Legislative roundup: speeding budget, guns and porn

PHOENIX — Following closed-door negotiations, Gov. Doug Ducey and Republican House and Senate leaders unveiled a budget deal this week and moved swiftly to push the budget bills through the legislative process. Late Thursday, it appeared the GOP leadership didn’t have the votes to pass the budget deal, but negotiations continued. The new $9.1 billion…

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Budget plan guts higher education funding

PHOENIX — The Arizona Legislature and Gov. Doug Ducey have agreed to a budget that would deepen previously announced cuts to state universities by nearly 50 percent in a move that prompted sharp criticism from university supporters. The new proposal announced Wednesday would cut $104 million from Arizona State University, the University of Arizona and…

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Arizonans chugging barrels o’ beer

Forget pints. Some people like their beer by the barrel. Arizona breweries are joining the national trend of aging beer in wooden barrels to create new flavors tinged of wine, cognac and tequila. “The booziness kind of smacks you in the face with flavor,” said Ivor Cryderman, part owner of Chef’s Kitchen and Catering Food…

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Arizonans lighten up with laughter yoga

Sometimes laughter is the best medicine. Along with a little yoga. Laughter yoga, which incorporates breathing and laughter exercises to stimulate relaxation, is creating more smiles across Arizona as health practitioners realize the benefits of mirth in life. Fourteen “Laughter Clubs” are recognized in Arizona by LaughterYoga.Org, the official website for the “health and fitness…

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