Historic drought brings lean times for Sonora ranchers, farmers
Recent data shows most of Sonora’s 72 municipalities have some level of drought, which means there’s really nowhere for ranchers to take their animals to graze. Feeding them is “impossible, economically speaking,” one ranching representative said.
From food robots to an app for loneliness, COVID drives technological research
PHOENIX – From robots to deliver food to kiosks that measure vital signs, COVID-19 has driven numerous technological advances – and some Arizonans are playing a role.
Sinema faces blowback for minimum wage vote; long-term damage unclear
WASHINGTON - Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema said she still believes the Senate should take up a higher minimum wage, but that didn't keep critics from lighting into her after her Friday vote to keep the higher wage out of the latest pandemic relief package.
Deployed, then unemployed, military veterans fight to find jobs
PHOENIX – The transition process from military service to civilian life can be a rough one for veterans. Arizona veterans have help.
Investors now can bet on California’s water, helping agriculture withstand dry spells
Some California farmers are hopeful opened economic options will help balance high water prices during the summer, while extreme weather and droughts continue.
Never pay debts with gift cards, new Arizona consumer program warns
SCOTTSDALE – Attorney General Mark Brnovich and members of the Arizona Food Marketing Alliance announced an awareness program to keep Arizonans from falling victim to gift card fraud.
Workers rally in Phoenix, U.S. for $15 minimum wage, end of reliance on tipping
PHOENIX – Leaders in Arizona labor organizations joined a nationwide rally for a $15 minimum federal wage and to get rid of tipping. President Joe Biden added the measure in an economic stimulus plan to relieve the fallout from COVID-19.
Lost jobs and rising hunger: St. Mary’s Food Bank shifts gears during COVID-19
PHOENIX – Many people who used to donate to St. Mary’s Food Bank are on the receiving end as job losses increase. The food bank has expanded assistance and added new safety protocols to distribute food.
Arizona mayors join plea for $1.9 trillion COVID-19 bill with city aid
WASHINGTON - Six Arizona mayors were among hundreds who urged Congress to pass a $1.9 trillion pandemic-relief bill that includes $350 billion for state and local governments who say they are on the front lines of the crisis.
Unemployment dips in Arizona for December, but jobs are still tight
PHOENIX - Unemployment levels for Arizona are down in December to a jobless rate of 7.5% – lower than some months of 2020 – but still higher than the same month in 2019 and the current national average.
Female inmate firefighters build character but often can’t use fire skills after release
PHOENIX – Incarcerated firefighters have battled blazes since the 1980s, for less pay and diminished chances of becoming firefighters after release. But that could be changing.
Independent music venues struggle to stay afloat during pandemic
LOS ANGELES – Months without revenue have hurt independent music venues around the globe and multiple other professions within the music industry.
