Education reform idea ‘moving down the track’
A group of business and education advocates that held a meeting in Scottsdale last month to discuss a possible education ballot measure for the 2012 elections has conducted a poll that reportedly shows broad support for a proposal that would restructure how schools are funded - provided there is accountability tied to improving test scores and graduation rates.
Robes OK in campaign photos? New Commission on Judicial Conduct director has the answer for judges
Deciding whether to pose in the black robe for a campaign ad is not just a matter of style and public relations for a judge — it also presents an ethical question.
Making the wrong choice on such a seemingly simple question can put a judge in hot water. They play by a strict set of rules that are aimed at maintaining their impartiality and upholding the appearance that they are impart[...]
State’s English Language Learner program battle being waged on multiple fronts
The clash over the way Arizona teaches English to kids who don’t speak the language is being waged on two fronts.
The more familiar one is in U.S. District Court in Tucson, where for the past 19 years the state has been defending Flores v. Arizona, a case that has driven funding and policy for teaching kids to speak English and has been to the U.S. Supreme Court and back.
Shine a light on cooperation: State lawmakers actually work with the feds on some things, like solar power
On several policy matters like climate change and health care, Arizona often butts heads with the U.S. government.
But step outside the Capitol mall, and you’ll see a modern building with solar panels on its rooftop.
Antenori turns to gentler touch on 2012 privatization bill
In his quest for privatized city services, Sen. Frank Antenori is hoping he can get around the cities’ opposition and the governor’s veto stamp with a gentler touch — at least to a point.
Arizona’s death penalty procedures challenged in federal court
In the minutes just before an execution, inmates lay strapped to a table with a white sheet pulled up to their necks, but the veiled process and other procedures followed by the Arizona Department of Corrections are now being challenged in federal court.
State audits results in $1.9 M+ fine for Tucson Unified School District
The Tucson Unified School District has been fined more than $1.9 million.
Feds trying to help Arizona farmers and ranchers
Arizona's San Carlos Apache Reservation has been designated as a primary natural disaster due to losses caused by drought, high winds, excessive heat and wildfires this year.
Oral arguments in Pearce recall challenge set for Aug 8
Oral arguments in a lawsuit hoping to derail the recall of Senate President Russell Pearce are set for Aug. 8.
Bipartisanship endangered, not extinct
It was announced this week that the National Institute on Civil Discourse awarded its first grants to several UofA departments: one to watch how politicians handle confrontational questions from constituents... […]
Brewer eying earlier presidential primary to put Arizona on the map
Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer will likely move the state's presidential-preference election up a month to Jan. 31 to draw GOP candidates and national attention to the state.
Hearing set Friday on challenge to Pearce recall
An initial court hearing is scheduled Friday in Maricopa County Superior Court on a case involving the scheduled Nov. 8 recall election for Arizona Senate President Russell Pearce.