Group’s bid to be part of immigration case denied
A federal judge rejected a request by a volunteer border-watch group to become a party in the federal government's challenge to Arizona's immigration enforcement law.
IRC critics giving Brewer an earful
Brewer hasn't committed to helping legislative Republicans oust Mathis, but it isn't for a lack of public input.
Setting the record straight on sentencing
I am writing to correct a number of inaccuracies in the May 20 “special report” printed in your newspaper (“A push from the right: More conservatives joining fight to change sentencing guidelines”). I am sure the reporter’s intention was to present a thorough examination of this important topic, but her final product was extremely one-sided and lacking in several important facts. As [...]
Beat ’em or join ’em? Federal health care law forces lawmakers to decide what they dislike less
By offering states the option to run a key piece of the federal health care overhaul, the law is forcing Arizona’s lawmakers into the ultimate conundrum: Do nothing and potentially lose significant control over the state’s health care system or help implement a program they’d rather see in the gutter.
Solicitor general says no corporate contributions for pro-Pearce committee
A long-awaited opinion by the Arizona Attorney General’s Office reaffirmed state election officials’ opinion that the committee opposing the recall effort against Senate President Russell Pearce cannot accept corporate contributions.
Redistricting chairwoman admits to inaccuracies in her application for the role
At today’s meeting of the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission, Chairwoman Colleen Mathis admitted that her initial application omitted information about work her husband had done for a former Democratic lawmaker’s campaign.
State removes offensive words from statutes
Words like "mental retardation" and "crippled" will no longer appear in Arizona state law. Gov. Jan Brewer held a ceremonial bill signing Thursday celebrating the passage of legislation that removes offensive words from state statutes.
Pearce appears headed to recall election
Arizona Senate President Russell Pearce, a prominent champion of legislation against illegal immigration, appears destined for a November recall election after Maricopa County officials certified that petitioners gathered more than the number of valid signatures required to trigger the special vote.
Arpaio to pay $200K in racial profiling case
The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office has settled a claim with two men and will pay $200,000 in a racial profiling case.
Legislators water down ignition interlock law
Arizona solidified its reputation as a state that is particularly tough on drunk drivers in 2007, when legislators required first-time offenders to equip their vehicle with an ignition interlock device for one year.
DOJ medical marijuana memo won’t end state’s lawsuit
A recent letter intended to clarify the federal government’s policies on prosecuting medical marijuana cases won’t put an end to the state’s lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Justice, Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne said July 6.
Probe of Arpaio’s top aides costs taxpayers $102K
The internal investigation of three of Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio's top commanders has cost taxpayers $102,000 so far.