Supply chain shortages are affecting the production of everything from cars to phones to food. But there’s another supply chain that’s holding back goods as well.

On this first October offering of “Word,” wanderlust is our theme. We explore what Valley teacher and writer Marla-Tiye Vieira, southern New Mexico scholar, fiction writer and poet Ana Castillo, as well as longtime producer of Anthony Bourdain’s TV shows, Tom Vitale, have to contribute to our itinerary.

Nearly 90% of companies have added employee perks since the pandemic began, according to Robert Half’s 2022 Salary Guide. The annual report lists compensation for more than 500 positions across various industries.
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The highly-anticipated Phoenix New Times Best of Phoenix 2021 issue hit stands Sept. 30 around the Valley and is also now online. This year’s theme is "In the Fast Lane," a celebration of Phoenix as a car town.

Some workers at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport could soon get help covering child care costs. The city will offer vouchers and consider opening a child care center on airport property.

Phoenix is working on a new program to get more people to work. On Tuesday, the City Council unanimously approved using $10 million in federal funds to provide training, education and monthly stipends.

Many restaurants are foregoing traditional menus for online ones accessible through mobile apps, opened with QR codes, which can be pasted to the top of your table. But for some, being able to page through the menu is part of the dining experience itself.

If some Phoenix council members have their way, digital kiosks will be coming downtown.

Mesa just launched a new program to help small and micro enterprises. Arizona’s third-largest city is targeting businesses with fewer than 25 employees that are technology challenged or have a hard time getting traditional loans or other resources.