Watchdog fights to protect consumers, keeps tabs on utility companies and the commission that regulates them
PHOENIX – Since 2018, Abhay Padgaonkar has worked as a fierce consumer advocate, fighting for the rights of those who struggle to pay their electricity bills. Padgaonker believes that his background in engineering and financial modeling makes him uniquely suited for data analysis as he keeps tabs on utilities and the commission that regulates them.
Arizona, California, Nevada agree on cuts to Colorado River water use
WASHINGTON - Arizona, California and Nevada unveiled a plan Monday to save 3 million acre-feet of Colorado River water between now and 2026, a stopgap measure to buy time while authorities figure out a long-term plan for the river.
Supreme Court dismisses Arizona’s last-ditch attempt to preserve Title 42
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court has formally dismissed an Arizona-led effort to preserve Title 42, the pandemic-era immigration restriction that the Biden administration officially ended last week, saying Arizona v. Mayorkas was now moot.
Tempe voters reject Arizona Coyotes arena, entertainment district
Tempe voters rejected three propositions that would have allowed a Tempe Entertainment District, including a new Arizona Coyotes hockey arena, near Tempe Town Lake.
Gov. Katie Hobbs establishes missing and murdered Indigenous people task force
PHOENIX – Gov. Katie Hobbs signed an executive order in March establishing an Arizona Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Task Force. Incomplete data and a lack of collaboration among tribal and governmental entities have blocked addressing the issue.
‘Other’ no more: Census change could add MENA, Latino categories, more
WASHINGTON - The Census Bureau may change how it asks about race and ethnicity, a shift that could end what one advocate called the "painful irony" of Native Americans, Latinos and those of Middle Eastern or North African descent having to identify as white or "other."
Phoenix, Tempe at odds over whether 1994 agreement allows residential development in proposed entertainment district
TEMPE – As the battle over the proposed Tempe entertainment district is being weighed by voters in a special election, the city of Phoenix, Sky Harbor International Airport, the city of Tempe and the Arizona Coyotes are embroiled in a legal feud over flight noise and residential development.
Los Angeles homeless shelters are opening their doors to residents’ pets
LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles homeless shelters recently discovered that they can get more people off the streets by allowing their pets on the property.
Campaign, vote, repeat: Candidates started lining up for 2024 in 2022
WASHINGTON - With 18 months until Election Day 2024, close to 50 congressional hopefuls have already filed statements of interest with the state, as the need for candidates to raise funds and raise their profiles has turned campaigning into an almost nonstop pursuit.
Dominican Republic border wall deepens tensions over Haitian immigration
DAJABÓN, Dominican Republic - Regulating immigration has become a hot-button political issue in the Dominican Republic and, as in the U.S., the Dominican government decided that a partial solution to this problem was to build a border wall.
Standing 4 Black Girls keeps memories alive for missing and murdered Black women
LOS ANGELES – Women’s Leadership project Standing 4 Black Girls wants to increase awareness of the issue and bring justice to the missing and murdered Black girls across the nation.
Phoenix Union school district considers return of school resource officers on campuses to address school safety
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Union High School District is considering bringing back school resource officers on campus after dropping its contract with the Phoenix Police Department nearly three years ago. The move brings great debate among students, faculty and parents.
