FDA’s sudden increase in legal tobacco age catches retailers off-guard
WASHINGTON - Retailers and local leaders said they were "caught with their pants down" by a Food and Drug Administration announcement last week that it had raised the legal age to buy tobacco products from 18 to 21.
Trump administration’s push for U.S. uranium production opposed near Grand Canyon
TUSAYAN – President Donald Trump has listed uranium as a “critical mineral,” which may encourage domestic uranium mining. The Nuclear Fuel Working Group has not issued recommendations yet, but uranium mining companies want quotas lax oversight, while environmental activists push for a ban on uranium mining near the Grand Canyon.
Native American leaders determined to prevent repeat of last census undercount
PHOENIX – National and local organizations, including the Phoenix Indian Center, are working to ensure a more accurate count for Native Americans in the 2020 census.
Jury still out, but officials hopeful about ridesharing to medical care
WASHINGTON - Uber to parties, Uber to work, sure. But to the doctor's office? For some Arizona Medicaid recipients, the answer may be yes, and the state will pick up the tab.The first-in-the-nation program is just six months old, but state officials are enthusiastic about its prospects.
A moving story: Arizona still nets a gain of residents from other states
WASHINGTON - Arizona continues to be a net importer of people, taking in 2.2 million new residents from other states from 2010 to 2018, while losing 1.7 million to other states in that period.They came from Maine to Hawaii and they went to every state, according to Census Bureau data.
House overwhelmingly approves new trade agreement with Canada, Mexico
WASHINGTON - Just hours after a bitterly partisan impeachment vote, the House turned around Thursday and gave overwhelming bipartisan approval to a new U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement that could affect billions of dollars in annual trade for Arizona.
Latinos left behind as big tech continues to grow
TUCSON – The tech industry continues to grow nationwide, but its workforce still is nearly 70% white. Less than 7% of workers are Hispanic.
More sober, less excess, but the office holiday party makes a return
WASHINGTON - Almost 76% of U.S. companies were planning to hold a holiday party this year, the most in several years, according to an annual survey, that said while they won't have the excesses of the '80s and '90s the rise in parties reflects a stable economy.
Supreme Court rejects Brnovich attempt to fast-track opioids lawsuit
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday rejected Arizona's attempt to fast-track a case against the owners of Purdue Pharma in an effort to protect assets of the company for victims of the opioid crisis.
Online shopping, extended sales dim, don’t defeat, Black Friday frenzy
WASHINGTON - Earlier sales and expanded online shopping options have cut into Black Friday's appeal, but they have yet to knock it from its position as the elbow-throwing, hectic start of the holiday shopping season for many. Call it Blackish Friday.
To ease teacher shortage, pilot program in Tucson offers free tuition, $1,000 a month
TUCSON – The University of Arizona’s “Pathways to Teaching” program helps people who have already taken 60 hours toward a college degree finish studies that will lead to teaching certificates. Supporters say the pilot program is one small step to decrease teacher shortages and increase retention.
Thanksgiving travelers told to expect record-breaking passenger numbers
WASHINGTON - A total of 55 million people are expected to travel over the 12-day Thanksgiving travel season, with 31.6 million of them taking to the skies, both increases over last year. Busiest will be the day before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after - which could set a one-day record of 3.1 million fliers.
