Hot Links: Napolitano Failed to Complete State Anti-Terrorist Plan; ASU Fined in Memorial Union Asbestos Mishandling; Chandler Preschool Worker Accused of Killing Kid

The proposed new chief of America’s Homeland Security never completed an anti-terrorist plan in her own state — maybe she just needs a bigger challenge. Asbestos fibers may have been released into ASU’s Memorial Union, say officials who are fining the university big-time. It’s safe to say that when you…

Janet Napolitano’s Last State-of-the-State Address: Did the Governor Cry?

Big girls don’t cry, as the song goes. But Janet Napolitano came close on Monday during what was surely her last state-of-the-state speech as governor. On the verge of leaving for the wilds of Washington D.C. as Barack Obama’s Homeland Security secretary (assuming she’s appointed), Napolitano grew misty-eyed and her voice cracked as she…

Jack Harris, Phil Gordon are Registered Sex Offenders

It’s a fact: Jack Harris and Phil Gordon are registered sex offenders. Oh, wait a minute — you thought we meant our Jack Harris and Phil Gordon? The police chief and mayor of Phoenix? Actually, the Harris and Gordon who are sex offenders don’t live in Arizona. And neither of…

Arizona Republic Disses Cops for Releasing Public Records

Reporters use public records to keep the public informed about the community around them, so naturally many journalists in town — us included — were dismayed when Phoenix police decided to blow a hole in the state’s public records law. Not some of the hacks at the Arizona Republic, apparently:…

Julio Cesar Chavez, Mexican Boxing Legend, Planning Valley Restaurant

Julio Cesar Chavez is trading his boxing gloves for oven mittens.The 46-year-old Mexican boxing legend plans to open a restaurant in Mesa at Country Club Drive and Southern Avenue as early as May or June, according to an article today in the East Valley Tribune by David Woodfill.We surfed around till…

Need a Smoke? Find These Guys

This puts a different twist on the phrase “grabbing a smoke.” Twice in late December, these two yahoos pictured at right walked casually behind the counters at separate Circle Ks in Mesa and cleaned out the cigarette shelves. Maybe they were desperate for a massive nicotine fix, but it seems more likely…

Charles Barkley’s Blood Alcohol Level Nearly Extreme at .149; Leaving Post at TNT

Charles Barkley’s mugshot met the definition of “shitfaced,” and so did his blood alcohol level on the night he got caught for driving drunk in Scottsdale. The former Suns b-ball player’s blood registered .149 on the alcohol dial, say reports, just barely missing the state’s .15 threshold for “extreme DUI” penalties. A conviction on…

Business Hopes Light Rail Will Provide Customers — the Hard Way

[jump] Worried about crashing into a light rail train? This company’s got you covered. We spotted this sign at a repair shop near 28th Street and Washington, along the light rail line. This probably isn’t what light-rail boosters had in mind when they said the train system would help businesses in the…

Arizona Real Estate Commissioner Sam Wercinski Announces Intent to Resign

Sam Wercinski sees the writing on the State Capitol wall.Wercinski, the state’s Real Estate Commissioner, today announced his intent to resign when Governor Janet Napolitano leaves for her new job as Homeland Security secretary.Wercinski served two years, having been appointed by Napolitano in January of 2007. Click here for his…

Scottsdale’s SkySong: The Circus is in Town

We snuck onto the SkySong construction project today to check out those gigantic tee-pees they’re putting up. Probably should have worn a hardhat. We waved at some workers before taking these shots — they didn’t seem to mind. Though somewhat garish, like an Indian casino suspended by steel cables, the…