Kiera Riley

After months of inaction and some nudging from the Joint Legislative Audit Committee, Empowerment Scholarship Account program leaders and the Auditor General’s Office are starting to confer regarding risk-based auditing

A rumored special session could cut through a controversial ballot measure attempting to reform the Empowerment Scholarship Account program.

Key Points: Arizona's history reflects American history beyond date of statehood Historians urge reflection beyond the nation's 250th celebration Individual stories shape and inform state and nation history Cattle roamed the rocks and bluffs around Quarter Circle U Ranch long before the president’s signature cemented Arizona’s statehood. Through verdant springs and unflinching heat each Cattle roamed the rocks and bluffs around Quarter Circle U Ranch long before the president’s signature cemented Arizona’s statehood.

Legislators twice tried to iron out a deal to reform the Empowerment Scholarship Account program this session, but now, voters will have the final say.

Lawmakers drew the same lines in the sand after a third consecutive failure to renew or reconfigure Proposition 123 and rework one way the state

Key Points Prison oversight funding failed despite court pressure Bipartisan reforms eased court fees, modified probation Advocates plan renewed prison oversight, confinement reforms next session Despite facing a takeover of the prison healthcare system, the state failed to fully fund court costs and again declined to cover start-up costs for an independent prison oversight office. Despite facing a takeover of the prison healthcare system, the state failed to fully fund court costs and again declined to cover start-up costs for an independent prison oversight office.

Key Points: Prison legal mail policy sparks court access concerns statewide Advocates worry that the policy will lead to delays, missed deadlines, and inmate litigation. Corrections department defends policy as secure and legally sound Advocates and attorneys for state prison inmates are on alert after a new policy that went into effect on July 13 Advocates and attorneys for state prison inmates are on alert after a new policy reroutes legal mail, potentially hindering inmates’ access to the courts.

Key Points: Judge considers ballot qualification challenge to anti-DEI ballot measure Plaintiffs claim measure illegally combines disjointed constitutional provisions Supporters claim stronger anti-discrimination, foes fear free speech violations A Maricopa County judge is considering whether a measure that would broadly ban diversity, equity, and inclusion in government is legally eligible to appear on the November A Maricopa County judge is considering whether a measure that would broadly ban diversity, equity, and inclusion is legally eligible to appear on the November ballot.

A federal judge set the stage Friday for a five-year takeover of the state prison healthcare system.