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Pandemic, culture wars revive ‘school choice’ policy push
With memories fresh from pandemic-era school closures and curriculum battles — particularly over how matters of gender and race are taught — legions of parents are trekking to the marble floors of their state Capitols to fight to create education savings accounts, also known as ESAs. Such accounts exist in Arizona and West Virginia, though Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs argues the dollars would be b[...]
Governor targets results-based funding for schools
Democrat Gov. Katie Hobbs proposed the end of results-based funding in her budget, effectively untying additional per-pupil funding from achievement determined by the school letter grade system.
Lawmakers back Rio Verde in water dispute
State legislators are prepared to intervene in a conflict between Scottsdale and Rio Verde over dwindling water supply that Scottsdale says it is not required to share with the community.
Sinema’s immigration plan doesn’t work for Arizonans
Kyrsten Sinema -- Arizona's Democrat-turned-independent U.S. senator -- and U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina recently negotiated an immigration package that, in theory, could solve the worst border crisis in American history. Unfortunately, in practice, the package would do little to staunch the record influx of illegal immigrants. If anything, it could make the problem even worse.
Rep. Gallego announces bid for Sinema’s Arizona Senate seat
Democratic Rep. Ruben Gallego, a liberal firebrand and prominent Latino lawmaker, announced Monday he'll challenge independent U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema in 2024, becoming the first candidate to jump into the race and setting up a potential three-way contest.
Building the future: Trade occupations encouraged as demand for skilled labor grows
The need for skilled people willing to get their hands dirty is growing across the country. But will there be enough craftspeople to meet that demand? The Arizona Commerce Authority estimates that by 2030, the number of people employed in construction and manufacturing jobs in the state is expected to rise 30% and more than 20%, respectively.
Navajo Nation rescinds mask mandate on vast reservation
The Navajo Nation has rescinded a mask mandate that's been in effect since the early days of the Covid pandemic, officials announced Friday, fulfilling a pledge that new tribal President Buu Nygren made while campaigning for the office.
GOP rental tax ban bill introduced, opposed by cities
One of the Republicans’ pillars to reducing housing costs – banning the rental tax – is now filed in the Legislature.
SRP solar plant northwest of Flagstaff expected to offset 1 billion pounds of CO2 each year
Salt River Project has partnered with Clēnera, a private renewable energy company, to bring Arizona its largest solar plant by 2024. Construction of the CO Bar Solar plant will begin this year on 2,400 acres of private land northwest of Flagstaff in Coconino County.
Catalytic converter theft continues to rage in Phoenix
Catalytic converter theft continues to rage in the City of Phoenix despite legislation enacted last May designed to deter such theft. Now, the Phoenix Police Department is joining forces with Courtesy Automotive Group to permanently etch catalytic converters with SafeCat anti-theft technology that ties a SafeCat serial number to the vehicle’s VIN and registers it in a national database.
VP Harris touts Arizona-California power transmission line
Vice President Kamala Harris and two cabinet secretaries on Thursday celebrated the start of construction of a new high-capacity power transmission line between Arizona and California, which they hope will lead to future solar energy farms in the desert outside Phoenix.
Feds send $930 million to curb ‘crisis’ of US West wildfires
The Biden administration today is announcing $930 million for reducing wildfire dangers in 10 western states by clearing trees and underbrush from national forests, as officials struggle to contain destructive infernos that are being made worse by climate change.
