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Below are today’s Arizona and national stories, available for immediate republication. You can access them via The Center Square RSS feed or BLOX Content Exchange.

Judge named special counsel in probe of Hobbs, Mayes
Former Arizona Supreme Court Justice Andrew Gould has been named special counsel in the state Senate’s investigation of Attorney General Kris Mayes’ decision not to prosecute Gov. Katie Hobbs over allegations of a pay-to-play scheme. By Dave Mason.

Paramount Skydance settles Democrats' antitrust lawsuit
Paramount Skydance has settled an antitrust lawsuit brought by Democratic state attorneys general including California’s Rob Bonta. The deal appears to clear the way for Paramount Skydance to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery for $110 billion. Arizona is among the plaintiffs. By Chris Woodward.

Arizona legislators discuss failures in federal fund audits
The Joint Legislative Audit Committee met Monday for a public hearing on Arizona’s failure to submit its required annual Single Audit by federal deadlines. The failure could put federal funding at risk and has already cost grant money for two Arizona universities. By Chris Woodward.

Tempe ponders ban on Flock cameras, ALPRs
The Tempe City Council is considering an ordinance that would prevent the city from using Flock cameras and other automatic license plate readers, a move that is expected to protect privacy and save taxpayers some money. By Zachery Schmidt.

Control of Senate might hinge on liberal Muslim in Michigan
Democratic hopes of taking control of the U.S. Senate in the upcoming midterm elections are heavily dependent on retaining an open seat in Michigan.

Hegseth addresses military spouse commission, vows action on key issues
Looking to improve the quality of life of military families who face unique challenges, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth addressed a group of military spouses Monday to kick off the President’s Military Spouse Commission.

DOT unveils air traffic 'smart system' to reduce flight delays 
The U.S. Department of Transportation is launching a first of its kind AI-enhanced air traffic control support system meant to reduce flight delays and cancellations.

Republicans distance from Trump ahead of midterms
Republican candidates in redrawn congressional districts across the country have appeared to distance themselves from President Donald Trump in recent weeks. 

Medicare Part D paid $588M for OTC drugs labeled as prescription-only
Medicare Part D sponsors made $587.7 million in ineligible payments to pharmacies for five drugs carrying obsolete prescription-only labeling more than a year after the corresponding brand-name drugs switched to over-the-counter status, a federal watchdog found.

Federal court says Missouri must use GOP-favored map
A federal appeals court ordered Missouri to use a congressional map favoring Republicans that the U.S. Supreme Court halted. 

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GROCERY TAXES: Arizona voters in the Nov. 3 general election will consider a proposal to limit grocery taxes to 2%. By Dave Mason.

BEHEST PAYMENTS: Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass persuaded donors to give $38 million to her favorite charities, but many donors had business before the city that she failed to disclose.

VOTING RIGHTS: House Democrats will hold a forum on Capitol Hill at 2pm ET to discuss protecting ballot access and the upcoming midterm elections. While Democrats are focusing on voting accessibility and convenience, Republicans remain focused on election security and preventing voter fraud. Some GOP senators are still urging Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., to somehow force the SAVE America Act through the chamber, even if it means changing filibuster rules. (Therese Boudreaux)

CONCIERGE MEDICINE: Doctors are starting to charge membership fees for things that used to be free for most patients. A Medicare Payment Advisory Commission report to Congress this year found concierge and direct primary care practices grew more than 80% from 2018 to 2023, as physicians increasingly opt out of traditional insurance models. The Center Square examines what's driving the shift and what it means for patients left in the traditional system. (Brett Rowland)

SCOTUS PREVIEW: The George Washington University School of Law will host an event previewing the upcoming term in the U.S. Supreme Court. With cases on climate change, gun rights and transgender children, law professors will highlight what to keep an eye on in the case. (Andrew Rice) 

JUDGE BLOCKS DEI CUT: A federal judge ruled the Trump administration could not cut $600 million in teacher training grants because of diversity, equity and inclusion policies or alleged “divisive ideologies.” The funding, which comes under the Teacher Quality Partnership and Supporting Effective Educator Development programs, consists entirely of federal taxpayer dollars. (Esther Wickham)

ANTIFA: Tuesday marks one year since President Donald Trump designated Antifa a domestic terror organization after The Center Square asked the president if he would consider the action. Since the designation, it has expanded to include international arms of the group and several terror convictions. (Sarah Roderick-Fitch)

FAA CYBERSECURITY: The Federal Aviation Administration’s air traffic and data communications systems are vulnerable to cyber threats, according to a recent report from the Government Accountability Office. The Center Square will talk to aviation security experts on whether the report sufficiently addresses these threats. (Morgan Sweeney)

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Dave Mason
Regional Editor
[email protected]