Critics: $5.7 million in private funds for ballot audit taints results
WASHINGTON - The private firm hired to audit Maricopa County's 2020 elections said this week that its work was funded by $5.7 million in donations from conservative groups, a revelation that raised as many questions as it answered for critics.
Justice Department issues clearest warning yet on Arizona election audit
WASHINGTON - The Justice Department issued guidance Wednesday on voting rights and on the pitfalls of post-election audits, reminders that were sent to all states but clearly aimed at Arizona and its audit of Maricopa County elections.
As cops testify on Capitol attacks, GOP lawmakers blast ‘sham’ inquiry
WASHINGTON - Police officers gave hours of emotional testimony about being on the front lines at the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, while separate groups of GOP lawmakers attacked the Tuesday hearings as a sham and defended the rioters as "political prisoners."
Court: Shooter cannot sue for expulsion from House in harassment case
WASHINGTON - A federal appeals court Thursday refused to reinstate former Arizona Rep. Don Shooter's challenge of his 2018 expulsion from the Legislature for violating its policies against sexual harassment and creating a hostile workplace.
With Senate again up for grabs, 2022 already a multimillion-dollar race
WASHINGTON - Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly has a huge fundraising lead over potential challengers to his 2022 re-election bid, but analysts say that's still no guarantee in a campaign where both parties are fighting to take control of an evenly divided Senate.
Arizona Democrats call for audit probe, as federal panel starts its own
WASHINGTON - Arizona Democrats on Friday urged Attorney General Mark Brnovich to investigate the state Senate audit of Maricopa County's election, which they called a politically motivated sham, just one day after a congressional panel launched its own probe of Cyber Ninjas.
No end in sight for Maricopa election audit, or for feuding over it
WASHINGTON - The private firms auditing Maricopa County elections said they have reviewed the more than 2 million ballots but will be unable to deliver a complete report without cooperation from county officials, during what critics called a sham hearing on a sham audit.
Flake a ‘risky’ pick as Turkish ambassador, but likely to be confirmed
WASHINGTON - Former Arizona Sen. Jeff Flake, a Republican never-Trumper with no formal diplomatic experience, was a "risky" pick by President Joe Biden to be ambassador to Turkey, but analysts said he is still likely to win confirmation by the Senate.
Hiking trails on Piestewa, Camelback will close during extreme heat
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Board approved a pilot program which restricts access to hiking trails from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on days when an excessive heat watch is in place.
Gallego, other officials join White House push for infrastructure plan
WASHINGTON - Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego joined other mayors and governors at the White House Wednesday to push for the administration's $1.2 trillion infrastructure plan, a measure she has said is needed to reverse decades of "massive underinvestment."
Advocates blast Supreme Court decision upholding Arizona election laws
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court Thursday rejected claims that Arizona's ballot-harvesting and out-of-precinct election rules discriminate against minority voters, a ruling that one critic said "takes a sledgehammer" to equal voting protections.
Supreme Court ruling in Arizona case expected to have national impact
WASHINGTON - Both sides in the election law debate agree on at least one thing: The Supreme Court's expected ruling Thursday in an Arizona election law case will be felt well beyond the state's borders.