State

Judge to rule on Clean Elections measure

A judge will decide whether lawmakers have an absolute right to ask voters to approve two changes in law in a single act, even if they may only want one of them and not the other.

Arizona K-12 education tax hike on rich could take away tax break for others

A 2015 law requires that income tax brackets be indexed. The idea is that taxpayers should not be forced into a higher tax bracket simply because their income has kept pace with the cost of living.

Plan to ‘modernize’ Endangered Species Act called ‘extinction bills’

A group of Western lawmakers unveiled a package of bills Thursday to “modernize” the Endangered Species Act by allowing more local input and encouraging voluntary conservation efforts.

Arizona rancher says ‘dysfunctional’ regulations hurt environment

The president of the Arizona Farm Bureau told a House panel Thursday that regulations meant to help the environment are actually doing the opposite, in part by harming ranchers who are in the best position to help.

After Thai drama ... Cavers insist sport is safe if you’re prepared, alert

WASHINGTON – For people like Ray Keeler, a seasoned Arizona caver, there is an important lesson in the headline-grabbing story of the boys trapped in a cave in Thailand: Be prepared.

Lawsuit seeks to remove ‘ballot harvesting’ ban

A new lawsuit seeks to block Arizona from enforcing its ban on “ballot harvesting’’ for the upcoming election, claiming the state has no legal authority to regulate who can and cannot deliver someone else’s mail.

New session of U.S. Supreme Court begins with Arizona age discrimination lawsuit

The ability of a tiny Arizona fire district to fire its two oldest employees takes center stage in Washington as the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments the first day of its new session, possibly with a new justice already seated.

New focus on Roe vs. Wade as president nominates Kavanaugh for Supreme Court

The president’s choice of Brett Kavanaugh for the newest new Supreme Court justice Monday could mean the ability of Arizona women to terminate a pregnancy likely depends on who is elected governor in November.

Do you have an opinion on state ballot questions? It’s yours to share for $75

PHOENIX -- Got an opinion on whether to hike income taxes on the most wealthy?

Voters may get final say on renewable energy initiative

Pushing ahead where utility regulators so far will not, advocates of more renewable energy filed more than 480,000 signatures Thursday to put the question on the November ballot.

Petitions filed to outlaw 'dark money' politics in Arizona

Arizonans may get a chance to decide whether they want to find out who is trying to influence their elections.

Arizona educators want special tax on wealthy people

Supporters of more money for K-12 education said Thursday there's a reason they are taxing only the top 1 percent of Arizona wage earners to pick up the entire cost: It's politically expedient.

Lawsuit expected over language in Clean Elections ballot measure

Critics contend Prop. 306 misleads voters, would take power from commission

PHOENIX -- Members of the Citizens Clean Elections Commission voted Friday to sue the Legislative Council for what commissioners claim is an effort to mislead voters about an upcoming ballot measure.

State seeks to boost coffers through Internet sales tax

PHOENIX -- Key state lawmakers want to take advantage of a new U.S. Supreme Court ruling which lets states collect online sales taxes.

Racism, or history? More than 100 Confederate symbols removed in past three years nationwide, but none in Arizona

PHOENIX – Just before avowed white supremacist Dylann Roof fatally shot eight black worshippers and their pastor in 2015 at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, he was photographed posing with a Confederate flag.

Court decision may limit legal definition of medical marijuana

A new ruling from the state Court of Appeals threatens to make criminals out of medical marijuana patients who choose edibles and drinks rather than smoking the drug and the dispensaries that prepare and sell them.

Q&A with secretary of state candidate Katie Hobbs

Katie Hobbs is an Arizona State Legislator running for Secretary of State. Hobbs has worked as a social worker for over 25 years as both an advocate and chief compliance officer.

New law to restrict teen texting behind wheel takes effect July 1

Come Sunday morning, Arizona won't be only one of two states that has no restrictions on the ability of motorists to use their cell phones while driving.

Ducey doesn't back Douglas on teacher walkout reprimands

Gov. Doug Ducey is not interested in disciplining the tens of thousands of teachers who walked out of school during the six-day #RedForEd strike.

Stringer: Racism label result of 'Democrat hit piece'

PHOENIX -- Hoping to put the controversy behind him, Rep. David Stringer came here Wednesday to tell a group of African-Americans that he is working on issues of interest to their community and his comments last week about immigration and assimilation were misconstrued or misunderstood.

The Verde Independent

Gallery: Verde Valley gets healthy dose of monsoons 1 day, 10 hours

Judge to rule on Clean Elections measure 1 day, 17 hours

Let’s go to camp: Camp Verde’s summer day camp offers fun in active, educational and experiential environment 1 day, 17 hours

YCSO: Crews use GPS tracker to rescue father, son hikers 1 day, 17 hours

Cottonwood to decide on OTA funds Tuesday 1 day, 17 hours

Jerome weighs parking kiosks on Hull Ave. 1 day, 17 hours

Turning tables: Couple aims to serve fresh produce from Verde Valley Farms 1 day, 17 hours

Mingus hires superintendent’s husband in ‘substitute position’ 1 day, 17 hours

Arizona K-12 education tax hike on rich could take away tax break for others 1 day, 17 hours

Plan to ‘modernize’ Endangered Species Act called ‘extinction bills’ 1 day, 18 hours