Arizona Republic:  “A former Phoenix homicide detective and a blogger critical of Phoenix police were indicted Thursday on multiple felony charges stemming from a 2008 harassment case.  Officer David Barnes, 42, is accused of being a primary tipster to the Web site badphoenixcops.com and with harassing two members of the department through an anonymous letter and emails.  The 14-year veteran is charged with perjury and misdemeanor harassment, according to the Arizona Attorney General’s Office.”

Arizona Republic: “The Arizona Supreme Court turned down a second legal challenge to state budget cuts declining jurisdiction over legislative spending cuts.   The Supreme Court Thursday declined to hear a case brought by the Arizona Education Association, which challenged the legality of some budget cuts.”

Arizona Republic:  “Outback Steakhouse has agreed to pay $19 million to settle a class-action lawsuit alleging sex discrimination against thousands of women at hundreds of restaurants nationwide.  It is the largest-ever settlement in the Phoenix district of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which encompasses five states, including Colorado, where the case originated.  There are 18 Outback restaurants in Arizona.”

Arizona Republic:  “Attorneys’ fees are the latest element in the state budget crisis to take a toll on state coffers.  During the past two years, groups ranging from chiropractors to farmers have filed 18 lawsuits, disputing budget-related decisions made by the Legislature.  Even Gov. Jan Brewer got into the fray, suing legislative leaders to force them to send her a packet of budget bills. She won.

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