Arizona jobless claims skyrocket, as coronavirus starts to hit economy
TEMPE - Nearly 30,000 Arizonans filed unemployment claims last week, more than eight times the average weekly rate of 3,500 claims before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, state officials said Tuesday.
Economic stimulus bill stalls in Senate, as Democrats, Republicans feud
WASHINGTON - The Senate deadlocked for a second day Monday on more than $1 trillion in proposed support for an economy buffeted by coronavirus, as Democrats said the bill gives too much to corporations and Republicans accuse Democrats of making it a liberal wish list.
U.S., Mexico to limit ‘nonessential’ border crossings to stem COVID-19
WASHINGTON - The U.S. and Mexico will stop all "nonessential" border crossings after midnight Friday in an effort to contain the spread of the coronavirus, but goods and essential workers will still be allowed to cross, the White House announced Friday.
Grape news: Verde Valley close to becoming a designated wine region
WASHINGTON - Wine drinkers may soon be able to reach for that Verde Valley vintage, if local wineries and vineyards have their way. Their application to make the Verde Valley a federally recognized American Viticultural Area is nearing approval by the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau.
Snowbowl renovation gains speed with Forest Service approval of new ski lift
PHOENIX — Arizona Snowbowl will replace an aging ski chairlift in need of repair with a much faster one, opening next season as part of a multimillion dollar, multiyear expansion, resort officials say.
Small-business owners outline big problems with online sales tax ruling
WASHINGTON - Prescott businessman Brad Scott told lawmakers Tuesday that a Supreme Court ruling that was supposed to help small businesses compete against online retailers is instead threatening to drive small firms like his out of business.
AZ public health leaders prepared to battle coronavirus, Ducey says
PHOENIX – Arizona health officials have the go-ahead to test at the state level for coronavirus cases and are awaiting test results for a second potential case of COVID-19, a novel disease that has sickened nearly 89,000 worldwide and killed six in the U.S.
$13 and rising: Flagstaff grapples with highest minimum hourly wage in Arizona
FLAGSTAFF – Flagstaff businesses are struggling to deal with Arizona’s highest minimum wage, which will climb to $15.50 an hour in two years. Voters in 2016 approved a proposition to help provide a living wage for workers.
Supreme Court refuses to hear Arizona challenge to California tax law
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court on Monday refused to hear Arizona's challenge to California's "extraordinarily aggressive" application of a tax against thousands of out-of-state companies, including as many as 13,000 in Arizona.
Report: Low pay makes disability caregivers a ‘workforce in crisis’
WASHINGTON - Arizona fared relatively well in a national report card on its care for people with developmental disabilities, but advocates fear those services are being threatened by low pay and high turnover rates for caregivers creating a "workforce in crisis" - in states across the country.
Immovable objects: Asarco, striking workers at odds after four months
WASHINGTON - Striking Asarco workers passed four months on the picket line Thursday, but union officials insist they have strong community support and that workers are committed to staying out until they get a fair deal.
New mental health center adds 192 beds to underserved Maryvale neighborhood
PHOENIX – The Valleywise Behavioral Health Center, which will provide nearly 200 beds and other patient services, has opened in the old Maryvale Hospital.
