Ex-Lawmaker Charged with Forging Petitions

A former Arizona lawmaker was indicted on misdemeanor and felony charges for allegedly fabricating signatures during his 2024 reelection campaign.

A state grand jury indicted Austin Smith on 14 counts related to fraudulent petitions, alleging many of his supposed petition signatures matched his handwriting.

The most serious charge is a class 5 felony that carries a potential maximum penalty of 2.5 years in prison.

Smith, a Republican from the Surprise area who served one term in the state House, dropped his reelection bid in April 2024 after a lawsuit challenged the petition signatures he submitted.

Hobbs Vetoes Antisemitism Bill

Gov. Katie Hobbs vetoed a bill that would ban antisemitism from being taught in Arizona’s public schools, claiming it sets a “dangerous precedent that unfairly targets public school teachers while shielding private school staff.”

The bill’s chief sponsor, Rep. Michael Way, R-Queen Creek, called the veto “disgraceful.”

The bill landed on Hobbs’ desk after advancing through the Republican-controlled House and Senate last week.

Hobbs said the bill opens educators up to lawsuits, and that students and parents already have ways to report “all forms of hate” in the classroom.

Jump Jet Retires in Mesa

One of the nation’s Harrier Jump Jets, known for their ability to hover and conduct vertical takeoffs, will go on permanent display in Mesa after 40 years of service.

The AV-8B Plus Harrier II arrived at the Airbase Arizona Aircraft Museum in Mesa on Tuesday morning.

The last squadron of Harriers will be phased out next year in favor of the F-35B Lightning. Harrier IIs saw action in the Gulf War, the Iraq War, and Operation Enduring Freedom.

The aircraft in Mesa will be displayed for public viewing at the museum.

Once upon a time, we had to make lists and physically go to stores when needed. 

Sometimes we’d have to go to several stores or even shopping malls for what we needed. Then one day, out of the heavens, came Amazon.

For many of us, free shipping and access to exclusive shows and movies are enough reasons to fork over the $14.99 per month to get Prime. But if those reasons haven’t been enough to entice you to join Prime, maybe some of these lesser-known incentives will tempt you to sign up.

Here are nine of those perks.

➤ Statewide: The U.S. Coast Guard on Tuesday suspended the search for the wreckage of a small plane that crashed into the ocean off the coast of San Diego on Sunday, presumably killing the six Arizonans on board. (Details)

➤ Peoria: A police officer was assaulted and one person was arrested when a protest erupted Tuesday after federal agents conducting a drug investigation were mistaken for immigration officers. The officer was not injured. (Watch)

➤ Queen Creek: A utility company responded to a sewage spill caused by a suspected blockage from flushed items like disposable wipes, diapers, grease, and fats. (Watch)

➤ Tucson: A two-vehicle crash closed down Aviation Parkway on Wednesday morning. One person was ejected from a vehicle and transported to the hospital with possible life-threatening injuries. (Watch)

➤ Pima County: Officials announced sandbag distribution sites ahead of this year’s monsoon season, with bags available beginning June 14. (Watch)

➤ More than a dozen college athletes from across the state are competing in the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships, which kicked off Wednesday in Eugene, Oregon. (Overview, Live Updates)

➤ The Mexican Pacific League announced the Tucson Baseball Team as its first international squad ahead of the 2025-26 season. The team will host its games at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium. (More)

➤ The Arizona Diamondbacks blew out the Seattle Mariners 10-3 on Tuesday at Chase Field. (Highlights)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: MLB | NBA | WNBA | Soccer

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➤ Bodycam manufacturer Axon said it’s moving “full-steam ahead” on its headquarters and housing development in Scottsdale after breaking off further talks with the Scottsdale city council over a zoning dispute. (More)

➤ Dink & Dine Pickle Park will open this summer in Mesa, featuring 13 pickleball courts, multiple dining options, and an outdoor park and events space. (More)

➤ Tucson-based Solid Grindz Hawaiian BBQ will close its brick-and-mortar location on Golf Links Road after nine years as it returns to operating as a food truck. (More)

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➤ About 20 families will receive a free pool fence and installation thanks to a partnership between Child Crisis Arizona and other Phoenix Valley organizations. (Watch)

➤ Flagstaff is under Stage 1 fire restrictions ahead of the Fourth of July, meaning the sale, purchase, and use of fireworks is currently prohibited. (Watch)

➤ The Phoenix 10K will mark its 50th anniversary by adding its first-ever full 26.2-mile marathon when the event gets underway in November. (Details)

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