America's other health care gap: Public perception vs. reality

Ask U.S. consumers about their satisfaction with the existing health care system, and up to 80 percent say major fixes or even a complete overhaul are overdue.

A fossil-fueled future: Growing oil dependence puts U.S. on a slippery slope

Consumers in the United States who dislike $4.00-a-gallon gasoline had better get used to it. Despite 35 years of talking about the United States becoming energy independent, the U.S. is more dependent than ever on foreign oil — and there's no end in sight.

Study recommends a 'balanced portfolio' of power sources for fast-growing Arizona

Arizona's policymakers face crucial decisions about how to ensure that future power needs are met for the nation's second-fastest growing state.

Heads up, Arizona, part three: The cost of energy infrastructure to 2032

Building the infrastructure necessary to meet Arizonans' rising demand for energy will cost between $74 and $87 billion (allowing for inflation) over the next 25 years. But how to pay those costs — and exactly what type of infrastructure to build — is up for debate.

Data for decision-makers: Arizona indicators project provides accessible information on the Web

Public policy-makers and voters need sound, relevant data when making decisions, yet accessing information can be difficult, and often costly. But a national trend to use technology and innovative public and private funding is beginning to change all that.

Heads up, Arizona, part one: The high cost of getting ready for growth

Arizona's population has ballooned from 2.7 million in 1980 to 6.5 million in 2007. By 2032, the state will have welcomed even more new residents — 4.2 million — for a total of nearly 11 million.

Heads up, Arizona, part two: The cost of water and wastewater infrastructure to 2032

The cover of the New York Times magazine last fall showed an old, disabled speed boat lying on a barren, cracked expanse of earth — which used to be covered with water.

Phoenix economic outlook: The good, the bad and the ugly

The Phoenix economy "could be worse," says Lee McPheters, director of the JPMorgan Chase Economic Outlook Center at the W. P. Carey School of Business. And that's the good news.

ASU-RSI: Phoenix housing prices continue to fall

Arizona's most severe real estate downturn began in the late 1980s and stretched deeply into the next decade. At the abyss, home prices in the state had declined (on a repeat-sale basis) for a record 17 straight months.

Conspicuous consumption: How utilities want to lighten your load

A big change may be ahead in the relationship you have with your electric utility. That's because the worrisome carbon footprint is stomping all over the options electric utilities have to meet increasing demand for power.