Arizona is one of 20 states that allows schools to mete out corporal punishment, most often paddling. Now, an education task force panel is calling for a state ban on paddling in schools. School districts must accept or reject the ban by June 30. School officials say they can't remember the last time -- or in some cases, any time -- corporal punishment has been used in their schools...A man was allegedly dragged naked from his West Valley home last night by three men in a home invasion/kidnapping. Details are sketchy at this point, as the alleged victim is not cooperating with police...Firefighters battled a blaze at a recycling plant in Avondale early this morning. The flames were contained, and no one was injured...The Arizona Department of Public Safety is bracing for cuts if Governor Brewer signs the latest budget proposal. The plan could cut DPS' budget by $10 million. Assistant House Democratic leader Kyrsten Sinema says it would be the largest cut for DPS' budget in history...
Area law enforcement officials announced the arrests of several suspected South Phoenix gang members. Since January, more than 63 suspected gang members have been arrested and charged with crimes ranging from drug trafficking to conspiracy in a project called Operation Tri Dent...Labor Unions have joined the boycott of Whole Foods Market, aimed at protesting Whole Foods CEO John Mackey's criticism of President Obama's health care reform plan. Protestors are also pushing the Bravo cable network to drop Whole Foods as one of its show's sponsors.