Latest from Kylie Werner
Arizona film tax credit expected to spur new production companies
PHOENIX – The Arizona film tax credit passed in 2022, and the Arizona Commerce Authority is in the process of reviewing comments to finalize the rules for the credit. The credit is encouraging the launch of new production companies in Arizona, such as Camelback Productions.
Arizona plans to sink more than $85 million into potholes, other repairs
PHOENIX – After a tough winter for roadways, the Arizona Department of Transportation is working to patch potholes and to resurface, repair and improve highways in Arizona. ADOT has pledged over $85 million for the effort.
Phoenix again ranks among most polluted; people of color more likely to be exposed and develop health issues, report says
PHOENIX – The Phoenix metro area has been ranked as the fifth-most ozone-polluted city in the United States, according to the most recent State of the Air report from the American Lung Association. The report emphasized people of color are especially affected by air pollution and related health issues.
Kris Mayes, other AGs support FDA proposal to make donating blood easier for LGBTQ population
PHOENIX – Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes joined 21 other state attorneys general in supporting a Food and Drug Administration proposal that would make it easier for LGBTQ individuals to donate blood and plasma.
Navajo artist’s work featured on skateboard Forever Stamp
GLENDALE – The U.S. Postal Service unveiled the skateboard Forever Stamps to celebrate the community and culture the sport creates. It brought on Indigenous artists to design the stamps, one of whom was Arizona native and Navajo artist Di’Orr Greenwood.
Kesha Hodge Washington, Kevin Robinson claim victory in Phoenix City Council runoff elections
PHOENIX – Phoenix City Council races for districts 6 and 8 were decided in runoff elections Tuesday, with Kevin Robinson beating Sam Stone in District 6 to replace term-limited Council member Sal DiCiccio and challenger Kesha Hodge Washington claiming victory over incumbent Carlos Garcia in District 8.
School advocates worry about keeping counselors as federal funding set to expire
CHANDLER – Federal funding provided during the pandemic allowed some schools to bring on extra counselors. School counselors and advocates emphasize the importance of keeping them on to work with students and families even when the funding ends.
Homeless encampments would be torn down, people charged under Arizona Senate bill
PHOENIX – Under Arizona Senate Bill 1413, police officers would be required to tear down homeless encampments and charge the person or people living there with criminal trespassing. The bill passed the Senate Wednesday.
Legislature votes to lift cap on school spending for second year in a row
PHOENIX – The Arizona Senate and House have overridden the aggregate expenditure limit for the second year in a row, which will allow school districts to spend their Legislature-appropriated funds. Gov. Katie Hobbs said the action was “long overdue” and called the limit from 1980 an “archaic cap on school funding.”
Hospitality, tourism and sports industries come together before the Super Bowl to fight human trafficking
PHOENIX – Up to 150,000 people are expected to visit the Valley for Super Bowl LVII, and It’s a Penalty is using the exposure to bring awareness to human trafficking and convene the hospitality, tourism and sports industries to raise awareness and continue the fight against trafficking.
Gallego makes it official, announces a run for Sinema’s Senate seat
PHOENIX - Rep. Ruben Gallego, D-Phoenix, made it official Monday, formally announcing a long-anticipated challenge to Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, a first-term senator who recently left the Democratic Party to become an independent.
