Jezebel: Arizona

Proposed Law Requires All Teachers to Act Like Disney Characters at All Times

Erin Gloria Ryan — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 15:00:00 EST

A proposed new law in the horrible state of Arizona would require teachers there to keep their behavior G-rated both in and out of the classroom. No, really. The law, sponsored by five Republican senators, would suspend or fire teachers if they spoke or conducted themselves in a manner contrary to FCC regulations for TV at any time. Arizona teachers, batten down your nipples— Janet Jackson style shenanigans will no longer be tolerated. More »

Arizona Politician Proposes a Special Holiday for White People

Cassie Murdoch — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 23:55:00 EST

When it comes to holidays, the theory is generally that you can never have enough of them. Though one Arizona lawmaker might be pushing the limits of that rule. During a conversation on the floor of the Arizona House Rep. Richard Miranda proposed a Latino American Day in Arizona, to celebrate the accomplishments of the state's many latino residents. That seems harmless enough, but a heated debate ensued, and after a while Rep. Ash jumped in to say, "I'm supportive of this proposition. I just want them to assure me that when we do become in the minority you'll have a day for us." Ohh, interesting idea... More »

Obama Doesn't Have Time for Jan Brewer's Shit, But Don't Tell Her That

Cassie Murdoch — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 10:20:00 EST

President Obama arrived in Phoenix yesterday and was greeted at the airport by Arizona governor Jan Brewer. And that was where the niceties ended. Brewer gave Obama a hand-written letter, and then the two got into a tense conversation. They were seen talking over each other, and she pointed at him. Then Obama walked away while Governor Brewer was mid-sentence. Ooh, diss. More »

Your Afternoon Cry: Gabrielle Giffords' Farewell Speech

Erin Gloria Ryan — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:40:00 EST

Gabrielle Giffords Resigns from Congress Via YouTube

Doug Barry — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 14:50:00 EST

Arizona Rep. Gabrielle Giffords has resigned from Congress just a year after being shot in the head at an event outside a Tuscon supermarket. Preoccupied with her physical rehabilitation, Giffords explains in the video that it's best if she steps down despite previous speculation in the wake of her speedy recovery that she might take retiring Republican Senator John Kyl's seat. Though she gave no clear indication of her future in politics, Giffords did end her farewell in a way that could pave the way for an eventual return to national prominence: "I will return and we will work together for Arizona and this great country." More »

Man Wounded in Arizona Shooting Hates Gabrielle Giffords

Margaret Hartmann — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST

Reporters have finally managed to locate a man who may be the only American that doesn't find Gabrielle Giffords' recovery inspirational. In fact, he's disgusted by Giffords and her husband Mark Kelly and says, "Every time I see them on TV, it makes me want to vomit." George Morris knows firsthand what the couple have been through, because he's one of the victims of the Arizona shooting. Morris was wounded in the attack and his wife was killed, yet he's challenging anyone who says the lesson from the attack is that there needs to be more civility in politics. More »

Giffords Leads Pledge at Arizona Shooting Memorial

Margaret Hartmann — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 22:11:00 EST

One year after a bullet went straight through her head, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords led the crowd in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance at a candlelight vigil in Tucson. Giffords' recovery has inspired people across the country, but her presence at numerous memorial events today was particularly meaningful for those still struggling with the aftermath of the Arizona shooting. More »

Giffords Will Return To Arizona For Anniversary Vigil

Margaret Hartmann — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 10:40:00 EST

Rep. Gabrielle Giffords is still undergoing physical and speech therapy in Houston, but on Sunday she'll return to Arizona to participate in events marking the one year anniversary of the shooting that left her wounded and six people dead. Giffords' husband, Mark Kelly, plans to speak during a vigil at the University of Arizona. Giffords won't do any interviews while in Tucson and isn't expected to speak at the events, but the fact that she's able to attend already says a lot. More »

Stranded Real-Life Lady MacGyver Survives For 9 Days On Snow & Candy Bars

Erin Gloria Ryan — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 16:15:00 EST

A 23-year-old student who lived on melted snow and candy bars during a 9 day ordeal in remote Arizona says she's thankful to be alive. And that's the last time she house sits at Dakota Fanning's ski chalet. More »

Planned Parenthood Forced To Reduce Number Of Abortion Providers In Arizona

Margaret Hartmann — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 10:30:00 EDT

Though supporters of the new abortion restrictions in Arizona said they were about safety and not cutting back on the number of procedures performed, the law has already forced Planned Parenthood to cut abortion services at clinics in Prescott Valley, Flagstaff and Yuma. At some of these locations only nurse practitioners were trained to perform abortions, and now only doctors can do the procedure. Surgical and medication abortions will still be available in Tucson and Phoenix, but many women who live in suburban and rural areas will have to drive hours for an abortion. "I think we've really done women a disservice in all parts of the state by imposing rules that have no medical significance and just creating barriers," said Bryan Howard, president of Planned Parenthood of Arizona. More »

Arizona Court Allows Shiny New Abortion Restrictions To Take Effect

Margaret Hartmann — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 11:20:00 EDT

Yesterday an Arizona appeals court ruled that parts of a 2009 state law that imposes new abortion restrictions can go into effect. According to the judges, laws only violate women's rights when they create an "undue burden." Placing some burden on women trying to obtain a legal procedure is totally fine. More »

Asshole Sheriff To Parade Female Chain Gang At All-Star Game

Irin Carmon — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 10:10:09 EDT

The latest publicity stunt of the man known as America's Worst Sheriff (he prefers "America's toughest sheriff") is to parade an all-female chain gang at the MLB All-Star game in Phoenix. More »

Bristol Palin Rents Out Arizona House

Anna North — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 16:59:00 EDT

Bristol Palin is reportedly renting out her $172,000 Arizona house only six months after buying it. The place might have been an investment property the whole time — or maybe Bristol's fleeing her meddling mom, who just bought a house in AZ too. Dramz! More »

Sarah Palin Buys Arizona Home, Will Keep Bristol From Becoming Slutty Liberal

Anna North — Thu, 26 May 2011 12:45:00 EDT

Sarah Palin has reportedly purchased a million-dollar house in Arizona. Clearly, this means she's keeping tabs on the wayward Bristol. More »

Tea Party License Plates Now Approved In Arizona

Anna North — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 19:15:00 EDT

Arizona Governor Jan Brewer has signed a bill allowing Arizona state license plates bearing a snake and the Tea Party slogan "Don't Tread On Me." No taxpayer money will go towards making the plates, but a portion of their sale will "be devoted to supporting the message of limited government and the Constitution." Brewer says this is no big deal, since lots of groups get to have their own plates. But Democratic State Sen. Kyrsten Sinema says political parties typically don't get the implicit endorsement of a state plate: "I wouldn't even want a Democratic license plate. That would also be wrong." More »

Arizona Bill Could Close University Ob-Gyn Program

Anna North — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 18:03:00 EST

A bill passed by the Arizona House of Representatives on Monday would prohibit state colleges and universities from using state funds — or tuition — to teach students how to perform abortions. According to one state representative, this would effectively shut down the University of Arizona's ob-gyn program. More »

Goofy Law Sends Arizona Politico's Girlfriend To Jail After Domestic Dispute

Erin Gloria Ryan — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 17:35:34 EST

On Friday night, Arizona State Senator Scott Bungaard and his girlfriend got in a jealousy-related scuffle on the way home from a fundraiser. Both Bungaard and his companion showed signs of a physical altercation, but only his companion was taken into police custody. Why? Legislative immunity, baby. More »

Hoop Dreams

Erin Gloria Ryan — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 11:35:36 EST

Phoenix, Feb 5: Jasmine Rae Pickner, of Mission, S.D., of the Crow, Creek and Sioux tribes, performs her hoop dance at the Heard Museum World Championship Hoop Dance Contest. (Image via AP)

Super Bowl Porn Prankster Apprehended, World Again Safe From Wang

Erin Gloria Ryan — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 16:20:00 EST

Super Bowl viewers in suburban Tuscon got a shock in 2009 when, during the final moments of the Arizona Cardinals' loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, they were transported from the gridiron to the inside of some guy's pants. More »

Creative Arizona Lawmaker Blames Roe V. Wade For Shootings

Irin Carmon — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 15:02:00 EST

State Senator Linda Gray said guns aren't to blame—legalized abortion is. "It is ironic that today is the day 38 years ago that the Supreme Court said we do not have to respect the life of an unborn." More »

Giffords Knew She Might Be Shot, Says Husband

Anna North — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 09:35:00 EST

In a long interview, Gabrielle Giffords's husband Mark Kelly said his wife predicted she might be shot — and added that he hoped she didn't return to Congress. More »

Sarah Palin Won't "Sit Down And Shut Up"

Irin Carmon — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 10:02:28 EST

Sean Hannity saw on Google that the liberal media is blaming Sarah Palin, so he asked her to come and explain. Also, she offered her definition of "blood libel," which is rather... liberal with the historic record. More »

The Battle Over Whether Loughner Is A Misogynist

Irin Carmon — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 13:01:00 EST

A female bank teller refused to grant a request that went against policy. Jared Lee Loughner told her "she should not have any power." Loughner also wrote creepy postings about rape and shot a congresswoman in the head. Blame misogyny? More »

Tuscon Shooting Victim's Organs Saved Life Of Boston Girl

Erin Gloria Ryan — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 17:00:00 EST

Christina-Taylor Green, at only nine years old, was the youngest victim of last week's tragedy in Tuscon. Now, her organs have been donated to save the life of a young Massachusetts girl. More »

Arizona Gunman's Self Portraits With Red G-String And Gun

Irin Carmon — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 16:00:45 EST

Walgreens has turned over to authorities photos of Jared Lee Loughner "posing with a Glock...next to his naked buttocks" and near his crotch, and "dressed in a bright red g-string." He used the same gun model to kill six people. More »

Arizona's Ethnic Studies Ban Now in Effect

Lauri Apple — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 13:40:12 EST

It's a happy new year for desert xenophobes who supported the ban, which forbids Mexican-American studies classes and programs perceived to promote ethnic solidarity (does this mean no more French Club?) A Tucson school district promises to challenge the law. More »

Bristol Palin Rumored To Be Considering Devilry

Erin Gloria Ryan — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 11:10:32 EST

Sun Devilry, that is. The dancin'-est Palin reportedly purchased a home near Tempe, Arizona, fueling rumors that a college career could be in her future. Will Arizona State University, "the Harvard of date rape," be ready for this jelly? More »

Horribly Misguided School Sends Overweight Kids Home With Notes

Sadie Stein — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 12:42:00 EST

Some Arizona schools are going to be weighing and measuring students — and sending notes home to the parents of those who are overweight. More »

Little Devils Have Some Colorful Moves

Margaret Hartmann — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 18:28:00 EDT

[Arizona, September 26: Armando Garcia, right, and Taylina Ortiz of the Los Diablitos Azules Folklorico dance troupe perform. Image via AP.]

Is Jan Brewer The Next Sarah Palin?

Irin Carmon — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:35:53 EDT

Arizona governor Jan Brewer is reminding us of Sarah Palin inasmuch as she makes all women in politics look bad and makes their defenders queasy. She's also reactionary — and has a way with words. More »

Eva Longoria Has Some Thoughts About Arizona's Immigration Law

Dodai Stewart — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 10:49:00 EDT

Rosario Dawson recruited fellow actresses Longoria and Jessica Alba to record a spot for the United We Win campaign; Longoria adds: "If my father got pulled over because of [his skin], I could guarantee you I would be outraged." More »

Angel In The Outfield

Anna Holmes — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 16:10:00 EDT

[Oklahoma City, June 8. Image via AP]

Lucky No. 7

Anna Holmes — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 16:10:00 EDT

[Oklahoma City, June 6. Image via AP]

Crazing Arizona

Anna Holmes — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 17:10:00 EDT

[Washington, D.C., June 3. Image via Getty]

Arizona Immigration Law Is An Attack On All Women

Linda Meric — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 12:30:00 EDT

In addition to the obvious racist and xenophobic implications of the new Arizona immigration law, in addition to the obvious concerns that this unlawful law targets residents based on the hue of their skin and the language on their lips… More »

The Answer, My Friend, Is Blowing In The Wind

Megan Carpentier — Mon, 31 May 2010 15:30:00 EDT

[Phoenix, May 29. Image via Getty]

The Sun Also Rises

Anna Holmes — Wed, 26 May 2010 15:10:00 EDT

[Phoenix, May 25. Image via Getty]

Lady Dianna

Anna Holmes — Mon, 17 May 2010 10:10:00 EDT

[Phoenix, May 15. Image via AP]

Palin And Brewer Stand For Change You Don't Want To Believe In

Megan Carpentier — Sun, 16 May 2010 12:00:00 EDT

Arizona Governor Jan Brewer, under fire for signing the law that makes people's ethnicity probable cause for arrest, has enlisted Sarah Palin to convince people she's justified and not a racist. Good luck with that. [AP, Secure The Border] More »

Sarah Palin Rants On Facebook • What Your Hair Color Says About You

Katy Kelleher — Fri, 14 May 2010 17:00:00 EDT

• Everyone's favorite political commentator has returned to Facebook to publish her disapproval of an Illinois high school that decided not to fly their girls' basketball team to Arizona because of recent immigration laws. Palin writes: More »