Arizona Humane Society introduces dog field trips to broaden dogs’ exposure, increase adoptions
PHOENIX – Volunteers can sign up at the Arizona Humane Society to take adoptable dogs out on short field trips to help them gain more exposure to potential adopters.
Phoenix evaluates downtown bike lanes on Fillmore Street
PHOENIX – The city of Phoenix Street Transportation Department is currently working on a pre-design phase for a project that would add bike lanes, or a two-way protected bikeway, on Fillmore Street from Seventh to Central avenues. That project would connect to changes made in 2022 to Fillmore Street east of Central Avenue to Seventh Street.
Dreamscape Learn provides virtual learning experiences for ASU Prep Pilgrim Rest students
PHOENIX – Dreamscape Learn is collaborating with ASU Prep Pilgrim Rest to provide students with the first K-12 opportunity to use its new immersive virtual learning pod. Students can experience virtual realities from King Tut’s tomb to 30 meters below the ocean’s surface.
Former users and experts debate whether kratom, an herbal substance, helps or harms those who take it
PHOENIX – Former kratom users in the Valley describe their experiences using the herbal substance that originated with traditional uses in Southeast Asia. While users started taking it to deal with depression or pain, they described becoming addicted as they took higher doses. A Banner Health toxicologist and the American Kratom Association discuss its potential risks and benefits.
Where flower fields historically grew, the next generation of farmers cultivates south Phoenix
PHOENIX – The flower fields once grown by Japanese American farmers along part of Baseline Road have now been replaced by housing and urban development. Despite the drastic changes to the South Mountain area, the unique subclimate at the base of the mountain makes it the perfect place for agriculture and farming.
Tohono O’odham Nation receives grant to expand internet connectivity
TOHONO O’ODHAM NATION – The Tohono O'odham Nation received $10 million in grants to expand its internet connectivity to regions that previously had no internet.
Feds award Intel $8.5 billion; money to expand Chandler, other chip plants
CHANDLER - President Joe Biden announced the award of $8.5 billion to chipmaker Intel on Wednesday, along with $11 billion in loans that will help the semiconductor manufacturer expand operations in Arizona and three other states.
‘Smokus Pocus’ cannabis-themed magic show aims to destigmatize marijuana use
PHOENIX – Ben Zabin is touring nationwide with his cannabis magic show “Smokus Pocus.” He and advocacy group NORML say entertainment like this can help to destigmatize marijuana use – even in places like Arizona where recreational pot use is legal.
Home away from home: Third spaces reemerging for community engagement, social development following COVID-19 impact
PHOENIX – Third spaces are environments that don’t feel like a requirement or a chore to be in them – a home away from home. Following COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, many of these spaces were shut down, but now the concept of third spaces is regaining recognition.
Phoenix banks on wheels try to make banking more accessible, provide financial education
PHOENIX – With portions of Arizona’s population having limited or nonexistent access to banking services, financial institutions are working with nonprofits to help. Bank branches on wheels provide financial education and get more people signed up for bank accounts.
Maricopa County residents eligible for free pool fences through Pool Fence Safety Program
PHOENIX – Child Crisis Arizona, the Salt River Project and the 493 Firefighter Foundation aim to decrease childhood drownings through the 2024 Pool Fence Safety Program that provides free pool fences to eligible Maricopa County residents.
Arizona lawmakers split as House overwhelmingly OKs bill to ban TikTok
WASHINGTON - Arizona lawmakers split Wednesday as the House gave overwhelming, bipartisan approval to a bill that would ban use of TikTok in the U.S. if the owners of the social media app don't first sell it to another company.
