Recent Articles from Lauren Gambino, Cronkite News Service
Advocates, officials: Education key to stopping child abuse
On Sept. 11, 2006, Darla Gooden’s world changed forever when her son revealed that he had been sexually abused by a youth leader from their church. A few days later, her younger son told her that he had been sexually abused by the same man, who is now in prison.
Bills seek to make more government financial reports publicly available
Requiring local governments to post audited comprehensive financial reports or the equivalent information on their websites would make it easier for citizens to see how tax dollars are spent, a state lawmaker said.
Survey change likely means more ELL students for school districts
School districts are likely to see increases in English-language learners and the costs associated with the program after the federal government demanded that Arizona change a survey it uses to screen students, school officials and observers say.
McCain: It’s no time to send National Guard home from border
Sen. John McCain says pulling the National Guard from Arizona's stretch of the U.S.-Mexico border is ill-advised.
New E-Verify check helps workers see employment eligibility status
People in Arizona can now check whether their Social Security numbers will turn up red flags when run through E-Verify, the federal electronic system used to confirm whether prospective workers are in the U.S. legally.
Arizona’s Anchor: Roosevelt Dam at 100
On March 18, 1911, an entourage that included former President Theodore Roosevelt and territorial Gov. Richard E. Sloan rode up Apache Trail to dedicate the largest masonry dam in the world.
State forester: Thinning now can prevent large wildfires later
Arizona’s forests must be thinned to address overgrowth that harms watersheds and endangers wildlife and surrounding communities, the state’s top forestry official told lawmwakers Thursday.
Senate rejects bill to let local governments regulate fireworks sales
The state Senate on Monday narrowly rejected a bill that would give local governments the authority to ban sales of fireworks made legal under a state law that took effect last year.
Lawmaker wants referendum on future of public financing for campaigns
A state lawmaker wants Arizona voters to decide whether to eliminate public funding for political campaigns, a change that would do away with the Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Commission.
Arizona’s English immersion program could be unlawful
At a time when one-in-eight students in Arizona qualify for English language services, the state has made controversial and — according to the federal government – possibly unlawful changes to its language education program.
Senator: Boost penalties for owners, renters of drop house property
A state senator wants stiffer penalties for owners or renters of properties that are used for drop houses, saying it would make them more likely to turn against leaders of smuggling rings.
Clean Elections requires candidates to buy or return equipment
The Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Commission approved a rule change Thursday that would require candidates to turn over laptops and other fixed assets exceeding $200 or purchase them at half of the original price.