Featured Stories
Imagine Charter Schools failing in Missouri, Georgia
September 17, 2011
by David Safier Imagine Schools is the largest charter school organization in the country: over 70 schools, including 18 in Arizona. It's based on the corporate expansion model — grow or die. Quantity is more important than quality, so it's OK to take much-needed funds from one charter school to help open another. Imagine's growth
The new Political Roundtable
September 17, 2011
by David Safier Arizona Public Media’s Political Roundtable is back with Jim Nintzel as host. The debut show features Republican strategist Jonathan Paton, Democratic strategist Rodd McLeod and reporter Andrea Kelly.
Rick Perry’s really bad day
September 16, 2011
Posted by AzBlueMeanie: The Donald was so impressed with Governor Goodhair Rick Perry that he couldn't remember his name. Rick Perry is "proud" of his record 234 executions as governor of Texas; he was hoping to put another notch in his belt today. But Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia — yes, Scalia — issued a rare stay
‘The Donald’ was impressed with Jim Perry
September 16, 2011
Posted by AzBlueMeanie: Donald Trump was so impressed after his Wednesday night dinner with Republican presidential candidate Rick Perry that he couldn't remember the Texas governor's name the next day. "I had dinner last night with Jim Perry," Trump told The Street. "I was impressed with him." Did Trump mean Former Twins pitcher Jim Perry?
Two tax proposals under consideration, possibly initiatives to the ballot
September 16, 2011
Posted by AzBlueMeanie: There are two tax proposals under consideration, possibly as a citizens intiatives headed for the 2012 ballot. The first is a plan floated earlier this year by the Arizona Hospital Association to avoid the draconian budget cuts to AHCCCS care and enrollment enacted by our Tea-Publican governor and legislature (that are now
AHCCCS cases proceeding in court
September 16, 2011
Posted by AzBlueMeanie: Federal Court A three-judge 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel said last month that AHCCCS violated federal law when it began charging co-payments to certain enrollees last year. Court didn't halt AHCCCS co-payments: [But] mandatory health insurance co-payments remain in place for some of Arizona's poorest residents despite last month's court
(Update) Pimps For Private Prisons and Profit
September 16, 2011
Posted by AzBlueMeanie: Today is the day that the state of Arizona was to award a contract to one of four bidders to build 5,000 new private prison beds in Arizona, despite the Department of Corrections never having complied with Arizona law requiring it to conduct a cost-benefit study. This matter is now in litigation and
AIRC Update: Commissioners start to lawyer up
September 16, 2011
Posted by AzBlueMeanie: The Arizona Capitol Times (subscription required) reports that AIRC Chair Colleen Mathis has hired former Arizona U.S. Attorney General Paul Charlton to represent her against Arizona AG Tom "banned for life by the SEC" Horne's politically motivated witch hunt against the AIRC. IRC chair hires former US Attorney for AG’s probe –
