Why this Japanese musician performed on Piestewa Peak every morning for a year
PHOENIX – Ken Koshio specializes in the ancient Japanese taiko drumming, and for a year, he committed to welcoming the start of each day at the top of Piestewa Peak. His performance often drew an audience.
‘Words matter’: Asian Americans frightened, frustrated by continued hate crimes
PHOENIX – Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Asian American and Pacific Islander community have seen increases in hate crimes. After this week’s Atlanta murders, Arizona advocates are voicing the need for change.
Recreational marijuana sales race ahead, but industry equity falls behind
TEMPE – Arizona started recreational marijuana sales in January, months earlier than expected. Sales have been so heavy that lines form at some dispensaries. Still, the industry struggles with social equity and diversity in the workforce.
Court rejects death-row inmate’s appeal in 1991 Tucson rapes, murder
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court Friday upheld the convictions of an Arizona death-row inmate for the rapes of three Tucson women, one of whom was murdered, over the course of several weeks in 1991.
Rising gun sales could result in more deaths, injuries and suicides, health experts fear
PHOENIX – Health experts are calling for action to help prevent firearm injuries or deaths after record sales last year. That surge coincided with increasing psychological distress brought on by the pandemic.
House gives final OK to relief bill that will send billions to Arizona
WASHINGTON - The House gave final approval Wednesday to the Biden administration's $1.9 trillion pandemic relief bill, a sweeping measure that will directly touch almost every Arizonan and will send billions in aid to the state.
COVID-19 relief would overhaul, boost aid for 1.5 million Arizona kids
WASHINGTON - As many as 1.5 million Arizona children could benefit from an expansion of the child tax credit that would mean monthly checks to parents of up to $300 per child if approved by Congress as part of the COVID-19 relief bill this week.
Deployed, then unemployed, military veterans fight to find jobs
PHOENIX – The transition process from military service to civilian life can be a rough one for veterans. Arizona veterans have help.
Supreme Court hears Arizona voting law case with national implications
WASHINGTON - Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich argued that voting laws overturned for reflecting the state's "long and unhappy history of official discrimination" are no more the "common-sense and commonplace" voting protections and should be restored.
Arizona Department of Corrections fined $1.1 million for neglecting health care benchmarks
PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Corrections was fined $1.1 million for the month of February after information came to light regarding the violation of a set of health guidelines agreed upon with the state.
28 paintings highlight famous – and less familiar – figures in Black history
PHOENIX – Twenty-eight murals and other paintings in central Phoenix honor Black History Month. The art showcases icons and less familiar faces.
House passes LGBTQ rights bill; critics say it tramples religious rights
WASJHINGTON - The House voted Thursday to expand civil rights protections to include sexual orientation, gender identity and pregnancy, a move supporters said will grant those groups "the full equality under the law they deserve."
