AZ Capitol Times (State Affairs Arizona)

The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System will start using an artificial intelligence tool to review payments to healthcare providers to prevent “fraud, waste and abuse,” according to Gov. Katie Hobbs. azcapitoltimes.com/news/2026/05/1…

A high profile fight in Washington over comments by Democratic U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly about dwindling stockpiles of munitions spilled over Monday into efforts by state Republicans to derail Gov. Katie Hobbs’ nomination to head the Arizona National Guard. azcapitoltimes.com/news/2026/05/1…

Only 7 DAYS left to submit your art for the Best of the Capitol Cover Contest! With a $250 prize and a feature on our special print edition, the Arizona Capitol Times is looking for the next front page.

Gov. Katie Hobbs says an extension of the free-trade agreement between the U.S., Mexico and Canada is critical for Arizona’s agricultural economy. azcapitoltimes.com/news/2026/05/1…

Gov. Katie Hobbs said she believes border czar Tom Homan’s threat to “flood” the streets of “sanctuary cities” with federal agents could lead to the same kinds of problems in Arizona that left two people dead in Minneapolis. azcapitoltimes.com/news/2026/05/1…

We’re back! As the senators get ready for a potentially month-long hiatus after trying to round up the budget, we’re still having some fun talking about their cowboy hats. Arizona is the American Southwest and there’s no shortage of Western history and culture. It spills over into the Legislature and seeing anyone donning a cowboy hat on any given day is not uncommon. Here’s the stories under the hats. azcapitoltimes.com/news/2026/05/1…

Calling all Phoenix Artists! Your talents deserve to be in the spotlight, enter your submission to the Best of the Capitol Cover Art Contest! @azschoolforarts @uatedu @gcu @southmountaincc @pvcc_official @gccaz @mesacc @cronkiteasu @asuherberger @arts_phoenixcollege

Calling all Phoenix Artists! Your talents deserve to be in the spotlight, enter your submission to the Best of the Capitol Cover Art Contest! @azschoolforarts @uatedu @gcu @southmountaincc @pvcc_official @gccaz @mesacc @cronkiteasu @asuherberger @arts_phoenixcollege @metroartsphx @acaasecondary @nsaa_arizona @phxart @_smoca @heardmuseum @artlink_phoenix @phoenixcenterforthearts @mesaartscenter @scottsdaleartschool @azartscomm

Republican lawmakers gave final approval to their $17.9 billion spending plan on Monday, rejecting arguments by Democrats who claimed the proposal’s spending cuts and business tax breaks could gut much needed state programs. azcapitoltimes.com/news/2026/05/0…

Arizonans who enjoy marijuana recreationally won’t have to worry about it being taken away — at least not this year. azcapitoltimes.com/news/2026/05/0…

Gov. Katie Hobbs vetoed the $17.9 billion budget proposal crafted by legislative Republicans, calling it “unbalanced and reckless.” azcapitoltimes.com/news/2026/05/0…

Calling all Arizona artists! Want to see your artwork on the cover of the Arizona Capitol Times? We’re looking for designers of all ages to create the official cover for the Best of the Capitol 2026! The prize is $250 cash + your art featured on the cover of our prestigious special section! Theme: Best of the Capitol 2026 Format: 10" x 12.5" (Portrait) No AI: Original designs only! Deadline: May 18, 2026 Whether you're a student or a pro, we want to see your vision for Arizona politics and culture. Enter now: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAI…

You have spoken, the votes are being counted, now for June 3… azcapitoltimes.com/event/best-of-…

What’s it take to be an effective Arizona lawmaker? azcapitoltimes.com/news/2026/05/0…

At least some of the people who have lost their food stamps in Arizona are probably still eligible, the head of the state Department of Economic Security said Friday. azcapitoltimes.com/news/2026/05/0…

AZ Opportunity is a bold initiative from the Arizona Board of Regents focused on unlocking the full potential of Arizona’s public universities to strengthen the state’s economy and expand opportunity for all Arizonans. By increasing access to higher education, supporting workforce development in high-demand fields like health care and engineering, and leveraging university research, this initiative is helping keep Arizona competitive and prepared for what’s next. Register today! us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regist…

It’s been a decade since Arizona lawmakers passed a law prohibiting cities from restricting short-term rentals, and with this year’s attempt at regulation stalling in the Senate, advocates are likely looking at another year waiting for reform. azcapitoltimes.com/news/2026/05/0…

Six years after the start of the Covid pandemic, health freedom and vaccine mandates are still major issues at the Arizona Legislature. azcapitoltimes.com/news/2026/05/0…

Maren Mahoney is the director of Gov. Katie Hobbs’ Office of Resiliency, a climate-focused reimagining of the state’s energy office. Since taking the helm in 2023, Mahoney has guided the state’s first extreme heat preparedness plan and its first state energy plan in over a decade, while also demonstrating her own resilience in face of personal struggles. azcapitoltimes.com/news/2026/05/0…

Republican lawmakers are close to sending Gov. Katie Hobbs a budget, although several GOP members and the governor have signaled they’re already waiting for the next set of negotiations given the plan’s lack of Democratic support. azcapitoltimes.com/news/2026/04/3…