Arizona Mirror
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Insightful, investigative, independent nonprofit journalism @ the AZ Capitol. Connecting people to policy & holding the powerful to account.
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“Seeing well over 1 million people lose their work authorization in a single year is a really huge event that has ripple effects for employers and communities and families and our economy as well."
Trump canceled temporary legal status for more than 1.5 million immigrants in 2025 | Arizona Mirror
Since Inauguration Day, more than 1.5 million immigrants have either lost or will lose their temporary legal status.
azmirror.com
December 23, 2025 at 3:41 PM
“Seeing well over 1 million people lose their work authorization in a single year is a really huge event that has ripple effects for employers and communities and families and our economy as well."
“I was pushed out for refusing to fall in line,” Sun said. She resigned from the AZ House in 2024 after an ethics panel found she'd violated the chamber's rules by reportedly using her office to intimidate a school superintendent and threatening to kill a lobbyist.
By @glorihuh.bsky.social
By @glorihuh.bsky.social
Scandal-plagued former AZ lawmaker Leezah Sun announces run for governor | Arizona Mirror
Disgraced former lawmaker Leezah Sun has set her sights on the governor’s office, saying she plans to run as an independent in 2026.
azmirror.com
December 23, 2025 at 12:55 AM
“I was pushed out for refusing to fall in line,” Sun said. She resigned from the AZ House in 2024 after an ethics panel found she'd violated the chamber's rules by reportedly using her office to intimidate a school superintendent and threatening to kill a lobbyist.
By @glorihuh.bsky.social
By @glorihuh.bsky.social
COMMENTARY: Rural hospitals need Medicaid revenue to cover the cost of services and pay for the doctors and nurses who deliver care. One quarter of rural Americans rely on Medicaid, and it covers nearly half of all rural births, plus 60% of individuals in rural nursing homes.
Federal health care cuts mean providers will have less funding, more uninsured patients
Federal health care cuts mean providers will have less funding and more uninsured patients, especially impacting rural doctors.
azmirror.com
December 22, 2025 at 9:35 PM
COMMENTARY: Rural hospitals need Medicaid revenue to cover the cost of services and pay for the doctors and nurses who deliver care. One quarter of rural Americans rely on Medicaid, and it covers nearly half of all rural births, plus 60% of individuals in rural nursing homes.
“As long as we keep polishing those arguments and repeating them to each other, we are going nowhere."
Feds demand compromise on Colorado River while states flounder despite water shortage | Arizona Mirror
Western states that rely on the Colorado River have less than two months to agree on how to manage the troubled river – and pressure is mounting as the federal government pushes for a compromise and a...
azmirror.com
December 22, 2025 at 4:56 PM
“As long as we keep polishing those arguments and repeating them to each other, we are going nowhere."
The woman's family says that she has lymphocytic leukemia and has been denied medical care while inside, losing 70 pounds during her 10-month detention. ICE says they're lying.
Lawmakers, family call for release of woman who they say has cancer and lost 70 lbs in ICE custody
Lawmakers and family of a woman being held at an ICE detention center in Eloy are demanding she receive medical attention.
azmirror.com
December 22, 2025 at 2:33 PM
The woman's family says that she has lymphocytic leukemia and has been denied medical care while inside, losing 70 pounds during her 10-month detention. ICE says they're lying.
Jovan Pulitzer says he’s trying to raise nearly $400k to preserve the images. Arizona law says ballots and ballot images must be destroyed after two years.
Story by @jerodmacevoy.com
Story by @jerodmacevoy.com
Election 'audit' contractor says he still has photos of 2020 Maricopa County ballots
An election audit contractor says he still has ballot images when state law says they should have been destroyed after two years.
azmirror.com
December 19, 2025 at 11:09 PM
Jovan Pulitzer says he’s trying to raise nearly $400k to preserve the images. Arizona law says ballots and ballot images must be destroyed after two years.
Story by @jerodmacevoy.com
Story by @jerodmacevoy.com
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said “there will be serious legal and political consequences” if the Trump administration withholds documents required by law to be released.
Criticism erupts after DOJ official says some Epstein files will emerge after deadline | Arizona Mirror
The Department of Justice is expected to release records Friday related to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, but questions remained over whether officials will meet the requirements of a law over...
azmirror.com
December 19, 2025 at 7:23 PM
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said “there will be serious legal and political consequences” if the Trump administration withholds documents required by law to be released.
President Trump falsely claimed that the "warrior dividend" checks were largely funded by tariff revenue, but they're actually from a basic housing allowance approved as part of the "One Big, Beautiful Bill" that Republicans passed in July.
‘One Big, Beautiful Bill’ provided funds for $1,776 dividend checks for military | Arizona Mirror
The $1,776 “warrior dividend” checks will come from basic housing allowance funds approved by Congress and signed into law in July.
azmirror.com
December 19, 2025 at 5:48 PM
President Trump falsely claimed that the "warrior dividend" checks were largely funded by tariff revenue, but they're actually from a basic housing allowance approved as part of the "One Big, Beautiful Bill" that Republicans passed in July.
The increase in arrests has left some students from mixed-status families in greater need but struggling with an unwillingness to reach out, aiming to avoid endangering their relatives.
Story by @glorihuh.bsky.social
Story by @glorihuh.bsky.social
Kids from migrant families in need hesitant to seek help, scared that loved ones will be deported | Arizona Mirror
The Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement campaign is causing children in need to hesitate to ask for help.
azmirror.com
December 19, 2025 at 1:08 AM
The increase in arrests has left some students from mixed-status families in greater need but struggling with an unwillingness to reach out, aiming to avoid endangering their relatives.
Story by @glorihuh.bsky.social
Story by @glorihuh.bsky.social
Arizona is one of 27 states that already ban or restrict gender-affirming care for transgender minors.
Trump health agency proposes rules to limit gender-affirming care for trans kids | Arizona Mirror
President Donald Trump’s administration took major steps Thursday in a campaign to block minors’ access to gender-affirming care nationwide.
azmirror.com
December 18, 2025 at 11:30 PM
Arizona is one of 27 states that already ban or restrict gender-affirming care for transgender minors.
We want the Mirror to grow even bigger and better in 2026. But that's only possible with the support of readers like you.
By making a tax-deductible donation, you'll fuel our nonprofit journalism through next year, and many more. Are you in?
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By making a tax-deductible donation, you'll fuel our nonprofit journalism through next year, and many more. Are you in?
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Donate | Arizona Mirror
azmirror.com
December 18, 2025 at 10:19 PM
We want the Mirror to grow even bigger and better in 2026. But that's only possible with the support of readers like you.
By making a tax-deductible donation, you'll fuel our nonprofit journalism through next year, and many more. Are you in?
azmirror.com/donate/?oa_r...
By making a tax-deductible donation, you'll fuel our nonprofit journalism through next year, and many more. Are you in?
azmirror.com/donate/?oa_r...
Arizona’s U.S. Rep. Yassamin Ansari is one of the members of Congress who were denied entry to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities this year.
Trump administration policy blocked that limited congressional visits to ICE facilities | Arizona Mirror
A federal judge blocked a policy that banned unannounced congressional oversight visits to federal facilities that detain immigrants.
azmirror.com
December 18, 2025 at 7:12 PM
Arizona’s U.S. Rep. Yassamin Ansari is one of the members of Congress who were denied entry to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities this year.
Trump spent several minutes addressing the economy, stating that prices on groceries and fuel are coming down. Both claims are false, according to government data.
Trump claims economic turnaround, after blasting Dems’ affordability focus | Arizona Mirror
As Americans face rising prices ahead of year-end holidays, President Donald Trump blamed inflation and health care costs on his predecessor.
azmirror.com
December 18, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Trump spent several minutes addressing the economy, stating that prices on groceries and fuel are coming down. Both claims are false, according to government data.
COMMENTARY: Our monthly premium is jumping from $969 to $1800, which means we’ll pay over $20,000 next year, a significant increase and dramatic cut of our annual income.
Trump’s health care plan for 2026: Pay even more, get even less. Unless you’re a billionaire.
Rising prices have chipped away at my family’s budget all year but that doesn't compare to what’s hitting us on Jan. 1, when our health insurance premiums will nearly double.
azmirror.com
December 18, 2025 at 5:12 PM
COMMENTARY: Our monthly premium is jumping from $969 to $1800, which means we’ll pay over $20,000 next year, a significant increase and dramatic cut of our annual income.
Republicans on the panel, including Arizona’s Andy Biggs, argued immigrants admitted to the country under Biden were not vetted and allowed into the U.S. illegally, despite being given legal status.
“It’s just B.S. to say ‘everybody’s fully vetted,’” Biggs said. “We don’t know.”
“It’s just B.S. to say ‘everybody’s fully vetted,’” Biggs said. “We don’t know.”
US House members tussle over Trump moves to restrict temporary status for immigrants | Arizona Mirror
U.S. House Republicans on defended the Trump administration’s move to end temporary protections for immigrants from dangerous countries.
azmirror.com
December 17, 2025 at 11:27 PM
Republicans on the panel, including Arizona’s Andy Biggs, argued immigrants admitted to the country under Biden were not vetted and allowed into the U.S. illegally, despite being given legal status.
“It’s just B.S. to say ‘everybody’s fully vetted,’” Biggs said. “We don’t know.”
“It’s just B.S. to say ‘everybody’s fully vetted,’” Biggs said. “We don’t know.”
Wednesday’s ruling means the guard troops from the District of Columbia and nine states will continue patrolling Washington, D.C., through February, unless the appeals judges find a lower court order against the mobilization to be correct.
Federal appeals judges allow Trump’s National Guard deployment to D.C., for now | Arizona Mirror
A U.S. appeals court ruled that National Guard troops can remain in the District of Columbia while the judges take up the case.
azmirror.com
December 17, 2025 at 10:13 PM
Wednesday’s ruling means the guard troops from the District of Columbia and nine states will continue patrolling Washington, D.C., through February, unless the appeals judges find a lower court order against the mobilization to be correct.
Alongside their plan for the 2026 legislative session, Senate Republicans pointed to a "study" by a moving company, which included only people who hired that company to move them out of Arizona, as proof that people are fleeing the Democratic governor’s policies.
By @caitlinsievers.bsky.social
By @caitlinsievers.bsky.social
Arizona Senate Republican plan for 2026 focuses on affordability
Arizona’s Senate Republican leaders say in 2026 they’ll focus on lowering costs, public safety and keeping the state’s economy competitive.
azmirror.com
December 17, 2025 at 4:58 PM
Alongside their plan for the 2026 legislative session, Senate Republicans pointed to a "study" by a moving company, which included only people who hired that company to move them out of Arizona, as proof that people are fleeing the Democratic governor’s policies.
By @caitlinsievers.bsky.social
By @caitlinsievers.bsky.social
Johnson was confident that blocking the amendment would not lead centrist GOP lawmakers to oppose the Republican health care bill scheduled to get a vote Wednesday.
No US House vote to extend health care subsidies, Speaker Johnson says | Arizona Mirror
U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson said he will not allow a floor vote on a bipartisan amendment that would extend ACA enhanced tax credits.
azmirror.com
December 16, 2025 at 6:53 PM
Johnson was confident that blocking the amendment would not lead centrist GOP lawmakers to oppose the Republican health care bill scheduled to get a vote Wednesday.
“If the Executive Branch were to move forward in any forum — criminal, disciplinary, or administrative — we will take all appropriate legal action on Senator Kelly’s behalf to halt the Administration’s unprecedented and dangerous overreach," Kelly's attorney said.
Story by @jerodmacevoy.com
Story by @jerodmacevoy.com
Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly has lawyers ready if the DoD takes action against him | Arizona Mirror
Attorneys representing U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly said they will take “all appropriate legal action” if the Department of Defense takes any action against the Arizona Democrat.
azmirror.com
December 16, 2025 at 5:33 PM
“If the Executive Branch were to move forward in any forum — criminal, disciplinary, or administrative — we will take all appropriate legal action on Senator Kelly’s behalf to halt the Administration’s unprecedented and dangerous overreach," Kelly's attorney said.
Story by @jerodmacevoy.com
Story by @jerodmacevoy.com
Marijuana is considered a Schedule I drug under the Food and Drug Administration’s classification of controlled substances. The FDA defines drugs on the list, such as heroin and cocaine, as lacking any medicinal value and carrying a high likelihood of abuse.
Trump 'very strongly' considering loosening federal marijuana regulations | Arizona Mirror
President Trump’s administration is looking “very strongly” at reclassifying marijuana from the strictest category of controlled substances.
azmirror.com
December 15, 2025 at 11:49 PM
Marijuana is considered a Schedule I drug under the Food and Drug Administration’s classification of controlled substances. The FDA defines drugs on the list, such as heroin and cocaine, as lacking any medicinal value and carrying a high likelihood of abuse.
Among the Arizona Freedom Caucus member's endorsements is former caucus member and state Rep. Austin Smith, who pleaded guilty last month to personally forging signatures on his reelection petitions in 2024.
Story by @jerodmacevoy.com
Story by @jerodmacevoy.com
State lawmaker Joseph Chaplik enters race for Arizona's Congressional District 1 | Arizona Mirror
Scottsdale Republican state Rep. Joseph Chaplik announced he is entering the race for Arizona’s Congressional District 1.
azmirror.com
December 15, 2025 at 10:32 PM
Among the Arizona Freedom Caucus member's endorsements is former caucus member and state Rep. Austin Smith, who pleaded guilty last month to personally forging signatures on his reelection petitions in 2024.
Story by @jerodmacevoy.com
Story by @jerodmacevoy.com
Those countries have universal health care, smaller, more homogenous populations and generous leave time for new parents that encourages them to stay home with their babies, putting them at lower risk of contracting illnesses.
Story via @19thnews.org
Story via @19thnews.org
Some countries recommend fewer childhood vaccines. That plan is riskier in America.
Some countries recommend fewer childhood vaccines, but that plan is riskier in America, which lacks universal health care.
azmirror.com
December 15, 2025 at 8:52 PM
Those countries have universal health care, smaller, more homogenous populations and generous leave time for new parents that encourages them to stay home with their babies, putting them at lower risk of contracting illnesses.
Story via @19thnews.org
Story via @19thnews.org
The Supreme Court’s conservative majority appears likely to severely weaken the Voting Rights Act, a landmark 1965 civil rights law that bans racial discrimination in voting access.
Republicans could gain nearly 200 state legislative seats in voting rights case, report finds | Arizona Mirror
Republicans could gain nearly 200 state legislative seats across the South if the U.S. Supreme Court guts a key provision of the federal Voting Rights Acts, a new analysis finds.
azmirror.com
December 15, 2025 at 6:53 PM
The Supreme Court’s conservative majority appears likely to severely weaken the Voting Rights Act, a landmark 1965 civil rights law that bans racial discrimination in voting access.
“While ICE is detaining more and more individuals, targeting has shifted sharply to individuals without any criminal convictions.”
An ever-larger share of ICE’s arrested immigrants have no criminal record | Arizona Mirror
Immigration arrests under the Trump administration continued to increase through mid-October, reaching rates of more than 30,000 a month. But, rather than the convicted criminals the administration ha...
azmirror.com
December 12, 2025 at 6:20 PM
“While ICE is detaining more and more individuals, targeting has shifted sharply to individuals without any criminal convictions.”
“Under the Republican plan, the big idea is essentially to hand people about $80 a month and wish them good luck.”
US Senate unable to prevent health premium surge as senators reject competing health bills | Arizona Mirror
Senate fails to advance Republican or Democratic health care bills, leaving no solution to rising insurance premiums
azmirror.com
December 11, 2025 at 6:38 PM
“Under the Republican plan, the big idea is essentially to hand people about $80 a month and wish them good luck.”