Free thinkers: Advocates tout universal basic income, despite critics
WASHINGTON - Despite reports showing rising incomes and falling poverty, advocates of universal basic income - regular govenment payments to citizens, with no preconditions and no strings attached - say it's as timely now as ever. But critics say UBI is too costly and too impractical to ever come to be.
Latest restrictions on Obamacare could mean higher premiums in Arizona
WASHINGTON - The Trump administration's decision to suspend billions in Obamacare "risk adjustment" payments to insurance companies could hit tens of thousands of Arizonans in the pocketbook, as insurance companies grapple with new market uncertainty, according to both advocates and insurers.
Photo series: Entrepreneurs in their element
Our photo series highlights more than 20 metro Phoenix entrepreneurs: their triumphs and challenges, and why basing their businesses and careers in the Phoenix metropolitan area helps them thrive.
Domestic abuse is the new realm of concussion studies
Football and other sports have been focus of discussions about brain injury, but experts are also looking to address the needs of domestic abuse victims.
Feds’ plan could add food stamp work requirement in most counties
WASHINGTON - A USDA plan to more strictly enforce a work requirement for able-bodied food stamp recipients could mean the rule would apply in all but the two Arizona counties with the highest jobless rate - down from the current 12 counties and most Indian reservations.
Tree thinning tackles Ponderosa pines to lessen Coconino wildfire danger
PHOENIX - After a season marked by catastrophic wildfires in the West, government forestry and conservation leaders in Arizona have accelerated a tree-thinning program in the Coconino National Forest.
Going for the bronze: Advocates push low- to no-cost ACA health plans
WASHINGTON - With one week left to sign up for coverage under the Affordable Care Act, advocates are urging Arizona consumers to "window shop" for insurance plans that may be cheaper than they expected or, in some cases, essentially free.
Phoenix Zoo breeds Mount Graham red squirrels to save them from extinction
PHOENIX – A lightning strike that set the Pinaleño Mountains in northern Arizona ablaze months ago decimated the population of the endangered Mount Graham red squirrel, leaving few survivors and lending urgency to conservation efforts to save the species from extinction.
Do you use Tonto National Forest? Officials want to hear from you
MESA – Hunters, conservationists, hikers and campers are being courted by Tonto National Forest to help determine a future that balances preservation and tourism.
Hopi to elect new leaders as planned plant closure threatens tribe’s financial future
SECOND MESA – Houses and corn fields dot the Hopi reservation, spread across three mesas in northeastern Arizona and circled by the much larger Navajo Nation. The seemingly barren Hopi land carries a rich, centuries old history and, now, an uncertain economic future.
Health care leaders, police and prosecutors join forces to research concussions in domestic violence victims
SCOTTSDALE – Maricopa County prosecutors, Mesa police and health care leaders are teaming up to research the prevalence of concussions in domestic violence victims.