Arizona
White House looks to safeguard groundwater supplies as aquifers decline nationwide
Nationwide, overconsumption is depleting aquifers that supply communities with fresh water. In some areas, fertilizers used in farming or chemicals used in industry or mining are contaminating the underground reservoirs.
A federal utility assistance program favors cold-weather states, giving less money to hot places
A federal program helps people in poverty cover the costs of heat and cooling. But advocates say it disadvantages states like Texas and Arizona, even though extreme heat is a key cause of weather-related deaths.
School vouchers were supposed to save taxpayer money. Instead they blew a massive hole in Arizona’s budget.
Arizona, the model for voucher programs across the country, has spent so much money paying private schoolers’ tuition that it’s now facing hundreds of millions in budget cuts to critical state programs and projects.
Building emergency housing to meet the unique needs of older adults
A silver tsunami of older adults experiencing homelessness is starting to crash across the U.S. Here’s how one state is trying to soften the blow.
A tale of two states: Arizona and Florida diverge on how to expand kids’ health insurance
Both Florida and Arizona want to expand eligibility for the Children’s Health Insurance Program, known as CHIP, but their approaches to charging low-income families premiums for the coverage showcase the nation’s ideological divide on helping the disadvantaged.
Other 'zombie' state laws, like Arizona's, on abortion, LGBTQ+ issues and more could resurface
COMMENTARY | It might seem unnecessary for a state legislature to repeal a law that is not enforced or has been superseded by a more recent law, but the recent Arizona abortion ban shows the consequences of assuming that old laws will always remain dormant.
How one state pushes cybersecurity to local agencies
Arizona’s whole-of-state cybersecurity program gives local governments free access to cloud-based cybersecurity tools—an approach that extends security and helps build a problem-solving community.
There's a Deal to Conserve the Colorado River, Now Comes the Hard Part
After two decades of an ongoing “mega drought” in the West, there are a variety of water conservation efforts to choose from. But one idea in California sticks out.
A Fight Over How Tax Hikes are Passed at the Ballot Box
A proposal before Arizona voters would change the threshold for approving tax initiatives from a simple majority to 60%. Is it a check on outside groups funding tax-and-spend measures? Or a hit to citizens' power to approve new funding for their priorities?
Republican Election Deniers Rack Up State Level Primary Wins
Former President Trump's clout in state elections was on display this week. In Arizona, his picks for governor and five seats in the legislature won their primaries. In Michigan, five of 10 Trump-endorsed legislative candidates on the ballot prevailed.
The Rise of the Trump Agenda in This Year's Governors Races
Republicans in a number of key gubernatorial contests want to pursue priorities in state government aligned with the former president's platform. Will the strategy work to win over voters?
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Arizona’s Statehouse Lifted Covid Precautions. Two Lawmakers Worry About What It Means for Their Family.
They’re navigating decisions familiar to many parents with children too young to be vaccinated, worrying about risk as guidance on how to deal with the pandemic changes.
Best Places for Winter Outdoor Activities
A new list from Outside magazine recommends some of the nation’s top spots for a winter vacation.
Western States Prepare for Battle in Historic Wildfire Season
States are poised to spend hundreds of millions, even billions, in state funding while U.S. senators urged the Biden administration to provide additional relief money quickly.
Relaxed Rules Attract Entrepreneurs to State 'Sandboxes'
‘We’re really concerned about predatory lending to low-income families.’
Supreme Court Weighs Voting Rights in a Pivotal Arizona Case
COMMENTARY | But the court’s ruling will have national consequences.
Analysis: All 50 States Experience Historic Personal Income Growth in 2020
The rise in personal incomes nationwide is the biggest in 20 years, and because of the pandemic, can largely be attributed to unprecedented government assistance, according to a Pew report.
Longer, More Frequent Droughts Hit Western US
COMMENTARY | Periods of drought in the western United States have become longer over the past 50 years, according to a new study.
Growing Number of Cities Weigh Tribal ‘Land Acknowledgements’
In Arizona and other states, some local governments are formally recognizing Native American connections to lands.
After Mob Attack on U.S. Capitol, State Governments Take Precautions
Washington's governor announced plans for a heavy law enforcement presence at the state Capitol next week. Other states have taken extra security measures as well.
SolarWinds Hack Also Hit States and Local Governments, Reports Say
STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Experts worry local news could spread anti-vax conspiracies … Minnesota officials want to keep up fence around state capitol .... Massachusetts town sets out empty chairs as Covid memorial.
