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Stay up to date with the latest stories from across Arizona.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mesa Ratepayers Face New Uncertainty as Arizona Corporation Commission Weighs Formula Rate System for APS
The Arizona Corporation Commission is weighing a formula rate mechanism for APS that would allow annual rate adjustments instead of traditional multi-year rate cases. Consumer advocates warn the system would reduce public oversight for Mesa and East Valley ratepayers.
Tucson Vape Shops Face New Licensing as Arizona Senate Passes HB 4001
The Arizona Senate passed HB 4001, creating a new licensing system for vape manufacturers and distributors and moving oversight to the Department of Liquor Licenses and Control. The bill affects Tucson vape retailers and now heads to Governor Hobbs.
Arizona AG Kris Mayes Joins Bipartisan Push to Block Federal KIDS Act Over Big Tech Accountability Concerns
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes joins a bipartisan coalition of state prosecutors opposing the federal KIDS Act, warning it would strip states of their power to hold Big Tech accountable for harms to minors online.
Lake Havasu City Homeowners Could See Faster Squatter Removal as SB 1426 Heads to Governor Hobbs
Senate Bill 1426, designed to speed up removal of squatters from Arizona homes, has reached Governor Katie Hobbs' desk. The bill could help Lake Havasu City homeowners reclaim occupied property faster.
Arizona Budget Talks Near Finish Line as Hobbs, Legislature Race July 1 Deadline
Gov. Katie Hobbs and Arizona's Republican Legislature say they are near a budget deal weeks before the July 1 deadline. The remaining gaps include tax policy, agency funding, and revenue projections that could swing hundreds of millions of dollars.
Flagstaff Families Face Uncertainty as Two Competing Arizona School Voucher Initiatives Clash Over Funding and Control
Two competing ballot initiatives aim to overhaul Arizona's $1 billion school voucher program. One proposes an income cap and funding from the medical marijuana fund. The other promises cost savings without new revenue. State schools chief Tom Horne opposes both.
Yuma County Votes to Put State Spending Limit Change on November Ballot
Yuma County supervisors voted to put a state spending limit change on the November 2026 ballot. The City of Yuma is expected to follow with a similar measure in June.
Surprise Residents Face Impact as Gov. Hobbs Vetoes Firearm Tracking Bill, Election Rules Change, Signs Disaster Tax Relief
Gov. Katie Hobbs vetoed bills on firearm tracking and election procedures while signing disaster tax relief that could help Surprise property owners avoid immediate tax reclassification after fires or floods.
Peoria Unified Ousts Interim Superintendent as State Lawmakers Escalate Abuse Investigation Demands
Peoria Unified School District removed interim superintendent Dr. Ryan LaDouceur after five weeks, appointing HR chief Tahlya Visintainer as state lawmakers led by Senate President Warren Petersen demand a state investigation into a sexual abuse scandal at Centennial High School.
Scottsdale Families Face Housing Uncertainty as Arizona Lawmakers Debate $120 Million Rural Tax Credit in Budget Talks
Arizona lawmakers are finalizing an $18 billion budget deal while housing advocates push for a $120 million rural tax credit program. Republicans propose cutting $14 million from the state Housing Trust Fund. Scottsdale families face a housing market with average home values above $420,000 as the July 1 deadline approaches.
Mesa Families Could Lose School Choice Under Proposed Arizona ESA Restrictions, Report Finds
A new report finds the proposed Protect Education Act ballot measure could strip ESA school choice from 20,300 Arizona families and cost taxpayers $115 million annually if students return to district schools.
Tucson Customers Face 13% TEP Rate Hike Proposal as Arizona Corporation Commission Weighs Utility’s Request
Tucson Electric Power is seeking a 13% rate increase from the Arizona Corporation Commission, a request the state Attorney General says should be capped at 4%. The utility also wants annual rate adjustments approved, a move consumer advocates call a dangerous loss of public oversight.
Phoenix Families Face SNAP Crisis as Arizona Loses 400,000 Food Stamp Recipients
More than 400,000 Arizonans have lost SNAP benefits since July, the largest decline in the nation. Phoenix residents face months-long delays as DES struggles with staffing cuts, outdated technology, and a $195 million federal penalty threat.
Hobbs and Petersen Say Arizona State Budget Deal Near as July 1 Deadline Looms for Prescott Families
Governor Katie Hobbs and Senate President Warren Petersen say a bipartisan Arizona state budget deal is near as the July 1 deadline approaches. The final agreement will determine funding for DES, SNAP, and other programs affecting Prescott families.
Arizona Families Face Two Competing School Voucher Ballot Measures as Yuma Parents Brace for November Vote
Two competing ballot measures target Arizona's school voucher program. One promises reform without new spending. The other adds an income cap and a funding source. Arizona State Schools Chief Tom Horne rejects both. Yuma families brace for November.
Surprise Residents Face $20 Monthly APS Rate Hike as Attorney General Mayes Blames Data Centers and Billionaires
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has formally intervened in the APS rate case, calling out data centers and billionaire investment as the driver of a proposed 14% rate hike that would add roughly $20 per month to Surprise residents' bills.
Tempe APS Customers Face 14% Rate Hike Proposal as Arizona Corporation Commission Hearings Begin
Tempe APS customers could see their annual electricity bills rise by $240 if the Arizona Corporation Commission approves a proposed 14% rate increase. Hearings began May 18 with a December vote expected.
Arizona Attorney General Mayes Weighs Lawsuit Against Governor Hobbs Over $150 Million in Opioid Settlement Funds Diverted to Prisons
Attorney General Kris Mayes is weighing a new lawsuit against Governor Katie Hobbs and the Arizona Legislature after an audit found $50.9 million in opioid settlement funds were spent by the prison system without documentation proving approved use.
Arizona Secretary of State Faces Conflict of Interest Questions as Election Season Heats Up in Phoenix
Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes faces conflict of interest questions after endorsing a Phoenix legislative candidate who filed a campaign finance complaint with his office. Arizona law does not require recusal, but election experts say the state should adopt clearer standards.
Arizona GOP Treasurer Candidates Clash Over Who Can Manage State’s $32 Billion Portfolio
Elijah Norton and Katherine Haley clashed over qualifications and policy during the Arizona GOP treasurer primary debate. Norton, endorsed by Senate President Warren Petersen, accused Haley of lacking financial expertise. Haley, backed by current Treasurer Kimberly Yee, defended her record and called for caution on trust fund withdrawals.
Schweikert Falls Behind Biggs in Arizona GOP Governor Primary as New Poll Widens Gap
A new Noble Predictive Insights poll shows Republican Andy Biggs extending his lead over David Schweikert by 30 points in the Arizona GOP governor primary. Schweikert disputes the results and says his internal polling shows a closer race.
Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen Demands State Investigation Into Peoria Unified School Scandal
Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen demanded state investigations into the Peoria Unified School District scandal, calling on the Superintendent of Public Instruction and Attorney General to take action over alleged mandatory reporting failures.
APS Rate Hike Hearing Draws Dozens of Angry Customers to Arizona Corporation Commission
Dozens of APS customers protested a proposed electricity rate hike at an Arizona Corporation Commission hearing Monday. The utility says the increase is needed for grid maintenance. Customers say they cannot afford more hikes.
Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen Enters Attorney General Race, Targets Election Integrity and Redistricting
Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen enters the attorney general race, vowing to expand election integrity efforts and challenge the state's redistricting maps.
New Poll Shows Gov. Katie Hobbs Leading Both GOP Governor Candidates in Arizona
A new Noble Predictive Insights poll shows Gov. Katie Hobbs leading both Republican gubernatorial candidates Andy Biggs and David Schweikert in general election matchups as Arizona heads toward the July 21 primary.
Scottsdale Senator Carine Werner Leads Capitol Attack on Medicaid Fraud Response
Scottsdale State Senator Carine Werner led a Republican press conference at the Capitol accusing the Attorney General of failing to combat Medicaid fraud. AG Kris Mayes fired back, calling it a political attack.
Arizona Medicaid Fraud Investigation Sparks Public Fight Between GOP Lawmakers and Attorney General Mayes
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes called State Sen. Carine Werner "a liar and a dumb one at that" during a public clash over Medicaid fraud investigations. Senate President Warren Petersen joined the fight, calling Mayes "petulant and incompetent" as the federal government threatens states with funding cuts.
Mesa Residents Impacted as Arizona Launches AI Tool to Combat Medicaid Fraud
Governor Katie Hobbs announced a first-in-the-nation AI tool launching in July 2026 to detect Medicaid fraud before payments are made. The system affects all Arizona Medicaid recipients, including Mesa residents, as the state and Republicans debate how much fraud persists.
Tucson Watch: National Security Expert Questions Governor Hobbs as China-Related Bills Head to Her Desk
A national security expert is scrutinizing Gov. Katie Hobbs as up to seven new bills aimed at curbing China's influence in Arizona could reach her desk. Hobbs has vetoed similar legislation in 2024 and 2025, citing economic and healthcare concerns.
Yavapai College Hosts USDA Forum to Strengthen Rural Communities Across Arizona
Yavapai College hosted a USDA Federal Partners Forum in Prescott to strengthen rural communities through collaboration across local, state, and federal levels.