Important News for Arizona

Stalling outward growth

2008-12-08T14:25:00.000-08:00

The housing woes in Arizona have stalled the outward growth of Phoenix metro, as the fringe areas are getting hit the heaviest:

"9 housing projects on hold in Queen Creek"
Amanda Keim, Tribune

At least nine housing developments in Queen Creek have stalled since the beginning of 2008, and those are only the difficulties the town knows about as a result of the past year's recession.

"As you might expect, there's a lot of projects that are on hold right now," said Tom Condit, Queen Creek's community development director. "We're sort of waiting this out like a lot of municipalities. Developers don't have to tell the town they're halting construction, Condit said, but the town does get indications when permits lapse or when properties change ownership.

The first sign of the building slowdown in Queen Creek was when TOUSA, the parent company of Engle Homes, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in January. Shortly afterward, signs of work stopped on the 113 homes the builder had intended to construct in phase three of the Sossaman Estates subdivision.

Read Full Article East Valley Tribune

Posted by Criminal Lawyer Phoenix Arizona

Bailout to Phoenix

2008-11-17T08:59:00.000-08:00

Phoenix is asking for some of that federal bailout money. AZ Central has the story:

"Gordon, big city mayors seek share of bailout"
by Casey Newton, The Arizona Republic

With revenues continuing to decline, Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon joined other big-city mayors Friday in asking the federal government for a piece of the $700 billion financial bailout.

Joined by the mayors of Philadelphia and Atlanta, Gordon urged Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson to set aside more than $50 billion to cover unfunded pension costs, pay for infrastructure projects and enable cities to get short-term loans.

Phoenix officials said the government should invest in capital projects as a direct means of stimulating the economy.

Read Full Article AZ Central

Posted by Phoenix Personal Injury Lawyer

Shifting Political Outlook??

2008-10-30T10:15:00.000-07:00

Could Arizona's Congressional balance go Democratic? AZ Central has an interesting article:

"Dems hope to tip scales, upset Shadegg"
by Michael Clancy - Oct. 29, 2008, The Arizona Republic

Seeing a chance for an unexpected victory for attorney Bob Lord in Congressional District 3, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has spent close to $2 million on TV ads criticizing the incumbent, Republican John Shadegg. It is among the races in which the party has spent the most money.

The DCCC spending has kept the Lord campaign within shouting distance of the seven-term congressman's lead in the polls, and now that Democrat Barack Obama has closed Republican John McCain's lead in statewide polling, Democrats are even more hopeful.

But Lord, a political newcomer, continues to trail in polls.

Read Full Article AZ Central

Posted by Phoenix Product Liability Attorney

ASU Students

2008-10-28T09:50:00.000-07:00

Watch out if you're an ASU student. To save money, the university if planning to cut numerous employees, and maintain student body numbers. Think of being in a class of 1,000 students. AZ Central has the latest:

"ASU making major changes in order to save cash"
by Anne Ryman and Lesley Wright - Oct. 28, 2008, The Arizona Republic

Arizona State University is preparing to lay off 200 or more faculty associates and dramatically boost some class sizes beginning this spring as it braces for more state budget cuts.

Some lecture-style classes could jump from about 300 to 1,000 students.

The cuts come as ASU officials anticipate $25 million or more in state budget cuts. That's on top of the $30 million in cuts the university already has made. State revenues are down again this year because of a sluggish economy.

Read Full Article AZ Central

Posted by Phoenix Bicycle Accident Lawyer

McCain's Run

2008-10-22T14:07:00.000-07:00

It has been a tough week for McCain in the polls, as Obama seems points ahead. As communication is changing, polling probably will have to as well. Some think McCain's lead in Arizona is even diminishing. East Valley Tribune has the article:

"Pollster: McCain's hold on Arizona shrinking"
Mary K. Reinhart, Tribune

Bob Turner's daughters disagree with him, but the retired Air Force master sergeant and lifelong Republican stepped up Tuesday to proclaim his support for Democrat Barack Obama.

Jill Corbet Bergen said her father, former GOP state Senate President Leo Corbet, understood her decision to come out publicly for Obama, though Corbet remains in Arizona Sen. John McCain's camp.

While picking up a handful of Republicans in McCain's home state may not seem like much, longtime pollster Bruce Merrill expects to see real changes when his surveyors start making calls later this week.

Read Full Article East Valley Tribune

Posted by Phoenix Injury and Accident Lawyers

Washington Street Renaissance??

2008-10-20T09:32:00.000-07:00

The City of Phoenix hopes the light rail can do a major revitalization for Washington Street. Could this really happen? AZ Central has a detailed story:

"Light rail may revive Washington Street corridor"
by Chad Graham - Oct. 20, 2008, The Arizona Republic

When it comes to Washington Street, think of Metro light rail as a ribbon that could tie together economic opportunities.

The roughly 8-mile stretch from downtown Phoenix to Tempe was neglected for decades, but it could become a dynamic corridor that better links Arizona State University's campuses, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and GateWay Community College, as well as biotech and green-energy companies.

It would put tourists in easier reach of the Phoenix Zoo, the Desert Botanical Garden and Phoenix Municipal Stadium.

Read Full Article AZ Central

Posted by Negligence Attorneys Phoenix Arizona

Flagstaff Helicopter Rescue

2008-10-17T11:05:00.000-07:00

The AZ DPS has cut late night rescue flights based out of Flagstaff to save money. There will still be some service coming from Phoenix. I guess just be careful hiking or camping up north. AZ Daily Sun has the story:

"DPS copter service cut"
By LARRY HENDRICKS, Assistant City Editor, Friday, October 17, 2008

In a cost-saving move, officials with the Arizona Department of Public Safety have decided to ground helicopter rescue missions out of Flagstaff between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.

The change will reduce flight operations by about 350 hours a year and save $52,000. And even though helicopters will continue to respond from Phoenix to some emergencies in northern Arizona during the evening hours, local law enforcement officials are worried the delay will affect search and rescue efforts.

In a letter addressed to police chiefs and sheriffs in and around Flagstaff, Kingman and Tucson, DPS Director Roger Vanderpool stated that beginning Saturday, the helicopters stationed in those areas will be grounded between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Read Full Article Arizona Daily Sun

Posted by Personal Injury Lawyer Phoenix Arizona

Developers Not Very Interested in State Land

2008-10-14T10:09:00.000-07:00

The past couple years have seen a lack of interest from developers in buying up state land on the fringes. The housing slowdown has seemingly put a great halt in the outward growth of Phoenix Metro. Scottsdale is one such city with land for auction on its edges, and they're obviously worried about decreased tax revenue. East Valley Tribune has the story:

"Drop in land auctions could affect Scottsdale"
Ari Cohn, Tribune

State Trust Land officials are unlikely to bring many tracts up for auction in 2009, and it could have implications for Scottsdale development and the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.

The State Land Department's Web site lists six auctions targeted for the next year for land in Scottsdale totaling more than 1,800 acres.

That includes 1,700 acres in north Scottsdale the city wants for the preserve. Officials refer to the acreage as "postage stamps" because of the parcels' shape.

Read Full Article East Valley Tribune

Posted by Medical Malpractice Attorney Phoenix Arizona

Gang Violence

2008-10-13T10:28:00.001-07:00

South Phoenix has been suffering from severe gang violence recently. Many have been killed, and there is a lot of fear among residents. AZ Central has the article:

"The gang war in south Phoenix"
by Richard de Uriarte, Special for The Republic - Oct. 12, 2008

It was late 2006. Valley residents breathed a collective sigh of relief after suspects in the "Serial Shooter" and "Baseline Rapist" crimes, two of the most terrifying serial criminal dramas in memory, were in police custody.

The arrests would usher in a period of sharp decline in homicides, at least in most places around the Valley.

But by New Year's Day 2007, a new upsurge in violence would erupt in south Phoenix.

Read Full Article AZ Central

Posted by Phoenix Injury and Criminal Defense Attorney

AZ Bankruptcies Up

2008-10-10T09:38:00.000-07:00

Well, the economy is definitely hitting us beyond just housing troubles. Bankruptcies are affecting all sorts of sectors and individuals. Arizona Star has the story:

"Local, state bankruptcies are surging"
By Jack Gillum, Arizona Daily Star

Bankruptcy filings have soared during the last few months in Southern Arizona, an unsettling reality as consumers and businesses are grappling with a tougher economy and tighter available credit.

Last month alone, 329 Chapter 7 claims were filed in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Tucson, an increase of about 112 percent compared with September 2007.

Statewide, that number increased in September by 120 percent over the same month last year.

Read Full Article Arizona Daily Star

Posted by Phoenix Arizona Lawyer DUI and DWI

Light Rail Speculation

2008-10-09T14:13:00.000-07:00

I know things are difficult now with a dropping stock market and a tough real estate market. So I thought I'd share a story about something positive. The light rail has the potential to transform Central Avenue into a real destination. Business could really boom from all of the this. Here's an interesting Arizona Republic story:

"Businesses hope a new era arrives with rumble of light rail"
by Chad Graham, The Arizona Republic

Light rail is giving Central Avenue a chance to become Phoenix's premier boulevard.

The avenue's 3-mile stretch from just south of McDowell Road to Camelback Road is a jumble of disconnected identities. High-rise office towers back up to historic neighborhoods. A world-renowned art museum sits across the street from a CVS pharmacy.

It is the address for the Heard Museum and Phoenix Public Library's main branch, two of the most architecturally significant buildings in the Valley. Yet there are acres of empty lots, as well, many in decades-old holding patterns as past excitement and blueprints faded.

Read Full Article AZ Central

Banner Hospital

2008-10-09T09:12:00.000-07:00

Sounds like the Banner Heart Hospital in Mesa is planning a big expansion. Despite an economic downturn, I think some industries are still moving forward. The medical sector may be a good place to be right now. East Valley Tribune has the story:

"Banner Heart Hospital plans $30M expansion"
Edward Gately, Tribune

Banner Heart Hospital in east Mesa will undergo a nearly $30 million expansion next year to accommodate increasing demand for its services.

The hospital, next to Banner Baywood Medical Center, is designing a 26,000-square-foot expansion to its third floor. It has four catheterization labs, one electrophysiology lab and four cardiac operating rooms. The hospital will add two operating rooms, one catheterization lab and one electrophysiology lab.

Read Full Article East Valley Tribune

Posted by Phoenix Suspended License Attorney

Cityscape Project

2008-10-08T15:36:00.000-07:00

I'm sure y'all are aware of the Cityscape Project going on at former Patriots' Park in downtown Phoenix. Well, the massive changes in bank ownership (such as Wachovia) and lenders could have an impact. The developers now say everything is still moving forward. AZ Central has the story:

"Ripple effect for CityScape"
by Jahna Berry - Oct. 8, 2008, The Arizona Republic

Wachovia Corp.'s dueling suitors could have an impact on a $900 million downtown Phoenix development.

The bank was in talks with Citigroup, which agreed to acquire Wachovia in a deal valued at more than $2 billion. Wells Fargo & Co. swooped in and announced a more lucrative, $15 billion merger agreement with Wachovia.

That fight could have a ripple effect on the three-block CityScape project rising in downtown Phoenix.

Read Full Article AZ Central

Posted by Phoenix Dog Bite Attorney

AZ Banks

2008-10-08T10:29:00.000-07:00

Major Arizona banks are reducing their lending interest rate in response to the national/world economic situation. Apparently the next couple years, we will be seeing slow economic growth everywhere. Phoenix Business Journal has the story:

"Arizona banks drop prime rates following Fed action"

Some of Arizona’s largest banks are among the first to announce cuts in their prime lending rate following action by the Federal Reserve and European central bankers coordinating discount rate cuts.

Wells Fargo Bank, Bank of America and Wachovia Bank are among those dropping their prime rates to 4.5 percent from 5 percent Wednesday.

Read Full Article Phoenix Business Journal

Posted by Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer

Downtown PHX Rising

2008-10-07T15:30:00.000-07:00

Everybody knows downtown has been improving a lot in the past few years. They are finally starting to open some interesting things, and more people have reason to go there after 5:00 p.m. AZ Central has a really interesting story about the Clarendon Hotel's fight with the city to re-open its rooftop. Apparently the view of Central PHX is amazing. Check it out if you can:

"Detective work at Clarendon pays off"
by Richard Ruelas, The Arizona Republic

One of the best places to view Phoenix was shut down by the city for five months. But thanks to some dogged detective work into the history of his Clarendon Hotel and Suites, Ben Bethel was able to reopen his rooftop lounge.

"I've heard people say, 'Wow, Phoenix looks like a real city from up here,' " Bethel said, touring the Top of the C lounge on top of his four-story boutique hotel. It offers a panoramic view of the city.

While it's an amenity for his guests, Bethel hopes the view also helps locals see Phoenix in a different perspective.

Read Full Article AZ Central

Posted by Phoenix Negligence Attorneys

Chandler Commercial Realty

2008-10-07T09:12:00.000-07:00

Apparently the East Valley, specifically Chandler, is doing fairly well for office real estate. In tough economic times, it's nice to see when someone bucks the trend. East Valley Tribune has the story:

"Chandler a bright spot in office real estate"
Edward Gately, Tribune

Chandler's office market this year has outperformed all other submarkets across the Valley, according to CB Richard Ellis' third-quarter analysis of office, industrial and retail real estate.

"I just continue to be surprised at how well the south East Valley (office market) has performed compared to the rest of the market during this slow time," said Jerry Noble, first vice president at the real estate services company. "And Chandler is the strongest market Phoenix has right now, and it's due to smart product being built along the freeways that offer tenants what they need today."

Read Full Article East Valley Tribune

Posted by Phoenix DUI and Criminal Defense Attorney

Flagstaff Budget Woes

2008-10-06T16:08:00.000-07:00

From everything I have been hearing, many of the local governments in the state are facing budget problems because of the weakening economy. Flagstaff is no exception, and the city is trying to figure out ways to make up for the shortages. AZ Daily Sun has the article:

"Tough choices for Flagstaff: City faces $2M shortfall"
By J. FERGUSON, Sun Staff Reporter
Sunday, October 05, 2008

Three months into the city's fiscal year, Flagstaff City Manager Kevin Burke is now projecting a $2 million budget shortfall.

The news came Thursday in a "Dear colleagues" e-mail to about two dozen upper-level city employees. He cited declining city tax revenues along with projected cuts in state aid.

In the e-mail, Burke ordered an immediate cut of 5 percent in travel, supplies, advertising and equipment in order to save between $500,000 and $700,000.

Read Full Article AZ Daily Sun

Posted by Phoenix Family Law Attorney

Business

2008-10-06T09:56:00.000-07:00

AZ doesn't have the greatest ranking for friendliness to business because of high sales taxes. Hopefully this does not keep us from recovering quickly from this economic downturn. Sales tax revenue for the state has actually been shrinking lately anyway, in response to Americans cutting back on spending anyway.

"High sales taxes hurt Arizona's lure to business"
by Betty Beard, The Arizona Republic

Arizona's tax structure puts it in the middle of the states for being friendly to businesses, but its ranking was dragged down by sales taxes considered too high and exclusionary, according to a Tax Foundation report released today.

Overall, the state ranked 24th in the Washington, D.C.-based foundation's 2009 State Business Tax Climate Index, a drop from 22nd in the 2008 index.

The state got high marks for having relatively low property-tax and unemployment-insurance rates, said Joshua Barro, a staff economist. Arizonans, for example, pay an average of $993 in property taxes compared with a national average of $1,313.

Read Full Article Arizona Republic

Posted by Phoenix Premise Liability Lawyer

Weather change

2008-10-02T09:54:00.000-07:00

Finally it looks like we'll be cooling down this coming weekend in the state. Much cooler temperatures are expected for all of us, and Phoenix Metro can finally stop the 100+ temps. We might even receive some rain. AZ Central has the latest:

"Weekend Forecast: Strong storm on the way"
by Meghan Walsh and Sarah Walters, The Arizona Republic and 12 News Weather Plus Meteorologist

Cooler temperatures are almost here and even the possibility of snow in the upper elevations.

Thursday is expected to reach 100 degrees, but meteorologists are hopeful it will be the last triple -igit day.

Temperatures will start to drop to the mid to low 90s going into the weekend with breezy conditions. There is a slight chance of showers in the upper desert areas for Saturday and Sunday, according to The National Weather Service.

Read Full Article AZ Central

Posted by Phoenix SUV Rollover Accident Lawyer

Can the Light Rail Revitalize Neighborhoods??

2008-10-01T12:18:00.001-07:00

AZ Central has a very detailed story about the light rail possibly renewing an area of Phoenix that has declined for decades. However there are signs of life; let's hope it really works!

"Christown area sees light at the end of the rail line"
by Chad Graham - Oct. 1, 2008 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic

Christown area residents who live along the northern end of the 20-mile Metro light-rail line hope prosperity will roll into their neighborhood along with the new trains.

The blocks of ranch-style homes, built mostly in the 1950s, that lie just west of Christown Spectrum Mall have been through good times and bad.

Originally a middle-class enclave, and known as the Simpson Neighborhood, the area began to languish in the 1970s as newer malls and suburban developments drew people farther from the city. Home values dropped, and crime grew worse.

Read Full Article AZ Central

Posted by Phoenix Arizona Bankruptcy Attorney

Development continues

2008-09-30T11:53:00.000-07:00

Despite a massive downturn on housing, especially in the suburban fringes of Phoenix Metro, the central areas continue to progress. East Valley Tribune has 2 very interesting articles. First remember that Big Sheraton they've been working on in downtown. Well that's open and ready to host some pretty big events. Secondly there is potential for a massive facelift in Tempe at the intersection of Rural and Southern. Here they are:

"Largest hotel in state opens today"

Donna Hogan, Tribune

Just a block from the nearly completed super-sized Phoenix Convention Center, the 1,000-room Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Hotel made its grand debut today.

It came at a time when the economy and the travel industry are sinking.

But East Valley tourism leaders are cheering, not jeering, the new competition.

“We’ve been supportive of the Convention Center complex, and the Convention Center couldn’t be successful without the hotel,” said Robert Brinton, executive director of the Mesa Convention & Visitors Bureau. “This will allow for much bigger conventions.”

Read Full Article East Valley Tribune

Posted by Phoenix Personal Injury Lawyers

"Big retail plans for key Tempe intersection"

David Woodfill, Tribune

Big plans are afoot for a major corner in Tempe that’s become a near-dead zone for commercial activity in recent months.

The northwest corner of Rural Road and Southern Avenue was supposed to be buzzing with construction work by now. However, plans to convert an old Mervyns department store building into a Wal-Mart Supercenter were delayed after the giant retailer decided to use the facilities as a temporary staging ground for its newest grocery store concept — Marketside — which the company plans to unveil to the public on Oct. 4.

Read Full Article East Valley Tribune

Posted by Phoenix Arizona Criminal Defense Lawyer

ASU developments

2008-09-29T09:59:00.000-07:00

The economy is tough right now, but ASU continues to seek to expand in the state. If anyone has seen downtown Phoenix lately, you know that ASU is making quite a presence there. Hopefully the University can continue to expand and create jobs here. A new dean has been appointed to the bio-engineering school with some ambitious ideas. Phoenix Business Journal has the story:

"ASU taps William Ditto as dean of bioengineering school"

Phoenix Business Journal - by Angela Gonzales

Arizona State University is bringing in a new chairman for its bioengineering school from Florida.

William Ditto comes to ASU from the University of Florida, where he is the founding chairman of the J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering. He also is the J. Crayton Pruitt Family Eminent Scholar Endowed Chair.

Read Full Article Phoenix Business Journal

Posted by Phoenix Large Truck Accident Lawyer

Economic Development and Culture

2008-09-26T09:06:00.000-07:00

We have two articles today, both from AZCentral. First, the state has approved the construction of a massive solar plant in Gila Bend. Maybe this can generate new jobs and innovation for our state, which is struggling so much financially.

The second article is all about culture. Anyone who drives the 202 near the airport I am sure is used to seeing that random little castle on the hill with all the cactus. The City is apparently restoring it as a historic icon.

"OK given for solar plant near Gila Bend"

by Dawn Gilbertson, The Arizona Republic

State utility regulators on Wednesday gave Arizona Public Service Co. the go-ahead to proceed with plans for a huge new solar-energy plant near Gila Bend.

The Arizona Corporation Commission said the Solana Generating Station will add diversity to APS' mix of energy sources and, importantly, help it meet its renewable-energy resource requirements.

The 280-megawatt Solana Generation Station will be able to power 70,000 Arizona homes at its peak output and would be the largest solar plant in the world if it opened today.

Read Full Article AZ Central

Posted by Phoenix Pedestrian Accident Lawyers

"Tovrea Castle reveals long-hidden treasures"

by Kelly McGrath, Cronkite News Service

Behind the thick cactus gardens and wedding-cake exterior, crews preparing Tovrea Castle for tours this February are discovering treasures that bring to life a site shrouded in mystery for most of its 80 years.

The wine cellar, made from a vault hauled over from First Bank of Arizona, has no latches because the castle's second owner, Della Tovrea, had a premonition that she would be locked inside.

Read Full Article AZ Central

Posted by Arizona DUI Defense Lawyer

Tuition going up

2008-09-25T09:19:00.000-07:00

Well, once again the AZ Board of Regents plans to raise tuition in AZ's public universities. No big surprise there as the past years have seen nothing but increases. In the AZ Constitution, it actually says something to the effect of tuition being nearly free as possible...but I guess that did not prove feasible. I wonder with shrinking lenders and government financial aid, if many students will be pushed out of college? East Valley Tribune has the latest:

"State university students face big tuition hike"

The Associated Press

TUCSON - University of Arizona officials are telling students to brace themselves for higher tuition rates.

When the Arizona Board of Regents meets Thursday in Flagstaff, they will consider raising tuition at UA, Northern Arizona University and Arizona State University by as much as 13 percent.

In-state students at UA would pay between $170 and $726 more for yearly tuition and fees next year depending on which of three proposals is adopted. Tuition increases at ASU and NAU would be similar.

Read Full Article East Valley Tribune

Posted by Phoenix Medical Malpractice Lawyers

Solar rising

2008-09-24T10:23:00.000-07:00

Looks like Congress finally did something to help boost alternative energy sources, specifically solar. Solar has a chance to really become the future of energy in the Southwest, including Arizona. It's a free resource, and we have a lot of it here. Good luck to those solar companies in the state; hopefully they can jump start our economy. AZ Central has an interesting article:

Solar industry clears hurdle with tax credit

by Ginger D. Richardson and Andrew Johnson - Sept. 24, 2008 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic

Arizona's fledgling solar industry got a big boost Tuesday after the Senate broke a months-long logjam and passed a $17 billion energy-tax package that will make it easier for businesses and residents to take advantage of the sun's power.

If approved by the House, the bill would extend for eight years a soon-to-expire subsidy that provides any business that installs or builds a solar-energy system a 30 percent rebate of the cost in the form of a tax credit.

It would also provide a one- to two-year extension of certain tax credits for wind, refined coal and other forms of renewable-energy investments.

Read Full Article AZ Central

Posted by Phoenix Injury Lawyer, Arizona Attorneys

Economic trouble hitting AZ

2008-09-23T09:43:00.000-07:00

Looks like we're not just suffering from housing troubles in AZ. This whole Wall Street meltdown is having a direct affect. Check out this AZ Central article:

"Lehman Bros. investment could cost Tempe taxpayers $1.5 million"
by Dianna M. Náñez and Edythe Jensen - Sept. 22, 2008 06:03 PM
The Arizona Republic

The city of Tempe has become a casualty of the national economic crisis, standing to lose between $730,000 and $1.5 million in investments following the fall of financial giant Lehman Brothers last week.

Tempe is among the 138 local governments,school districts, non-profits, utilities and other entities that invest in the state Treasurer's Local Government Investment Pool 5, which holds nearly $40 million in unsecured Lehman bonds.

Read Full Article AZ Central

Posted by Phoenix Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys

Arizona in the election

2008-09-22T10:44:00.000-07:00

The experts are thinking AZ might have lots of early voting in the November election. Though we may be written off in the political analysis, because of the predictions of being a "red-state", it's still great if we can have a lot of turnout. AZ has 10 electoral votes, and excluding the West Coast, that does give us a little bit of weight. I am very interested to see how many more electoral votes we will receive when they calculate how much our population increased. Check out this AZFamily article:

"Early voting expected to be heavy in Arizona"

Staff and wire reports

STATEWIDE -- At least half of Arizona voters are expected to vote via early ballot in the upcoming presidential election.

Early voting is available in all of the state's 15 counties.

Read Full Article AZ Family

Posted by Phoenix Injury and Accident Lawyer

Development Struggles

2008-09-18T09:44:00.002-07:00

Not only is a tough economy and lending troubles hurting development in the Valley. Legal Battles and competing interests have largely put a major Scottsdale project on hold for years. East Valley Tribune has the latest:

"City, developer spar over Main Street Plaza"
Brian Powell, Tribune

What was once a grand plan to create an urban oasis of condos, cultural amenities, plazas, shops and restaurants is now more associated with vacant land and legal threats.

Scottsdale and the Main Street Plaza developer for the past five months have been exchanging legal letters laying out positions over whether the developer still has a right to acquire and build on the city-owned land, including purchasing land the city wants to keep for the Museum of the West.

Read Full Article East Valley Tribune

Posted by Phoenix Wrongful Death Lawyer

Other news blogs

2008-09-18T09:44:00.001-07:00

We've got more news blogs to see:

AZ Legal Considerations

AZ Immigration News

Mexico News

National and World Considerations

Thanks!!

Light Rail coming

2008-09-18T09:44:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that it's almost here. The light rail should be running in a few months. It's a real step into getting Phoenix an effective mass transit system. Hopefully we are able to expand the lines within Phoenix, and also to include the outlying cities. AZcentral has the latest:

"100 days until light rail, officials announce"
by Casey Newton
The Arizona Republic

Twenty-nine hundred days down. One hundred to go.

Valley leaders gathered in central Phoenix on Wednesday morning to mark a milestone in the construction of the regional $1.2 billion, 20-mile light rail system. Just 100days remain until Dec. 27, when the system will open with a weekend of free rides for the public.

Read Full Article AZ Central

Posted by Phoenix Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

Quality education AZ kids

2008-09-17T11:02:00.000-07:00

Good job to all the East Valley schools who are performing the best in the state with science education. Let's make Arizona competitive nationally!

"E.V. science education among best in state"
East Valley Tribune

East Valley schools are teaching science better than many schools in Arizona, according to the science AIMS test results released today by the state Department of Education.

Statewide about 50 percent of students in fourth and eighth grades passed and about 38 percent of the high school students passed Arizona's first science AIMS test.

In Gilbert, Scottsdale, Kyrene and Chandler school districts, more than 60 percent of the fourth- and eighth-graders passed. East Valley high school students were well above the state average, with passing rates above 47 percent in Queen Creek, Higley, Mesa, Gilbert, Scottsdale and Chandler districts.

Read Full Article East Valley Tribune

Posted by Phoenix Personal Injury Lawyers

Solar Power!!

2008-09-15T12:52:00.000-07:00

Can we turn our economy around in Arizona by investing in alternative energy sources. We all know that AZ is obviously rich in solar radiation. This article may be some indication:

"Solar-panel plant to open in Tucson"
by Cathryn Creno - Sept. 14, 2008 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic

A Tucson subsidiary of a German solar manufacturing company says it will open a 105,000-square-foot factory in the southern Arizona city next month and create 200 green-collar jobs in Arizona by the end of 2009.

Solon Corp. , a subsidiary of Solon AG in Berlin, said it will manufacture individual photovoltaic solar modules that go on the roofs of buildings as well as larger systems the company says can operate as self-sufficient solar-energy power plants.

"We have been very low-profile," said Neil Shea, director of business development and marketing for Solon Corp."Not a lot of people know about us yet. But this business is very growth-oriented. There are going to be a lot of good jobs in it in the future."

Read Full Article Arizona Republic

Posted by Phoenix Construction Site Accident Lawyer

"Leaders say transportation jobs key to growth"

2008-09-11T16:21:00.000-07:00

AP article in the East ValleyTribune

The Associated Press
It's been projected the Phoenix area could be home to 6 million people by 2050, so the key to managing the future of the Phoenix area is to invest billions in transportation and create more jobs closer to where people live, a group of real estate and government leaders say.

Investing $25 billion in transportation was among the key findings at the Urban Land Institute and Valley Partnership conference in Phoenix Tuesday.

Read Full Article East Valley Tribune

Posted by Phoenix Arizona DUI Attorneys

"County islanders may get water, sewer"

2008-09-09T12:17:00.000-07:00

by Gary Nelson - Sept. 9, 2008 11:11 AM
The Arizona Republic

People living in county islands should be able to buy water and sewer services from Mesa even if they can't annex into the city, a council committee decided Monday.

The decision by the City Council's transportation and infrastructure committee isn't final. It must be approved by the full council.

Read Full Article AZ Central

Posted by Phoenix Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys

"ASU journalism school gets transformed"

2008-09-05T11:40:00.000-07:00

By East Valley Tribune
updated 5:15 p.m. MT, Mon., Sept. 1, 2008

Mesa, Arizona - For years, the only thing high-profile about ASU's School of Journalism and Mass Communication was its namesake: Walter Cronkite. No longer.

Many of Arizona State University's academic programs have undergone transformations in the six years since Michael Crow became president. But arguably, none has been as radical as that of the journalism school.

Read Full Article MSNBC News

Posted by Phoenix Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys

"Jury selection begins in Phoenix shooting spree"

2008-09-04T11:46:00.000-07:00

By AMANDA LEE MYERS, Associated Press Writer
Wed Sep 3, 5:38 PM ET

PHOENIX - Jury selection began Wednesday in the murder trial of a man who is accused along with two accomplices of terrorizing the Phoenix area with a series of shootings that preyed on people, dogs and horses as he fired from his Toyota Camry.

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Posted by Phoenix Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys

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2008-09-04T11:38:00.000-07:00

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Posted by Phoenix Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys