Search result for Andrew Howard

Prop 132 called both rational tax safeguard, anti-democratic power play

WASHINGTON - When Arizona voted in 2020 to increase school funding by raising income taxes on higher earners, they did so by a comfortable 52-48% margin. Too comfortable for backers of Proposition 132, which would require 60% approval for any initiative that raises taxes.


Civilian oversight of police is popular, but does it work? A ‘million dollar question’

Civilian oversight agencies tout themselves as a way to improve police-community relations. We look at three different approaches – plus, what works and what doesn’t.


Push and pull: Unions play multiple roles in police reform efforts

MADISON, Wisc. – The power dynamic with some police unions has shifted – whether by choice or force. Some union leaders have tried to lead change, others have made concessions and some are fighting to maintain their power.

Protesters angered by the death of Jayland Walker take to the streets on July 8, 2022, in Akron, Ohio. Walker was shot and killed by Akron police officers. (Photo by Gabriela Tumani/News21)

‘Reform around the edges’: Changes to policing have been piecemeal, not comprehensive

ALBUQUERQUE – Reforming a vast, complex system of law enforcement will require innovative and proven solutions, a holistic approach and the willingness to change. So far, we’ve seen “reform around the edges” – with individual departments, cities and states tackling elements of police reform.

Elaine Maestas, left, a community oriented response and assistance responder in Albuquerque, New Mexico, makes a phone call alongside Albuquerque Community Safety responders Chris Blystone and Deborah Vigil on July 7, 2022. They responded to the aftermath of a SWAT raid that left a family of five without a home. (Photo by Kate Heston/News21)

DACA suffers another court setback, but program remains in place for now

WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court ruled Wednesday that DACA, the deferred deportation program for young migrants, was unlawfully created in 2012 but that protection for current DACA recipients can continue for now.


Murals paint memories of those lost to police violence across the U.S.

SALT LAKE CITY – Across the U.S., artists paint murals to memorialize victims of police violence. For some, they serve as public gravesites, spaces of remembrance and community. For others, they are difficult reminders of loss.


Arizona high school football rises to the top (10)

PHOENIX – Arizona high school football ranks in the top 10 in states with five top 100 high school football recruits.


How a talking cat is shaping the fight against Asian hate crime in California

ROSEMEAD, Calif. – LA vs Hate hopes to raise awareness about hate crime by displaying its message through multiple media. One artist on board is cartoonist MariNaomi.


NBA punishment of Robert Sarver sparks strong criticism; City of Phoenix to investigate

PHOENIX – The NBA’s punishment of Robert Sarver has triggered widespread criticism from players, fans and those inside the Phoenix Suns organization.

The conduct of Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver prompted point guard Chris Paul to tweet, “I was and am horrified and disappointed by what I read” in the report. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Average gas price falls below $4 in Arizona, after record-high summer

WASHINGTON - The average price for gas in Arizona fell to $3.99 a gallon Thursday, the first time in months it has been below $4 and a sharp decrease from the record high of $5.388 hit just two months ago. It's part of a steady decline in gas prices nationally.


DACA déjà vu: Biden reaffirms, doesn’t expand, migrant protection program

WASHINGTON - The White House reaffirmed its commitment to DACA Tuesday, posting regulations to extend the 10-year-old program that has protected more than 770,000 of young undocumented immigrants, including more than 23,000 in Arizona.


Both sides find something wanting in Biden’s student-debt relief plan

WASHINGTON - There are nearly 900,000 Arizonans who could benefit from a White House plan for student debt relief - and almost as many opinions about whether it's good or not, with conservatives saying it goes too far and progressives saying it does not go far enough.