Census: Arizona continued to lag far behind U.S. on school spending
WASHINGTON - New Census Bureau figures show that per-pupil spending in Arizona's public schools was fourth-lowest in the nation in 2017, still mired at the back of the pack even though spending rose faster that year in the state than it did in the rest of the country.
Influx of Venezuelans sorely tests Peru’s economy and labor market
The Peruvian labor market is being transformed by an influx of more than 700,000 Venezuelans, a number that could double by year’s end.
A long road: Opioid-addicted rural residents travel hundreds of miles to reach methadone clinics
MORENCI – Most of Arizona’s 12 methadone clinics are in the Phoenix area, leaving rural residents recovering from opioid use to travel miles for such treatment.
Spring training facilities: What happens the other 10 months of the year
PHOENIX – In this podcast, Nick Welter dives into what happens at Tempe Diablo Stadium when the Los Angeles Angels leave town after spring training.
Senate bill would outlaw dropping off early ballots on Election Day
PHOENIX – Senate Bill 1046 would prevent voters who receive their early ballots in the mail from dropping them off on Election Day. Advocates say it would simplify elections and opponents say it would hamper voter rights.
Supreme Court to decide if 2020 Census can ask about citizenship
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court agreed to fast-track a case asking whether the Census Bureau can ask people their citizenship status, a move that advocates and local government officials fear will suppress immigrant participation in the count that is used to allot congressional seats and federal funds.
Bridging baseball’s language gap: Journey of D-Backs’ Takahashi shows value of being multilingual
SCOTTSDALE – Baseball has become increasingly bilingual in the last half century, with more than a quarter of major league players coming from Latin American countries. No person is more emblematic of the uniqueness of this setting and this sport than the D-Backs’ Takahashi.
Oops or Shine On? Phoenix program helps residents recycle better
PHOENIX – A recycling program launched this month gives residents individualized feedback on what they can and cannot recycle.
Potential buyer for Navajo Generating Station out, plant closure likely
WASHINGTON - The investment firm that was interested in buying the Navajo Generating Station broke off its pursuit this week, making the closure of the plant next year and the loss of hundreds of jobs appear more likely.
Helium producer leases land near Petrified Forest; environmentalists worry about harm to animals, water
A Canadian energy company plans to use newly acquired leases to expand its exploration for helium in northeastern Arizona. Environmentalists fear that could harm water supplies and endangered species, such as the yellow-billed cuckoo, that live nearby.
Poverty rate falls in Arizona, but still exceeds national average
WASHINGTON - An estimated 88,529 Arizonans rose out of the ranks of poverty last year, but that still left about 1 million - or one state resident in seven - living below the poverty level, according to new Census data that show the state's poverty level fell faster, but remained higher, than the nation in 2017.
