People

Bill Richardson, the former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and a frequent emissary in hostage negotiations, said on Aug. 9 he was hopeful about the chances of a two-for-two prisoner swap that could result in Russia’s release of WNBA star Brittney Griner and another jailed American, Paul Whelan.

First, it was a contract dispute involving their star quarterback, and now, the Arizona Cardinals are dealing with a couple of arrests involving one of their top offensive weapons, and a member of their coaching staff, and a judge handed down a harsh sentence to Brittney Griner after the Phoenix Mercury star was convicted of drug smuggling in Russia – these are the top stories in the world of sports from August 1-7.

Arizona Governor Doug Ducey said in a series of tweets that Republicans in the state must unite behind the newly named GOP nominees heading into the November election to "ensure Arizona remains a beacon of freedom and prosperity."

Asked at the White House Friday about the prospects of securing Brittney Griner’s release, President Joe Biden said: “I’m hopeful ... We’re working hard.”

"We have agreed to remove the carried interest tax provision, protect advanced manufacturing, and boost our clean energy economy in the Senate's budget reconciliation legislation," Sinema, D-Ariz., said. "Subject to the Parliamentarian's review, I'll move forward."

Former Maricopa County Recorder Adrian Fontes is projected by the Associated Press to be the winner of the Democratic Party primary for Secretary of State.

With her court case concluded and her 9-year-prison sentence pronounced, a prisoner swap deal between the U.S. and Russia is Brittney Griner's best chance of being freed early. Here's a look at what's at stake.

After days of vote counting, the AP is projecting that former television news anchor Kari Lake will win the Republican Party nomination for governor, setting the stage for a battle between her and Secretary of State Katie Hobbs to succeed Doug Ducey as Arizona's next governor.