Mark Flatten: Digging deep for decades to let in the sunshine
At the Goldwater Institute, Mark Flatten still works to dig up stories, but has the backing of a libertarian think tank that will take his work and advocate to right the wrongs he reports on.
Due process missing in municipal courts, Goldwater report concludes
Arguing that city courts are susceptible to political influence and aren’t giving Arizonans a fair shake, the Goldwater Institute wants to consolidate the state’s court system and judges to stand for election.
Darcy Olsen, longtime Goldwater Institute CEO, ousted by board
Attorney John Masterson, who represents Olsen, confirmed July 12 that the Goldwater Institute board of directors voted 7-6 to terminate Olsen’s employment agreement on June 27, nearly two weeks before the organization announced her departure.
Goldwater Institute leader stepping down after 16 years
The Goldwater Institute is losing its top staffer. CEO Darcy Olsen spent 16 years leading the conservative think tank, but is leaving the organization effective today, according to spokeswoman Starlee Coleman.
Lobbyist: Goldwater Institute wants to ‘second guess’ Legislature with regulatory law
SB1437 puts limits on what Goldwater officials describe as burdensome and unnecessary occupational regulations by limiting them to only those needed for one of three narrow purposes – public health, safety or welfare.
Arizona Supreme Court limits right of tribes to intercede in adoption cases
In a unanimous decision, the justices rejected arguments by the Gila River Indian Community that Arizona court must transfer such cases to tribal courts. Writing for the court Chief Justice Scott Bales said while such transfer is permissive, it is not a right.
Age of ‘tough-on-crime’ policies is fading in Arizona
The “tough-on-crime” trend is fading fast even in red state strongholds like Arizona. In its wake, a new movement has formed under a far more millennial catchphrase: smart on crime.
Babeu administration under criminal investigation by federal grand jury
The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office’s use of seized criminal funds under former Sheriff Paul Babeu is under criminal investigation by a federal grand jury.
Groups push for dental therapists to fill shortages in all 15 counties
With every county in Arizona needing more dental care providers, backers of licensing mid-level professionals are gearing up for a second attempt to convince lawmakers of their proposal to alleviate the shortage.
Goldwater Institute questions APS political contributions
A libertarian think tank contends that monopoly utilities could be violating the free speech rights of ratepayers by making political contributions without their consent to candidates and causes.
Federal court finds no child endangered by Indian adoption law
A federal judge threw out a bid March 16 to void federal laws that challengers claim is racist because it places the desires and rights of Native American tribes over the constitutionally protected best interests of children.
Arizona appeals court says Medicaid expansion law is constitutional
The court said the law imposed an assessment that is exempt from the requirement that any act by lawmakers increasing state revenues, such a tax hike, must get a two-thirds vote in the Legislature.

















