Federal cuts

Arizona has now dropped more than 450,000 people from the SNAP program since federal changes went into effect last July. That includes 196,000 children no longer receiving benefits.

A report from a consumer advocacy organization warns that hundreds of hospitals across the country are at risk of closure or reduced services — including eight in Arizona.

There’ve been efforts over the years in Arizona to transfer ownership — and control — of federal land to the state. Oftentimes, that’s due at least in part to lawmakers’ not being happy with federal plans for that land.

Millions rely on this help to pay their bills during extreme cold and heat surges

After a recent report found that Arizona’s SNAP participation numbers have dropped by roughly 47%, the question is: Why?

The plan would consolidate research leadership — currently dispersed across the country — in Fort Collins, Colo., while closing laboratories in Montana, Utah and Nevada.

The study says the Arizona Department of Economic Security shows a 47% decrease — a reduction of more than 400,000, including 180,000 children. Arizona had fewer than 490,000 SNAP recipients as of February.

Since becoming President Donald Trump’s health and human services secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has spent a lot of time in Arizona. His latest stop in the Valley came on Wednesday while visiting the Gila River Indian Community.

HUD planned to slash grants for permanent supportive housing. Advocates feared 1,400 formerly homeless Arizonans could end up back on the street as a result. Courts blocked the changes for now.

A new tally of last year's cuts to federal agencies is in. Between 11 and 21% of scientific and other specialized positions were eliminated in states across the West.