‘Brain drain’ persists in Arizona

TUCSON - Tucson is known for its syrupy sweet Eegee’s slushies, superior Mexican food and for many years, it’s been haunted by stories of “brain drain” - that is, University of Arizona graduates leaving to work elsewhere after they get their degrees.


About

In the 2017 spring semester, a team of graduate students from Cronkite News researched in-depth stories for a project about expansion across Arizona. The project, “Development in the Desert: the Changing Face of Arizona” covers issues around the state ranging from urbanization, mining, commuting, Phoenix arts and more. Four of the graduate students on the research team sat down for a Facebook Live interview to discuss the steps taken and research needed to create an in-depth analysis about the state of Arizona’s rapid expansion.


Phoenix teacher takes in sights as she takes message to White House

WASHINGTON - It's a long way from the first-grade of Encanto Elementary School in Phoenix to a meeting in Washington with some of the nation's most powerful government officials, and teacher Michelle Doherty admitted Thursday that she was a little overwhelmed.


Eight things to know about school lunches in Arizona

With proposed U.S. Department of Agriculture cuts in the billions of dollars, the National School Lunch Program - a fundamental part of Arizona’s school day - is facing new uncertainty.


Complete data: Percentage of expenditures on food in Maricopa County school districts

A Cronkite News analysis of Arizona Department of Education data shows the percentage of food service expenditures that went to actual food in Maricopa County school districts. A lower percentage could be for a range of reasons: schools may use gardens to supplement food or could have had higher staff or equipment costs that year. It may also indicate food service directors particularly adept at stretching their district’s food service budget.


Arizona charters sweep top spots in ‘best high schools’ report

WASHINGTON - A U.S. News and World Report ranking of the best high schools in the country gave the top spot to Basis Scottsdale, one of four Basis charter schools in Arizona that finished in the report's top five.


Southern California All-American lends big hand to young yoga students

LOS ANGELES -- Later this month, Zach Banner’s name will be called at the NFL Draft, whereupon he’ll leave the college comforts of Southern California and begin a life of professional size and skill.


In Focus, episode 5: Finding ‘hidden resources’ for autism care

Raising a child with autism can be incredibly challenging under the best of circumstances. For families who live in small towns, far from big-city resources, it can be even harder. In this episode of In Focus, we talk with Elizabeth Gullikson, a 30-year-old mother and resident of Yuma. Her four-year-old son, Gavin Cunningham, has autism. Elizabeth and her family try to acquire the best help for Gavin, but it can take some serious digging to excavate the right resources.

Brandon

Rich student, poor student: Tempe to offer free preschool program to improve education

TEMPE – Children living in poverty will be able to attend a free preschool program to jump start their academic potential and narrow the learning gap between poor and more well-off students.


Making the grade, missing meals: Community college students go hungry

WASHINGTON - Sunny Price knows what it's like to try to keep up with college studies when you don't have enough to eat.


Starbucks VP: ASU tuition program ‘great’ for business, employees and country

PHOENIX – Corey duBrowa, a senior vice president at Starbucks, said Monday that the Seattle-based company may “blow past” its goal of helping 25,000 employees get degrees by 2025.


Is immigration affecting education?

Research from the Center for Immigration Studies shows an increase in the number and share of public school students who are from immigrant households.