Hobbs, mayors celebrate Prop 400 compromise
Gov. Katie Hobbs joined Democratic legislators and local officials from both parties in downtown Phoenix to hold a ceremonial signing of the bill that will put a transportation sales tax extension proposal before Maricopa County voters in 2024.
Biden makes Grand Canyon monument designation, citing Arizona tribal heritage, climate concerns
Declaring it good "not only for Arizona but for the planet," President Joe Biden on Tuesday signed a national monument designation for the greater Grand Canyon, turning the decades-long visions of Native American tribes and environmentalists into reality.
Crane’s use of ‘colored people’ in House debate brings swift condemnation
Reactions to Arizona Rep. Eli Crane’s use of the term “colored people” during a House floor debate Thursday ranged from “utter shock” to suggestions that it was a “dog whistle to white nationalists.”
State employee health plan to cover gender affirming care following executive order
The state employees’ health plan will begin paying for gender affirming care, Gov. Katie Hobbs said on Tuesday.
Sinema cites bill targeting leaders of failed banks after criticism of her Wall Street ties
Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, the Democratic defector turned independent who's been criticized as too closely aligned with Wall Street interests, took credit Thursday for helping broker legislation that would target executives of failed banks.
Legislature moves to expand its powers, limit governor’s
A resolution that would limit the governor’s ability to declare a state of emergency moved through the Senate on Monday on party lines. Unlike typical bills, this Republican-sponsored resolution doesn’t have to get by Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs – it goes to the voters.
Attorney asks judge not to find him financially liable for sanctions tied to Lake and Finchem’s lawsuit
Nationally known constitutional lawyer Alan Dershowitz pleaded with a federal judge in Phoenix on Wednesday not to find him financially liable for sanctions levied against lawyers who filed what the judge ruled was a frivolous lawsuit on behalf of two failed Republican candidates.
Politicians tell Forest Service: Do more to fight wildfires
Lawmakers from several western states want the U.S. Forest Service to do more to address a wildfire crisis that they say will surely destroy more landscapes, communities and livelihoods as long-term drought persists around the West.
Judge orders halt to fast releases at US border with Mexico
A federal judge Wednesday ordered the Biden administration to end the expedited releases of migrants who enter the United States illegally from Mexico, potentially straining already stretched holding facilities.
Shah’s bill would criminalize sale, purchase of items made from kangaroos
Got kangaroo parts? You may if you have certain kinds of sports shoes. And a proposed new state law would make the sale and purchase of such items made with what has been called "k-leather'' a crime.
Finchem still seeking donations to pay off his debt in failed bid
Mark Finchem is still trying to raise money this week to pay off what he said is the debt for his failed bid for secretary of state. In a new fundraising email to supporters on Wednesday, Finchem asked people to "donate $25, $50, $100 or more'' to "stand with election integrity'' and "fight the propaganda.'' But it concludes with a disclosure that any money raised will "help pay off campaign debt.[...]
Crane increases lead over O’Halleran in CD2
Eli Crane, Republican candidate in the red-heavy Congressional District 2 increased his lead over Democratic incumbent Tom O’Halleran overnight. Crane now stands with 53.7% of the vote and O’Halleran with 46.3%.