As the debate over immigration has intensified in Arizona and across the country, the discussion has become louder, more heated and less civil.

Harsh employer sanctions are scheduled to become law in Arizona on January 1, focusing a national spotlight on the state that the New York Times called a "striking laboratory" for immigration reform.

The economy has not been a source of comfort and joy this year. The collapse of the housing market, the accompanying sub prime debacle and the credit crises has produced pain, for individuals and institutions. But how much does it hurt?

Reporting on Arizona's new employer sanctions law, a recent New York Times story commented that "As [the state] exacts its punishment on the undocumented workers who have made it so prosperous, it runs the risk of proving itself tough but not smart." The Knowledge@W. P. Car

For many business people, politics is unfamiliar territory, where missteps bring unforeseen and often unfortunate consequences.

In the old economy, manufacturing led the way and regions competed largely by offering a low-cost environment in which businesses could operate.

Next year will be marked by uncertainty, and that bodes ill for the Arizona economy. Lee McPheters, professor of economics and director of the JPMorgan Chase Economic Outlook Center at the W. P. Carey School of Business, and Elliott D. Pollack, President of Elliott D.

Last week's job growth report indicated that some 89,000 jobs were added to the economy nationally in August, and another 110,000 in September. That means the average monthly job growth for 2007 will hover around 125,000 per month — down from the 160,000 average in 2006 and 175,000 in 2005.

Gas prices have been easing downward in the last few weeks, welcome relief for consumers. But what is the outlook going forward? Will prices continue to fall? Dennis Hoffman, director of the L.

How confident are you that you understand the Arizona economy? This test of your economic knowledge was administered at the Annual Economic Outlook luncheon hosted by the W. P. Carey School's Economic Club of Phoenix. Some of the answers may surprise you!