The state’s Independent Redistricting Commission approved final legislative and congressional maps last night…on three to two votes. And, legislative Republican leaders are continuing to talk about possible changes to the panel in the future. From Phoenix, KJZZ’s Mark Brodie reports.

Governor Jan Brewer wants to use some of the surplus cash coming into the state to promote tourism. The agency has had its budget slashed over the past few years, and currently relies on tax revenue for its operations.  From Phoenix, KJZZ’s Mark Brodie reports.

Colleen Mathis is back as the chairwoman of the Independent Redistricting Commission.  The state supreme court Thursday evening ordered her to be reinstated…less than four hours after hearing oral arguments in the case.  The move overturns the November first action by Governor Jan Brewer and the state senate…which had removed her from the commission.  KJZZ’s Mark Brodie reports.

Jerry Lewis won last week’s recall election against Russell Pearce in Mesa’s legislative district 18.  But there were three people on the ballot, of whom was accused of being a sham candidate.  And, now that the election is over, there are questions about what, if anything, lawmakers might do in response.  KJZZ’s Mark Brodie reports.

Child care advocates are asking Governor Jan Brewer to restore almost 14 million dollars that were cut this year from child care subsidies…used by low income parents.  The current state budget eliminates all general fund support for the program.  That means in Arizona, many applicants can no longer get them.   From Phoenix, KJZZ’s Mark Brodie reports.

When Citizens for a Better Arizona took out papers to recall state senate president Russell Pearce, among the reasons they cited was a lack of focus on education and the economy.  But, as KJZZ’s Mark Brodie reports, both candidates in next month’s recall election say those are important issues for the state.

Early voting is underway in the recall election of state senate president Russell Pearce.  There’s not a lot of policy disagreement between the two candidates in that race…but one issue on which they do not see eye to eye is illegal immigration…and how the state’s laws make Arizona look outside its borders.  KJZZ’s Mark Brodie reports.

Arizona is bringing in more money than expected.  August revenues were around eight and a half percent higher than the same month last year.  And, so far this fiscal year, the state has collected one and a half billion dollars more than it did last year.  So…the obvious question is…what should the state do with that cash? 

November’s recall election is back down to two candidates…after Olivia Cortes withdrew from the race today.  In a statement, Cortes says, in part, quote…due to the constant intimidation and harassment of me, my family, friends, and neighbors I have decided to drop out of the race for state senator in LD 18.

Lawyers for the Mesa resident challenging the candidacy of Olivia Cortes in the recall election of state senate president Russell Pearce say they’ll bring their evidence to the Secretary of State and County Attorney’s office.