Administration unveils sweeping plan to tighten rules on asylum-seekers
PHOENIX - The Trump administration has unveiled its furthest-reaching plan yet to change asylum law in the U.S., redefining the meaning of "persecution" and raising the bar for refugees seeking protection under the Convention Against Torture, among other changes.
Supreme Court expands ‘sex discrimination’ to protect LGBTQ workers
PHOENIX - The Supreme Court ruled Monday that the Civil Rights Act protections against "sex discrimination" also protect gay or transgender employees from discrimination, even if they are not specifically mentioned in the 1964 law, a ruling welcomed as long overdue by Arizona advocates.
Amid COVID-related harassment of Asian Americans, experts stress need for mental health care
Asian Americans historically have been less likely to seek mental health care than other Americans, but amid harassment and some violence related to COVID-19, experts urge those in need to seek help.
Mayors: COVID-19 followed by second ‘pandemic’ of police relations
WASHINGTON - Cities were already grappling with the health and economic impact of COVID-19 when protests uncovered what one mayor Thursday called the "second pandemic" - a fractured police relationship with minority communities.
Floyd’s brother testifies to House, as lawmakers debate best way forward
WASHINGTON - The brother of George Floyd, whose death at the hands of Minneapolis police sparked nationwide protests, told a somber House committee Wednesday that he hopes his testimony can bring changes so that Floyd's "death will not be in vain."
Phoenix police ban chokeholds in wake of Floyd death, protest clashes
The Phoenix Police Department will ban the use of chokeholds on suspects, a change aimed at regaining community trust in the wake of George Floyd's choking death two weeks ago while he was in Minneapolis police custody.
Community groups step in to provide immigrants COVID testing, relief
PHOENIX – Congress has provided medical and financial relief to millions of Americans dealing with COVID-19, but many immigrants are excluded – leaving advocacy groups to provide economic, medical and emotional support.
Arizona Democrats among those backing sweeping police reform bill
Congressional Democrats unveiled a sweeping police reform bill Monday that would ban the use of chokeholds and make it easier to hold officers accountable, a bill that one Arizona police group blasted as "one-sided" and "disappointing."
Phoenix Council OKs budget with $3 million for new police review office
PHOENIX - The Phoenix City Council approved a sharp increase in funding for a new police oversight office Monday, after first making sure that the extra funds would not cut into a planned 1% pay raise for city workers.
ASU drops new Cronkite dean after reports of racist remarks to Loyola students
Arizona State University officials announced late Sunday that they have rescinded the offer to the incoming dean of the Cronkite School, just days after tweeted allegations that she had made racist comments to students at her current school.
Phoenix Council rejects plan to boost funds for police oversight
PHOENIX - The Phoenix City Council narrowly rejected a plan Wednesday that would have sharply increased funding for a newly established civilian oversight committee for the police department.
Hundreds of protesters flow into downtown Phoenix
PHOENIX – Waves of protests, rolling across Arizona in the last several days like a tributary in a national unleashing of fury and grief over the deaths of black men at the hands of police, kept flowing on Tuesday night.
