Secretary Rollins leads trade delegation to Italy
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins will visit Rome, Italy, on June 2-3. During her visit, Secretary Rollins will reinforce the Administration’s expectations for improved agricultural market access to Italy and the European Union and will encourage the United Nations organizations in Rome to prioritize American interests, reduce costs, and focus on their core mandates.Don’t stack the deck against small inventors
Big Business lobbyists are winning an obscure -- but hugely consequential -- battle over the future of the judicial system. If these lobbyists get their way, small businesses will be the biggest losers.Let them eat scorpions: The legal and moral problems with gamifying citizenship
A reality TV show idea has reportedly been pitched to the Department of Homeland Security, or DHS, which would feature immigrants competing for citizenship. Under current immigration law, could such a show work? Morally, should it be allowed to work?Should federal judges be held accountable for misconduct at home?
Should a judge face disciplinary action for conduct that occurs outside the courtroom, in the privacy of their own home?What’s a fair price for a drug that’s never developed?
Last month, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services began meeting with patients who use the 15 drugs it selected for the second round of Medicare price “negotiations” -- including weight-loss treatment Wegovy.Under Trump’s ‘big beautiful bill,’ Arizona could recoup $196M
In 2022, Arizona spent $196 million on a border wall built by stacking about 2,200 shipping containers – about half to install it and the rest to take it down five months later.“Most Favored Nation” pricing doesn’t actually put America first
The White House just announced a sweeping plan that could ultimately cap U.S. drug prices at the lower levels seen in other developed countries.Secretary Rollins applauds President Trump’s leadership to Make America Healthy Again
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins today joined President Donald J. Trump in releasing the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission Report at the White House.Redefining workspaces: Law firms’ success in hybrid work environments
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, as workplaces continue to adjust to the new way of working and fluctuating office attendance policies, many industries have reduced their office space requirements. Since 2020, while some law firms have decreased their overall office space, they are simultaneously rethinking how to best utilize that space.2 agriculture-to-urban programs explore conserving groundwater in Arizona by retiring farmland
Both Sen. T.J. Shope, R-Coolidge, and the Department of Water Resources have each proposed agriculture-to-urban programs.Military mom turns personal loss into mission to help Arizona service members
Margy Bons doesn’t wait to help struggling military families – she just helps them.America cannot rewrite birthright
As we await the Supreme Court ruling in Trump, et al v. CASA, Inc. et al., which is focused on the subtending procedural issue of the legal efficacy of nationwide injunctions while the substantive foundational issue of Birthright Citizenship waits in the wings, here’s a primer on the history and purpose of the 14th Amendment.Arizona Housing Coalition announces 2025 annual award recipients
The Arizona Housing Coalition (AZHC) is thrilled to announce the recipients of their 2025 Annual Awards, honored last week at an awards ceremony during the 30th Annual Conference.AFC commends progress on Federal School Choice, looks forward to further steps
The American Federation for Children recognizes key progress on the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA) and looks forward to important, significant changes that will ensure education freedom can truly be realized across America.ASBA launches statewide SCALE program to empower Arizona entrepreneurs
The Arizona Small Business Association (ASBA), in partnership with the Arizona Commerce Authority, is thrilled to unveil our newest entrepreneurial program, SCALE (Strategic Coaching for Advancing Local Entrepreneurs), a dynamic new program designed to accelerate Arizona’s small business ecosystem.The next cancer breakthrough? Some lawmakers want to ban it.
Several states have effectively declared war on medical progress.Secretary Rollins leads trade delegation to United Kingdom
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins will visit the United Kingdom May 12-14.Arizona agencies call for volunteers during National Foster Care Month
May is National Foster Care Month, and CASA of Arizona and the Foster Care Review Board are highlighting the need for volunteers to support children and families in the state’s foster care system.NIL in high school? Arizona’s next-gen athletes balance books and brands in a new era of sports
In the evolving world of amateur sports, the three-letter acronym NIL has begun rewriting the rulebook.Next steps remain unclear for deported migrants in Panama City
Standing in the back of a small bus with his head poking out of a window, Hayatullah said he felt happy. Being dumped in a dirt lot in a new city with no resources or clear next steps was some of the best news he’d received in months.What is an IRA? Everything you need to know
If you’re thinking about saving for retirement, individual retirement accounts, or IRAs, are worth considering.Secretary Rollins applauds EPA’s decision to allow summer sale of E-15 nationwide
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins issued the following statement in support of the Environmental Protection Agency’s emergency approval of the summer sale of E-15:Agriculture Secretary Rollins enforces border policies, secures aid for farmers in first 100 days
In her first 100 days in office, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has taken steps to implement President Donald J. Trump’s immigration and agricultural policies.National fallen firefighters memorial weekend will honor and remember 140 firefighters
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) will host theBeing tough on crime includes addressing child abuse
News outlets obsess over shocking, high-profile crimes -- from murders to violent carjackings. In response, politicians focus on preventing these tragic, but statistically rare, events.America can’t afford to play favorites in the quest for energy independence
President Trump has made energy independence a pillar of his second-term agenda. Within hours of taking office, he declared a National Energy Emergency and signed executive orders to accelerate domestic oil and gas production.USDA reasserts SNAP work requirements, limits waiver use
The U.S. Department of Agriculture issued a memorandum Tuesday to all state agencies administering the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), reinforcing federal work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs).APS proposes one-time bill credit on may 2025 bills
Arizona Public Service (APS) is proposing a one-time credit on the May 2025 bill for customers who pay the Environmental Benefits Surcharge. The Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) is scheduled to vote on the request at its April 22 meeting.AZHCC to host 71st Annual Black & White Ball honoring business leaders
The Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (AZHCC) will host its 71st Annual Black & White Ball and Business Awards on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at the Arizona Biltmore, 2400 E Missouri Ave, Phoenix.High suicide rates in ‘tough guy’ construction trade prompt industry to start talking
“Sex is obviously a really important factor,” Sussell said. “Men tend to die of suicide at a significantly higher rate than women, and it’s generally believed that’s because they tend to use more lethal means.”Do the El Salvador deportations leave due process in the dust?
Article II of the United States Constitution provides the President and the Executive Branch with broad powers in the arena of foreign relations.Trump has left Strategic Petroleum Reserve nearly half-empty, despite dip in oil prices
Dozens of huge salt caverns along the Gulf Coast hold millions of barrels of crude oil set aside for national emergencies, but sit at 44% below capacity.Is Arizona’s lack of measles cases a fluke, given its low vaccination rate?
Measles – declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2002 thanks to widespread vaccination – has hit 22 states this year.$5M Gift to Fund Scholarships for Students at New ASU Medical School
A $5 million gift from Arizona State University donor Annette Beus and her family will fund scholarships for 72 students at the new School of Medicine and Advanced Medical Engineering, part of ASU Health.Trucks with uranium cross Navajo Nation, reviving long-standing fears
Although the Navajo Nation has reached an agreement with Energy Fuels Inc. on uranium transportation through tribal land, many tribal members remain concerned it won’t protect them from the harms of uranium contamination.Federal funding cut halts Arizona public health projects
The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) announced that several federal public health grants have been terminated, following notice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The grants ended effective March 24, 2025.FEMA updates flood maps in Cochise County
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has delivered preliminary flood maps for Cochise County, the City of Benson, the City of Bisbee, the City of Sierra Vista, the City of Tombstone, and the Town of Huachuca City, Arizona.Sedona named among USA Today’s “10 Best Small Towns in the West”
Sedona has been recognized as one of the premier small-town destinations in the western United States, placing sixth in USA Today’s prestigious “10 Best Small Towns in the West 2025” rankings.Arizona museums, libraries could lose $3.8M in grants from federal cuts
President Donald Trump’s executive order slashing several small federal agencies could cripple key Arizona library and museum programs, wiping out Wi-Fi hotspot lending, literacy efforts, foster family services and more.ASU Powwow bridges generations amid threats of Indigenous cultural erasure
The 36th annual Arizona State University Powwow was more than a celebration of song and dance, it was a space where generations of people gathered to invigorate shared culture, tell traditional stories and teach lessons and prayers that have survived for millennia.NOAA cuts could hamper forecasts, raising extreme weather risks
Deep cuts at the nation’s weather agency could put Arizonans at risk by hampering forecasts for haboobs, monsoons, flash flooding and wildfires.New Phoenix mural raises HIV/AIDS awareness
City officials, HIV/AIDS activists and health care providers gathered downtown Wednesday for the unveiling of a new mural at The Parsons Center for Health and Wellness.Deportation by executive fiat: Trump’s dangerous overreach of power
President Donald Trump’s preferred method of governing is through a steady flood of executive orders (EOs). During the 2024 campaign, he promised to “carry out the largest domestic deportation operation in American history.” Trump and his administration are now in the process of attempting to carry out this promise.Arizona battles rising wildfire threat as state grows hotter, drier
Arizona officials urged residents to take precautions as firefighters face longer hours battling more intense wildfires across the state.Arizona Tribal Gaming Contributions Reach $30.8 Million in Q3
The Arizona Department of Gaming announced $30,845,042 in tribal gaming contributions to the Arizona Benefits Fund for the third quarter of Fiscal Year 2025.Eviction only allowed after five business days
Thus, we contacted the new landlord of our building. Later that same day we signed an amendment to the lease for increased rent, and a release of the landlord from any claim for a “wrongful lock out.” Did we have any other option?College athletes push for more conversations about mental health, but are coaches listening?
For Lexi Guerin, a senior defender on Arizona State’s women’s lacrosse team, mental health struggles once consumed her life, dragging her through periods of deep depression and anxiety. But today, she’s using her own recovery to help change the conversation among athletes.Behind the scenes: Arizona Diamondbacks preview Chase Field upgrades, new food items for 2025 season
With MLB’s Opening Day just around the corner, the Arizona Diamondbacks hosted their annual ‘What’s New at Chase’ featuring a glimpse of the upcoming promotional giveaways and a sneak peek of the revamped menu for the upcoming 2025 season.3 UBS advisors in Arizona recognized on Forbes Best-In-State List
UBS Wealth Management USA announced that three financial advisors from its Scottsdale office have been named to the Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-In-State list for 2025.Uncertainty looms for those who depend on Medicaid in Arizona
Potential cuts to Medicare and Medicaid are causing uncertainty for Arizonans, some of whom expressed concerns during a town hall hosted by Democratic Sens. Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego on Monday.Goodyear, Glendale to hold all-mail election on May 20, 2025
Goodyear and Glendale will hold an all-mail jurisdictional election on May 20, 2025. Ballots will be automatically sent to all eligible voters, regardless of Active Early Voting List status.LPGA Ford Championship set to celebrate golf, community and culture in Gila River Indian Community
In the heart of the Sonoran Desert, the Gila River Indian Community is preparing to welcome the world’s top golfers during the LPGA’s Ford Championship, presented by Wild Horse Pass.Arizona's public health feels the weight of federal orders
In Arizona – home to roughly 34,000 federal employees – President Donald Trump’s orders can impact a massive workforce of health care professionals and the individuals who rely on their services.IRS highlights free tax filing options for 2025
The Internal Revenue Service is reminding taxpayers of free options available for preparing and filing tax returns, including the expanded Direct File program now offered in 25 states.Arizona Senate Committee seeks federal assistance on fire insurance crisis
The Arizona Senate Federalism Committee is seeking federal assistance to address fire insurance cancellations and rising premiums affecting homeowners in fire-prone areas.Taxpayers urged to claim over $1 billion in refunds before april 15 deadline
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that over 1.1 million people nationwide are eligible for unclaimed refunds from the 2021 tax year. Taxpayers must file their tax returns by April 15 to claim the refunds.Mayors push for local control over short-term rentals in northern Arizona
Some mayors in northern Arizona attribute a host of problems affecting their cities to a 2016 law preventing them from regulating short-term rentals.Change Labs offers Navajo entrepreneurs tools for business success
What started in 2013 as a once-a-year event to help Native American small business owners has grown into a launchpad for Navajo entrepreneurs.Wednesday, June 4, 2025
Secretary Rollins leads trade delegation to Italy
Don’t stack the deck against small inventors
Let them eat scorpions: The legal and moral problems with gamifying citizenship
Monday, June 2, 2025
Should federal judges be held accountable for misconduct at home?
What’s a fair price for a drug that’s never developed?
Friday, May 30, 2025
Under Trump’s ‘big beautiful bill,’ Arizona could recoup $196M
“Most Favored Nation” pricing doesn’t actually put America first
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Secretary Rollins applauds President Trump’s leadership to Make America Healthy Again
Friday, May 23, 2025
Redefining workspaces: Law firms’ success in hybrid work environments
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
2 agriculture-to-urban programs explore conserving groundwater in Arizona by retiring farmland
Military mom turns personal loss into mission to help Arizona service members
America cannot rewrite birthright
Monday, May 19, 2025
Photo by Owen Alfonso/Cronkite Borderlands Project
Friday, May 16, 2025
Arizona Housing Coalition announces 2025 annual award recipients
AFC commends progress on Federal School Choice, looks forward to further steps
ASBA launches statewide SCALE program to empower Arizona entrepreneurs
The next cancer breakthrough? Some lawmakers want to ban it.
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Secretary Rollins leads trade delegation to United Kingdom
Arizona agencies call for volunteers during National Foster Care Month
NIL in high school? Arizona’s next-gen athletes balance books and brands in a new era of sports
Next steps remain unclear for deported migrants in Panama City
Monday, May 12, 2025
What is an IRA? Everything you need to know
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Secretary Rollins applauds EPA’s decision to allow summer sale of E-15 nationwide
Agriculture Secretary Rollins enforces border policies, secures aid for farmers in first 100 days
National fallen firefighters memorial weekend will honor and remember 140 firefighters
Monday, April 28, 2025
Being tough on crime includes addressing child abuse
Congress can fix America’s broken patent system with this one reform
America can’t afford to play favorites in the quest for energy independence
Friday, April 25, 2025
USDA reasserts SNAP work requirements, limits waiver use
APS proposes one-time bill credit on may 2025 bills
AZHCC to host 71st Annual Black & White Ball honoring business leaders
High suicide rates in ‘tough guy’ construction trade prompt industry to start talking
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Do the El Salvador deportations leave due process in the dust?
Trump has left Strategic Petroleum Reserve nearly half-empty, despite dip in oil prices
Friday, April 18, 2025
Is Arizona’s lack of measles cases a fluke, given its low vaccination rate?
$5M Gift to Fund Scholarships for Students at New ASU Medical School
Trucks with uranium cross Navajo Nation, reviving long-standing fears
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Federal funding cut halts Arizona public health projects
FEMA updates flood maps in Cochise County
Sedona named among USA Today’s “10 Best Small Towns in the West”
Monday, April 14, 2025
Arizona museums, libraries could lose $3.8M in grants from federal cuts
ASU Powwow bridges generations amid threats of Indigenous cultural erasure
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
NOAA cuts could hamper forecasts, raising extreme weather risks
New Phoenix mural raises HIV/AIDS awareness
Deportation by executive fiat: Trump’s dangerous overreach of power
Monday, April 7, 2025
Arizona battles rising wildfire threat as state grows hotter, drier
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
Arizona Tribal Gaming Contributions Reach $30.8 Million in Q3
Eviction only allowed after five business days
College athletes push for more conversations about mental health, but are coaches listening?
Monday, March 24, 2025
Behind the scenes: Arizona Diamondbacks preview Chase Field upgrades, new food items for 2025 season
3 UBS advisors in Arizona recognized on Forbes Best-In-State List
Friday, March 21, 2025
Uncertainty looms for those who depend on Medicaid in Arizona
Goodyear, Glendale to hold all-mail election on May 20, 2025
LPGA Ford Championship set to celebrate golf, community and culture in Gila River Indian Community
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Monday, March 17, 2025
Friday, March 14, 2025
Arizona's public health feels the weight of federal orders
IRS highlights free tax filing options for 2025
Arizona Senate Committee seeks federal assistance on fire insurance crisis
Taxpayers urged to claim over $1 billion in refunds before april 15 deadline
Friday, March 7, 2025
Mayors push for local control over short-term rentals in northern Arizona
Change Labs offers Navajo entrepreneurs tools for business success
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Tuesday, March 4, 2025
10:00am - 10:10am Break
10:10am - 11:10am Champagne Technology on a Beer Budget
Believe it or not, you can get great technology on a tight budget. However, some things are too important to let cost be your most important decision variable. Whether you’re ready to start a firm or overhaul your firm’s existing technology, this seminar gives you a legal technology roadmap with a focus on keeping the costs as low as possible. We’ll cover everything from low cost accounting and case management systems, how to lower printing costs, computer configurations, security and encryption options, VoIP phone systems, and more. We will also help you prioritize your purchases so you’ll know what to focus on. You literally can’t afford to miss this seminar.
11:10am - 11:20am Break
11:20am -12:20pm The Evolution of Speech Recognition Software--You Won’t Believe How Good It Has Become
Lawyers have to draft pleadings and documents, capture time entries in accounting software, respond to emails, and enter case-related information into a file (or case management system).
All of those things typically involve a keyboard, and unfortunately, many lawyers just aren’t good typists. Years ago, it was common for support staff to handle such things. But today, a high percentage of lawyers have limited or no access to support staff simply due to the cost. As a result, today’s lawyers have to be far more self-reliant in the generation of work product. Thankfully, speech recognition technology can resolve these issues. You talk, and the software types exactly what you’re saying. This technology can be used for automatic transcription, time entries, and any drafting task without ever touching the keyboard. Speech recognition has definitely arrived, and this seminar shows you how it works and what you need to incorporate it into your practice. We’ll focus on the popular Dragon Legal version 16 software application.
12:20pm -1:00pm Lunch Break
1:00pm - 2:00pm Communication Breakdown - It’s Always The Same (But It’s Avoidable)
A high percentage of malpractice practice claims and practice management problems are caused by communication breakdowns. Communication problems create dissatisfied clients, decrease productivity, cause conflict internally and externally. The growing number of communication channels only compounds the problem. We’ll explain technologies and techniques that will help you improve communication, lower your stress, improve your service, generate happier clients, and lower your malpractice risk.
2:00pm - 2:10pm Break
2:10pm - 3:10pm Security Is A Team Sport - Simple, Easy Tech Security Measures Every Lawyer Should Consider
Rule 1.6 stipulates that a lawyer must make reasonable efforts to prevent the disclosure of confidential client information. The comments to Rule 1.6 require lawyers to act competently to safeguard client information, and use reasonable safety precautions when transmitting a client communication. The exact meanings of “reasonable efforts,” “act competently” and “reasonable precautions” may be subject to debate. However, doing nothing certainly won’t meet the standard. The good news is that you don’t have to be a security expert or techie to protect yourself and your office. Learn how to cover all the bases of computer, smartphone, tablet, email, wireless and document encryption. We’ll also cover the fundamentals of backing up your electronic data. Half of the battle is simply knowing what questions to ask and it’s not nearly as complicated as it sounds. Establish best practices in your office and discover the inexpensive or free tools that will make sure your confidential information remains confidential.
3:10pm - 3:20 pm Break
3:20pm - 4:20pm How To Protect Yourself and Preserve Confidentiality When Negotiating Documents Via Email
Opposing lawyers routinely email versions of a document back and forth during the negotiation process; and many instruments are never reduced to paper until they’re ready to sign. This approach is unquestionably fast and convenient compared to mailing or faxing paper documents. However, electronic document exchange presents many issues that practitioners need to be aware of and risks to protect against. In this seminar, you’ll learn when it’s appropriate to use word processor files and when it’s appropriate to use PDFs. We’ll cover how to track your changes in a document and how to ascertain what changes were made by others (even if there are attempts to conceal those changes). You’ll also learn how to add comments and annotations to Word or PDF files, how to lock documents down to prevent further changes, and how to avoid including hidden (and potentially damaging) information in the files you’re working with (this hidden information is known as metadata). Finally, using plain email arguably affords you no reasonable expectation of privacy. We’ll also discuss your email encryption options which ensure that only the intended recipient can open your emails and/or attachments thereto.