Forgone forgiveness: New try at student loan repayment shows few gains
WASHINGTON - A congressional attempt to salvage a foundering student loan forgiveness program was only marginally better, with just 4% of Arizona applications approved in the second round - and that was four times better than the national rate.
Arizona Supreme Court: Freedom of speech trumps anti-discrimination law
WASHINGTON - The Arizona Supreme Court Monday sided with two Phoenix women who said a city law aimed at preventing discrimination would have forced them to violate their Christian faith by creating custom invitations for same-sex weddings.
Ducey brings pitch for new North American trade deal to Washington
WASHINGTON - Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey joined business leaders in Washington on Monday to push for final approval of the "critical" U.S.-Mexico-Canada agreement and protect trade that is worth billions in trade to the state.
Businesses welcome, environmentalists dread end of Obama-era water rule
WASHINGTON - Farming, real estate and manufacturing representatives applauded as EPA and Army officials moved to end an Obama-era rule that expanded waters subject to regulation - a move environmental groups warned would mean virtually no protection for the nation's waterways - especially in the West.
Smoke ’em if you’ve got ’em: Flavored vape ban alarms Arizona retailers
WASHINGTON - Arizona vape-store owners were alarmed by the Trump administration's announcement Wednesday that it plans to begin enforcing rules that would drive flavored e-cigarettes out of the market, an industry official said.
Air Force nominee Barrett gets gentle treatment at confirmation hearing
WASHINGTON - Arizona businesswoman Barbara Barrett might have been the subject of a Senate hearing Thursday on her nomination to be the next Air Force secretary, but it was President Donald Trump who was often the focus.
House panel’s votes on gun bills give likely preview of battles to come
WASHINGTON - A House panel worked late into the night in a sometimes heated, sometimes emotional hearing on gun-control bills Tuesday, a potential preview of congressional debates to come in the weeks after a string of mass shootings.
Advocates alarmed by reports administration may lower refugee cap again
WASHINGTON - Advocates reacted with alarm Tuesday to published reports that the Trump administration may again cut the number of refugees allowed in to the U.S., a move they said would endanger vulnerable people and tarnish the country's standing.
House members again push ‘born-alive’ abortion bill, despite long odds
WASHINGTON - Despite repeated failures, Republican leaders rallied Tuesday in support of their latest version of the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, which Rep. Debbie Lesko, R-Peoria, called "the most important bill in Congress."
Border apprehensions fell sharply, but still at highest level in years
WASHINGTON - Apprehensions at the southern border dropped sharply in August, to just over 64,000 people, in part because of increased cooperation from Mexican authorities, a Customs and Border Protection official said. But apprehensions were still the highest of any August in the last five years.
Mesa mayor, others in Washington to urge action on gun background checks
WASHINGTON - Mesa Mayor John Giles was in Washington Monday with police chiefs and mayors from across the country, meeting with senators and White House officials to urge action on House bills that have been stalled in the Senate since February.
Ethics panel releases details of new probe of GOP Rep. David Schweikert
WASHINGTON - Potential challengers to Rep. David Schweikert were quick to jump on new ethics revelations Friday that there was "substantial reason to believe" the Fountain Hills Republican may have used congressional staff and resources to benefit his political campaigns.
