I cover Phoenix and a little of everything else for the Arizona Republic. Married đź’•to @amysilvermanaz. Formerly @PhoenixNewTimes & EV Trib.
Phoenix, AZ
Joined November 2008
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Network failures and dark cameras are a daily problem at the city, creating a less-than-ideal environment for motorists. - See my story about problems with Phoenix's Traffic Management Center: azcentral.com/story/news/tra…
"...The Democrats kept quiet about a 2024 effort to shut down Virtual Gaming Worlds, an Australia-based company that has donated handsomely to officials on both sides of the aisle." azcentral.com/story/news/pol…
Ray Stern retweeted
Phoenix-area drivers could see heavy weekend traffic as ADOT announced multiple freeway closures. azcentral.com/story/news/tra…
Ray Stern retweeted
If you been stuck at an overly long red light in Phoenix, faulty traffic cameras may be why, but the city can't say how many they've improved. azcentral.com/story/news/met…
For subscribers: Exclusive - Phoenix 'discovers' hundreds more faulty traffic cameras - Plus, the city now says it will soon start tracking the progress of the network upgrade that has caused long-term camera outages and other problems. See my story here:
azcentral.com/story/news/met…
Ray Stern retweeted
NEW. Arizona regulators have let an online gaming platform ignore a shutdown order for nearly two years.
As Virtual Gaming Worlds appears to flout state law, they've given more than $200K to support the governor and AG, who share responsibility for upholding gambling laws.
Ray Stern retweeted
Are the attack ads so vile this year that voters are tuning them out? Will it have an impact on voter turn out? @stephanie_murr hosted two experts to go through the good, bad and ugly of 2026 midterm ads: azcentral.com/story/news/pol…
Ray Stern retweeted
Arizona's largest law firm, Snell & Wilmer, is suing Phoenix on behalf of its data center client, WBR, over the City’s ability to protect neighborhoods from the negative impacts of data centers. Today, we won an important partial victory in the case.
There’s more work to do, but Phoenix will continue to work to protect our residents and ensure that when data centers are built, it’s done safely.
AZ Rep. Greg Stanton: "This designation will preserve one of Arizona’s greatest natural treasures and draw visitors from around the world, bringing new economic opportunity to Southern Arizona." Story by @salerno_phx: azcentral.com/story/travel/a…
Ray Stern retweeted
As '26 Phoenix council elections close, it's probably worth noting who is being mentioned as potential mayoral candidates in '28: @billgatesaz is already getting buzz, as is Kevin Robinson @phxdistrict6 @PHXDistrict5 Betty Guardado and Jim Waring, who is leaving the council
Laura's a great addition to the Capitol beat and I can't wait to read more of her coverage, especially with whatever's to come after November 3rd. Me? I'm still here at @azcentral: I decided to make a change after 5 years on the Leg beat and now cover the city of Phoenix.
Personal news-- I’m joining @azcentral’s state politics team!
Inbox open for tips on state leg, agencies, campaign $, lobbying, consumer protection, and (still) big news out of the federal beat. Say hello: 480.372.0389
w/ the amazing @sbarchenger and @helenrummel.
"The officials who run elections in one of America’s biggest swing counties were supposed to have settled their differences. At this rate, they’ll be fighting and pointing fingers all the way to Election Day." - By @stephanie_murr: azcentral.com/story/news/pol…
"In September 2024, former assistant principal Monique Brandau sent an email to several employees informing them that cameras were installed in the two dance rooms." - Story by @AlexandraHardle: azcentral.com/story/news/edu…
Ray Stern retweeted
NEW: ICE at the polls could just be a fear tactic.
Arizona is preparing anyway.
As the feds continue to send mixed messages, I explored how our state’s election officials and voting rights groups are readying for a host of interference scenarios.
Read: votebeat.org/arizona/2026/10…
Running for office in the competitive District 4 race are Ed Hermes, Ashley Harder, Robb Olivieri, Michael Mazzocco, Megan Schmitz, Patricia Jimenez, Zachary Lauer and Cassandra Hernandez. Here's who they are and who's supporting them -- see my story here: azcentral.com/story/news/met…
Gilbert Vice Mayor Chuck Bongiovanni "claimed, in an Oct. 1 phone interview, he heard the rumor 'in a public place.' He didn't specify where this public place was and said he didn't turn around to see the speaker." By @HarrisonMantas: azcentral.com/story/news/met…
"If passed, Arizona would become the first state to explicitly ban taxes based on vehicle mileage. Several taxing systems based on mileage use non-GPS tracking systems." Story by @helenrummel: azcentral.com/story/news/pol…
"About 10 motorcyclists opened the parade, followed by drag queens on the first float. Children and adults watched as the procession passed. Rainbow colors appeared on flags, balloons, umbrella hats and bandanas. Even dogs wore outfits." By @ReyCJrAZ: azcentral.com/story/news/ari…
"It's unlikely residential customers will see the effect of the Colorado River water cuts in their taps in 2027 but, to different degrees, they could see it in their bills." Story by Clara Migoya: azcentral.com/story/news/env…
"Both of Arizona’s Democratic senators are weighing presidential bids in 2028, hoping their ability to win in a right-leaning border state will open up a path to the White House." Story by @stephanie_murr: azcentral.com/story/news/pol…
"Simons has hosted the show since 2008, when he took over for original host Michael Grant." - Story by @goodyk: azcentral.com/story/entertai…
