The Grand Canyon State received an overall score of 64 – a D grade – in a new State Integrity Investigation, a data-driven assessment of government accountability and transparency in all 50 states by the Center for Public Integrity and Global Integrity. Despite the low grade, Arizona ranked 22nd among all the states.

Small businesses in Arizona employ 46 percent of the private-sector workforce. They are an important economic engine to the state, and to the nation. But the uncertainty in Washington makes it difficult for them to live up to the full potential that we all know small business can be. When I was voted CEO of the Arizona Small Business Association (ASBA), I made it a priority to engage our more than 11,000 member-companies to lead and educate them on a number of factors that are vitally important to their businesses, including the ever-changing policy and fiscal environment. But now I find myself at a loss for answers to questions about the future of the nation.

A year before Arizona celebrates 100 years of statehood, legislators finally approved a bill that designates “The Grand Canyon State” as Arizona’s official nickname.

Arizona's 'Grand Canyon State' nickname would be made official under state law in legislation scheduled to be considered by the Arizona House on Thursday.

Alberto Rios has always shared a connection with the history — both cultural and geographic — of Arizona. Born and raised here, the writer often presents images of the alternatively lush and barren landscape of the Grand Canyon State.