Arizona State News

Breaking news, politics, and in-depth stories from across the Grand Canyon State.

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Arizona Board of Regents

Flagstaff Regents Approve University Presidents’ Pay Raises Amid $99 Million State Funding Cut

The Arizona Board of Regents voted to raise pay for all three public university presidents during a meeting at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, even as the system faces a $99 million state funding cut.

Marcus Whitfield·May 29, 2026·1 source
Yuma

Yuma County and City of Yuma Put State Spending Limit Override on November Ballot

Yuma County and the City of Yuma are putting measures on the November 2026 ballot to override a 1980 state spending cap that limits how much local governments can spend on public safety, infrastructure, and essential services.

8h ago|Marcus Whitfield|1 source
Phil Lovas

Peoria: Rep. Phil Lovas Carries Bill to End Generous Pensions for Arizona Elected Officials

Peoria Republican Rep. Phil Lovas carries a bill that would replace the generous defined-benefit pension for Arizona elected officials with a 401(k) style plan. House Speaker Andy Tobin is leading the push.

12h ago|Marcus Whitfield|1 source
Greg Stanton

Tempe: Rep. Greg Stanton Condemns ICE Detention of Tempe Mother and 14-Year-Old Student

U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton condemns ICE after a Tempe mother and her 14-year-old son were detained and transported to Texas, sparking community protests and political criticism.

14h ago|Marcus Whitfield|2 sources
HB 2975

Gilbert: Arizona GOP Bill Would Block Solar Map on State Land, Igniting Housing vs. Energy Fight at the Statehouse

Arizona Republicans advance HB 2975 to block the state Land Department's solar project map, arguing it prioritizes renewable energy over housing on land near growing communities including the Gilbert area.

16h ago|Marcus Whitfield|1 source
Kris Mayes

Glendale: Arizona Attorney General Accuses Maricopa Recorder of 'Playing Politics' Over Noncitizen Voter Referrals

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes accuses Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap of delaying referrals of 207 suspected noncitizen voters for political reasons. The dispute raises questions about election law compliance and voter eligibility verification in Maricopa County.

18h ago|Marcus Whitfield|1 source
capital gains

Scottsdale: Arizona House Votes to Double Capital Gains Tax Break, Sending $23 Million Cut to Senate

The Arizona House voted 35-25 to double the capital gains tax deduction, a move analysts say will cost the state $23 million annually. The 183 Arizonans earning over $5 million would receive an average of $27,000 each in tax savings. Rep. Jay Lawrence, R-Scottsdale, defended the bill on the House floor.

20h ago|Marcus Whitfield|1 source
HB 4001

Chandler Republican Leads Push as Arizona Vape Regulation Bill Heads to House for Final Vote

Chandler Republican Rep. Jeff Weninger helped advance Arizona's new vape regulation bill through the Senate. HB 4001 now heads to the House for a final vote.

22h ago|Marcus Whitfield|1 source
elections

Mesa: Arizona Republican Attorney General Candidates Clash in Debate Over Border, Voter Fraud, and Criminal Justice

Rodney Glassman and Warren Petersen debated Tuesday on immigration enforcement, voter fraud, and criminal justice. The Republican primary for Arizona Attorney General is July 21.

1d ago|Marcus Whitfield|1 source
prison oversight

Tucson: Arizona Prison Oversight Law Signed by Hobbs Lacks Funding, Advocates Say

Arizona's prison oversight law signed by Gov. Katie Hobbs has no funding to operate, advocates say, as new documents reveal deadly lapses at the state prison complex in Tucson.

1d ago|Marcus Whitfield|1 source
Kris Mayes

Phoenix: Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes Joins 44 States Opposing Federal KIDS Act

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes joined 44 state attorneys general in opposing the federal KIDS Act, arguing the House bill would strip states of their authority to protect children online while shielding Big Tech from accountability.

1d ago|Marcus Whitfield|3 sources
Arizona

Prescott Voters at Center of Supreme Court Fight as Trump DOJ Defends Arizona Proof-of-Citizenship Voting Law

The Trump administration has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold Arizona's law requiring voters to show proof of citizenship when registering. The petition challenges a 9th Circuit ruling and could affect how Prescott and other Arizona voters cast ballots.

1d ago|Marcus Whitfield|1 source
Andy Biggs

Biggs Makes Yuma a Priority in Arizona Governor Campaign, Pitches Water Rights and State Power

Rep. Andy Biggs campaigned in Yuma Tuesday, calling the region essential to his Arizona governor bid and outlining his priorities on water rights, federalism, and a critique of Gov. Katie Hobbs' record.

1d ago|Marcus Whitfield|1 source
budget

Surprise Families Await Budget Clarity as Hobbs and Legislature Near Arizona State Deal

Governor Katie Hobbs and Republican lawmakers say an Arizona state budget deal is near after weeks of negotiations. Surprise residents await clarity on education funding, tax policy, and agency budgets before the July 1 deadline.

1d ago|Marcus Whitfield|2 sources
workforce

Peoria Students Gain Access to Governor Hobbs' New Manufacturing Training Initiative Through Estrella Mountain College

Governor Katie Hobbs launched ReadyTechGo, a workforce training initiative partnering with seven Arizona community colleges including Estrella Mountain College in Peoria to train students for manufacturing jobs paying up to $75,000.

1d ago|Marcus Whitfield|1 source
legislation

Tempe and Phoenix Metro Land Use at Stake as GOP Bill Targets State Solar Mapping Program

HB 2975, advancing through the Arizona Senate, would block the state Land Department from designating areas for solar-only development. The bill pits renewable energy advocates against housing groups over how 9.2 million acres of state trust land should be used.

1d ago|Marcus Whitfield|1 source
Katie Hobbs

Gilbert: Gov. Hobbs Launches Multi-Million Dollar Reelection Ads, Biggs Calls Claims 'Delusional'

Governor Katie Hobbs launched her reelection ad campaign on Tuesday. Republican challenger Andy Biggs, a congressman from Gilbert, called the ads dishonest. The Republican Governors Association also fired back.

1d ago|Marcus Whitfield|1 source
Goldwater Institute

Glendale: Goldwater Institute Challenges Arizona’s $125 Million Film Tax Credit as Unconstitutional Gift

The Goldwater Institute is appealing a trial court ruling and asking the Arizona Court of Appeals to strike down the state's $125 million annual film tax credit program as a violation of the Arizona Constitution's Gift Clause.

2d ago|Marcus Whitfield|1 source
budget

Scottsdale Residents Get Closer to Budget Certainty as Arizona Senate President Says Deal Is 99% Done

Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen says the state budget deal between Republican lawmakers and Gov. Katie Hobbs is 99% complete. Scottsdale residents could see clarity on education funding, taxes, and state services by early June.

2d ago|Marcus Whitfield|2 sources
adrian fontes

Chandler Voters Question Whether Arizona Secretary of State Fontes Can Run Elections While Endorsing Candidates

Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes endorsed a candidate whose campaign finance complaint is now under review by his own office. The situation has sparked debate over conflict of interest rules for election officials in Arizona.

2d ago|Marcus Whitfield|1 source