts could face budget cuts of 16% if the Legislature doesn’t override the aggregate expenditure limit, a spending cap that voters approved in 1980.
200 Pascua Yaqui families getting new homes through Arizona tax credits to tribe
TUCSON – The Pascua Yaqui Tribe received millions of dollars in state tax credits to fund a new subdivision of affordable homes in southern Arizona.
Bipartisan bill to promote affordable housing introduced in Arizona House
PHOENIX – Arizona state Reps. César Chávez and Steve Kaiser introduced a bipartisan bill Wednesday that would address the state’s housing crisis by increasing the construction of affordable homes and providing aid to the homeless.
Antitrust suit can proceed against SRP over charges to solar customers
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court said Monday that SRP customers who also have solar panels at their homes can pursue an antitrust claim against the utility for a policy of charging them more than other customers.
