Heather van Blokland

A group of U.S. senators wrote to Scottsdale-based Universal Electronics on Wednesday about concerns over the company’s alleged mistreatment of Uyghur Muslims in China.

Supply chain issues continue across Arizona as the pandemic lingers on. And like with COVID-19, supply chain experts are finding ways to work with the disruptions rather than waiting it out. But COVID-19 has made a deep and lasting dent in the chain that links the system together.

Foreclosures in Arizona are dropping. New numbers out last week rank Arizona 34th nationwide in foreclosure filings, and the state appears to be leveling out. Lenders started the foreclosure process on more homeowners nationwide in the third quarter, after the foreclosure moratorium was lifted.

The U.S. Labor Department on Wednesday reported that consumer prices rose 5.4% for the year ended September, and inflation is at its highest level in more than a decade. The rent is also rising, and in Arizona, it is rising faster than anywhere else.

Supply chain shortages are affecting the production of everything from cars to phones to food. But there’s another supply chain that’s holding back goods as well.

#AZNumbers is a weekly segment featuring thoughts and insight into Arizona's economic news. This week’s number: 5. Listen to the KJZZ business block with Heather van Blokland weekdays at 6 p.m. on 91.5 FM or stream it on KJZZ.org.

The coronavirus pandemic has slowed the flow of goods and services as workers have reduced hours, changed or left jobs and products have been slow to market. That makes for a rough holiday season ahead, potentially, according to Arizona Retailer Association Executive Director Michelle Ahlmer.

#AZNumbers is a weekly segment featuring thoughts and insight into Arizona's economic news. This week’s number: 49 — and another look at the employment situation in Arizona. Listen to the KJZZ business block with Heather van Blokland weekdays at 6 p.m. on 91.5 FM or stream it on KJZZ.org.

More than 80% of global trade by volume is moved by sea, and the disruptions are adding billions of dollars to supply chain costs. But strengthening the supply chain during COVID-19 may come down to removing the chain altogether.

The U.S. Senate $1 trillion infrastructure bill is focused on roads, bridges and other traditional builds. It does not include the additional funding that Dora Vasquez, executive director of the Arizona Alliance of for Retired Americans, says Arizona needs and is included in the $3.5 trillion Build Back Better package.