Recent Articles from Jim Small, Arizona Center for Investigative Reporting
GOP legislature sending more money to ‘freedom schools,’ despite existing surplus
The genesis for the freedom schools is the belief, particularly strong among conservatives, that institutions of higher education are liberal bastions, where conservative views on politics, economics and social issues are under assault.
Court rules private cell phones can contain public records
The unanimous ruling from a three-judge panel contradicts an attorney general’s opinion earlier this year that concluded communications made by public employees or elected officials solely on private electronic devices or private social media accounts are never public record, even if those devices or accounts are used to conduct public business.
AZ Board of Education violated federal law, disclosed student names, birthdays, test scores
The Arizona State Board of Education violated federal student privacy law by disclosing the names of more than 1,000 Arizona students, in some cases along with their birthdays, and their scores on the AzMERIT exams in response to a public records request filed by AZCIR.
Legislature taking up major civil asset forfeiture reforms
The Arizona Legislature is considering a measure that would fundamentally alter how police agencies can take a private citizen’s money or property.