Public News Service

People can receive online tax-filing support from IRS staff Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern time. (Adobe Stock)

New IRS tool makes filing taxes easier for some in AZ

Arizonans have until Monday to file their individual income-tax returns, and for some, the Internal Revenue Service wants to make the chore a little …

The Arizona PIRG report says while it's a positive step that certain states have taken the lead in eliminating or curbing so-called 'facility fees,' they can and should do more. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Arizonans should be cautious with facility fees

A new report from the Arizona PIRG Education Fund finds that Arizonans are getting hit with what are known as facility fees, leading to higher costs …

Many factors affect a customer's bill amount, including energy usage, weather, and the number of days in a billing period, according to Arizona Public Service. (Jason Yoder/Adobe Stock)

AARP AZ cites impacts of APS rate increase

Earlier this month, a new Arizona Public Service rate hike went into effect and one senior advocacy group said those on a fixed income may struggle …

Kerner leads the development and deployment of AI and machine learning tools for the NASA Acres and NASA Harvest consortia. (Samantha Chow/Arizona State University)

ASU researcher uses AI to help address global challenges

An Arizona State University researcher is using artificial intelligence to transform data collected from satellites and other earth observation instru…

Arizona is now among the top 10 states with the most electric vehicle registrations. (Adobe Stock)

Proposed EPA rule aims to increase EV sales

In Arizona, four in every 1,000 people have electric cars and a federal rule soon to be finalized could increase those numbers. It is gaining support …

The types of products recalled most were children's sleepwear, small vehicles such as ATVs and golf carts, toys, infant sleep products, furniture and small kitchen appliances. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Recall announcements up 10% from 2022

A new report found recalls, warnings and penalties for consumer products all increased last year. The recalls led to 550 injuries, 15 deaths and as …

COVID-19 is still one of the leading causes of death in Arizona, according to the CDC. (Adobe Stock)<br />

CDC updates COVID guidelines, stunning some health advocates

About four years ago, COVID-19 started to put the world on pause. Now, new guidlines are giving some Arizonans pause. Across the country, many who …

La norma de la FCC dar�a a los fiscales generales de todo el pa�s nuevas herramientas para perseguir a los malhechores que est�n detr�s de estas nefastas robo-llamadas. (Adobe Stock)<br />

AZ podría liderar legislación relacionada con IA

Los legisladores de Arizona esperan poder facilitar que los políticos emprendan acciones legales a medida que aumenta el uso de deepfakes durante…

The FCC's rule would give state attorneys general across the country new tools to go after bad actors behind these nefarious robocalls. (Adobe Stock)

AZ could lead way in AI-related legislation

Arizona lawmakers are hoping to make it easier for politicians to take legal action as the use of deepfakes increases during election campaigns…

There are 37 EV models available for less than the average new vehicle purchase price of $48,000, according to the Environmental Defense Fund. (Terry Lee White / Adobe Stock)

Analysis: EVs could save Arizonans big

Electric vehicles could save Arizonans up to almost $25,000 compared to gasoline vehicles over 10 years, depending on specific makes and models…

A 2023 study found that more than 80% of Americans assume that the health data collected by apps is covered by HIPAA, even though it isn't. (Adobe Stock)

Report: AZ has no data privacy law, expert says its time to take action

Arizona is among states that have considered passing consumer privacy laws but have yet to do so. While the state doesn't have anything on the books…

The EPA estimates by 2045, the clean truck rule could result in up to 2,900 fewer premature deaths and 6,700 fewer hospital admissions and emergency room visits. (Mike Mareen/Adobe Stock)

AZ leaders advocate for 'clean truck' standards

Arizona leaders and community members rallied late last week to urge support for the Environmental Protection Agency's clean truck standards for heavy…

Nearly 74% of likely Arizona voters agree groundwater is essential for communities, farming, industry and Arizona's way of life. (Adobe Stock)

Water: Top focus for AZ 2024 environmental groups

More than two dozen Arizona organizations have laid out their 2024 environmental priorities. Sandy Bahr, director of the Grand Canyon Chapter of the …

Funcionario electoral de AZ prueba inteligencia artificial antes de las elecciones

El principal funcionario electoral del estado del Gran Cañón está probando herramientas de inteligencia artificial de libre acceso como…

AZ election official tests artificial intelligence ahead of 2024 election

The Grand Canyon State's top election official is testing open-access artificial-intelligence tools in preparation for a potential wave of disinformat…

The median monthly cost of an assisted living in Arizona is close to $4,000. (Adobe Stock)

AARP: AZ assisted living needs more transparency, accountability

AARP Arizona wants long-term care facilities in the state to do more to ensure the highest level of care for their residents, including being held …

In September, Chuckle & Roar Ultimate Water Beads were recalled after an infant died in July. (Adobe Stock)

Expert warns some toys pose danger to kids

With the holiday gift-giving season here, consumer advocates want to make sure parents and caregivers understand the threats some toys can pose to …

Researchers have found humble people cooperate with others and avoid exploiting them even when the opportunity presents itself. (Jacob Lund/Adobe Stock)

ASU researcher prescribes dose of humility for medical professionals

A researcher at Arizona State University is shedding light on the importance of humility within the medical field. Barret Michalec, research …

Democrats' trust in the media has fallen 12 points over the past year, to 58%, and compares with 11% among Republicans and 29% among independents, according to Gallup. (Christian Schwier/Adobe Stock)

Southern Arizona local news initiative announced

A new project in Southern Arizona aims to support local reporting and enable greater access to local news and information. Earlier this month…

Bay says it is important for multi-generational households and families to have discussions about financial planning. (Adobe Stock)

Students across AZ learn how to better financially plan, budget

As the year comes to an end, one event aims to help high schoolers in Arizona learn how to better manage their money. The "Bite of Reality" fairs …

The Inflation Reduction Act tax credits that encourage investment in solar power are expected to help reduce energy costs by 22% over the next 30 years in Arizona. (Photo courtesy of Will Humble)

AZ homeowner touts benefits of Solar Investment Tax Credit

Arizona homeowners contemplating making the switch to solar energy could save substantially. Those who install a solar system now through 2032 can …

The inefficient engines in gasoline-powered lawn equipment can emit as much pollution in an hour as driving hundreds of miles in a typical car, according to the report. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Why Arizonans should switch to electric lawn equipment

Arizonans who transition to cleaner electric-powered lawn and garden equipment can help mitigate the noise as well as the harmful fumes produced from …

The average annual per-person cost of home care in 2021 was $42,000, according to AARP. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Gaps in AZ's long-term service care system persist

A new report finds persistent gaps in Arizona's long-term care services. AARP ranked Arizona 22nd in the nation for the care older adults and people …

While the number of student loan borrowers aged 62 and older grew by 800,000 from 2017 to 2022, the number of Parent PLUS borrowers grew by only 100,000. (Adobe Stock)

Student loan repayments begin soon; older Americans still struggling

By Jill Barshay for The Hechinger Report.Broadcast version by Alex Gonzalez for Arizona News Connection reporting for The Hechinger Report-Public News…

There were eight major insurance companies offering health policies to individuals and families in Arizona during plan year 2023. (Adobe Stock)

Make smart health coverage choices during open enrollment

The open enrollment period for health insurance can seem daunting to many Arizonans, so experts recommend starting sooner rather than later to do …

Among consumers with medical debt, 16% of Black adults report a disproportionate amount of such debt, compared to 9% of white adults, according to the U.S. Public Interest Research Group Education Fund. (Adobe Stock)

Medical Bills: Understanding Them and Patient Rights Can Save You Big

Medical care is expensive and continues to get more costly. Many people in Arizona only become aware of this after they get a bill for their care…

Arizona fue uno de los cinco primeros estados en iniciar el proceso de

Expertos en salud advierten que niños de AZ podrían perder cobertura de Medicaid

La lista de verificación para el regreso a clases de los padres en Arizona podría incluir una doble comprobación para asegurar que sus …

Arizona was one of the first five states to start the

Health Experts Warn AZ Children Could Lose Medicaid Coverage

Parents' back-to-school checklist in Arizona might include double-checking to make sure their children still have health insurance. Arizona was one …

AZ Joins USDA to Tackle Lack of Competition in Food Industry

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has joined a group of bipartisan state attorneys general to beef up enforcement and prevent anti-trust activity wi…

There are an estimated 150 skilled nursing facilities in Arizona, according to AARP Arizona. (Adobe Stock)

AARP Sounds Alarm on Abuse, Neglect in AZ Senior Living Facilities

Senior living facilities in Arizona struggle with issues ranging from neglect of residents to violence, staffing shortages and low wages for workers…

Back in 2021, Arizona lawmakers passed companion bills, Senate Bill 1797 and House Bill 2772, to legalize sports betting in the state. (Adobe Stock)

AZ Sees Close to $600 Million So Far in Sports Betting This Year

Legal sports betting operators in Arizona handled close to $600 million in wagers last January, significantly higher than last year. Phillip Milan…

The airlines with the worst on-time performances in 2022, when the delays and cancellations within seven days are tallied, were Allegiant Air, JetBlue and Frontier. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Airline Consumer Complaints Quadrupled Between 2019 and 2022

While the number of people who flew last year on U.S. airlines is below pre-pandemic levels, the number of complaints relating to air travel nearly …

There are about 1.7 million credit union members in Arizona. (Sundry Photography/Adobe Stock)

Credit Unions Step Out from Shadow Cast by Bank Collapses

The collapse of two banks has put the U.S. financial sector into focus this week. Some are considering the alternative structures of institutions …

$1.2 million was lost because of fraud over social media in 2022, according to the Federal Trade Commission. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Arizonans Experience High Levels of Imposter Scams

Arizona is among the top 15 states for highest per capita rates for impostor scams. The Federal Trade Commission wants to help Arizonans spot…

Accord to the Arizona Department of Transportation, the Maricopa Association of Governments and Pima Association of Governments make up the two most populous areas of the state, accounting for 80% of Arizona's population. (Adobe Stock)

Public Input Needed for AZ's Long-Range Transportation Plan

The Arizona Department of Transportation wants to hear from people across the state as it looks to set priorities for the state's 2050 Long-Range Tran…

About 15,000 types of products fall under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, but there are mandatory standards for only about 250 of them. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Product Recalls Up 33%, AZ Group Recommends Action

A new report asks lawmakers and regulators to look at why some unsafe products aren't recalled sooner, and what can be done to get them off the …

Super Bowl LVII will be held at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Feb. 12. (Katherine Welles/Adobe Stock)

Big Economic Boosts Forecast for AZ as Super Bowl LVII Approaches

Super Bowl LVII is right around the corner, which means Arizona will see hefty spending and wide exposure because of the massive sporting event…

According to the new Arizona PIRG report, ground ambulances transport about 3 million privately insured people to emergency rooms each year. (Adobe Stock)

AZ Report: Putting the Brakes on 'Surprise' Ambulance Bills

A new report says Arizonans who have a medical emergency and good health insurance could still find themselves with a costly "surprise" bill…

Critics of Arizona's long-term care system are pushing state legislators for more money and staff for the state Long-Term Care Ombudsman program. (godfather/Adobe Stock)

AZ Seniors List Social Security, Long-Term Care Among Top Midterm Issues

New polling has revealed older Arizonans, who make up more than half the state's registered voters, are more likely to support candidates with strong …

In a proposed rate increase filed with the Arizona Corporation Commission, Southwest Gas customers would pay an average of $5.12 more per month if the utility's request is approved. (Valerii/Adobe Stock)

Beleaguered AZ Consumers Oppose Pending SW Gas Rate Hike

Arizona consumers are contesting a proposed $90 million Southwest Gas rate increase that analysts say would only benefit future - but not current - cu…

More than 46 million people, one in five Americans, have unpaid medical debts on their credit report, according to Debt.org. (Adobe Stock)

Changes to Medical-Debt Listings on Credit Reports Benefit AZ Consumers

Health care can be expensive, and sometimes Arizonans get a bill that's more than they can afford. Unpaid medical bills can reduce a person's credit …

Experts say having a legal, up-to-date will is a powerful way to protect your loved ones and make decisions about the future on your own terms. (photographyfirm/Adobe Stock)

Make-a-Will Month a Good Time for End-of-Life Conversations

August is National Make-a-Will Month, and experts believe it is a good time for Arizona families to have a conversation about end-of-life plans…

AARP and others say the Medicare portion of the Inflation Reduction Act will help American seniors save millions of dollars on prescription drugs. (Stock Footage Inc/Adobe Stock)

AARP: Inflation Reduction Act to Save Seniors Millions on Drug Costs

President Joe Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act this week, lowering energy costs, building a green economy, reducing pollution, reforming the …

Research shows the single biggest health care issue facing most Arizonans, and Americans in general, is out-of-pocket medical costs. (SB Arts Media/Adobe Stock)

Arizonans Say Congress Needs to Do More to Rein In Health Costs

Congress is considering a major legislative package that could affect not only investments in climate change but also the affordability of health care…

An American Hospice Association study shows while there has been an increased effort by hospices to reach out to non-white populations, hospice care is still underutilized by Latino families. (ljr_images/Adobe Stock)

Groups Urge Latino Families to Discuss End-of-Life Options

Hispanic groups are coming together to encourage people in Arizona and elsewhere to begin end-of-life conversations with their loved ones before illne…

Thru federal Energy Information Agency reports in 2020, the U.S natural gas transportation network delivered about 27.7 trillion cubic feet of natural gas to about 77.3 million customers. (Jason/Adobe Stuck)

Report: Leaks in Gas Pipeline Network Cause Damage, Death, Pollution

A new study shows that almost daily leaks along America's 310,000-mile network of natural gas pipelines are causing death, injury and large-scale …

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration sends out an average of six recall notices a week for tainted or potentially unsafe food products. (zimmytws/Adobe Stock)

Study: FDA's Food-Recall Notices Don't Reach Most Consumers

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issues hundreds of recall notices for potentially unsafe food products each year, but consumer advocates …

Advocates say carbon-capture technology, currently being developed in the United States and other countries, eventually could remove a significant amount of the world's greenhouse gases. Lexiconmedia/Adobe Stock)

Flagstaff Seeks Carbon Capture Technology to Meet 2030 Climate Goals

A technology that once existed only in science fiction soon could emerge as a viable solution to climate change. The city of Flagstaff has added …

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