Lesko’s retirement starts stampede of high-profile hopefuls in 8th District

WASHINGTON - Open congressional seats typically draw hopefuls, but the crowd lining up to replace Rep. Debbie Lesko, R-Peoria - 20 so far, including heavy hitters with big names and long track records - is being described by experts with words like "all-stars," "fascinating" and "fun."


Phoenix successfully clears its largest homeless encampment by deadline, shifts focus to long-term solutions

PHOENIX – Phoenix cleared its largest homeless encampment, The Zone, by Nov. 4, addressing the urgent need to relocate nearly 1,000 unhoused individuals. Now, the city focuses on implementing lasting solutions for its homeless population.

Officials from the city of Phoenix block off 12th Avenue between Jefferson and Madison streets on the morning of Oct. 20 to facilitate the clearing of a homeless encampment under a court order issued earlier this year. (Photo by John Leos/Cronkite News)

Tributes pour in on death of Arizona icon, Justice Sandra Day O’Connor

WASHINGTON - Former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, who rose from a girlhood on an eastern Arizona ranch to becoming the first female Supreme Court justice, died Friday at age 93.


Two Cochise County officials face felony charges over 2022 election

PHOENIX – The Arizona Attorney General’s office announced Wednesday the indictment of two Cochise County supervisors for their roles in delaying the certification of the county’s election results in the November 2022 general election. Peggy Judd, 61, and Terry “Tom” Crosby, 64, face felony charges of conspiracy and interference with an election officer.

Peggy Judd, 61, and Terry “Tom” Crosby, 64, face felony charges of conspiracy and interference with an election officer over their roles in postponing certification of Cochise County’s 2022 general election results. In this November 2022 file photo, an election worker gathers ballots at the Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center. (File photo by Drake Presto/Cronkite News)

Supreme Court won’t protect legislative leaders in election law challenge

WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court on Monday denied a request from Republican legislative leaders who argued they cannot be forced to answer questions from voting rights groups challenging the 2022 passage of two Arizona election laws.


Gov. Katie Hobbs signs petition to add abortion rights to 2024 ballot

PHOENIX – Gov. Katies Hobbs signed a petition at a news conference Tuesday in Phoenix to add abortion rights to the 2024 ballot. Advocates want to guarantee abortion as a constitutional right in Arizona.

Gov. Katie Hobbs speaks at a news conference on Nov. 28, 2023, at Wesley Bolin Plaza in Phoenix, where she signed a petition to add abortion rights to the 2024 ballot. (Photo by Kiersten Edgett/Cronkite News)

Arizonans join thousands at rally to support Israel, decry antisemitism

WASHINGTON - Several Arizonans were among the thousands who turned out Tuesday for the Americans March for Israel rally on the National Mall in Washington, where rally-goers showed their support for Israel in its war against Hamas and protested rising antisemitism.


Phoenix considers expanding boundaries, inventory for e-scooter and e-bike program

PHOENIX – The city of Phoenix is gathering public comment on the expansion of its e-scooter and e-bike micromobility program after data from vendors shows positive results from the current program.

Scooters are parked on the corner of East First Street and Monroe Street in Phoenix on Nov. 13, 2023. (Photo by Sam Volante/Cronkite News)

Officials confident about Tuesday voting, feel good for long-term outlook

WASHINGTON - Local elections Tuesday could be a low-level test of voting systems stressed by years of challenges that have some worried about the 2024 election, now less than a year off. But officials are fairly confident - in the short and long term - that they can staff the polls.


Business owners hopeful as Phoenix meets deadline to clean up ‘The Zone’

PHOENIX – The city of Phoenix has fulfilled a court-ordered Nov. 4 deadline to remove all tents and makeshift structures from the area around the Human Services Campus known as “The Zone,” and business owners in the area are hopeful.

A sign at 13th Avenue and Jefferson Street, next to Old Station Sub Shop, declares the area is “closed to camping.” (Photo by Hunter Fore/Cronkite News)

Fontes, other officials tell Senate panel of ongoing threats to elections

WASHINGTON - Death threats, poisoned pets, disinformation campaigns and family members with "go bags" handy in case they have to flee on a moment's notice. Those were just some of the threats elections officials told senators they face as they prepare for upcoming elections.


Healthcare Rising Arizona collects signatures for abortion access petition at the Arizona State Fair

PHOENIX – Healthcare Rising Arizona is working to get 383,923 signatures for a ballot initiative that would amend the Arizona Constitution to establish abortion access as a fundamental right. The group set up a booth at the Arizona State Fair to talk to attendees and ask for support.

Jadie Grahn, 42, smiles at her 15-month- old son, Ace, after signing the petition to add abortion access to the Arizona’s 2024 general election ballot. After working as a labor and delivery nurse, Grahn signed the petition knowing the negative impact unintended pregnancies have on low-income people or people suffering from drug addiction. (Photo by John Leos/Cronkite News)