Supreme Court rejects – for now – citizenship question on 2020 Census
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court handed a temporary victory to opponents of a citizenship question on the 2020 Census, saying the government will have to go back and make a better case in court if it wants to include the question that critics say will suppress minority participation.
Arizona lawmakers split as House, Senate pass emergency border funds
WASHINGTON - Arizona representatives split down party lines Tuesday as the House approved $4.5 billion in emergency border funding, setting up a showdown with the Senate which passed its own version of the measure Wednesday.
Law firm releases details on 109 Catholic clergy accused of sexual abuse in Phoenix
PHOENIX – A report including details and photos of 109 Catholic clergy members was released by a Minnesota-based law firm on Wednesday. The report includes information that predates the founding of the Diocese of Phoenix in 1969.
Maricopa County approves updates to vote-counting system to avoid snafus
PHOENIX – The Board of Supervisors will spend $6.1 million over three years to upgrade voting systems, and it hired an executive to oversee elections.
‘It’s our turn’: Phoenix police supporters rally outside City Hall
PHOENIX – About 50 demonstrators rallied Wednesday to show support for police in the wake of protests over a viral video of a controversial police stop.
Critics attack Trump administration push to expedite uranium mining
WASHINGTON - Tribal members, environmentalists and lawmakers told a House panel that including uranium on a list of "critical minerals" opens the door to expedited mining that will put tribal lands and national parks at risk, but supporters of the Trump administration plan said it's necessary for national security.
Arizona acupuncture board takes on the opioid crisis
PHOENIX – Arizona’s acupuncture board is certifying auricular acupuncturists for work in chemical dependency programs.
Giffords back on Capitol Hill to push for vote on background-check bill
WASHINGTON - Former Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords joined Democratic leaders to demand that the Senate vote on a bill to toughen background checks for gun buyers. It is the third time this year that Giffords - severely injured in a 2011 shooting - has lobbied on Capitol Hill for the bill.
Arizona National Guard chief defends role of troops at border
WASHINGTON - The head of the Arizona National Guard defended the use of military troops on the border, telling a House subcommittee that their support puts more Border Patrol officers on the front lines - what one official called "badges back to the border."
Environmental groups call for McSally to support climate change proposal
PHOENIX – Arizona environmentalists gathered Tuesday outside Sen. Martha McSally's Phoenix office to demand action on climate change.
Phoenix budget approved after 3 hours of anger, pain and demands for police reform
PHOENIX – A 3-hour session of public ire and angst over community-police relation ended with Phoenix City Council voting 7-2 to approve a city budget. The council also pledged to set up reforms that could include a citizens review board.
Frustrated Phoenix residents make voices known after viral police video
PHOENIX – A community meeting held by Phoenix’s mayor and police chief focuses on allegations of police brutality.
