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Capitol roundup: Pay-to-play reform showdown

Gov. Hobbs vetoed a similar bill last year.

News

Senate Republicans this week <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="passed legislation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kjzz.org/politics/2026-03-03/arizona-senate-passes-republican-pay-to-play-reform-bill-not-hobbs-plan" data-vars-content-id="631337b3-c28a-4fb9-bc24-c1d4354f5d0b" data-vars-headline="Capitol roundup: Pay-to-play reform showdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kjzz.org/politics/2026-03-03/arizona-senate-passes-republican-pay-to-play-reform-bill-not-hobbs-plan" target="_blank">passed legislation</a> aimed at providing transparency about state contractors&#x27; contributions to governors&#x27; campaigns in the wake of an alleged &quot;pay-to-play&quot; scandal involving a donor to Gov. Katie Hobbs.State of play: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bill" data-vars-click-url="https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/57leg/2R/proposed/S.1186BOLICK.PDF" data-vars-content-id="631337b3-c28a-4fb9-bc24-c1d4354f5d0b" data-vars-headline="Capitol roundup: Pay-to-play reform showdown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/57leg/2R/proposed/S.1186BOLICK.PDF" target="_blank">bill</a> would require anyone who has or bids on a state contract to disclose any contributions they&#x27;ve made to the governor, as well as any committees the governor controls or that aided them in their election.

Snakes and scorpions emerge early after heat streak

Wildlife officials warn early heat is bringing rattlesnakes and scorpions out of dormancy.

Snakes and scorpions took notice of last week&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="warm weather" data-vars-click-url="http://axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/03/02/phoenix-hits-90-f-a-month-early" data-vars-content-id="f52a7d22-7fee-4c30-a43b-3d7629cfb225" data-vars-headline="Snakes and scorpions emerge early after heat streak" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/03/02/phoenix-hits-90-f-a-month-early" target="_self">warm weather</a> and emerged from their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="winter naps early" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/02/28/phoenix-scorpion-sightings-winter" data-vars-content-id="f52a7d22-7fee-4c30-a43b-3d7629cfb225" data-vars-headline="Snakes and scorpions emerge early after heat streak" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/02/28/phoenix-scorpion-sightings-winter" target="_self">winter naps early</a>, wildlife managers and pest control specialists warn.Why it matters: It&#x27;s already time to keep your shoes on in the house and watch out for backyard slitherers.

Bobby Hurley era likely coming to an end at ASU

The men's basketball coach's contract is up at the end of the season.

After 11 years leading ASU men&#x27;s basketball, Bobby Hurley&#x27;s time in Tempe appears to be coming to an end.State of play: Hurley&#x27;s contract expires at the end of this season, and it&#x27;s widely expected that it won&#x27;t be extended.

Arizona voters will choose state's first lieutenant governor in 2026

Voters will choose the state's first lieutenant governor in 2026.

Candidates for Arizona&#x27;s top office have big decisions to make later this year about who will be the best fit to run alongside them as voters prepare to elect the state&#x27;s first lieutenant governor.Why it matters: The lieutenant governor, not the secretary of state, will now be first in the line of succession if the governor leaves office early — a relatively frequent occurrence in Arizona history.

Sun Devil women eye tournament under Miller's first-year turnaround

ASU women see turnaround under first-year coach Miller but need more to reach March Madness.

The ASU women&#x27;s basketball team enters the Big 12 tournament Wednesday with a chance to cap off head coach Molly Miller&#x27;s historic first year with a trip to March Madness.The big picture: The Sun Devils experienced a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="huge turnaround" data-vars-click-url="https://www.si.com/college/arizonastate/sun-devils-molly-miller-makes-history-with-win-over-arizona-" data-vars-content-id="79b008e8-6225-49fe-b808-2f4d0032305a" data-vars-headline="Sun Devil women eye tournament under Miller&#x27;s first-year turnaround" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.si.com/college/arizonastate/sun-devils-molly-miller-makes-history-with-win-over-arizona-" target="_blank">huge turnaround</a> under Miller after finishing near the bottom of the conference last season.

Cardinals release quarterback Kyler Murray

The Cardinals are releasing Kyler Murray, ending his seven-year run as Arizona's quarterback.

The Cardinals are releasing Kyler Murray, ending his seven-year run as Arizona&#x27;s quarterback, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="media reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/48091996/sources-cardinals-tell-kyler-murray-released-next-week" data-vars-content-id="9ba377b1-3aef-47e6-ba19-c8b97919f369" data-vars-headline="Cardinals release quarterback Kyler Murray" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/48091996/sources-cardinals-tell-kyler-murray-released-next-week" target="_blank">media reports</a>.

Suns face injuries as they head into season's final home stretch

Injuries mount as Suns enter home stretch, with their playoff position on the line.

The Phoenix Suns have succeeded all season despite injuries, and that perseverance is being put to the test as they head into the home stretch of the regular season.State of play: Forward Dillon Brooks, an intense defender who&#x27;s having the best season of his career on offense, had surgery last Monday on a broken hand that will keep him out at least four weeks.

Spring Training turns the Valley into baseball's home away from home

Fans flock to the Cactus League for sunshine, community and $764M in impact.

Baseball fans from across the country are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fleeing winter for the desert" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/02/23/baseball-fans-winter-spring-training-arizona-sloan-park-glendale-mesa" data-vars-content-id="1fae854b-3591-48fa-8d92-4dd40cb835db" data-vars-headline="Spring Training turns the Valley into baseball&#x27;s home away from home" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/02/23/baseball-fans-winter-spring-training-arizona-sloan-park-glendale-mesa" target="_self">fleeing winter for the desert</a> this week as the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Spring Training season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/02/10/catchers-and-pitchers-report-for-arizona-spring-training" data-vars-content-id="1fae854b-3591-48fa-8d92-4dd40cb835db" data-vars-headline="Spring Training turns the Valley into baseball&#x27;s home away from home" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/02/10/catchers-and-pitchers-report-for-arizona-spring-training" target="_self">Spring Training season</a> kicks off across the Phoenix area.The big picture: This year marks the 79th year of the Cactus League, which now boasts 15 teams training across 10 Valley stadiums.

Free NCAA Women's Final Four fan events in downtown Phoenix

Free fan festivals, concerts and open practices will take over downtown April 2–5.

Phoenix is weeks away from hosting the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="NCAA Women&#x27;s Final Four" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2024/12/10/pic-du-jour-final-four-southwestern-style" data-vars-content-id="f8397986-95c5-4770-9f48-e98b095f39d3" data-vars-headline="Free NCAA Women&#x27;s Final Four fan events in downtown Phoenix" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2024/12/10/pic-du-jour-final-four-southwestern-style" target="_self">NCAA Women&#x27;s Final Four</a> for the first time and the local organizing committee on Tuesday announced a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ballin&#x27; lineup of fan events" data-vars-click-url="https://phoenixfinalfour.com/arizona-prepares-for-states-ncaa-womens-final-four/" data-vars-content-id="f8397986-95c5-4770-9f48-e98b095f39d3" data-vars-headline="Free NCAA Women&#x27;s Final Four fan events in downtown Phoenix" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://phoenixfinalfour.com/arizona-prepares-for-states-ncaa-womens-final-four/" target="_blank">ballin&#x27; lineup of fan events</a> leading up to the games.Mark your calendars: All events are free and in downtown Phoenix.

Curling slides into the spotlight in the Valley

Olympic hype is driving new players to try curling.

Forget <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pickleball" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2022/08/10/metro-phoenix-mecca-pickleball-players" data-vars-content-id="5ca119ee-dddc-413e-a20d-ed2566c5a498" data-vars-headline="Curling slides into the spotlight in the Valley" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2022/08/10/metro-phoenix-mecca-pickleball-players" target="_self">pickleball</a>. The trendiest sport in the Valley (at least for the next few weeks) may be the one played with brooms on ice.Why it matters: Every Winter Olympics, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="curling" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/04/what-is-curling-sweeping-rules" data-vars-content-id="5ca119ee-dddc-413e-a20d-ed2566c5a498" data-vars-headline="Curling slides into the spotlight in the Valley" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/04/what-is-curling-sweeping-rules" target="_self">curling</a> becomes the &quot;toast of the town&quot; as the world watches men and women sweep away at the ice in a highly strategic — but not super strenuous — competition, Coyotes Curling Club board member Darryl Horsman told Axios.

Brittney Griner gets back personal items from her time in Russia

The WNBA star shared an emotional video unboxing items recovered after her detention.

WNBA All-Star and long-time former Phoenix Mercury center <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Brittney Griner" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2024/05/08/brittney-griner-reflects-on-life-in-russian-prison-in-new-memoir" data-vars-content-id="192b33da-219e-47b1-bdf6-f735ae4ed339" data-vars-headline="Brittney Griner gets back personal items from her time in Russia" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2024/05/08/brittney-griner-reflects-on-life-in-russian-prison-in-new-memoir" target="_self">Brittney Griner</a> recently received two boxes of possessions from her time in Russia, more than three years after she was released from prison there.Why it matters: In a sometimes emotional <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="video" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWlarnXFZL4" data-vars-content-id="192b33da-219e-47b1-bdf6-f735ae4ed339" data-vars-headline="Brittney Griner gets back personal items from her time in Russia" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWlarnXFZL4" target="_blank">video</a>, Griner shared memorabilia and personal effects that her attorneys recovered from her Russian apartment and a handful of other items from her 10-month detention.

Cardinals hire Rams offensive coordinator LaFleur as new head

The Cards' long search for a new head coach ended when they tapped Rams OC LaFleur for the job.

The Arizona Cardinals&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="drawn-out and at times frustrating search" data-vars-click-url="https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nfl/cardinals/2026/01/28/cardinals-coach-search-update-news/88404301007/" data-vars-content-id="0b0191a1-58f8-4382-9eb8-ed1f9cccca14" data-vars-headline="Cardinals hire Rams offensive coordinator LaFleur as new head" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nfl/cardinals/2026/01/28/cardinals-coach-search-update-news/88404301007/" target="_blank">drawn-out and at times frustrating search</a> for a new head coach ended Sunday when the team hired Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur.The big picture: LaFleur takes over a struggling team desperately in need of a new direction — the Cards set a franchise record for losses last year.

What's new at the 2026 WM Phoenix Open

The viewing area of the iconic 16th hole has been revamped.

The greenest (<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="and rowdiest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/02/03/wm-phoenix-open-changes-2025" data-vars-content-id="18e092d6-b58a-4921-9187-7f5787427756" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s new at the 2026 WM Phoenix Open" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/02/03/wm-phoenix-open-changes-2025" target="_self">and rowdiest</a>) show on grass returns to Scottsdale next week for its 91st annual edition.Why it matters: The WM Phoenix Open is a major revenue driver for the Valley and an all-around good time, but its atypical party vibe has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="caused consternation in recent years" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2024/02/14/wm-phoenix-open-golf-tournament-alcohol-fans-drunk" data-vars-content-id="18e092d6-b58a-4921-9187-7f5787427756" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s new at the 2026 WM Phoenix Open" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2024/02/14/wm-phoenix-open-golf-tournament-alcohol-fans-drunk" target="_self">caused consternation in recent years</a>.

Sports 🏅

Bobby Hurley era likely coming to an end at ASU

Sun Devil women eye tournament under Miller's first-year turnaround

Cardinals release quarterback Kyler Murray

Phoenix-born Griffin Jax to play in World Baseball Classic

Suns face injuries as they head into season's final home stretch