Backpage founder convicted of 1 count of money laundering, jury deadlocks on 84 other counts
Michael Lacey, a founder of the lucrative classified site Backpage.com, was convicted Thursday on a single count of money laundering and acquitted on another. But an Arizona jury deadlocked on 84 other counts against him in a case that alleged he participated in a scheme to sell sex ads, leading the judge to declare a mistrial.
Some GOP candidates want to use force against Mexico to stop fentanyl, experts say that won’t work
Ron DeSantis wants suspected drug smugglers at the U.S.-Mexico border to be shot dead. Nikki Haley promises to send American special forces into Mexico. Vivek Ramaswamy has accused Mexico's leader of treating drug cartels as his "sugar daddy" and says that if he is elected president, "there will be a new daddy in town."
Veto of SB1234 is keeping Arizona roads safe
The veto of Senate Bill 1234, a piece of legislation that sought to prohibit the use of traffic cameras in Arizona, marks an important moment for safety on our roads. The decision to veto this bill sends a clear message about the value of these devices in ensuring the well-being of everyone who uses our state's thoroughfares.
Family of man who drowned in Tempe Town Lake files wrongful death lawsuit
The family of a man who drowned in Tempe Town Lake a year ago filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the city Wednesday, noting that its police department doesn't have a policy requiring officers to go into the water to save someone.
Sheriff Mark Lamb says he’s running for US Senate in Arizona
Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb said Tuesday he's running for the U.S. Senate in Arizona, becoming the first Republican to jump into a high-profile race for the seat now held by independent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema.
Republican leaders condemn ‘defamatory’ accusations made during elections hearing
Republican legislative leadership expressed heavy criticism toward a freshman lawmaker for inviting a speaker who made unfounded allegations of bribery against several elected and appointed officials.
Bills would fund research of psilocybin mushrooms to treat PTSD, depression
Arizona lawmakers are giving a big thumbs up to the party drug known as Ecstasy and turning on to hallucinogenic magic mushrooms, too. But don’t take this wrong – they’re not pushing the drugs for the usual recreational uses. Instead, bills that would fund a $30 million research program to study psilocybin mushrooms in treating post-traumatic stress syndrome and depression, and another to le[...]
Hobbs, legislature should prioritize funding for Border Strike Task Force
As the head of agencies that benefit from the state investment in law enforcement activities related to border crime, the Arizona Sheriff’s Association members urge Gov. Katie Hobbs to consider the important work done using the border task force dollars that have gone for local law enforcement throughout the state.
Buu Nygren sworn in as next Navajo Nation president
Buu Nygren was sworn in Tuesday as the next president of the vast Navajo Nation, a job that will test his ability to make good on promises to deliver water, electricity and broadband to tens of thousands of residents who don't have it.
Changing perceptions of cannabis boost community impact of dispensaries
Marijuana dispensaries are viewed like pharmacies – they offer essential services that help to provide medicine and relief to individuals who battle life-altering pain and illnesses, from cancer and epilepsy to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, as well as neurologic conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder. Similarly, Arizona’s cannabis industry has become a lifeblood for a host [...]
‘Integrity bulletins’ focus on police misconduct
Providing public information about police misconduct records can be a messy process but bulletins in Arizona and other states aim to keep residents informed of these issues.
House panel looks to blunt ‘defund the police’
A House panel voted Monday to ask voters to bar cities from cutting funding for police and sheriffs or risk losing state aid. Rep. Walt Blackman, R-Snowflake, said the move... […]