Pro-voucher lawyers say referendum petition identified non-existent legislative session
In a letter Friday to state Elections Director Eric Spencer, attorneys Thomas Basile and Tim La Sota, who represent interests seeking the expansion of the voucher program, contend all petitions are invalid because they said the law they seek to refer to voters was enacted during the “fifty-third session of the legislature.”
Dem AZ Rep. Sinema ‘seriously considering’ Senate challenge
Democratic Rep. Kyrsten Sinema said Friday she is "seriously considering" a run for the Arizona Senate seat held by Republican Jeff Flake.
Despite adding more judges, immigration court backlog continues to grow
Immigration court cases waiting to be heard hit an all-time high of 607,755 in June – 10,031 of them in Arizona – despite the hiring of more judges and a Trump administration directive to expedite cases.
Civil rights attorney: Using seized funds for prisoner study a legal gray area
Profits from seized property are paying for the latest update to a study of Arizona’s prison population that prosecutors use to argue Arizona’s sentencing laws are working appropriately.
Study: ‘Final Four’ championship generated $324 million economic impact
Arizona’s first “Final Four” college basketball championship generated more than $324 million in economic impact for the state, according to a new study. But the direct benefit in terms of money spent by visitors this past late March and early April is less, with the actual tax revenues generated just a fraction of even that.
Convicted Sheriff Joe Arpaio says he isn’t seeking Trump’s pardon
Former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio brushed off his recent criminal conviction in U.S. court as a "petty crime" and insisted he won't seek a pardon from President Donald Trump, despite the pair regularly sharing the stage at political rallies during the 2016 campaign.
Judge in prison health care lawsuit scolds corrections director in court
Arizona Department of Corrections Director Charles Ryan was compared to former Maricopa Sheriff Joe Arpaio and admonished in federal court Tuesday for an email sent to his staff challenging a judge’s order.
Judge won’t block new law Arizona targeting initiatives
A judge on Tuesday refused to block a new state law making it easier for opponents to challenge citizen initiatives, but she sidestepped a decision on whether the law violates the state Constitution.
Attorney argues lawmakers cannot outlaw medical marijuana on campus
State lawmakers have no legal right to make it a crime for medical marijuana users to possess the drug on college campuses, an attorney for a student who was arrested is arguing to the Arizona Supreme Court.
Judge insists he can decide extent of commissioner’s powers
In an extensive ruling Monday, Judge Daniel Kiley rejected arguments by Arizona Public Service that he is legally powerless to intercede in what the company contends is a dispute among Arizona Corporation Commissioners.
School group says it has enough signatures to put voucher law on hold
Save Our Schools Arizona claims to have collected enough signatures to temporarily halt the expansion of the state’s Empowerment Scholarship Account program.
Chris Kotterman: Former Boy Scout committed to seeing children succeed
For years, Chris Kotterman, the Arizona School Boards Association director of governmental affairs, always got the question, “Oh, are you Penny’s son?” But recently, as he has settled in his career, that question has flipped.