Arizona News

Credit Suisse sued over resorts, $24 billion sought

2010-01-05T09:37:00.000-08:00

The lawsuit filed on Sunday in federal court in Boise, Idaho, seeks $24 billion of damages against Credit Suisse and commercial real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield Inc, and class-action status for more than 3,000 investors who bought land or homes.

The alleged losses relate to Yellowstone Club, a Montana ski resort whose members have included Microsoft Corp Chairman Bill Gates, as well as to Lake Las Vegas resort in southern Nevada, the Tamarack resort in central Idaho and Ginn sur Mer on Grand Bahama Island in the Bahamas.

Lake Las Vegas and Tamarack have also been the subject of bankruptcy proceedings, court records show. The four resorts are among many high-end properties that have struggled with falling real estate values and the credit crisis.

Read Article: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6031X920100104> Reuters

Posted By: Phoenix DUI Attorney

4 U.S. House members call for investigation into Arpaio

2009-02-13T16:22:00.000-08:00

4 U.S. House members call for investigation into Arpaio

Four Democratic U.S. House members are calling for the new attorney general and Homeland Security secretary to investigate allegations of racial profiling against Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio.

“Sheriff Arpaio has repeatedly demonstrated disregard for the rights of Hispanics in the Phoenix metropolitan area,” said a press release issued by U.S. Rep. John Conyers Jr., chairman of the U.S. House Judiciary Committee, and three other lawmakers. “Under the guise of immigration enforcement, his staff has conducted raids in residential neighborhoods in a manner condemned by the community as racial profiling.

“Racial profiling and segregation are simply not acceptable,” Conyers, from Michigan, is quoted as saying in the release. “Media stunts and braggadocio are no substitute for fair and effective law enforcement.”

Read Articel: AZ Central

Posted by: Phoenix Arizona Personal Injury Attorneys and Lawyers

Low temps, wet weekend moving in

2009-02-06T07:56:00.000-08:00

Low temps, wet weekend moving in

Valley residents ready to welcome spring weather shouldn't put away those jackets and sweaters just yet.

After an unusually warm week, much lower temperatures - some near freezing - and rain or snow are moving in, according to the National Weather Service in Phoenix.

Two storms are bearing down on the Valley, and the first could bring nearly an inch of rain late today. Forecasts call for a dry start to Saturday, but the afternoon and evening could bring rain and possible thunderstorms.

Read Article: AZ Central

Posted by: Phoenix Auto Accident Lawyers

Crash puts focus on school-bus driver

2009-01-30T08:28:00.000-08:00

Crash puts focus on school-bus driver

The school-bus driver who wrecked his yellow 2002 Bluebird into a dozen vehicles on his afternoon route provided a confusing account of how he passed out and lost control, police said Thursday.

Alfonso Saavedra, 46, said he lost consciousness after the first of 13 collisions on 67th Avenue as he carried a busload of Western Valley Middle School students to their west Phoenix homes.

But Phoenix detectives, who are still awaiting Saavedra's blood-test results, were skeptical about the driver's take on the half-mile series of collisions between McDowell Road and Van Buren Street.

Read Article: AZ Central

Posted by: Phoenix Construction Site Accident Lawyer

Ariz. House panel OKs ban on speed cams

2009-01-23T08:14:00.000-08:00

Ariz. House panel OKs ban on speed cams

An effort to ban photo speed enforcement on Arizona highways advanced Thursday when lawmakers passed a bill out of committee.

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee voted 5-2 to recommend approval of House Bill 2106, which would force the removal of the cameras now installed on Interstate 10, Loop 101 and other highways.

"This was done in the name of revenue," said Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Gilbert, who voted for the ban. "It is a speed tax, and it is being done to fund social programs."

Read Article: AZ Central

Posted by: Phoenix Wrongful Death Lawyer

Sky Harbor drops to 9th busiest airport in U.S.

2009-01-22T16:23:00.000-08:00

Sky Harbor drops to 9th busiest airport in U.S.

As millions of passengers cut their travel budgets, Sky Harbor slipped down the FAA's ranking of busy U.S. airports.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport was the ninth busiest airport in 2008. In 2007, it was the eighth busiest.

Charlotte Douglas Airport, in Charlotte, N.C. is now No. 8.

Read Article: AZ Central

POsted by: Phoenix Auto Accident Lawyers

Governor says Arizona could get $1 billion from feds

2009-01-15T07:24:00.000-08:00

Governor says Arizona could get $1 billion from feds

Arizona could receive "upwards and over" $1 billion from the federal government as part of an economic stimulus package being shaped by President-elect Barack Obama and members of Congress, Gov. Janet Napolitano told The Arizona Republic on Thursday.

Napolitano cautioned that the figure remains a "moving target" because talks regarding the plan are continuing.

But the money would be a significant help to a state government facing an immediate shortfall as large as $1.6 billion. For fiscal 2010, which will begin July 1, the projected shortfall ranges from an additional $2 billion to $3 billion. The stimulus funding would probably be split between this year and next.

Read Article: AZ Central

Posted by: Phoenix Construction Site Accident Lawyer

Ariz. firefighters accused of starting blazes

2009-01-14T07:46:00.000-08:00

Ariz. firefighters accused of starting blazes

Four volunteer firefighters of the Ehrenberg Fire District were arrested Monday in connection with at least 15 arson-caused fires in the unincorporated area near Blythe, Calif., according to the La Paz County Sheriff's Office.

Authorities believe the suspects, between 19 and 23 years old, sparked the fires to make money. Ehrenberg firefighters are paid for each call they fight.

“To increase the call level, they set their own fires,” Lieutenant Glenn Gilbert of the sheriff's office said. “They were the ones that responded to put them out.”

Read Article: AZ Central

POsted by: Phoenix Arizona Personal Injury Attorneys and Lawyers

Salmonella outbreak sickens 8 in Arizona

2009-01-09T08:22:00.000-08:00

Salmonella outbreak sickens 8 in Arizona

A new multistate salmonella outbreak has sickened eight Arizonans since October, prompting state and federal health officials to urge caution when handling uncooked foods and vegetables.

Nationwide, nearly 400 people in 42 states have fallen ill from the same strain of bacteria, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not know what's causing it.

"It's an ongoing investigation," Lola Russell, a spokeswoman for the agency, said Thursday.

Read Article: AZ Central

Posted by: Phoenix Wrongful Death Lawyer

Next digital-TV signal test today

2009-01-07T16:51:00.000-08:00

Next digital-TV signal test today
Arizona television stations are running a third test to let viewers know if they'll be ready for digital TV.

Between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., Valley TV stations will temporarily stop broadcasting their analog signals. The tests are staggered throughout the time period.

Read Article: AZ Central

Posted by: Phoenix Arizona Personal Injury Attorneys and Lawyers

Task force busts 179 for DUI on New Year's Eve

2009-01-02T09:42:00.000-08:00

Task force busts 179 for DUI on New Year's Eve

PHOENIX - A statewide law enforcement task force made 179 drunken driving arrests on New Years Eve.

The Governor's Office of Highway Safety says more than 250 officers on the Holiday DUI task force made more than 2,200 traffic stops on Wednesday. Of the 179 DUI arrests, 14 were for aggravated DUI and 57 for extreme DUI. Twenty-six people were cited for DUI-Drugs.

Officers also issued more than 1,100 citations for violations ranging from speeding to seat belt and child restraint violations

Read Article: AZ Central

Posted by: Phoenix Auto Accident Lawyers

License-plate frame crackdown begins

2009-01-02T09:33:00.000-08:00

License-plate frame crackdown begins

Motorists should check their license plates tonight to make sure they don't ring in the New Year with a ticket.

Starting Thursday, it is illegal for a car's license-plate frame to obscure the word 'Arizona.'

Motorists may be pulled over if 'Arizona' isn't visible on their plate, and fines will average $135 plus court fees, depending on the city where the violation is discovered.

The Legislature passed the law in 2006, but delayed implementation until this year.

No one can say how many of the state's 6.7 million registered vehicles might be affected. To judge from the number of bulky plate frames spotted on Valley roadways this week, many motorists still haven't gotten the message.

Read Article: AZ Central

Posted by: Phoenix Arizona Personal Injury Attorneys and Lawyers

U.S. 60 speed cameras will be activated soon

2008-12-30T07:57:00.000-08:00

U.S. 60 speed cameras will be activated soon

Relax, those photo radar cameras flashing on U.S. 60 through Mesa are just getting tested. But the short grace period is expected to end on New Year's Day.

That's when the state Department of Public Safety anticipates the cameras will start generating tickets on U.S. 60 westbound at Gilbert Road, Mesa Drive and Alma School Road.

"No one will receive any notices of violation or anything like that" during the test period, said Lt. Jim Warriner, a DPS spokesman.

Read Article: AZ Central

Posted by: Phoenix Arizona Personal Injury Attorneys and Lawyers

DPS recommends caution for winter driving in Ariz.

2008-12-24T08:17:00.000-08:00

DPS recommends caution for winter driving in Ariz.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety is urging drivers to slow down and exercise caution as they travel home for the holidays.

Icy roads caused at least 55 collisions near Flagstaff when a snowstorm hit Arizona on Dec. 14. This time, DPS hopes drivers will heed their warning and be more prepared for hazardous driving conditions.

Roads in northern and eastern Arizona will be most affected by the winter weather. The storm could dump over a foot of snow in higher elevations, and temperatures near Flagstaff could drop into the low teens at night, according to the National Weather Service.

Some highways across the state were already covered with snow or ice as the storm moved in Tuesday. Snow and ice were reported on U.S. 180 and Arizona 89A near Flagstaff and on U.S. 60 near Show Low.

Planning ahead for winter driving can help travelers drive more safely, DPS spokesman Harold A. Sanders said. Sanders recommended drivers check road conditions and weather information and carry a cell phone and other provisions. Drivers can check road conditions by visiting the Arizona Department of Transportation's website, az511.com.

Read Article: AZ Central

Posted by: Phoenix Arizona Personal Injury Attorneys and Lawyers

DUI task force arrests more than 150 statewide

2008-12-22T16:25:00.000-08:00

DUI task force arrests more than 150 statewide

Members of a holiday task force targeting drunken driving on Saturday arrested more than 150 drivers across the state.

Of the 162 people busted on suspicion of driving under the influence, 13 were classified as aggravated-DUI drivers, 149 were misdemeanor DUIs and 40 were extreme DUIs.

Drivers with a blood-alcohol content level of 0.15 percent or higher are considered extreme-DUI offenders. The average BAC for Saturday was 0.144, reported the Governor's Office of Highway Safety, which coordinates the statewide task force that began Thanksgiving Day and runs through New Year's Eve.

Read Article: AZ Central

Posted by: Phoenix Arizona Personal Injury Attorneys and Lawyers

Despite action, Ariz. credit to remain tight

2008-12-17T08:25:00.000-08:00

Despite action, Ariz. credit to remain tight

The Federal Reserve's latest rate-cutting action won't relax tight credit conditions in Arizona or elsewhere anytime soon.

"If taking rates to 1 percent didn't make a difference, why would taking them to one-quarter percent?" asked Michael Sullivan, director of education at Take Charge America, a debt-counseling firm in Phoenix.

Keith Maio, president and CEO of National Bank of Arizona, said the Fed's actions don't reverse the major deleveraging trend that has made banks wary of offering new loans to heavily indebted consumers and businesses.

Read Article: AZ Central

Posted by: Phoenix Auto Accident Lawyers

Heavy snow hammers state, more rain coming to Valley

2008-12-16T07:23:00.000-08:00

Heavy snow hammers state, more rain coming to Valley

With the start of winter still a few days away, Arizona got a taste of the season's cold weather, as a wet storm blew into the state bringing rain to the Valley and snow to the high country.

A chance of rain is expected through most of this week in the Valley, and parts of northern Maricopa County could see over 3 inches of rain before the storm moves out Thursday, the National Weather Service said. The Arizona Department of Public Safety advised that drivers be careful on snow and icy roadways on various highways in northern Arizona.

Read Article: AZ Central

Posted by: Phoenix Arizona Personal Injury Attorneys and Lawyers

Law targets license-plate frames that obscure 'Arizona'

2008-12-10T07:51:00.000-08:00

Law targets license-plate frames that obscure 'Arizona'

License-plate frames that celebrate your favorite college or sports team become illegal next month if the frame obscures the state's name.

Starting Jan. 1, police can stop you if "Arizona" isn't clearly visible at the top of the plate. Violators will be fined an average of $135, plus court fees, depending on the city where the violation is discovered.

Law-enforcement officials say the law will help officers differentiate between in-state and out-of-state vehicles, a difficult task given the state's profusion of specialty plates. Arizona issues license plates in more than 60 styles, from a plate honoring amateur radio operators to one that promotes wildlife conservation

Read Article: AZ Central

Posted by: Phoenix Arizona Personal Injury Attorneys and Lawyers

More than 300 motorists arrested during DUI sting

2008-12-09T08:05:00.000-08:00

More than 300 motorists arrested during DUI sting

More than 300 motorists were arrested for drunken driving over the weekend as part of the Arizona Department of Public Safety's annual holiday DUI task force.

Officers from a group of local law-enforcement agencies arrested 141 people on suspicion of driving under the influence on Friday, including 39 extreme-DUI drivers, and arrested 184 drivers on Saturday, including 49 for extreme DUI, a charge that can carry a minimum 45-day jail stay if the driver is convicted.

It was the second consecutive weekend that task force agencies fanned out across the state looking for drunken drivers, but the first time East Valley agencies got involved.

Read Article: AZ Central

Posted by: Phoenix Wrongful Death Lawyer

Arizona's Budget: We're No. 1! (At Being the Worst)

2008-12-04T16:25:00.000-08:00

Arizona's Budget: We're No. 1! (At Being the Worst)

Lots of states are facing severe budget problems. But only Arizona can say that its problems are the very worst.

The National Conference of State Legislatures released a survey today indicating that Arizona faces a budget deficit representing 24.2 percent of its general fund, easily outpacing No. 2 New York, which faces mere 20 percent reductions.

Rounding out the field of aneurysm-inducing budgets are California (18 percent), Wisconsin (17.2 percent), Minnesota (14.7 percent) and Kansas (14.5 percent).

"While the data we collected from state legislative fiscal officers are pretty sobering, our discussions with legislative leaders tell us that they expect the problem to only get worse," said William T. Pound, NCSL’s executive director, in a total Debbie Downer of a press release.

The culprit behind the budget deficits is (duh) the national economy, which has now been in recession for more than a year. NCSL reports that sales, personal and corporate income tax revenues are down nationwide. Meanwhile, NCSL says, “consumer confidence plunges, unemployment rates rise and businesses continue to close.” Across the country, states will be forced to cut $97 billion before July 1, NCSL said.

Among things states are doing to close the gap: across-the-board budget cuts, hiring freezes, travel bans and salary freezes. Five states have tapped their rainy-day funds, Arizona among them.

Read Article: AZ Central

Posted by: Phoenix Arizona Personal Injury Attorneys and Lawyers

Speed cameras get boost for big holiday travel day

2008-11-26T08:05:00.000-08:00

Speed cameras get boost for big holiday travel day

If gas prices aren't enough to threaten your wallet during holiday travel, consider a photo speed-enforcement ticket.

Motorists traveling any stretch of Interstate 10 or Interstate 40 across Arizona between 3 and 11 p.m. today will encounter speed-enforcement devices every 20 miles.

The move is part of a nationwide strategy to keep highways safe on a busy travel day, said Roger Vanderpool, director of the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
AAA officials estimate about 41 million Americans will travel 50 or more miles from home this Thanksgiving weekend. About 33.2 million are expected to drive to their destinations.

DPS is using its entire fleet of 42 speed-enforcement vans and about 20 fixed units to cover all of I-10 and I-40 in Arizona.

Units are triggered when a driver is going 10 mph or more past the posted speed limit.

Read Article: AZ Central

Posted by: Phoenix Arizona DUI Attorneys

Arizona's potential governor, Jan Brewer

2008-11-21T09:01:00.000-08:00

Arizona's potential governor, Jan Brewer

Secretary of State Jan Brewer, a Republican, will become governor if Janet Napolitano leaves the position to become secretary of Homeland Security. Brewer has been active in state and county government for 26 years, serving as a member of the state House, the Senate and the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors. Here is a brief look at her life, career and accomplishments

Read Article: AZ Central

POsted by: Phoenix Arizona Personal Injury Attorneys and Lawyers

Phoenix mayor asking for portion of $700 billion bailout

2008-11-14T12:38:00.000-08:00

Phoenix mayor asking for portion of $700 billion bailout

WASHINGTON - Three big city mayors asked the federal government Friday to use a portion of the $700 billion financial bailout to assist struggling cities.

They sought help with the pension costs, infrastructure investment and cash-flow problems stemming from the global financial crisis.

The mayors — Michael Nutter of Philadelphia, Shirley Franklin of Atlanta and Phil Gordon of Phoenix — made their request in a letter to Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson.
Nutter said cities are facing an economic crisis not seen since the Depression and need help just like financial institutions.

“I want to make sure that cities and metro areas are at the table, that their voices are being heard, that our challenges and problems are well understood, so that we can get relief,” Nutter said.

Read Article: AZ Central

Posted by: Phoenix Auto Accident Lawyers

Arizona deportations soar

2008-11-07T08:25:00.000-08:00

Arizona deportations soar

by Daniel González - Nov. 7, 2008 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic
The federal government deported nearly 73,000 illegal immigrants from Arizona in the past fiscal year, a record number that immigration officials said resulted largely from state and local authorities being allowed to enforce immigration laws.

The 72,955 immigrants deported from Arizona marked a 64 percent increase from the 44,376 deported the previous year, according to statistics from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Arizona led the nation in deportations, making up about a fifth of the total 349,041 illegal immigrants deported nationwide, ICE officials said. The fiscal year ended Sept. 30.

Read Article: AZ Central

Posted by: Phoenix Construction Site Accident Lawyer

Phoenix woman wins $1 million in St. Joe's raffle

2008-10-23T08:47:00.000-07:00

Kathleen Remick of Phoenix won the $1 million grand prize in St. Joseph's Hospital and Barrow Neurological Institute's fall Health and Wealth Raffle.

Kathy Rice, manager of the raffle, said Remick broke into tears after she gave her the news.

"I never thought I would cry, but I lost it. I was in shock," Remick said.

Remick bought a three-pack of raffle entries for $250. Single entries cost $100.

Winning $1 million came at a good time for the Remicks. Kathy Remick's brother has been struggling with severe lower-back problems. He has applied for disability but hasn't been accepted.

"I told myself if I ever won anything, I would help my brother, and now I get to," Kathy Remick said.

Read Article: AZ Central

Posted by: Phoenix Auto Accident Lawyers

Judge backs county inmates in jail case

2008-10-23T08:32:00.000-07:00

Judge backs county inmates in jail case

A federal judge has sided with inmates' claims that conditions in Maricopa County jails continue to violate their constitutional rights.

U.S. District Court Judge Neil V. Wake on Wednesday modified a 1995 judgment that laid guidelines for a wide range of issues in Maricopa County jails, including medical and mental-health care, population control and record keeping.

Maricopa County sheriff's officials said they plan to comply with the judge's orders

Wake effectively pared down the original 115-point decision to 16 paragraphs that outline what the Sheriff's Office must do to at least maintain constitutional standards for pretrial inmates. The judgment also requires the Sheriff's Office to submit quarterly reports to inmates' attorneys in order to show compliance.

Read Article: AZ Central

Posted by: Phoenix Arizona Personal Injury Attorneys and Lawyers

Grocery bill high? Blame 'sticky' prices

2008-10-19T19:02:00.000-07:00

Grocery bill high? Blame 'sticky' prices

Worries over a global recession have pushed the price of oil to its lowest in over a year. Don't expect the same for a bottle of beer, a tube of toothpaste, or a box of cereal.

You can blame "sticky" prices.

That's what analysts call it when companies slap higher prices on products and keep them there even though the rationale for the price hikes - such as soaring oil prices - is gone.

The falling cost of oil could help companies pad their profit margins as they pay less to make and transport goods. But it won't mean a break on the average grocery bill.

The price of consumer goods typically lags behind the price of key inputs like oil and wheat, said Chris Lafakis, an economist with Moody's economy.com.

Read Article: AZ Central

Posted by: Phoenix Arizona DUI Attorneys

How Pure Is Your Bottled Water?

2008-10-17T17:04:00.000-07:00

How Pure Is Your Bottled Water?
New Research May Have You Thinking Twice

Tests on leading brands of bottled water turned up a variety of contaminants often found in tap water, according to a study released Wednesday by an environmental advocacy group.

The findings challenge the popular impression -- and marketing pitch -- that bottled water is purer than tap water, the researchers say.

However, all the brands met federal health standards for drinking water. Two violated

Read Article: My Fox Phoenix

Posted by: Phoenix Arizona DUI Attorneys

Ex-county attorney Romley endorses Thomas' rival

2008-10-10T12:03:00.000-07:00

Ex-county attorney Romley endorses Thomas' rival

Former Maricopa County Attorney Rick Romley, a Republican, is the latest high-level prosecutor to support Democratic candidate Tim Nelson, saying incumbent Andrew Thomas is partly responsible for "a type of McCarthyism" in Maricopa County.

Some of the state's big-time prosecutors, Democrats and Republicans, have echoed the same sentiments and say Nelson is more qualified than Thomas to run the Maricopa County Attorney's Office. Romley, the county's top prosecutor for 16 years, crossed party lines Thursday in hopes of removing Thomas.

"Our community is becoming more polarized than at any other time in recent history," Romley said at a news conference outside the county administration building in downtown Phoenix. "Police chiefs tell me that the Maricopa County attorney's relationships with their police agencies are at an all-time low. And people are fearful that they are being targeted just because of the color of their skin

Read Article: AZ Central

Posted by: Phoenix Arizona DUI Attorneys

Bicyclists will benefit from $700 billion bailout

2008-10-10T12:01:00.000-07:00

Bicyclists will benefit from $700 billion bailout

by Kerry Fehr-Snyder - Oct. 10, 2008 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic
Tucked inside a controversial $700 billion federal bailout bill is a tiny fringe benefit for bike commuters that has been pushed by the cycling community for the past seven years.

The $240 annual benefit per person, or $20 per month, will reimburse bike commuters for things like bikes, tires, lights, locks, helmets, padded shorts and CamelBak hydration backpacks.

"It's sort of an equity thing," said Andy Clarke, president of the League of American Bicyclists. "People who take transit and park their cars already get tax breaks."
Commuters who use mass transit such as light rail and city bus systems can receive up to $115 per month to offset their transit passes, plus an additional $220 per month to reimburse them for parking fees.

Under the new program, commuters who ride bicycles to work will get their own, albeit smaller, fringe benefits. And like the program for mass-transit users, the new benefit is expected to come from employers to employees who submit receipts. Employers, in turn, get tax benefits for reimbursing their employees.

Read Article: AZ Central

Posted by: Phoenix Injury and Accident Lawyer

Ties between AHCCCS, Prop. 101 foes disputed

2008-10-10T11:54:00.000-07:00

Ties between AHCCCS, Prop. 101 foes disputed

Proposition 101 backers are alleging that "damning" internal e-mails from state employees show that Arizona's Medicaid system was the "driving force" behind the creation of an anti-initiative campaign.

But an Arizona Republic review of the documents found little evidence of coordinated opposition by the public agency known as the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, or AHCCCS.

The initiative campaign, called Medical Choice for Arizona, is seeking a constitutional amendment to keep government out of patients' health-care decisions.

Read Article: AZ CENTRAL

Posted by: Phoenix Injury and Accident Lawyer

One Central Park developer leaves firm

2008-10-06T09:50:00.000-07:00

One Central Park developer leaves firm

Valley real-estate developer Andrew Conlin has left Mesirow Financial Real Estate Inc., the Chicago-based developer behind the One Central Park East office tower under construction in downtown Phoenix.

Conlin had been in charge of the development team for the project since June 2006, when he joined the company as it was planning and seeking financiers for the 26-story tower.

Conlin said he plans to become involved with new projects through Conlin and Co. Inc., a development firm he formed in 1994

Read Article: AZ Central

Posted by: Phoenix Auto Accident Lawyers

Arizona pool sales plunging

2008-10-06T09:25:00.000-07:00

Arizona pool sales plunging

The credit crisis, which has made loans more difficult to obtain, has had a dramatic effect on the sale of pools in the Valley, putting companies out of business and leaving others scrambling to diversify.

Pool builders were feeling the pinch as home sales slowed during the past two years, but the unwillingness of lenders to approve credit has accelerated the decline.

The number of permits issued in 2008 to build pools in Maricopa County could end up at roughly half the number issued in 2007, and at less than 30 percent of the number issued for 2005, according to data from Rider Permit Service, a data collector for the pool industry.

Read Article: AZ Central

Posted by: Phoenix Arizona Personal Injury Attorneys and Lawyers

Deadline Looms for Voter Registration in Arizona

2008-10-03T09:26:00.000-07:00

Deadline Looms for Voter Registration in Arizona

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) -- County offices experiencing a surge in voter registration just before next week's deadline have extended their hours through Monday for those who want to vote in the Nov. 4 general election.

Deputy Secretary of State Kevin Tyne said intense interest in the election is being fueled by having a presidential candidate on the ballot who is from Arizona, critical races in the state Legislature and a number of ballot measures.

Statewide, nearly 2.8 million people were registered to vote as of Sept. 2. The Secretary of State's office is predicting an 80 percent turnout for the election. In the last presidential election, 77 percent of Arizona voters went to the polls

Read Article: My Fox Phoenix

Posted by: Phoenix Construction Site Accident Lawyer

Increase expected but Ariz. lottery sales decline

2008-10-01T09:02:00.000-07:00

Increase expected but Ariz. lottery sales decline

Last Edited: Wednesday, 01 Oct 2008, 6:39 AM MST
Created: Wednesday, 01 Oct 2008, 6:39 AM MST
By PAUL DAVENPORT
Associated Press Writer

PHOENIX (AP) -- Arizona Lottery ticket sales are down, casting a shadow over the planned method of paying for massive construction and renovation projections at the three state universities.

A monthly report released Tuesday by legislative budget analysts said lottery ticket sales were down 13 percent in the first two months of the fiscal year, apparently because the economic slowdown meant the public had less discretionary income.

The state budget enacted last spring at the urging of Gov. Janet Napolitano calls for using increased lottery revenue to repay money borrowed for $1 billion of renovation and construction projects at the universities.

The budget's plan for the university projects anticipated increasing lottery revenue by doing more advertising, increasing game payouts, using more ticket machines and providing lottery staff with performance incentives.

The Arizona Board of Regents on Friday gave the universities permission to proceed with the construction and renovation projects, but they face a review by a legislative oversight committee on Thursday.

Read Article: My Fox Phoenix

Posted by: Phoenix Construction Site Accident Lawyer

Feds award $1 million to Arizona for rail study

2008-10-01T08:59:00.000-07:00

Feds award $1 million to Arizona for rail study
PHOENIX (AP) -- The federal government is giving $1 million to Arizona to launch a study of proposed new passenger rail service between Phoenix and Tucson, but whether the state can come up with a matching $1 million is a question mark.

The odds appear even slimmer against the state coming up with the projected $600 million cost to actually launch the rail service between the state's two most populous cities, at least in the near future.

That's because Arizona faces yet another budget crunch and because a sweeping measure to finance transportation systems never made it on the state's Nov. 4 general election ballot.

"There's no committed funds at this time but it's something the agency is actively investigating," Arizona Department of Transportation spokesman Timothy Tait said of the money needed for the study.

State officials plan to confer with Maricopa County and Pima County regional planning officials to discuss possible funding for the study, Tait said. "It may be a joint effort."

The U.S. Department of Transportation announced the $1 million grant award for starting an environmental impact statement on so-called "Sun Corridor" service that would generally follow the Union Pacific's existing freight tracks.

My Fox Phoenix

Phoenix Wrongful Death Lawyer

One Ariz. Powerball ticket worth $200,000

2008-09-29T08:54:00.000-07:00

One Ariz. Powerball ticket worth $200,000

DES MOINES, Iowa - One of the tickets sold in New Mexico for the Powerball game Saturday night matched all six numbers drawn, and one second place winner, worth $200,000, was sold in Arizona.

Saturday's winning numbers were 13-24-29-40-52

Read Article: AZ Central

Posted by: Phoenix Auto Accident Lawyers

Dowling files intent to sue county, Arpaio for $1.75 million

2008-09-26T08:42:00.000-07:00

Dowling files intent to sue county, Arpaio for $1.75 million
172 commentsby Michael Kiefer - Sept. 25, 2008 06:07 PM
The Arizona Republic
With an opening paragraph worthy of a crime thriller, an attorney for Maricopa County Superintendent of Schools Sandra Dowling on Thursday filed his intent to sue the county and Sheriff Joe Arpaio for $1.75 million.

The notice of claim accuses Arpaio and the Board of Supervisors, particularly Don Stapley and Mary Rose Wilcox, of malicious prosecution because of a three-year-long criminal investigation that ended with Dowling pleading to a misdemeanor charge.

Read Article: AZ Central

Posted by: Phoenix Auto Accident Lawyers

Ariz. official lifts stay on speed photo contract

2008-09-25T08:57:00.000-07:00

Ariz. official lifts stay on speed photo contract

Last Edited: Wednesday, 24 Sep 2008, 6:29 AM MST
Created: Wednesday, 24 Sep 2008, 6:29 AM MST
PHOENIX (AP) -- A state official is letting the Department of Public Safety award a statewide photo speed enforcement program despite a challenge from a competing company.

Department of Administration Director William Bell has removed a stay that had been blocking the contract award to Redflex Traffic Systems. The stay was ordered after a challenge by competitor American Traffic Solutions.

Bell says state law authorizing the photo enforcement program clearly states that the program is in the state's public policy interests.

Read Article: My Fox Phoenix

Posted by: Phoenix Arizona DUI Attorneys

Slow Economic Recovery for Phoenix Area

2008-09-24T18:03:00.000-07:00

Economist: slow economic recovery for Phoenix area

Last Edited: Wednesday, 24 Sep 2008, 9:13 AM MST
Created: Wednesday, 24 Sep 2008, 9:13 AM MST

Economist: slow economic recovery for Phoenix area

Last Edited: Wednesday, 24 Sep 2008, 9:13 AM MST
Created: Wednesday, 24 Sep 2008, 9:13 AM MST

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PHOENIX (AP) -- Phoenix-area business leaders are hearing a gloomy assessment of the metro area's economy and prospects.

Prominent Arizona economist Elliott Pollack says underlying dynamics of the metro area remain positive but he says the recovery "will be slow to materialize just as the recession was slow to develop."

In Pollack's words, "The outlook today is as bad as it was a year ago and 2009 is only going to get worse."

Read Article: My Fox Phoenix

Posted by: Phoenix Construction Site Accident Lawyer

AIMS TEST

2008-09-23T09:30:00.000-07:00

State set to review AIMS test
Officials may grow, amend or throw out exam
13 commentsby Paul Davenport - Sept. 23, 2008 12:00 AM
Associated Press
State education officials are launching a review of the AIMS test and whether it should be expanded, replaced or lose its current high-stakes status for high-school students.

One proposal to be considered is replacing the high-school AIMS test with a national college exam. Another newly broached idea is to continue to use AIMS as a high-school graduation test but adding a higher-level version to gauge high-school graduates' college and career readiness.

Read Article: AZ CENTRAL

POsted by: Phoenix Construction Site Accident Lawyer

Arizona Early Voting Expected to be Heavy

2008-09-22T09:24:00.000-07:00

Early voting expected to be heavy in Arizona

08:56 AM Mountain Standard Time on Monday, September 22, 2008

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.

In addition, voters throughout the state can sign up for the Permanent Early Voter List, which the Legislature approved just last year.

Deputy Secretary of State Kevin Tyne said that looking at recent elections, officials think at least 50 percent of the state's voters will vote early.

Read Article: Arizona Early Voting

Posted by: Phoenix Wrongful Death Lawyer

Arizona Telecommute

2008-09-19T09:43:00.000-07:00

Telecommute
Jun. 1, 2007 03:58 PM
azcentral.com
Arizona has an award-winning telecommuting system. Many state employees are eligible, and Maricopa County has a goal of at least 20 percent of state employees participating in the program. This allows employees to work from home or at a location very close to home, equating to less cars on the road during the workweek.

Read Article: Work From Home

Posted by: Phoenix Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys

Texting Ban

2008-09-18T15:10:00.000-07:00

Scottsdale commissioners to meet on texting ban, public invited

SCOTTSDALE --Scottsdale could be following the lead of Phoenix and ban texting while driving.

The city's transportation commission was scheduled to meet Thursday evening to discuss the potential ban.

At previous meeting, commissioners have described texting while driving as "intolerable" and "unsafe."

Read Article: Texting

Posted by: Phoenix Arizona DUI Attorneys

Cancel Police Coverage in Guadalupe

2008-09-17T10:36:00.000-07:00

Maricopa County set to cancel police coverage in Guadalupe
Sweep for migrants stirred mayor's dispute with sheriff
37 commentsby JJ Hensley and Yvonne Wingett - Sept. 17, 2008 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic
Maricopa County supervisors vote today to decide whether to cancel a contract to police the small town of Guadalupe. The vote comes at the request of Sheriff Joe Arpaio, who is in a dispute arising from his immigration sweeps.

The move, which some supervisors say they support, would put Guadalupe on a 180-day notice for cancellation of a contract originally set to expire in 2010.

Read Article : Cancel Contract

Posted by: Phoenix Motorcycle Accident Lawyer,

2008-09-16T09:52:00.000-07:00

I cant wait!

Light-rail trains running now, but passenger pickup still months away
13 commentsSept. 16, 2008 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic
Metro light-rail trains began test runs through downtown Phoenix on Monday.

Light-rail passenger service launches on Dec. 27, and officials are estimating that trains will have 26,000 riders a day on the 20-mile starter route.

Regular test runs are running from Main Street and Sycamore in Mesa to Central Avenue and McDowell Road in central Phoenix

Read Article: Light Rail
Posted by: Phoenix Arizona DUI Attorneys

2008-09-15T09:39:00.000-07:00

Dog calls 911, saves owner's life

PHOENIX (AP) — "Man's best friend" doesn't go far enough for Buddy — a German shepherd who remembered his training and saved his owner's life by calling 911 when the man had a seizure.
And it's not the first time Buddy has been there for owner Joe Stalnaker, a police officer said Sunday.
On a recording of the 911 call Wednesday, Buddy is heard whimpering and barking after the dispatcher answers and repeatedly asks if the caller needs help.
"Hello, this is 911. Hello ... Can you hear me? Is there somebody there you can give the phone to," says the dispatcher, Chris Scott.
Police were sent to Stalnaker's home, and after about three minutes Buddy is heard barking loudly when the officers arrived.

Read Article: Scottsdale Arizona

Posted by: Phoenix Arizona Personal Injury Attorneys and Lawyers