Arizona
Hidden in plain sight: Surveillance at the Arizona border
From hidden license plate readers to AI-powered cameras, federal agents have built a vast monitoring network that stretches deep into Arizona.
Arizona Senate panel advances bill that shields police surveillance cameras from public scrutiny
Republican legislation exempts license plate reader data from public records despite sponsor’s claims about preventing overreach.
Arizona bill would force companies to disclose that digital ‘purchases’ aren’t permanent
Arizona House unanimously passes bill requiring companies to disclose when digital purchases can be altered or revoked.
Scottsdale PD’s massive use of AI license plate tracking cameras raises privacy concerns in Arizona
Scottsdale police conducted 12,527 searches of nationwide license plate database, nearly 1-in-4 queries by state agencies.
AI-powered balloons have been photographing Arizona homes for insurance risk assessments
The new technology raises new privacy and policy concerns.
Phoenix plans digital twin to solve regional challenges
The Arizona region’s smart city consortium wants to bring together several towns and cities to explore how to potentially work on issues around traffic, development, climate and others.
Tucson PD used border security money for controversial surveillance software
The AI-powered Cobwebs software, which is also used by ICE, monitors social media and locations.
Arizona cracks down on crypto ATM scams that cost residents $177 million
Arizona has seen an increase in the number of people getting scammed via cryptocurrency.
As food insecurity creeps up, data helps food banks cater to those in need
Americans are concerned about food access and costs. Data maps are one tool communities can leverage to meet their needs.
Governor rejects fast-track for small nuclear reactors at Arizona data centers
Katie Hobbs vetoes Arizona small modular nuclear reactor veto bill that would have exempted unproven technology from environmental review.
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‘Magic money’: Arizona Republicans advance bills to legitimize cryptocurrency
The bills mirror moves by 22 other states that have introduced similar legislation authorizing the state treasurer or state pension funds to invest in cryptocurrency.
Arizona police procedures exposed in massive policy database hack
Some agencies said they were unconcerned with the breach since the final documents are already publicly available.
As climate change intensifies, Arizona bill would bar ‘geoengineering’ to combat it
The emerging field has caused fierce debate among scientists, some of whom see it as a way to combat people’s impact on the planet, while others see it as another way to create climate chaos.
Inside one state’s effort to digitize 911 to improve public safety
In Arizona, officials hope next generation 911 capabilities will help improve the state’s public safety response and supplement the work of understaffed dispatcher teams.
The next front in the war over homelessness is on the Arizona ballot
Conservatives want to use the criminal justice system to force unhoused people into treatment. It may do more harm than good.
In a state with school vouchers for all, low-income families aren’t choosing to use them
Working-class parents often express interest in vouchers. But in Arizona, the nation’s school choice capital, these families aren’t using them due to the inaccessibility of private schools and the costs of transportation, meals and uniforms.
Election workers may need to become whistleblowers this fall
Legal groups stand ready to help election workers navigate the legal realities of “see something, say something.”
The states where climate progress is on the ballot
Getting laws passed is one thing. Protecting them from Republican opposition is another.
Little-noticed statehouse races could reshape election policies next year
In several swing states, control of legislative chambers—and agendas—is on the ballot in November.
Rent is eating up a greater share of tenants’ income in almost every state
Arizona and Nevada had the biggest spikes in renters paying 30% or more of their income on housing from 2019 to 2023.
