Recent Articles from Matthew Trotter, Cronkite News Service
Freshman Rep. Gosar reflects on trial by fire — and wildfire — in first year
A year ago, Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Flagstaff, was a dentist whose only government experience was as vice-chair of the American Dental Association’s lobbying arm.
But that was before he unseated Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick, D-Flagstaff, in November. Before 20-hour days juggling committee hearings, constituent meetings and floor votes, while trying to keep up to date on issues.
Forest Service says it’s acting on Wallow Fire recovery ahead of legislation
The U.S. Forest Service told a Senate panel Wednesday that work has already begun on recovery of forestland burned by the Wallow Fire, ahead of a bill that would require that action.
Challenge to Grand Canyon mining ban clears first congressional hurdle
A proposal to reverse a federal ban on new mining claims near the Grand Canyon survived a committee vote Tuesday and could go to the full House as early as next week.
Staffer quits Gosar’s Flagstaff office after reports of violent Twitter posts
Rep. Paul Gosar’s office confirmed Saturday the resignation of a staffer, one day after a Washington newspaper reported an aide in the Flagstaff office had posted violent and off-color Twitter messages.
Appeals court orders new trial for defendant in reservation assault case
A federal court Tuesday ordered a new trial for a Parker, Ariz., man accused of assaulting and seriously injuring his girlfriend at their home on the Colorado River Indian Tribes reservation in 2008.
Interior Department says federal lands added billions of dollars, thousands of jobs to state
Recreation on federal lands last year supported more than 8,000 jobs in Arizona’s rural communities, the fourth-highest in the nation, according to an Interior Department report released Wednesday.
Energy Department backs $359 million in loans for ‘waterless’ 700MW solar plant
Construction should begin within a month on a “waterless” 700-megawatt solar power project in Maricopa County that won a $359.1 million conditional loan guarantee this week from the Department of Energy.
Nuclear inspectors recommend more severe-accident training at Palo Verde
Nuclear Regulatory Commission report said more employees at the Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station need regular training on the plant’s Severe Accident Mitigation Guidelines, and that training exercises are rare.
Tempe exec says regs delay solar power on public land
Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service policies discourage the development of solar projects, an executive for Tempe-based First Solar told congressional lawmakers this week.
New lawmaker profile: Sen. Don Shooter, R-Yuma
This is one of a series of biographical sketches Cronkite News Service is producing about new members of the Arizona State Legislature. Each follows this format and includes a mugshot and video.
New lawmaker profile: Rep. Karen Fann, R-Prescott
This is one of a series of biographical sketches Cronkite News Service is producing about new members of the Arizona State Legislature. Each follows this format and includes a mugshot and video.
New lawmaker profile: Rep. Chester Crandell
This is one of a series of biographical sketches Cronkite News Service is producing about new members of the Arizona State Legislature.