Phoenix New Times | The Leading Independent News Source in Phoenix, Arizona

Peoria school district settles with trans teacher in harassment suit

By Tori Gantz

Jul 11, 2025

River Chunnui sued last year, claiming that right-wing school board members tried to get them fired for being trans.

Tolleson police defend student-punching cop, attack district officials

By Morgan Fischer

Jul 10, 2025

After smacking a student in the face, Tolleson cop Eric Hendrix was booted from his post as a school resource officer.

young adults sit on the floor and pose for a selfie in a bomb shelter

How Arizona students escaped Israel when war broke out with Iran

By Johnny Fogel | Cronkite News

Jul 8, 2025

Several Arizona students were caught amid missile strikes when Israel began a conflict with Iran. Here’s how they got out.

Tolleson police barred from local schools after cop punched kid in face

By Morgan Fischer

Jun 26, 2025

In September, police officer Eric Hendrix repeatedly punched and kicked a student at Tolleson High School.

a phoenix elementary school district bus

Phoenix school district didn’t inform parents of sexual abuse settlement

By Morgan Fischer

May 29, 2025

Parents found out from public records that the Phoenix Elementary School District settled a sexual abuse lawsuit for $200K.

Horne ‘surprised’ by anti-trans bill vetoes that happen every year

By Zach Buchanan

May 14, 2025

Every year, Gov. Katie Hobbs spikes the same anti-trans bills. Schools chief Tom Horne says he’s shocked it happened again.

The Valley will show out for a protest. But what comes after that?

By Morgan Fischer

May 1, 2025

Roughly 1,500 people protested at the Arizona Capitol on Thursday. Organizers want to turn them into committed activists.

‘Racist more than anything’: UA student who had visa revoked speaks

By John Washington | Arizona Luminaria

Apr 29, 2025

A University of Arizona Ph.D. student tells how the Trump administration’s capricious visa cancellations upended his life.

a hand waves a small flag with trans advocacy colors (pink, white, powder plue)

ASU study abroad website scrubbed mentions of trans people

By TJ L'Heureux

Apr 25, 2025

A guide for queer students axed trans references sometime after mid-January. Some came back after New Times asked about it.

School board president who bailed out sex offender spars with Fontes, quits

By Morgan Fischer

Apr 23, 2025

At a Tuesday meeting, Secretary of State Adrian Fontes ripped school board president Jessica Bueno for her “incredible ego.”

an empty chair at a public meeting with a "jessica bueno" placard

School board president who bailed out sex offender bails on board meeting

By Morgan Fischer

Apr 9, 2025

Last week, Jessica Bueno told Phoenix New Times she'd still “show up authentically as myself.” But not literally, it seems.

Online cooking show, lifestyle blog encourage use of Indigenous ingredients

By Anna Ehrick | Cronkite News

Apr 4, 2025

Berries, blue corn and squash are essential to traditional recipes. Native chefs share how to use them in everyday meals.

Phoenix school board president bailed out cafe owner after child sex sting

By Morgan Fischer

Apr 3, 2025

Jessica Bueno used her house as collateral to spring Xanadu Coffee owner Randall Denton from jail. She explains why.

Map: Kids in these Valley areas are least vaccinated against measles

By Morgan Fischer

Apr 2, 2025

Arizona hasn’t had a measles outbreak yet, but that doesn’t mean certain areas of the Valley aren’t vulnerable to one.

Arizona bill aims to ban ultra-processed foods in public schools

By Katrina Michalak | Cronkite News

Apr 2, 2025

The bill would prohibit foods with colored dyes and other potentially harmful ingredients from being served to students.

Trump admin cancels $21 million for locally grown food for schools, food banks

By Jim Small | Arizona Mirror

Mar 17, 2025

The programs connected local farmers with Arizona schools and food banks to bring healthy food to students and communities.

Maricopa County community colleges nuke all diversity programs

By Jerod MacDonald-Evoy | Arizona Mirror

Mar 4, 2025

After a Donald Trump order, the state’s largest community college system is erasing anything that sounds like “diversity.”

a stock photo of a professor staring at an empty chalkboard in an empty classroom

‘Complete censorship’: Arizona anti-DEI bill bars teaching almost anything

By Morgan Fischer

Feb 20, 2025

The proposed GOP law would essentially whitewash higher education. “We’re going to fail our students,” said an ASU professor.

Incredible Edible Ed: YouTube chef brings joy to kids cooking classes

By Zach Oden

Feb 5, 2025

Determined to stay positive for his daughter, local chef Ed Cunje inspires young chefs at the Children's Museum of Phoenix.

Far-right lawmaker revives bill to toss teachers in jail over books

By Morgan Fischer

Jan 31, 2025

GOP state Sen. Jake Hoffman wants to make it a class 5 felony for teachers to allow access to “sexually explicit material.”

Education

Arizona public school systems among worst in U.S.

Ex-school board leader allegedly ducking lawsuit summons

Education

Arizona public school systems among worst in U.S.

Ex-school board leader allegedly ducking lawsuit summons

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