KNAU and Arizona News

By Laurel Morales

Flagstaff, AZ – The voter passed Employer Sanctions Law went into effect January 1st. That law punishes employers who intentionally or knowingly hire illegal immigrants. The first time an employer is caught hiring an undocumented worker their business license is suspended temporarily. The second time their license is taken away.

Andrew Pacheco, the Phoenix attorney who is behind the new proposed law says Prop 202 intends to go a step farther.

By Gillian Ferris Kohl

Sedona, AZ – A lot of job fairs target recent college graduates with brief resumes who are trying to break into their chosen careers. But, at a recent job fair in Sedona, the participants were 50 to 90 years old, the fastest growing employee population - not just in Arizona - but nationwide. Arizona Public Radio's Gillian Ferris Kohl reports.

By Laurel Morales

Flagstaff, AZ – On a recent Sunday the salesmen at McCoy Motors tied dozens of colorful helium-filled balloons to their cars to get passers by to notice their latest promotion. The following morning the balloons lay on the ground a bit deflated. That's how many local businesses, especially auto dealers like Levelle McCoy, are feeling these days.

MCCOY: Let's be realistic we're in a very tough time right now.

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.

By Laurel Morales

Flagstaff, AZ – The five blonds sit in their log cabin living room in Doney Park on a recent stormy evening.

BURNETT FAMILY: I'm Jessie. I'm 20 years old and I play mandolin. I'm Connie. I'm mom. I play stand up bass. I'm Rachel. I'm 22 and I play violin. I'm Ryan. I'm 18 years old and I've been playing banjo for eight years. And I'm Brian. I'm the dad and I play guitar sometimes mandolin and sing too.

Their four large dogs, three cats and cockatoo don't like to feel left out.

By Daniel Kraker

Flagstaff, AZ – HOST INTRO:

It's been a tumultuous few years, to say the least, in Arizona's housing market. Two years ago housing prices here appreciated faster than in any other state. But over the past year values have decreased by more than five percent. Only Florida, Nevada and California have seen prices decline by more.

By Theresa Bierer

Flagstaff, AZ – (Intro) Many cities around the country -and here in northern Arizona use impact fees as a way to pay for development. But they're controversial. Flagstaff has considered implementing the fees for more than a decade now and they'll take up the issue again this week. Arizona Public Radio's Thereas Bierer reports. <

By Laurel Morales

Flagstaff, AZ – The indictment of three term incumbent Congressman Rick Renzi earlier this year has cast a long shadow over the primary campaign. He's pled not guilty, but many are wondering how the so called Renzi Effect will play out in the First Congressional District race.

Arizona Corporation Commissioner Kris Mayes is a Republican, who says her Party has to be aggressive if the GOPs want to keep this seat.