Ray Stern

Finchem said he is prepared for the "drastic action" the bill could have on the Arizona Rangers. But he is open to an amendment "that resolves transparency, accountability and indemnification." See my story here: azcentral.com/story/news/pol…

NEW: The Maricopa County BOS meeting is erupting into chaos right now. Apparently, Recorder Justin Heap sent a letter to county leaders this morning threatening to criminally charge election employees who pick up ballots from drop boxes... 🧵

Republican AZ Senate President Warren Petersen says lawmakers and Gov. Katie Hobbs are "97% of the way" to a budget and could finalize a deal by early June. kjzz.org/politics/2026-…

"On May 11, President Donald Trump nominated the former Fox 10 Phoenix newscaster to be the U.S. ambassador to Jamaica, ending her rocky run with the U.S. Agency for Global Media." By @ronaldjhansen: azcentral.com/story/news/pol…

"Digital evidence reviewed by The Republic found the Arizona lawman invited intimate encounters and indulged a yearslong habit of sexting that he later denied or sought to conceal, sometimes with threats or intimidation." By @lauragersony & @robertanglen: azcentral.com/story/news/pol…

INVESTIGATION. Women say Mark Lamb used threats to suppress sexting, nude pics. With @robertanglen for @azcentral. Part 1 out this morning: azcentral.com/story/news/pol…

I'm still stunned over this. Rob was a photographic artist and a great guy. Our sincere condolences to his family...

"Republican voters will choose between candidates Rodney Glassman and Warren Petersen in the July 21 primary, and the winner will challenge Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes in November." Story by @sbarchenger: azcentral.com/story/news/pol…

"The studies will include seminars, traditional coursework and war games, which are strategy games intended to simulate warfare." Story by @helenrummel: azcentral.com/story/news/loc…

"Mayes said the state's constitution prevents him from taking another political office during the term for which he was elected." Story by @helenrummel: azcentral.com/story/news/pol…

Arizona @GovernorHobbs lifts bill blockade after weeks of standoff over the state budget azcentral.com/story/news/pol… via @azcentral

There isn’t a single Republican running unopposed in a statewide primary this year, while most of the Democrats hoping to keep or flip those same seats will not face any meaningful competition within their own party @AzCapitolTimes azcapitoltimes.com/news/2026/05/1…

In the case of @bradlmiller v the Pinal County Board of Supervisors: the judge gives a ruling from the bench. Kills motion to dismiss and says the County Attorney overstepped his authority by entering a 287(g) agreement to partner with ICE. Permanently enjoins Miller

Arizona’s attorney general is suing a former lawmaker over a key election post. The constitutional fight could set a precedent. azcentral.com/story/news/pol…

A new study says that if the rate of permitting doesn't pick up in Maricopa County, it'll take 262 years to close the Valley's housing deficit. From @morgfisch: phoenixnewtimes.com/news/maricopa-…

"Students raised questions about his selection as graduation speaker, citing concerns surrounding a lawsuit accusing Schmidt of sexual assault and Google's involvement in U.S. military efforts." Story by @helenrummel: azcentral.com/story/news/loc…

At the same time that President Trump is easing rules around marijuana, some Republicans in Arizona are trying to tighten them. @raystern joins @stephanie_murr on The Gaggle this week: azcentral.com/story/news/pol…

@maryjpitzl @dina_kaur That was such a great story, @dina_kaur! Congrats!

For her report on the slapback from a pastry-shop owner to an influencer, @dina_kaur wins first place in the Best of the West journalism contest. The story went viral. azcentral.com/story/entertai… bestofthewestcontest.org/2026-contest-r…

After an obscure defense vendor won a $12 million no-bid contract w/ ICE, I noticed something odd on its website: The firm was using a (still watermarked!) stock photo for the chief of its “development team.” Things only got more bizarre from there…

Congratulations to @ChengYilun @carolineghisolf and @matt_zdun for winning first place in the Best of the West journalism contest for their project examining the impact of construction in Texas floodplains, who wins and who loses

@MartinCharlieAZ Thanks for the good word, Charlie. And I appreciate the nuance on the wording. While the ADE says most ESA students now came from public school, it's true that wasn't always the case. I wanted to point out that money would be spent on their kid if they went to public school.

Great article overall, but the framing below is an incorrect pro-ESA talking point. Most ESA participants were never in public school and would have $0 state funding. More accurate to just say that the program provides state funding for private and home school. @raystern