No talks between company, union, as Asarco strike enters its third day
WASHINGTON - Union officials said there were no talks Wednesday between them and Asarco, as a strike against the copper mining, smelting and refining company by about 1,775 workers in Arizona and Texas entered its third day.
Global economist warns AZ business leaders of possible 2020 recession
SCOTTSDALE – Consumer spending is up and economic growth in Arizona and the rest of the U.S. is on the rise, but investor caution is one sign pointing to a potential recession in 2020, global economist Bernard Baumohl told Arizona business leaders.
Census says 55,000 Arizonans lost health insurance coverage last year
WASHINGTON - The number of Arizonans without health insurance rose by about 55,000 people last year, according to the Census Bureau, as a relatively strong economy was offset by hefty cost increases. The total number of uninsured Arizonans stood at 750,000, or 10.6% of Arizona's population.
Phoenix business owner says SBA can do more to help small firms launch
WASHINGTON - A Phoenix business owner told House members Wednesday that the Small Business Administration is doing a better job of giving minority-owned, small businesses a leg up, but that the agency still needs to improve. The commen
Forgone forgiveness: New try at student loan repayment shows few gains
WASHINGTON - A congressional attempt to salvage a foundering student loan forgiveness program was only marginally better, with just 4% of Arizona applications approved in the second round - and that was four times better than the national rate.
Ducey brings pitch for new North American trade deal to Washington
WASHINGTON - Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey joined business leaders in Washington on Monday to push for final approval of the "critical" U.S.-Mexico-Canada agreement and protect trade that is worth billions in trade to the state.
Smoke ’em if you’ve got ’em: Flavored vape ban alarms Arizona retailers
WASHINGTON - Arizona vape-store owners were alarmed by the Trump administration's announcement Wednesday that it plans to begin enforcing rules that would drive flavored e-cigarettes out of the market, an industry official said.
State boards waste little time approving professional licenses under new law
WASHINGTON - The state is already approving licenses under a new law that requires most professional licensing boards and commissions to accept valid out-of-state licenses, avoiding the cost and hassle of training and testing for an Arizona license to do what they already know how to do.
Arizona officials fear fallout as new tariffs on Chinese goods start
WASHINGTON - Arizona business leaders said they worry that a 15% tariff on $300 billion in Chinese goods that takes effect Sunday will backfire and end up hurting economic growth at home. The new tariffs target consumer and electronic goods heading into the holiday season.
Disability service providers feel overlooked in state-Flagstaff wage spat
WASHINGTON - As state and Flagstaff officials battle over who should bear the cost of the city's higher minimum wage on state contracts, service providers for people with disabilities say they feel caught in the crossfire.
Wells Fargo agreement called ‘tremendous victory’ for consumers, Navajo
WASHINGTON - Consumer advocates said that Wells Fargo's $6.5 million settlement of a Navajo Nation lawsuit that charged the bank with preying on tribal members is a "tremendous victory" for Native communities targeted by such practices.
Kayenta Mine layoffs hit, as Navajo Generating Station closure looms
WASHINGTON - The last 265 workers at Kayenta Coal Mine are being laid off this month, another step toward the looming closure of the Navajo Generating Station that will bring the loss of hundreds more jobs this winter.
