Arizona News & Current Events | Public News Service

Preliminary data show state jobs were up 65,000 over the year in October, which translated into 2% growth, ahead of the nation at 1.3%, according to the University of Arizona. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, January 2, 2025

2025 is here. What economic trends could affect Arizonans?

Economists in Arizona and around the country said tariffs, cracking down on immigration, tax cuts and reduced energy credits will likely have a …

The total acreage of farm and ranch land in Arizona for 2022 was 25,525,087, down 2.3% from five years ago. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, December 31, 2024

AZ farmers could benefit from feds taking on 'corporate' agriculture

As Arizona farmers have grappled with inflation, falling crop prices and the effects of a changing climate, the incoming Trump administration could …

More than three-quarters of Western voters say more emphasis should be placed on conserving wildlife migration routes than on economic uses of lands in these areas, according to the State of the Rockies Project. (Adobe Stock)

Report: AZ one of eight Western states that could improve conservation policies

Arizona could be doing more to improve conservation policy, according to a new report by the Center for Western Priorities. The Center's Policy …

Empowerment Scholarship Account vouchers will cost the state $825,000,000 in fiscal year 2024, according to Save Our Schools Arizona. (Adobe Stock)

Skepticism about 'auto-approval' of Arizona ESA reimbursements

This month, an Arizona grand jury indicted two out-of-state residents for cheating the state's Empowerment Scholarship Account program out of more …

Expert: Foreign cyber threats targeting utilities compromise national security

A former White House cyber-security expert is warning of potential cyber attacks on critical infrastructure. Former Principal Deputy National Cyber …

Publications before 2020 will become part of the dashboard starting next semester. (Adobe Stock)

Arizona State University tool offers useful medical insight affecting Indigenous communities

Arizona State University has developed a new tool that they hope will help researchers analyze connections between illnesses and health determinants w…

Congresswoman-elect Yassamin Ansari was also elected as Democratic 'Freshman Class' President for the U.S. House of Representatives. (Yassamin Ansari )

Report: AZ ranks second for number of women as legislators

More than 2,400 women will serve in state legislatures in 2025. That's a new record, according to the Center for American Women and Politics at …

Since its passage, the Inflation Reduction Act has created more than 330,000 new jobs and $370 billion in climate and clean energy-related investments. (Adobe Stock)

Tempe mayor's holiday wish: More AZ clean energy investment

A new Environment America report shows wind, solar and geothermal energy production has tripled nationwide since 2014 - and Arizona is getting its …

From 2010 to 2020, the American Indian and Alaska Native in combination population increased by 160%, according to the US Census. (Adobe Stock)

The term 'Indigenous' grows in popularity among AZ Native youth

A new survey of Native American teens and young adults highlights a growing preference for the term "Indigenous" rather than being referred to as "Ame…

Arizona utility regulators could vote to change rulemaking

Arizona ratepayers could end up paying more for utilities if state regulators decide to change the ratemaking process. The Arizona Corporation …

The first World AIDS Day took place in 1988, providing a platform to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS and honor the lives affected by the epidemic. (Adobe Stock)

World AIDS Day: Looking back at public-health and moral crisis

World AIDS Day is Dec. 1, dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV. Thousands of people live with H-I-V/Aids …

AZ grandmother, a climate activist for decades, isn't slowing down

By Jessica Kutz for The 19th. Broadcast version by Alex Gonzalez for Arizona News Connection, reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public …

Since the 1940s, about 50% of zoonotic diseases have been traced to agriculture, according to research in the journal BioScience. (Adobe Stock)

Research: Probiotics on farms could fight antibiotic resistance

By Dawn Attride for Sentient.Broadcast version by Alex Gonzalez for Arizona News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaborati…

The solar industry already employs more than 250,000 people, nearly twice as many as those who work in the coal-mining industry, according to the Sierra Club. (Adobe Stock)

Arizona's climate advancements at risk under 2nd Trump presidency

Environmental groups in Arizona say they've faced challenges in advancing environmental protections, and that could now become even harder under a …

Between 2010 and 2021, the share of dual-eligible individuals enrolled in D-SNPs nearly tripled from 11% to 29%, according to KFF. (Adobe Stock)

Dual Special Needs Plans can help Arizonans combat rising costs

Arizona already has one of the highest percentage of eligible seniors enrolled in dual special-needs plans, sitting at nearly 50% of eligible …

Four in ten women under the age of 30 said abortion was the number one most important issue this election cycle, according to the health policy nonprofit group KFF. (Feng Yu / Adobe Stock)

AZ passes abortion measure, advocates still concerned about a Trump presidency

Voters in Arizona overwhelmingly supported and approved Proposition 139 last week, which enshrines abortion rights into the state's constitution…

Pima and Maricopa counties are the only ones in Arizona currently offering vouchers to residents and commercial users for electric lawn equipment. (Tyger Gilbert/Adobe Stock)

As leaves fall in AZ, calls renewed to incentivize electric lawn equipment

It is finally cooling down in Arizona, which means more leaves on the ground as well as heightened use of lawn equipment to keep Arizona properties …

More than one of every 10 voters in today's general election is expected to be Latino, a 20.5% increase from 2016, according to the NALEO Educational Fund. (Adobe Stock)

All eyes on AZ for Election Day as experts warn of harmful misinformation

Election Day is finally here, and this year more than 17 million Latinos are expected to cast a ballot. The National Association of Latino Elected …

More than 36,000,000 Latinos nationwide will be eligible to vote in the 2024 presidential election - an increase of four million voters since 2020, according to the Pew Research Center. (Adobe Stock)<br />

AZ Latino voters seek greater candidate engagement, reject voter stereotypes

By Lourdes Medrano for Yes! Media.Broadcast version by Kathryn Carley for Arizona News Connection reporting for the Yes! Media-Public News Service …

Arizona ranks among the top five states in the nation for solar-power generation, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. (Richard Nantais/Adobe Stock)

2024 election could be decisive for AZ's clean energy future

Arizona is ground zero for the 2024 election, but also sits on the front lines of the climate crisis, as the state has seen another year of record-…

Around 47% of voters believe it should be easier for people to vote, according to data from Red America, Blue America Research. (Eduardo Barraza/Adobe Stock)

Bipartisan Poll: Arizona voters support protecting union jobs, labor laws

Ahead of Election Day, a new survey shows Arizona voters are overwhelmingly supportive of labor law protections and are opposed to cuts affecting …

As of 2022, 15% of Latinos are evangelical Protestants, a share that has remained relatively stable over the past decade, according to Pew Research Center. (Andy Dean / Adobe Stock)

Pastor contends Hispanic evangelicals are not 'one-issue voters'

Roughly 10 million Hispanic people identify as evangelical or Protestant and one pastor contended there has been what he called "an awakening" regardi…

Around 60% of collective giving group leaders reported intentionally embedding racial and ethnic equity in their collective-giving strategies, according to the study Philanthropy Together took part in. (Adobe Stock)

Collective giving 'a movement' in the Grand Canyon State

An event in Phoenix today will celebrate and highlight the power of collective giving in the Grand Canyon State. Ilyasah N. Shabazz, senior …

The National Park Service is grappling with underfunding, staff shortages and a nearly $12 billion repair backlog, according to the National Parks Conservation Association. (Adobe Stock)

Tucson councilman urges nonpartisan support for national parks

Public lands and national parks are set to be one of the many issues Americans are paying attention to this election cycle and a new scorecard looks a…

Ballot signature mismatches impact younger and unaffiliated AZ voters

By Jen Fifield and Hannah Bassett for the Arizona Center for Investigative Reporting.Broadcast version by Alex Gonzalez for Arizona News Connection re…

There are currently 7,606 active apprentices in the state of Arizona, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. (Adobe Stock)

Apprenticeship programs in AZ aim to fill employment gaps

People in Arizona who have completed a registered apprenticeship program could see an average of an almost 50% increase in earnings, according to a …

As heat persists in AZ, Tempe city leaders celebrate environmental investments

As the end of October approaches, parts of Arizona are still grappling with relentless heat, which is why environmental advocates are congratulating …

Around 25% of older voters identify as family caregivers, according to the poll. (Adobe Stock)

Poll: Older AZ voters will be decisive in this year's election

Arizona voters 50 and older are "extremely motivated" to vote in next month's election, now less than 20 days away. And while most have already made …

Households with incomes in the top 1% will receive an average tax cut of more than $60,000 in 2025, compared to an average tax cut of less than $500 for households in the bottom 60%, according to the Tax Policy Center (Adobe Stock)

Trump's 2017 tax code up for renewal next year, draws criticism in AZ

Arizona workers, retirees and small business owners say they'll be left to pick up the slack when the wealthy and big corporations don't pay their …

Between 2010 and 2022, the percentage of U.S. Latinos with at least a bachelor's degree increased from 8.9% to 13.6%. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Latinos in AZ are an economic powerhouse

Latinos in Arizona are an economic powerhouse, according to a new report. It shows the United States gross domestic product for Latinos was more than …

Around 90% of young voters in Arizona say the cost of living is a serious concern to them, followed by affordable housing (86%) and protecting the water supply (81%), according to Arizona State University. (Adobe Stock)

AZ voting advocates switch focus to voter education

Now that the deadline to register to vote in Arizona has passed, voting-rights advocates are switching their focus to voter education. Today…

Lt. Gov. Penny Flanagan, DFL-Minn., could become the first Native American woman to serve as governor if the Harris-Walz ticket wins the White House. (Office of the Governor)

Early voting begins in AZ, as candidates court 'powerful' Native vote

It is the first day of early voting in Arizona and both presidential hopefuls will be making their cases to voters. Gov. Tim Walz, DFL-Minn.…

Voters with disabilities who are unable to leave their home or facility where they are residing, may be able to obtain assistance from a Special Elections Board to assist them in voting, according to Disability Rights Arizona.(Adobe Stock)

Last day to register in AZ focuses on voters with disabilities

Today is the last day in Arizona to register online to vote in next month's election. And that means voting rights advocates in the battleground …

Around 74% of Arizona's electric vehicles are Teslas, according to Recurrent. (Adobe Stock)

It's National Drive Electric Week, AZ's EV sector grows

It is National Drive Electric Week and the Arizona Public Interest Research Group Education Fund wants to raise awareness about the benefits electric …

Living roots reduce soil erosion and provide food for organisms like earthworms and microbes that cycle the nutrients plants need, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. (Adobe Stock)

AZ nonprofit teaches sustainable practices to next gen farmers

By Lauren Kobley for Cronkite News.Broadcast version by Alex Gonzalez for Arizona News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Publi…

The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline is free, confidential and available 24/7, in English and Spanish, at 1-833-852-6262. (Adobe Stock)

AZ maternal mental health expert: 'It's OK to not be OK'

More babies are born in the fall than any other time of year but it also means more new mothers are struggling with what is sometimes called the "baby…

ASU alumna Sonia Reyes Corella (far right) and her children (from left) David Callahan and Danielle Corella can trace their family history to Mexican pioneer Manuela S�nchez Sotelo, who contributed to ASU's founding. (Sonia Reyes Corella)

ASU alum traces lineage to Mexican pioneer who helped establish the university

It took one Arizona State University alumna years to find out she is a descendant of a Mexican pioneer, who was foundational in the creation of ASU…

One in six K-12 teachers nationally works in a district touched by gun violence since the 2019-2020 school year, according to research from RAND. (Adobe Stock)

AZ struggles to foster teacher morale in charged social, political climate

Research shows 86% of public schools nationwide report challenges in hiring teachers and the state of Arizona is no stranger to the struggle…

Rural AZ inn saves on energy bills, helps environment

This article was produced by Local First Arizona.Broadcast version by Alex Gonzalez for Arizona News Connection reporting for the Local First Arizona-…

47 days until Election Day, AZ Congressman has message for young voters

New poll results show 80% of likely Arizona voters believe American democracy is under threat. The new survey from the Center for the Future of …

Arundo was initially introduced to the Western United States for erosion control and aesthetics, according to Watershed Management Group. (Adobe Stock)

Southern AZ nonprofit removes invasive plants to restore riparian areas

By Hunter Fore for Cronkite News.Broadcast version by Alex Gonzalez for Arizona News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public …

Trump holds Tucson campaign rally, his first since debate

Former President and 2024 Republican nominee Donald Trump held a Thursday campaign rally in Tucson, his first since this week's debate with Vice …

AZ's top election official demands change

Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes testified before Congress on Wednesday about the state of our elections system. Public confidence in the …

As of June 2024, electric school bus adoption in the U.S. has grown to a total commitment of 12,164 buses since 2012, according to the Electric School Bus Initiative. (Adobe Stock)

AZ has over 150 electric school buses, could more be on the way?

With school in full swing, many Arizona students will take the bus to school. Earlier this summer, the Environmental Protection Agency awarded $900 …

AZ judge blocks polling place rules, election official predicts chaos

As worries of election interference and intimidation grow in Arizona, Secretary of State Adrian Fontes says election officials have been preparing to …

The Arizona State University Center for Tribal Digital Sovereignty is designed to provide tribal nations with the resources they need to build proactive digital platforms. (ASU)

New ASU program to help tribal governments develop digital sovereignty

Historic inequities have left many tribal nations behind the rest of the country but a new Arizona State University program is designed to launch them…

Arizona was one of the most closely contested states in the 2020 presidential election. President Joe Biden won it by less than half a percentage point, according to The State United Democracy Center. (Adobe Stock)

AZ gears up for possible wave of election deniers in Nov.

Election Day will be here before we know it and Arizona is gearing up for possible setbacks from embedded election deniers. Alex Gulotta, Arizona …

Four in five Americans say nominations to the Supreme Court will be an important issue for how they are planning to vote in the presidential election in November. (Adobe Stock)

Is SCOTUS reform achievable? AZ legal expert weighs in

New polling showed Americans believe the upcoming presidential election will have a major effect on the future of the U.S. Supreme Court and an …

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