News of a federal investigation into the city and Phoenix Police Department took leaders by surprise Thursday. “We had no idea that this was coming,” said Vice Mayor Carlos Garcia. He told KJZZ that city leaders were notified about an hour before the U.S. Department of Justice’s news conference in Washington, D.C.
→ U.S. To Investigate Phoenix Police Over Excessive Force Allegations
→ Phoenix Police Chief, Union, Activist React To Investigation

Jazz, blues and bluegrass are unique to American musical history, but their roots reach back centuries to Western Africa. Pascal Bokar and his Afro Blue Grazz Band have a series of upcoming concerts in the Valley that merge those influences and include a discussion about the influence of West Africa on the evolution of American culture and musical traditions as part of the Jazz Culture & Social Justice Project.

Gov. Doug Ducey signed legislation Friday to block the use of public funds for what he calls "critical race theory." But there seems to be a disconnect between the description of what has become a favorite talking point of Ducey and other Republicans, and what “critical race theory” actually means.

All DPS troopers will be equipped with body-worn cameras thanks to the new state budget approved last week. But at the same time, lawmakers signed off on a policy that restricts the kinds of video from those cameras that can be released to the public.

The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office announced Friday it is permanently dismissing charges against protesters who were arrested in the fall of 2020 in downtown Phoenix.

The state health department released final rules about who qualifies to pursue a license. But efforts to help those hurt by the drug war in other parts of the country where marijuana has been legalized have been criticized for not living up to their intentions. Now it’s Arizona’s turn to try and ingrain social justice values sought by many in the U.S. into a developing and profitable industry.

The history of the U.S. is dotted with examples of racial injustice and blatant acts of racism — systemic and otherwise. But one of the most horrific hadn’t received much attention or discussion until recently: The Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921, which occurred 100 years ago.

Nearly 12 years after a daycare fire that left 49 children dead in the Sonoran capital Hermosillo, Mexico’s Supreme court confirmed Wednesday that 22 people are responsible for the tragedy. But family members of the victims say the ruling is far from delivering justice.

The Ten Across project has decided to use the Interstate Ten corridor, stretching from California to Florida, as its framework when it comes to water, energy, commerce, and land use — among other things.