Arizona Capitol Times

The Arizona Capitol Times is the leading political newspaper in Arizona. While interning for them I provided weekly coverage of bills, issues and events at the Arizona State Legislature, including coverage of other State agencies and the Governor’s office. I focused on water policy, and developed a relationship with several high-profile water leaders in the Midwestern U.S, while bringing more attention to water issues. Worked alongside industry professionals to effectively navigate coverage of bills, policy issues and political events.

Cronkite News - Arizona PBS •

Arizona rancher, official tell Congress states need voice in water regs | Cronkite News

WASHINGTON – Federal regulation of waterways may not be the first issue that comes to mind in a desert state like Arizona, but don’t tell that to Pima County cattle rancher Jim Chilton. Chilton was one of two Arizonans invited to testify Wednesday on the Waters of the United States rule, an Obama administration plan to streamline regulation of waterways. Critics charge that the plan, which never took effect, just muddied the waters and Chilton called it a “form of tyranny.” “In my view, the 20
Cronkite News - Arizona PBS •

Environmentalists sue to block 'dangerous' Rosemont copper mine | Cronkite News

WASHINGTON – Environmental groups sued the Forest Service this week to block what they called the “dangerous” Rosemont copper mine, citing concerns ranging from habitat destruction to drinking water contamination at the project southeast of Tucson. The Forest Service said Tuesday it will not comment on pending litigation. But Hudbay Minerals, the Canada-based parent company of the Rosemont Copper Mine, said it expects the suit will fail, the latest in “one of many legal challenges in the permit
Arizona Capitol Times •

Sinema, Biggs offer views on health care changes

U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs, a freshman congressman who previously served as President of the Arizona State Senate, said despite the failure to repeal the Affordable Care Act, he expects action on this issue after the congressional break. “Something is going to get done, and I would imagine that it’s going to happen fairly quickly after this break because I know that those talks are going on every day, and I’ve received conference calls reporting on what’s happening,” Biggs said. U.S. Kyrsten Sinema,
Arizona Capitol Times •

Attorneys: Judge overstepped authority ordering students to delete recordings

A judge who was a finalist for a spot on the Arizona Supreme Court gave a group of journalism students a real-life lesson in prior restraint on March 3. Judge Pamela Gates of Maricopa County Superior Court ordered the students to erase recordings they made during a sentencing proceeding, an order First Amendment lawyers say went over the line. Attorney Dan Barr, who practices First Amendment law, said the judge’s order was prior restraint, which she cannot do. “Whether or not she tells you ‘y
Arizona Capitol Times •

McCain and Flake take lead in opposing immigration ban

Arizona’s two U.S. senators quickly emerged as the leading Republican opposition to President Donald Trump’s order suspending the admission of all refugees for 120 days and blocking the entry of citizens from seven Muslim-majority countries. The order also indefinitely bars Syrian refugees from entering the U.S. In separate statements, U.S. John McCain and U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake called Trump’s order a “self-inflicted wound in the fight against terrorism” and “unacceptable,” respectively. McCain
Arizona Capitol Times •

Hundreds gather at Phoenix airport to protest Trump immigration ban

More than 500 protesters gathered in terminal four of the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport Sunday to protest Trump’s latest executive order, which banned travel from seven Muslim-majority countries. The executive order, which was signed three days ago, suspends the Syrian refugee program indefinitely while halting all immigrants from seven countries including Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Libya, Yemen and Somalia, for the next 90 days. The airport protest was a convergence of two planned e
Arizona Capitol Times •

House panel approves measure to fill legislative vacancies promptly

After Arizona Senate Democrats were left short-handed during a special session on education funding last October, lawmakers are pushing for a change that would require legislative vacancies be filled promptly. Members of the House Local and International Affairs Committee on Wednesday gave unanimous approval to a bill that would force the county boards of supervisors to fill a vacant legislative seat within five days of receiving a list of nominees from the district party. As it stands now, co