The Dealmaker: 5/24/2017

Casa Grande transit study open for public comment. “[T]he city has been interested in studying a transit system for some time, as the population continued to grow. Now, with major economic development projects on the horizon, the time is optimal… The study will determine if Casa Grande is ready for its own public transportation system, and, if so, what types of services are needed.” PinalCentral. http://bit.ly/2qWOxV1

Officials hope new Mayo Clinic medical school in Scottsdale will help ease state’s doctor shortage. “‘[Keeping doctors within Arizona is] a long standing problem… Getting the individuals who train here, who go to medical school here, to stay here’… The school plans to open in July.”  Cronkite News has a sneak peek of a few of the school’s features, including a photo of the “cadaver labs set up with touch-screen technology.” http://bit.ly/2rRtuTN

Phoenix moves to enact new rules for lobbyists after Republic report. “Almost four months ago,The Republic reported that a high-profile law firm had violated the city’s [‘useless,’ ‘toothless,’ ‘unenforceable,’ flawed]  lobbying ordinance and filed falsified documents to make it appear it had complied… The City Council voted 9-0 Tuesday to amend the city’s lobbying ordinance so those who don’t comply… can face sanctions, including fines of up to $2,500, suspension from lobbying and possible jail time…” http://bit.ly/2qWXz6n

Trump’s first budget draws praise, pans from Arizona lawmakers. “The White House said its proposed $4.09 trillion budget shows ‘respect for the people who pay the bills.’” However, it’s not getting much respect from many who ‘make the bills.’ Here’s a sampling: Rep. Paul Gosar: “Kudos… for reducing bureaucratic blight”; Sen. John McCain: “[D]efense increase…  ‘inadequate’”; Arizona Democrats: “A dangerous plan… a slap in the face.” Many more reactions from lawmakers in Cronkite News. http://bit.ly/2qc40Uh

Renewable energy powers jobs for almost 10 million people. “[That’s up] 1.1 percent [in 2016] from 2015… with China, Brazil, the U.S., India, Japan and Germany the leading job markets.” Power through to Bloomberg for more highlights from the International Renewable Energy Agency’s report. http://bit.ly/2qcyp4x

If you bought $100 of bitcoin 7 years ago, you’d be sitting on $75 million now. (But the way things have been going lately, it seems that amount would barely enough to weather one or two ransomware hits!) “The cryptocurrency has many doubters as it continues to be associated with criminal activity, but it has still seen a stunning rally.” Seven years ago, the coins “were worth around 0.003 cents each.” Monday, “Bitcoin was trading as high as $2,251.61.” Head to CNBC for “an in-depth look at the factors driving bitcoin.” http://bit.ly/2qkxGd1

Newsmaker BONUS: BAH, HUMP BUG! – No Christmas tree atop Camelback Mountain, panel advises. “The Phoenix Sonoran Preserves and Mountain Parks/Preserves Committee will give its recommendation to the Parks and Recreation Board ‘to uphold the existing policy that prohibits people leaving items behind on city trails and trail summits, and not to make an exception for a holiday tree on Camelback Mountain.’” AZCentral. http://bit.ly/2rAOmlc