AZ Capitol Times (State Affairs Arizona)

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…

This week's print edition is looking great! azcapitoltimes.com/news/2026/05/0…

Arizona judges won’t force the state to determine if there needs to be greater state oversight of water use along the upper San Pedro River — a move that could ultimately lead to a limit on groundwater pumping. azcapitoltimes.com/news/2026/04/3…

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…

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: lnkd.in/evi5nuP2

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. Join host Steve Goldstein to hear from business leaders about how AZ Opportunity is shaping Arizona’s future—and why it matters. Register here! : us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regist…

Republican lawmakers on Monday unveiled their plan to balance the state budget and finance the tax breaks they want by eliminating others they don’t. azcapitoltimes.com/news/2026/04/2…

Gone would be nearly $100 million for economic development projects — including $19 million of diverted state sales taxes now used by the Tucson Rio Nuevo project to spur business and residential growth in the southern Arizona community. azcapitoltimes.com/news/2026/04/2…

Thirty-eight state attorneys general filed an amicus brief in support of Massachusetts’s lawsuit against the prediction market platform Kalshi, as the company and others continue the legal fight over whether state gaming regulators or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission should oversee the industry. azcapitoltimes.com/news/2026/04/2…

As part of National Apprenticeship Week, this forward-looking conversation will explore industry successes, the workforce challenges shaping today’s economy, and the role apprenticeship programs can play in closing critical gaps. Join host Steve Goldstein to hear from industry leaders as they share what’s working, where challenges remain, and how apprenticeship programs are helping strengthen the workforce pipeline and support long-term economic growth. Register today! us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regist…

#HIRING: Managing Editor, Arizona — and this is not your typical newsroom role. 🧨We’re building the nation’s leading platform for state government news and policy intelligence. 👉 Apply or learn more: job-boards.greenhouse.io/stateaffairs/j… #JournalismJobs #MediaJobs #PhoenixJobs #EditorJobs

Republican negotiators say they’re close to sending the governor a state budget, signaling a potential end to Gov. Katie Hobbs’ recent bill moratorium. azcapitoltimes.com/news/2026/04/2…

A court order placing the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry’s health care system under independent receivership has left state officials with one important question: Who is up to the task? azcapitoltimes.com/news/2026/04/2…

William Auther, a product liability attorney by trade, did not plan for a near-decade and a half run on the Commission for Judicial Performance Review. But when an open spot granted him a front row seat to how the state grades its judges, he came to know just how vital the system is to keeping a high-caliber bench. azcapitoltimes.com/news/2026/04/2…

A GOP bill attempting to resolve issues with a school safety program facing bipartisan criticism has attracted new opposition from Republicans during its run through the House. azcapitoltimes.com/news/2026/04/2…