News and Views Feb. 3-4, 2024
Senate Republicans opened a ‘special inquiry’ into AG Kris Mayes
The state Senate Judiciary Committee voted Thursday to open a special inquiry into Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes for allegations that she has failed to enforce state law and engaged in “witch hunts” against local officials.
The plans revolve around the removal of non-functional grass and conversion to desert landscaping.
Arizona power users would get price break from Senate bill
New legislation sponsored by Arizona’s U.S. senators would try to give a price break to customers of federal power across the West whose power costs spiked as water levels at reservoirs plummeted.
Gov. Katie Hobbs says GOP’s fix for Arizona’s potential election logjam ‘dead on arrival’
It would also stir in unrelated changes to how Arizona runs its elections, likely ensuring it won’t get the bipartisan two-thirds vote needed to meet a Friday deadline. And Gov. Katie Hobbs thinks the draft is “unacceptable.”
MAGA’s Taylor Swift Super Bowl conspiracy
Saturday Night Live
Engaging the broader electorate in 2024
Elected officials and aspiring candidates alike have a unique position from which to shape Arizona’s political landscape. It is not just about winning races but about addressing the real concerns of Arizonans. Now is the time to steer the conversation from mere spectacle to substantive debate and productive dialogue.
Diplomat Cindy McCain calls for Gaza cease-fire
Her work helps feed more than 100 million people every year. But these days, what keeps Cindy McCain awake at night is the thought of the people the World Food Programme can’t reach.
Oklahoma Governor Says AI Can Eliminate Government Redundancy
3 women indicted in alleged scheme to defraud state’s voucher, Medicaid programs
A state grand jury indicted three women last year for allegedly funneling more than $100,000 from the Empowerment Scholarship Account program and the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System into private school and caretaking companies.
The Arizona Association of Counties (AAC) sent its request through an open letter to the Arizona State Senate and Gov. Katie Hobbs. AAC’s letter said emergency legislation is required to ensure Arizona can certify the general election in time.
Arizona officials combat AI election misinformation through proposed bills, security trainings
In the rapidly evolving campaign landscape of the upcoming presidential election, artificial intelligence is already a large and active participant, revolutionizing campaign strategies and communication. From AI-generated campaign ads to rapid response times, election officials say these technological advancements could have a profound impact on the way candidates engage with voters.
RELATED: How SRP uses lasers and AI to maintain aging Arizona dams. Here’s an inside peek
Salt River Project, the utility, has been generating hydro power from its system of dams for more than a century. The dam and water system in an arid region, in fact, is a major reason that metro Phoenix exists.
RELATED: FCC wants to make most AI-generated robocalls illegal
News of the agency’s proposal comes after an apparent robocall used artificial intelligence to mimic President Joe Biden’s voice and discourage voters in New Hampshire from coming to the polls during the state’s primary election on Jan. 23.
Discrimination prohibitions get Senate approval
Two bills introduced by the Arizona Freedom Caucus leader sparked a heated floor debate relating to the definition of discrimination and its implications for the functioning of state agencies and businesses.
Joe Biden’s reelection campaign is staffing up in Arizona. Here’s who’s been hired so far
Sean McEnerney will serve as the campaign manager in Arizona.
Why Arizonans can’t see Gov. Katie Hobbs’ fundraising numbers, but can see others
A political threat has been hanging over the Arizona Capitol for almost a year since Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs said she would use her fundraising prowess to try to overturn Republicans’ majorities in the Legislature.
‘Microlicenses’ could allow you to sell pot gummies to your friends. What that means for Ariz.
The Arizona dispensary industry faces more pushback in the Legislature this year by a group of Republicans offering bills to legalize hemp products, allow unlimited marijuana “microlicenses” and help social equity applicants.
Democrats propose paid medical, family leave for Arizona workers
The Arizona Thriving Families Act, written in partnership with the Arizona Center for Empowerment and Living United for Change in Arizona, was introduced by Sen. Juan Mendez of Tempe as SB 1632 and Rep. Stephanie Stahl Hamilton of Tucson as HB 2715.
Bill requires insurance companies to pay for reversing sex changes
Sen. Janae Shamp said she believes at least some individuals, particularly children, are convinced that they need to change their gender. And Shamp, a registered operating room nurse, said that they are performed, at least in part, because there are medical codes that doctors can use to bill insurance companies.
Abe Hamadeh’s attack on Blake Masters is … well, it’s hilarious, really
Opinion: Abe Hamadeh’s attack on fellow congressional carpetbagger Blake Masters is astonishing. Does this guy ever look in the mirror?
WILD MIGRANT RUMORS: Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb, who is apparently still running for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate, wants you to know “the information that the mainstream media feeds you is what’s false,” after news outlets fact-checked his claims that migrants are getting gift cards, phones and airline tickets and
