Arizona Heart Association lobbies for bill mandating cardiac arrest emergency plans in schools
PHOENIX – Supporters from the American Heart Association lobbied at the Arizona Capitol in support of requiring emergency cardiac response plans in schools. Pyper Midkiff, a child who experienced cardiac arrest at age 12, spoke about her experience.
Arizona rock climbers speak out against National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service proposal to restrict anchors
TUCSON – The National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service drafted policy in November that could prohibit climbing anchors in wilderness areas around the country. The Climbing Association of Southern Arizona is one of several climbing organizations speaking out against the proposals, saying that they would discourage and endanger climbers.
Our Ode to You nonprofit offers older adults in memory-care communities free therapeutic music, art programs
PHOENIX – Two Arizona high school seniors are using their talents to give back to older adult memory-care communities. Through free therapeutic music and art programs, Aani Nagaiah and Gage Samaddar are helping them evoke memories and de-stress.
‘Everything old is new again’: Valley vinyl stores see uptick in physical music sales
PHOENIX – Luminate's 2023 Year-End Report has found that physical album sales grew 8.9% over 2022, with records seeing the largest growth. As audio streaming popularity skyrockets, vinyl, CD and cassette tape popularity are holding strong in sales up from 79.9 million in 2022 to 87 million in 2023. Arizona record stores have noticed the trend, and Arizona artists hope to record physical copies of their music.
Lessons from abroad: the environmental and social costs to lithium mining in Argentina
One of North America's lithium mining powerhouse companies has lobbied for a record $1 billion Department of Energy low-interest loan — despite having never owned or operated any kind of mine in the U.S.
Arizona officials combat AI election misinformation through proposed bills, security trainings
PHOENIX – As rapidly evolving technology makes it easier than ever to create nearly undetectable manipulated content, AI poses a threat to campaign security. Arizona elected officials are rapidly working to fight misinformation through proposed legislation and election security training.
Lithium Liabilities: The untold threat to water in the rush to mine American lithium
An investigation from the Howard Center at Arizona State University uncovered the coming electric battery revolution in America will require billions upon billions of gallons of water to mine lithium. Many of the new U.S. mines will be located in the drought-prone American West.
It’s not officially a planet, but Pluto could be Arizona’s official planet
PHOENIX - Pluto was taken off the "full-size planet" list almost 20 years ago, but Rep. Justin Wilmeth, R-Phoenix, doesn't see why it can't still be Arizona's official state planet. His "fun" bill do to just that was approved 8-1 Wednesday by the House Government Committee.
Horne plan for conservative videos for state schools called ‘irresponsible’
PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Education is partnering with conservative advocacy group PragerU to provide K-12 schools with the groups’ video content — content that Democratic lawmakers say is inaccurate and does not belong in public schools.
Women of the West: Art of the Cowgirl showcases female strength, artistry
QUEEN CREEK – The Art of the Cowgirl celebrates women who embody the country lifestyle by raising funds for artists, so they can have opportunities such as fellowships or become master artists within their fields.
Game on: Arizona high school esports embraces changes, challenges entering fifth season
PHOENIX – Arizona's high school esports scene faces the dual task of balancing evolving game preferences while navigating challenges in attracting players to traditional titles.
Hobbs pushes for school funding plan, GOP stands by its own proposal
PHOENIX – Gov. Katie Hobbs and Arizona Democrats formally introduced legislation Monday to expand funding for public education and teacher pay, even as Republicans insist they will continue to push their own plan.
