Rhetoric vs. reality: Prop. 122 aims to counter federal laws
The grandiose rhetoric of Proposition 122 doesn’t match its actual language. The measure seeks to restrict the use of state resources to enforce federal laws deemed unconstitutional. But it appears to authorize lawmakers and voters to do only what can be done already.
US education officials: Arizona an at-risk state
The U.S. Department of Education says Arizona is a high-risk state for failing to meet various Elementary and Secondary Education Act flexibility requirements.
Dark Money
Specter of anonymous campaign spending looms over 2014
Next year’s elections are shaping up like 2012 — organizations with generic names, big checkbooks and secret contributors spending millions to influence Arizona’s elections.
Arizonans in ‘Old Guard’ say honoring the fallen is the greatest service
Former Phoenix residents Tyler O’Connor and Enrique Garcia took different paths to the Army.
O’Connor knew at age 7 that he wanted to be a soldier and spent four years in Army ROTC at Arizona State University to earn a commission in the infantry. Garcia decided much later to enlist, about a year after high school. O’Connor wound up serving in Afghanistan, Garcia was deployed twice to [...]
Plaintiffs appealing Arizona ruling on smuggling law
Both sides are now appealing a federal judge's ruling that Maricopa County's prosecution of people who arrange to be smuggled conflicts with federal law.
Arizona Democrats tout Obamacare benefits, despite problems with rollout
Despite the troubled rollout of the Affordable Care Act, Arizona Democrats touted the law’s “many, many positive aspects” and showcased one woman Monday who successfully got health insurance through healthcare.gov.
Arizona gets refund for money sent for Grand Canyon
Arizona has been refunded the money it sent to reopen the Grand Canyon during the partial government shutdown but that wasn't used.
Arizona clarifies rule on foster family vaccinations
Arizona officials now say parents seeking to care for foster children don't automatically have to have their own children vaccinated.
Arizona panel wants delay for redistricting case
Arizona's redistricting commission says a Republican-backed lawsuit challenging new legislative districts should be put on hold in federal court until related issues are resolved by state courts.
State revenues drop slightly in August
State revenue collections are slightly off in August, the state’s budget analysts reported today. The Joint Legislative Budget Committee said revenues dropped by $3.3 million compared to the same time last year. It’s only the second time since July last year that monthly revenues have declined.
Cities, counties urge Brewer to veto consolidated elections bill
Dozens of local and county officials are asking Gov. Jan Brewer to veto a bill that would force cities to consolidate their elections dates with the state.
They argued that HB2826 would stamp out local control, politicize non-partisan elections and increase election costs.
Justices appear OK with SB1070 provision to allow police to check immigration status
The Supreme Court appears ready to allow Arizona to enforce a state law provision that requires police officers to check the immigration status of people they think are in the country illegally.