Arizona Capitol Times Your Inside Source for Arizona Government, Politics and Business

SUN CITY - His name is synonymous with the cutting edge medical research performed at the Banner Sun Health Research Institute.

FLAGSTAFF - An ongoing political battle pitting the president of the vast Navajo Nation against the majority of the tribal council has left ordinary Navajos concerned that the politicians have become too engrossed in petty fights to do the work they were elected to do.

State prosecutors meeting at a conference Dec. 2 said the illegal flow of guns from the United States to Mexican drug cartels poses one of the biggest challenges in trying to reduce violence along America's southern border.

FLAGSTAFF - Saving an estimated $40,000 a year is not enough incentive for Flagstaff to go to a four-day work week for city workers. The City Council had been asked to consider implementing an alternative work schedule for nonessential city employees.

Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas and Sheriff Joe Arpaio filed a federal racketeering lawsuit Dec. 2 against a group of county administrators, elected officials, judges and attorneys.

Government officials overseeing the construction of a "virtual fence'" along the 2,000-mile U.S.-Mexico border hope to turn over the first segment to the Border Patrol in January, while beginning construction on a second stretch in coming weeks.

Chopper, Honda, Harley riders, the state wants to give you and all motorcycle owners a pass on emissions tests. The state argues that testing motorcycles is more trouble than it's worth.

Youth sports activities are expected to take a hit after the state sports authority announced a funding scale back. Along with youth leagues, the Arizona Sports and Tourism Authority is holding back funds for renovating spring training facilities in Scottsdale and Tempe.

PRESCOTT - The state Department of Water Resources has affirmed a judge's ruling that Prescott is entitled to pump more than 8,000 acre-feet of water a year from its Paulden-area ranch.

Republican Sen. Jon Kyl said Nov. 23 that President Barack Obama should delay trying to reform the health care system and focus on job creation.