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PHOENIX – The flower fields once grown by Japanese American farmers along part of Baseline Road have now been replaced by housing and urban development.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.
Horne calls for more funding for teachers, more discipline for students
PHOENIX - Arizona Schools Superintendent Tom Horne told lawmakers Tuesday that the state faces a crisis in teacher retention, with low salaries and a lack of support leading to a loss of thousands of teachers every year.
Pretty in pink: Phoenix Barbie exhibit highlights cultural, fashion icon
PHOENIX – Despite the “Barbie” movie’s snubs at Sunday night’s Academy Awards, the doll franchise has continued to influence the current cultural climate. Even prior to the movie’s release in 2023, Barbie has influenced fashion for decades since the doll’s launch in 1959. Phoenix Art Museum has an exhibit representing Barbie’s impressive collection and history.
Therapy dogs take on mental health support in schools
PHOENIX – Schools are utilizing therapy dogs for mental health support to students and faculty. Both K-12 and colleges are turning to furry friends for comfort.
As Arizona probes school choice fraud, advocates dismiss scheme as ‘inside job’
Prosecutors say the indictment of five people accused of defrauding the Empowerment Scholarship Account program shows the program lacks guardrails, but ESA supporters said the indictments show that safeguards are in place and working.
