Border safety, trade are high on agenda for Republican governors
SCOTTSDALE – The Republican Governors Association held its annual convention in Scottsdale where governors collaborate and discuss their plan for their state.
Trailblazing lawmaker Ed Pastor remembered as tireless advocate, ‘legend’
WASHINGTON - Ed Pastor, 75, a trailblazing Arizona lawmaker who was the first Hispanic from the state elected to Congress, died Tuesday in Phoenix, his family said. Gov. Doug Ducey ordered flags in the state to be flown at half-staff for Pastor, whom Ducey called "an Arizona trailblazer and public servant."
Challenge to Phoenix’s gay anti-discrimination law heading to Arizona high court
PHOENIX – Arizona’s highest court is set to decide whether a Phoenix law aimed at prohibiting businesses from discriminating against LGBTQ people violates the state’s constitution.
Supreme Court limits ability to designate endangered species habitat
WASHINGTON - A Supreme Court ruling makes it harder for the government to designate critical habitat for endangered species, a decision hailed by business and property rights groups but one that environmentalists say will weaken endangered species protections.
Border tear gas incident renews wall debate, but little change expected
WASHINGTON - Arizona Republicans backed President Donald Trump's renewed demands for border wall funding after migrants were tear gassed as they tried to rush the border near Tijuana, but experts don't think Congress will OK funding in its remaining few weeks, or shutdown government over the issue.
Record midterm election turnout still shows problem in voter numbers, experts say
PHOENIX – Despite record-setting numbers in the November midterm election, turnout will likely remain a problem in Arizona, policy experts said Monday. But they expect a trend towards split-ticket voting, where people choose by candidate rather than party, to continue.
Advocates urge troop withdrawal; DHS repeats need to ‘harden’ border
WASHINGTON - Advocates urged the White House to bring active-duty troops home from the border for Thanksgiving and end what they called a "needless," politically motivated deployment, as Department of Homeland Security officials reiterated the need for troops to help "harden" ports of entry.
Advocates push back against border wall funds, citing other U.S. needs
WASHINGTON - One day after lawmakers met with the president to discuss border wall funding, advocates fanned out across Capitol Hill to tell members of Congress, current and incoming, that billions of dollars targeted for a border wall could be better used for needs inside the country.
Flake threat to scuttle judicial nominees is scuttled by delayed vote
WASHINGTON - The Senate Judiciary Committee delayed votes on 15 judicial nominees - including one from Arizona - temporarily scuttling a plan by Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Arizona, to force a vote on the Special Counsel Independence and Integrity Act by opposing all judicial nominees until a vote on the act is allowed.
Forest Service chief grilled over charges of sexual harassment in agency
WASHINGTON - Forest Service Chief Vicki Christiansen came under fire for her department's handling of sexual harassment complaints, with members of a House committee demanding faster, more thorough responses to reports of harassment and abuse.
Flake threatens judicial nominations to force vote on special counsel
WASHINGTON - Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake said Wednesday he will oppose all judicial confirmations until Senate leaders agree to allow a vote on a bill that would keep the White House from interfering in Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation of possible Russian meddling in the 2016 election.
Gosar shouted down at right-wing groups’ event on social media access
WASHINGTON - Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Prescott, had to call Capitol Police after protesters disrupted a forum he joined with right-wing groups - groups the protesters called racists and extremists - complaining about their social media access being restricted over comments on immigration and Islamic law.
