WASHINGTON - The number of new people signing up for jobless benefits fell sharply last week, offering a dose of encouraging news that the recovery in the labor market may be strengthening a bit.

U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao attacked the “card check” bill Friday at a news conference in Scottsdale, saying the union-backed legislation designed to make it easier to organize American workers would take away the “fundamental” American right to a secret-ballot election.

East Valley companies that have relied on highly skilled foreign employees through a work permit program could see that labor pool shrink dramatically in two months.

CHICAGO - United Airlines and US Airways saw their first attempt at marriage foiled earlier this decade by the deal's high cost coupled with stiff opposition from lawmakers, unions and consumers.

Just before daybreak one Sunday earlier this year, ASU Foundation executive Michael Boulden went for a ride on his mountain bike. By 6:23 a.m., he was pedaling east on Pinnacle Peak Road, nearing Tatum Boulevard in Scottsdale.

Enforcing federal laws against hiring illegal immigrants has come to a virtual standstill even as a new effort to combat illegal-immigrant smuggling takes off.

WASHINGTON - The United States' jobs crisis is sending officials into a frenzy seeking answers and leading others to conclude that the present employment picture is actually the nation's new reality.

Arizona legislators are joining the knock-down, drag-out fight between Boeing and Airbus/Northrop Grumman over who will build the next-generation aerial refueling tanker for the U.S. Air Force.

The conflict over a sweeping crackdown on illegal immigration in Arizona intensified Monday as vandals smeared refried beans in the shape of swastikas on the state Capitol's windows.

A Senate panel approved a far-reaching bill designed to combat illegal immigration, including allowing police to stop and actually arrest anyone they just reasonably believe is in this country illegally.

Dillie Nerios is a Florida food stamp recruiter. Her job is to sign up 150 seniors monthly in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

The state's economy is showing signs of life.

Mr. Speaker, Vice President Cheney, members of Congress, distinguished guests and fellow citizens:

Arizona’s seasonally adjusted jobless rate remained at 8.2 percent in June for the third month in a row.

Attorneys representing some gay state and university workers said the U.S. Supreme Court should spurn as "unworthy'' a bid by Gov. Jan Brewer to let her immediately slash domestic partner benefits.

Chandler Mayor Jay Tibshraeny delivered his 2013 state of the city address last week, touching mostly on the subjects of employment, neighborhood sustainability, outreach and transparency and better health.

Concern for the high unemployment rate is a concern felt mostly by the unemployed and their families. Actual empathy outside that demographic is a myth perpetrated by politicians in an effort to attract that vote. In reality, corporate America and the politicians they support have no problem with high unemployment. It means a larger available labor pool, lower payroll costs, less benefits and tighter control over existing employees living in fear of losing their jobs. Easier union busting is an additional bonus.

The state department that administers unemployment benefits is closing a call center and will require all new filings from people who lose their jobs be done online starting Feb. 1.

The United States Department of Labor has withdrawn a proposed bill that would have affected children under the age of 16 who work in agricultural jobs, an action praised by the Arizona Farm Bureau.

Arizonans who have exhausted their initial 26 weeks of unemployment insurance will see cuts in their weekly benefits of as much as $40 because of across-the-board federal budget cuts known as the sequestration.

WASHINGTON - The government will make permanent its changes to a visa program that brings foreign workers to the U.S. for temporary nonagricultural work.