News

Flagstaff, AZ – Earth Notes: Garden Cleanup

Ah, fall apples are ripe, the air is crisp, and it's time to rake the fallen leaves from the yard. Or is it? Some experts say the American obsession with cleaning up the yard may be a good idea that often goes too far.

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – A federal judge refused today to block a provision in the Clean
Elections law that gives matching funds to publicly financed
candidates when their privately financed foes spend more. Arizona
Public Radio's Howard Fischer explains.

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – Governor Janet Napolitano said today she wants more than half of the state's
school districts to explain why they're not spending more money
in the classroom. Arizona Public Radio's Howard Fischer explains.

Flagstaff, AZ – Earth Notes: Dust and Snow

For those living in the American southwest, dust is as much a part of the environment as dryness and sunshine. Tiny particles seem to get into everything.

While dust can be annoying, scientists believe it plays a vital role in the region's ecology. It appears to provide essential minerals and chemical compounds to high mountain ecosystems, just as sea faring salmon bring ocean nutrients high up into freshwater streams.

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – The U-S Supreme Court today wiped out the last legal hurdle for
anti-abortion groups to get their own special state license
plates to put on their cars and trucks. Arizona Public Radio's
Howard Fischer explains.

Flagstaff, AZ – Earth Notes: Native American Guides

Rafting a river in the desert Southwest provides more than just thrills. Floating between million-year-old canyon walls is a rich experience, steeped in chances to learn about wildlife, history and culture.

The National Park Service recognized this in 2006. That year it began requiring river guides who take passengers through the Grand Canyon to be able to describe cultural perspectives of the Native American tribes who have long called the canyon region home.

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – A new study by an organization opposed to affirmative action
contends that minorities are more likely to be admitted to the
state's two public law schools than similarly qualified Anglos.
Arizona Public Radio's Howard Fischer reports.

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – Governor Janet Napolitano wants the state to do more to promote
exports. But Arizona Public Radio's Howard Fischer reports
there's a small problem with that.

The governor told members of the Phoenix Committee on Foreign
Relations that Arizona needs, in her words, a new kind of
economy. She said that means reducing the state's dependence on
construction and housing. And Napolitano said one way to do that
is increase exports.

By Scott Thybony

Flagstaff, AZ – HOST INTRO:

In the early 1900s, one man Uncle Jim Owens killed 600 cougars on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. But like many old westerners, Owens' story isn't so cut and dry. Commentator Scott Thybony has his story.

HOST OUTRO:

By Laurel Morales

Flagstaff, AZ – On a recent sunny morning a pack of moms push jogging strollers single file up a hill in Flagstaff's Buffalo Park. The toddlers belted into beefy strollers smile as the wind rushes past them. The moms - not all of them smiling -- are there to work.

SABOL: Tighten those gluts. Up the hill let's go.

Beth Sabol teaches the stroller fitness class.

SABOL: Push it! Push it!

Sabol's daughter Lily naps in her stroller while her mom shouts commands.