Nomination Battles Take Familiar Turn

Democrat Gov. Katie Hobbs announced she will no longer seek state Senate confirmation for her agency director nominees, reigniting a legal standoff with the GOP-led legislature.

“If somebody’s upset about it, they can sue me again,” Hobbs said. In 2023, Hobbs pursued a similar strategy, a tactic ruled illegal.

Hobbs’ announcement comes after the state Senate refused to confirm two of her recent nominations, leading to their resignation.

Hobbs said she’s “done” with the process and will instead rely on interim directors. State Sen. Jake Hoffman, R-Queen Creek, compared her actions to “a childish temper tantrum.”

AI Creates Dead Victim’s Court Statement

An Arizona judge recently allowed a murder victim’s family to submit a victim impact statement via a video that recreated the victim’s likeness and voice.

It is believed to be a first for the Arizona court system—and possibly a first for any U.S. court—where artificial intelligence was used to create a deceased victim’s “own” impact statement.

The video showed an AI-generation version of Christopher Pelkey, who was killed in a road rage incident in 2021 in Chandler. Using AI technology, his family recreated Pelkey’s image and voice to “talk” to the courtroom about his life and the day he died.

The family said the judge was moved by the video and referred to it during sentencing, in which he gave the defendant 10.5 years for manslaughter.

Vet Wins $1M on Slots

A Chandler U.S. Army veteran identified as “Michael H.” won $1.03 million on a Wheel of Fortune slot machine at Gila River Resorts & Casinos this past weekend.

The win came after his wife suggested they visit the casino on Saturday rather than their usual Sunday trip. “I’m glad I listened to my wife,” he said.

Michael, who works as a shuttle bus driver for an independent living community, said he’ll use the winnings on a new home and to spend more time with his out-of-state grandchildren. 

The casino said the jackpot was the fourth $1 million jackpot awarded at one of Gila River’s four locations. You can see a photo of Michael holding his jackpot check here.

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➤ Phoenix: The trial for accused serial killer Cleophus Cooksey Jr. began on Monday, more than seven years after he allegedly killed eight people. (Watch)

➤ Quartzite: A driver survived after the roof of his car was ripped off in a crash with a semi. (Photo)

➤ Flagstaff: Snow fell on Monday as a low-pressure system swept through the state. (Watch)

➤ Tempe: A local Democratic Party leader plans to draft a letter calling for state party chairman Robert Branscomb’s resignation due to an ongoing inter-party feud. (Details)

➤ Lake Havasu: The Monster Truck Insanity Tour hosted its second show, featuring trick competition, racing, and freestyle. (Highlights)

➤ Tucson: Authorities asked for the public’s help identifying young people involved in an alleged assault in the Fourth Avenue tunnel. (Watch)

➤ Olympian and Arizona Sports Hall of Fame swimmer Gary Hall Jr. received replacement Olympic medals for the 10 medals destroyed in the Palisades Fire in California earlier this year. (Photo)

➤ NASCAR’s championship weekend will leave Phoenix and return to Homestead-Miami Speedway next year, marking the start of a rotating schedule. (Watch)

➤ The Arizona Diamondbacks unveiled their Nike City Connect 2.0 Serpientes uniforms, which will make their debut at Friday’s home game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. (Photo)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: MLB | NBA | NHL | NCAAB | NCAASB | Soccer

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➤ Five Arizona breweries won medals at the 2025 World Beer Cup last week, including Tucson’s Dragoon Brewing Company. (Details)

➤ PHOENIX magazine released a list of the Phoenix Valley’s top 50 real estate agents based on subscriber feedback. (List)

➤ IKEA’s Plan & Order center opens today at The Promenade Scottsdale shopping center, allowing customers to work with a consultant to plan their home furnishings. (Details)

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Even neurologists were stunned…

They couldn’t believe the true impact a vertigo attack has on the brain… 

Or that dizzy spells might actually signal a deeper, hidden condition.

Discover the full story here:

Why You Should Never Ignore a Vertigo Attack

➤ St. Jude’s Dream Home Giveaway winner will be announced at 9:15 a.m. today on Good Morning Arizona. The winner receives a new Queen Creek home. (Details)

➤ Members of the San Carlos Apache tribe started an 80-mile run to protest a mining operation being built on what they say is sacred ground in Oak Flat. (Watch)

➤ The new “Golf with Us” youth program offers rounds of golf for $5 or less to Arizona children. Forty-eight golf courses will participate. (Watch)

➤ Correction: The trivia question on the May 6 Trivia webpage referenced the wrong state due to an editor’s error. This mistake has been corrected.

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