The Legislative Governmental Mall Commission was given a name bureaucracies dream of and a death Sen. Lela Alston described as “snakey” even by political standards.

Rep. Tony Rivero wants to change state law to clarify that cannabis is marijuana and protected for medicinal use.

Spending on campaign ads in Arizona reached a record $129 million this year, part of a national trend that saw cable and broadcast election ad spending top $3 billion for the first time in a midterm election cycle.

For many years Kevin DeMenna had a lobbying practice second to few at the Arizona state Capitol. Then some personal health challenges and a legal situation put a dent in the business. Over these years the business had evolved to include Kevin’s sons, a construct many fathers would be proud of, and relish.

Ken Bennett’s challenge to Gov. Doug Ducey drew criticism from Republicans, who are desperate to unite behind strong candidates to stave off Democratic momentum that’s building across the country.

Legislators have introduced a swath of bills aimed at amending the state’s voter-protected Medical Marijuana Act, but getting the necessary votes to pass has proven difficult.

It’s common for children to follow in the footsteps of their parents, but in politics, that’s usually the case for elected officials, not lobbyists, and that’s one reason why the DeMennas occupy an unusual perch.

Taxing personal property at medical marijuana dispensaries and growth operations may net Maricopa County schools more than $1 million, and likely more once the county assessor completes audits of taxes owed in previous years.

Maricopa County Assessor Paul Petersen wants medical marijuana dispensaries to pay personal property taxes, and the county’s dispensaries say they’re happy to comply.

House Speaker J.D. Mesnard said any decisions about removing those monuments and memorials likely have to come in the form of legislation which has to be signed by the governor to take effect.