Feds talk about wildfire readiness, chances for ‘catastrophic’ fire
WASHINGTON - Federal officials said Tuesday they will be "ready when fire strikes," but raised concerns over funding for the upcoming wildfire season and the growing threat of catastrophic wildfires in the drought-stricken West.
Kirkpatrick announces Senate bid, roiling 2016 congressional races
WASHINGTON - Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick, D-Flagstaff, announced Tuesday that she is running for Senate, making her an early entrant in what is expected to be a large field and costly campaign to unseat Sen. John McCain.
For museums, sifting decades of artifacts is painstaking, but vital
TUCSON - Suzanne Eckert leaned over the second-floor railing in the old Arizona State Museum building, now used for storage after the museum outgrew the space years ago.
Border changes improve crossing, critics say officials must do more
NOGALES – Engines roar and the smell of diesel wafts through the air as trucks steadily pass through the final checkpoints as they enter Arizona from Mexico.
Phone call rates squeeze inmate families, boost state prison revenues
GLENDALE – Shayna Palles says phone calls are one of the few ways she can keep her 2-year-old daughter connected to her father, David Colbert, who is serving a 7.5-year prison term in Tucson for second-degree burglary.
Lawmakers balk at White House reuniting Central American families
WASHINGTON - An Obama administration program that reunites Central American children with parents who have immigrated to the U.S. faced sharp questioning Thursday from senators, who worried that it would further dilute immigration standards.
Firms showcase products aimed at boosting border security
With some technology seemingly straight out of a summer blockbuster movie, companies from across the country showcased some brand new products this week that they hope will increase the security of America’s borders and improve trade.
Experts: Funding, staffing cuts undermining state’s water agency
In Arizona, there is hardly a more precious resource than water. That's why some water experts point with alarm to deep cuts in funding and staffing at the state agency tasked with overseeing it, especially after years of drought and with a shortage looming on the Colorado River.
Wildfire season outlook uncertain, but firefighters preparing for the worst
ORACLE - The baseball field at Mountain Vista School is dotted with yellow and green uniforms. But today the players are dozens of wildland firefighters preparing to save landscapes, property and perhaps their own lives.
Ballot initiative filed to legalize recreational use of marijuana
The Washington, D.C.-based Marijuana Policy Project filed a ballot initiative Friday that would legalize recreational use of marijuana and regulate and tax the drug like alcohol.
It’s not your imagination: Airline performance fell in 2014, report says
WASHINGTON – Two of the biggest airlines serving Arizona saw a decline in their service last year – but they were not alone.