Arizona Horizon Archives - Eight, Arizona PBS

Arizona Poverty | Video
- Arizona has a higher rate of poverty and income inequality than most other states. Steve Seleznow, President & CEO of the Arizona Community Foundation, will discuss Arizona poverty.

Asian Voting Rate | Video
- Much has been said about the Hispanic vote this past presidential election, but Asians voted for the president at an even higher rate. Find out more about the Asian vote with Arizona State University Asian American Pacific Studies Professor Wei Li.

Arizona High School Graduation Rate | Video
- Arizona's high school graduation rate has jumped 24 percent over the past decade, the highest increase in the nation. Part of that growth can be attributed to a ten percent increase in the Latino graduation rate from 2005 to 2011. Bill Hart of ASU's Morrison Institute and Dr. Kent Scribner, Superintendent of the Phoenix Union High School District, will discuss what led to the increase.

Phoenix-area Foreclosure Rate | Video
- For the first time in two years, foreclosures represent less than 30% of all existing home transactions in the Phoenix-area housing market. ASU Real Estate Professor Emeritus Jay Butler discusses the latest trends and statistics.

Housing Vacancy Rate | Video
- Real Estate Analyst Elliott Pollack discusses the state of the valley’s real estate market and what the latest Census numbers say about vacant homes.

Housing Vacancy Rate | Video
- The latest census data show a staggering number of vacant homes in the Valley. East Valley real estate broker Cindy Sessions and Fletcher Wilcox, a vice president and real estate analyst for Grand Canyon Title Agency, discuss what the numbers say about the area’s real estate market.

Employment/Economy | Video
- The jobless rate is at its highest in years, but some employment sectors continue to show growth. One of which, according the Arizona Department of Commerce, is the restaurant and hospitality industry. We profile the reopening of several Dunkin� Donuts stores around the Valley and the jobs it is creating. Dennis Doby from the Department of Commerce joins us to talk about employment in Arizona.

Tobacco Cessation/AHCCCS | Video
- A new law allows AHCCCS, the state�s Medicaid program, to provide programs and medications to help people stop smoking and using tobacco products. The measure allows AHCCCS to use tobacco tax funds to pay for the programs. Research shows Medicaid recipients smoke at a rate higher than the national average. State Senator Barbara Leff and Colby Bower from the American Cancer Society explain how the program will provide help to those who need it most.

Recession? | Video
- Is the economy in a recession? The state's jobless rate is up again, and the Federal Reserve chairman is indicating Feds are ready to pull the trigger on another interest rate cut. Debra Roubik, an economist with Grand Canyon University, will tell us why she thinks we are actually coming out of a recession.

Health Epidemics? Autism
- The rate of autism is on the rise. According to the CDC, about one in 150 American children will be diagnosed with an autism disorder. Experts talk about what is and is not known about autism, current treatments, and some of the research that�s underway. Learn more: ASU Autism Research Program Autism Society of America-Greater Phoenix Chapter Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center The Center for Autism and Related Disorders Centers for Disease Control

sub prime Lending
- Arizona has the highest rate of sub prime loans in the nation. There are concerns that there could be a high rate of default on such loans. Economist Jay Butler of Arizona State University's Polytechnic Campus will bring us up to date on the sublime lending situation.

Amphibians
- Amphibians are disappearing worldwide. Climate changes, pollution and habitat destruction have all played a significant role in the reduction of diverse amphibian species numbers. Researchers at Arizona State University have discovered an additional threat�deadly diseases�that are killing these creatures at an alarming rate.

Adjustable Rate Mortgages
- Interest rates are on the rise and homeowners who took advantage of Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARM) in recent years are feeling the financial pinch. And according to experts, foreclosures in the Valley are climbing at an alarming rate. Jay Butler, Director of the ASU Real Estate Center, will talk about today's housing market and the numerous homeowners left reeling.

APS Rate Hike?
- A discussion about whether the Arizona Corporation Commission should allow Arizona Public Service to raise rates.

KAET-ASU Poll
- President Bush's national approval ratings have hit historical lows. How does he rate among Arizona voters? Get the latest KAET-ASU Poll results, which also get voter opinions on the match-ups between Governor Janet Napolitano and two potential Republican opponents.

High School Drop Out Rate
- New statistics reveal that Arizona is tied with Louisiana for the worst high school drop out rate in the country. Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne will talk about the latest numbers.

Arizona's Crime Rate
- A recent report by the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission revealed that Arizona ranks number one overall in crime. Steve Ballance of the commission will tell us more about the statistics.

Identity Theft Special
- Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in America and Arizona has the highest rate of ID theft of any state in the nation. In this special edition of HORIZON, learn what you need to know to know about this growing crime and what you can do to protect yourself. Learn more.

Business Property Tax Rate
- Businesses could see their property taxes lowered. Does that mean homeowners will pay more taxes? Horizon takes a look at a bill that attempts to make Arizona's property tax system more fair for businesses.