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SD public defense duties shift from counties to state; SCOTUS appears skeptical of restricting government communications with social media companies; Trump lawyers say he can't make bond; new scholarships aim to connect class of 2024 to high-demand jobs.

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The SCOTUS weighs government influence on social media, and who groups like the NRA can do business with. Biden signs an executive order to advance women's health research and the White House tells Israel it's responsible for the Gaza humanitarian crisis.

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Midwest regenerative farmers are rethinking chicken production, Medicare Advantage is squeezing the finances of rural hospitals and California's extreme swing from floods to drought has some thinking it's time to turn rural farm parcels into floodplains.

Despite Halloween Fame, Bats Help AZ Farmers and Others

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Wednesday, October 29, 2014   

PHOENIX - Halloween is just a couple of days away, and bats may be among the creepy creatures meant to cause fright - but the little animals actually help Arizona farmers and people.

Lynda Lambert, public information officer for the Arizona Game and Fish Department, said bats feast on insects.

"They eat tons of insects at night - insects that destroy crops and have an economic effect, but also insects that can carry disease," she said. "So, they really do provide a benefit."

According to the Game and Fish Department, Arizona was the first state to have a full-time position within its wildlife agency specifically to work with bats. The department also has had its conservation-minded Bat Management Program in place since 1990.

The 28 species of bats that call the Grand Canyon State home can be found in deserts and forests, Lambert said, adding that they seem to be thriving.

"There certainly are some species that are more prevalent than others throughout the area," she said, "but yes, we have a very healthy bat population throughout the state."

The biggest challenge to bat conservation, according to the Game and Fish Department, is the lack of knowledge about most species. Other challenges include roost disturbance from recreational caving and mine exploration, renewed mining interest and vandalism.


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