Arizona News & Current Events | Public News Service

Arizona's Empowerment Scholarship Account provides up to $7,700 in state money for parents to enroll their children in private schools or for home education materials. (Adobe Stock)

Federal measure could affect Arizona's school choice program

Proposed federal legislation would expand school choice options for families to send their students to private schools or home educate them and the mo…

Men in Arizona typically paid about 18% more than women who are doing the same jobs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Gender pay gap persists in Arizona

A new report shows while the gender pay gap is closing, there is still a wide margin between what men and women are paid in Arizona for doing the …

Arizona is among the top five states in the nation for solar energy production. (Adobe Stock)

Tax incentive cuts could dim Arizona solar investment

As part of the Trump administration's new budget, Arizona's burgeoning solar industry faces the elimination of tax incentives that have encouraged …

The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill will be. (Adobe Stock)

Relentless AZ summer is here with higher energy bills

Temperatures are on the rise across Arizona and so are energy bills. The anti-poverty nonprofit Wildfire and the Arizona Public Interest Research …

Most Americans support requiring oil and gas companies to pay pollution fees, according to recent polling from Global Methane Hub. (Adobe Stock)

AZ air quality could take a hit if Congress delays methane polluter fee

As Congressional leaders continue debate over the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," environmental advocates are concerned about changes which could transl…

The Knight Center for the Future of News was made possible because of a $10.5 million grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, and an additional $4 million investment from Arizona State University. (Deanna Dent/Arizona State University)

ASU launches initiative to build 'stronger news ecosystem'

Journalism and the way people consume news is changing, and Arizona State University will soon launch an initiative it claims will "build a stronger…

Data show 27,332 people across the nation underwent a kidney transplant in 2023. (Arizona State University)

ASU research studies kidney transplants and their availability

Patients with end-stage renal disease have two treatment options: dialysis or a kidney transplant but because donor kidneys are scarce and wait times …

The First Amendment protects people's right to assemble and express their views through protest, according to the ACLU. However, the nonprofit, nonpartisan organization says police and other government officials are allowed to place certain restrictions on the exercise of speech rights. (Indivisible)

AZ protests push back against the Trump administration

Protests are planned this Saturday throughout Arizona as organizers mobilize a "nationwide day of defiance" against what they're calling the Trump adm…

About 387,000 Arizona children have parents who lack secure employment. (Adobe Stock)

Report: AZ has 2nd-highest rate of uninsured children

Arizona is one of the lowest-performing states for overall child well-being, according to a new national report. This year's Kids Count Data Book …

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs signed House Bill 2764 in April, 2024. (Adobe Stock)

AZ approves new rules for memory care facilities

Memory care facilities in Arizona have a new set of rules intended to improve quality of care for patients and ensure more accountability for provider…

If Congress enacts the budget reconciliation bill as currently written, the Campaign Legal Center contended the rule of law and democracy would be in jeopardy. (Adobe Stock)

'Hidden' provisions in U.S. budget bill raise concerns for AZ

As President Donald Trump's budget reconciliation bill sees an uphill battle in the U.S. Senate, a government watchdog group is raising concerns …

Arizona medical professionals performed about 3,000 more abortions in 2024 than they did in 2023, according to a report from the Guttmacher Institute. (Adobe Stock)

Medical professionals in Arizona challenge abortion restrictions

Arizona doctors have filed a lawsuit to overturn a set of restrictions which they argue interfere with access to abortion care. Arizona voters last …

Among those surveyed, 85% of Americans believe CEOs have a responsibility to speak up about things that matter to their consumers and shareholders, according to GLAAD. (Adobe Stock)

Survey: Consumers support companies that sell Pride products

Pride Month is here and new research has found most consumers stand behind brands who show their support to the LGBTQ+ community. GLAAD, the LGBTQ …

In Arizona's 6h Congressional district - which encompasses parts of Greenlee, Cochise,Pima and Pinal and Graham counties, two new clean energy projects have created 245 jobs, according to Climate Power. (Adobe Stock)

Could clean energy tax credits cease to exist? AZ advocates say much is at stake

The Republican backed tax-package being considered in Congress includes provisions that would repeal clean energy tax credits that some say have been …

Close to 800,000 Arizonans live in rural areas, according to the University of Arizona. (Mario Savoia/Adobe Stock)

Rural AZ advocates sound alarm on federal budget bill, potential cuts

Groups representing rural America, including Arizona, gathered for a Rural Action Summit in Iowa this month, to demand state and federal lawmakers …

This year, the Trump administration has fired hundreds of CFPB employees and directed others to cease all work, locking them out of the agency's headquarters. (Maurice Norbert/Adobe Stock)

AZ group 'alarmed' by possible cuts to U.S. consumer watchdog agency

The Trump administration is pushing to gut the top U.S. consumer watchdog agency, which alarms some advocacy groups in Arizona. What's known in …

Kelly explains how proposed federal budget cuts would impact AZ

As Republicans in Washington continue to negotiate provisions in President Donald Trump's "big, beautiful" bill, a recent report from the Joint …

Medicaid covered more than 40% of births nationwide and nearly half of all births in rural areas, in 2023. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Medicaid cuts would affect AZ rural maternity care

President Donald Trump is urging some of his colleagues to "not mess with Medicaid," even as hard-liners call for steeper cuts to the health care prog…

Frontier Airlines had the worst ratio of complaints to boarded passengers, according to the report by the U.S. PIRG Education Fund. (Adobe Stock)

Flyers fed up with U.S. airlines, complaints soar to new heights

New data show Arizona's two largest airports have fared well for on-time departures and arrivals but the same cannot be said about U.S. airlines in …

Less than 5% of Arizona's population considers themselves Asian, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, according to the United States Census. (Adobe Stock)

Legislation could bring new histories to AZ classrooms

It is Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and Arizona lawmakers are considering a bill which would require schools to …

As House Republicans examine Medicaid cuts, AZ advocates urge otherwise

U.S. House Republicans are looking to cut Medicaid spending, imposing new restrictions on beneficiaries, and Arizona advocates are urging Congress to …

A push for renewed climate solutions in AZ, across US

Nonprofits, businesses, organizers and leaders have signed a letter calling for more climate solutions in Arizona and around the country. They claim …

As of 2023, half of likely undocumented immigrant adults and one in five lawfully present immigrant adults reported being uninsured, compared with less than one in 10 naturalized citizens and U.S.-born citizen adults, according to KFF. (Adobe Stock)

AZ hospitals could be required to ask patients about legal status

State lawmakers in Arizona are considering legislation to mandate hospitals to ask patients whether they are in the country legally. Rep. John …

Maricopa, Gila, Pima and Pinal counties all received a letter grade of

AZ has some of nation's dirtiest air. Tailpipe pollution is part of problem

Arizona is ranked as having some of the worst areas for polluted air, according to a new report by the American Lung Association and advocates said …

Poll: AZ Latino voters 'discouraged' after Trump's first 100 days

A new bipartisan poll looks at how Latino voters in Arizona are feeling about President Donald Trump's first 100 days in office - and pollsters descri…

Across the country, an estimated 20% of all Americans age 40 and older who are prescribed medication for a chronic condition get their prescriptions exclusively through the Postal Service. (Adobe Stock)

Report: If USPS is privatized, which AZ communities would pay more?

President Donald Trump and Elon Musk have proposed privatizing the United States Postal Service by selling it to a corporation such as FedEx or UPS…

A peaceful May Day demonstration will start at the Arizona State Capitol in Phoenix, and end at the Sandra Day O'Connor U.S. Courthouse. (Leonid Andronov/Adobe Stock)

'May Day' AZ protesters rally against Trump administration

Many Arizonans plan to show up at the State Capitol on Thursday, May Day, to protest potential cuts to safety net programs and advocate for public …

Elise Ketcham, communications director for the Arizona Wildlife Federation, said Arizona's ephemeral and intermittent streams are also crucial in diverting water for flood control. (Adobe Stock)

Proposed EPA rule could put Arizona's water resources at stake

Arizona has a unique relationship with water and a proposed rule by the Environmental Protection Agency could further complicate it. It was only two …

Sharla Fisher (center, above) says her cardiac challenges, which led to her having a pacemaker implanted, opened her eyes to women and heart disease. (Sharla Fisher)

AZ mom shares heart journey to encourage others to prioritize their health

Mother's Day is fast approaching and an Arizona mom wants women of all ages to make sure they are prioritizing their heart health. Nearly 45% of …

More than 66,000 southeastern Arizona drivers pay more than $4,000 a year for gasoline, according to research from the nonprofit Coltura. (Adobe Stock)

How would rolling back EV standards affect AZ drivers?

Next week, Congress is expected to vote on whether to roll back states' authority to set their own clean car and truck standards. Research shows …

Opponents of President Donald Trump's executive order on elections said it could also target Americans living abroad, including military personnel serving overseas. (Adobe Stock)

AZ Secretary of State demands proof of noncitizen voting

Adrian Fontes, Arizona's Secretary of State, argued there is nothing wrong with American elections but some leaders in Washington, D.C., disagree…

In 2022, Arizona ranked among the top five states with the most severe health care staffing shortages, with the demand for specialized nurses projected to increase by 23% by 2025, according to the Arizona Board of Nursing. (Deanna Dent/Arizona State University)

Initiative expected to help AZ reverse nursing shortage

Arizona already faces a critical shortage of nurses and it is projected to get worse. Now, a new initiative at Arizona State University could make …

At Northern Arizona University, 56% of the students are White, and 25% are Hispanic or Latino, according to Data USA. (Josh Biggs/Wikimedia Commons)

AZ universities thread needle to comply with Trump DEI order

Arizona universities are figuring out how to comply with President Donald Trump's order to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs - …

Opponents to Arizona's Proposition 314 called it a dangerous law which could fuel vigilantism and unjust policing. (James Steidl/Adobe Stock)

AZ Latino outlets unite to inform communities amid immigration crackdown

Latino media outlets in Arizona are coming together to ensure the Hispanic and Latino communities are informed and educated about their rights amid th…

The U.S. Constitution specifies Congress and the states can set the rules for our elections, not the president. (Adobe Stock)

Arizona voting rights advocates oppose Trump's election order

A number of lawsuits have been filed in opposition to President Donald Trump's executive order which could reshape how U.S. elections are run and the …

The FBI says fraud and scam losses nationwide reported by those age 60 and older topped $3.4 billion in 2023, including $128 million in Arizona. (Adobe Stock)

Arizona legislation targets cryptocurrency scams

Arizona lawmakers are considering a bill to prevent cryptocurrency scams and regulate what are known as "crypto kiosks." Brendon Blake, AARP …

Annual insurance premiums in rural ZIP codes were $3,317 on average in 2024, compared with $3,299 in urban and suburban areas. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Arizonans experience some of the highest insurance premiums

Insurance premiums have gone up a lot and according to a new report, Arizona is one of the states where homeowners are being hit hardest. The …

In 2022, U.S. sales of poultry and eggs totaled $76.5 billion, 14.1% of total U.S. agriculture sales.(Adobe Stock)

Could egg supply and demand be helping avian flu spread?

By Seth Millstein for Sentient.Broadcast version by Alex Gonzalez for Arizona News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collabora…

Joelly B. Chavez, left, encourages folks to get informed and

AZ students voice concerns about student aid, federal cuts

As Americans wait to see if Congress goes along with President Donald Trump's plans to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, the uncertainty is …

The nation's roadways still face a $684 billion funding gap over the next 10 years, according to the American Society of Civil Engineers. (Adobe Stock)

Has infrastructure improved in AZ, US? Not by much

A new report has found some progress has been made to improve the nation's aging infrastructure, but a lot more needs to be done. This week…

Privatization of the USPS requires a Congressional Act that is signed into law by the President. (Matt Gush / Adobe Stock)

Arizona rallies protest possible U.S. Postal Service reforms

Rallies in Tucson and Phoenix are taking place today opposing the Trump administration's potential decision to privatize the U.S. Postal Service…

Federal cuts put election security in jeopardy, AZ Secretary of State takes action

Adrian Fontes, Arizona Secretary of State, said he was not shocked but disappointed when he found out the Trump administration had cut funding for …

When looking for job training, 74% of urban Gen Zers strongly agree or agree that they could access the needed training, compared with 62% of rural Gen Zers, according to Gallup. (Adobe Stock)

Data: Lack of opportunity pushes rural Gen Zers in AZ out of their communities

New research finds that less than half of rural Gen Zers believe they can find a good job in their communities. According to U.S. Census data…

In 2023, human-caused fires accounted for 71% of all fires across the state, on all land jurisdictions, according to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management. (Adobe Stock)

AZ groups file lawsuits to limit effects of Elon Musk's DOGE

The Sierra Club and other partners are suing Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency over the mass firing of federal workers across mult…

Arizona's 13 mostly rural counties are viewed as conservative and Republican-leaning but in Santa Cruz County with a mostly Latino population and Apache County with a mostly Native American population, registered Democrats outnumber Republicans. (Adobe Stock)

Rural, working-class Arizonans feel forgotten. Democrats need to wake up

A coalition of rural, progressive Democratic organizations is urging the new chair of the national party to invest more in rural and working-class …

The likelihood of exposure to H5N1 is higher among people consuming raw, unpasteurized milk from infected animals, although the chance of people contracting H5N1 from consuming raw milk is not clear at this time, according to the CDC. (Adobe Stock)

Experts worry as zoonotic disease research is reviewed by Trump admin

By Grey Moran for Sentient.Broadcast version by Alex Gonzalez for Arizona News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboration…

Nearly one in five Americans has had to evacuate their home during a severe weather event, according to a recent YouGov poll. (Adobe Stock)

AZ group develops guide for keeping important documents safe

This is National Consumer Protection Week, and the Arizona PIRG Education Fund wants people to think about what they can do to protect their valuable …

The longest commute in the nation is located in Mohave County, Arizona, where the citizens of Colorado City-a town of 2,500 people-would need to drive eight hours round trip to reach their designated election office in Kingman, Arizona, according to the Center for American Progress. (Austin Broadbent /Adobe Stock)

GOP backed citizenship voting bill could present challenges to AZ voters

Congress could soon vote on the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility, or SAVE Act. Lawmakers say it's designed to keep undocumented immigrants from …

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