NEW: "Giant nude statue of Donald Trump arrives in Phoenix. Its origins are murky." (via Helen Rummel) azcentral.com/story/news/pol…

Went on a trip to Arizona and it was literally one of my favorite vacations ever.. including my international travels lol

I'm back in South Carolina! After a couple years covering education out West, today is my first day as The Charlotte Observer's accountability reporter for Rock Hill, York County and other SC communities that border Charlotte.

17/ Here’s our full story. I hope you'll read propublica.org/article/biden-…

Arizona students’ reading scores declined in the 2024 nation’s report card, while math scores stagnated after having fallen in 2022. 47% of AZ 4th grade students scored below the test’s “basic” achievement level in reading. azcentral.com/story/news/loc….

NEW: The Isaac Elementary School District may get funds to help cover its debt & payroll costs from a neighboring school district. The Tolleson Union HS District's school board is set to vote tonight on a max $25m lease-purchase agreement w/ Isaac. azcentral.com/story/news/loc…

NEW: AG Kris Mayes joined a lawsuit today against the Trump administration's attempt to limit funding for "indirect cost" reimbursements from the NIH. Those cuts could lead to disruptions in clinical trials and other critical research, her office warned. azcentral.com/story/news/pol…

Sixteen books yanked from shelves of Scottsdale school libraries after challenge by a conservative coalition — all based on a website that ranks content. Story by ⁦Alexandra Hardle⁩ via ⁦azcentral⁩ azcentral.com/story/news/loc…

"Surprise teacher harassed after misidentified in viral video." (via Alexandra Hardle and Elena) azcentral.com/story/news/loc…

Science teacher: "I am completely shocked at how quickly false information can spread online and how many people immediately attacked me with hateful and threatening emails..." Readers of this story by Alexandra Hardle & Elena will agree: azcentral.com/story/news/loc…

New azcentral — DOGE cuts hit Arizona’s rural development office, 10 laid off Former staffer Joshua Abbott told me he was overseeing nine figures worth of federal loans at the time he was let go: azcentral.com/story/news/pol…

Five current and former Chandler Unified officials face potential discipline for their handling of claims of inappropriate touching against a former teacher. ⁦Decision could come today. With Alexandra Hardle⁩ azcentral azcentral.com/story/news/loc…

State Board of Education rejects discipline against Chandler school officials accused of failing to stop a teacher from touching female students — at least for now. Stoty by Alexandra Hardle via azcentral azcentral.com/story/news/loc…

BREAKING: 8 international students at ASU have had their visas revoked. A university official said they are not believed to be related to pro-Palestinian protests. ICE agents have been on ASU's campus at least once. azcentral.com/story/news/loc…

Phoenix Elementary school board president posted bail for a businessman arrested in a child sex sting operation. Jessica Bueno now faces a recall petition. Story by ⁦Alexandra Hardle⁩ via ⁦azcentral⁩ azcentral.com/story/news/loc…

EMILY PIKE EXCLUSIVE: A federal agent closed a sexual assault investigation days after the 13-year-old reported being attacked. Said the case wasn’t “suitable for federal prosecution” despite arrest of suspect. Story azcentral azcentral.com/story/news/loc…

"Kimberly Yee says she'll take on Tom Horne to be 2026 Republican superintendent candidate." (via Alexandra Hardle) azcentral.com/story/news/pol…

Phoenix Elementary School District's mobile clinic program has the added benefit of boosting attendance, school leaders say. Read here: azcentral.com/story/news/loc…

It's the courage of survivors to speak up, in the hope that doing so will protect someone else, that continues to inspire my commitment to journalism. My latest for azcentral on sexual hazing and cover-up on a high school wrestling team: azcentral.com/story/news/loc…

"'Moreno’s interpretation, if adopted, allows her to lie in wait and challenge a board member’s qualification to serve when she opposes that member’s decision or vote on a particular matter,' Gordon wrote..." By Alexandra Hardle & me: azcentral.com/story/news/loc…