KNAU and Arizona News

By Gillian Ferris Kohl

Winslow, AZ – States across the country, including New York and Nevada, are considering the possibility of closing state parks as a budget-balancing strategy. But, so far, Arizona is the only state to go through with it. In February, the Arizona Legislature closed 5 of 30 state parks. And because many of those parks are home to fragile archaeological sites, Arizonans are stepping-up to protect the areas from looting. Arizona Public Radio's Gillian Ferris Kohl reports.

By Gillian Ferris Kohl

Flagstaff, AZ – After 8 days of KNAU's on-air fundraising campaign, comedian Paula Poundstone of NPR's Wait, Wait...Don't Tell Me, provides a little comic relief. She spoke with Arizona Public Radio's Gillian Ferris Kohl.

By Daniel Kraker

Flagstaff, AZ – This winter Flagstaff residents like Alan Achey shoveled more than ten feet of snow off driveways, sidewalks, and rooftops.

"It's April and my back is still killing me!! I moved out here from Chicago to get away from this stuff, and here I am shoveling through it again, I'm tired of it. I'm sick of it!"

By Laurel Morales

Flagstaff, AZ – Many states are dealing with crippling budget problems this year, but in Arizona its come down to this - toilets. Arizona has the largest budget gap in the nation, percentage wise, and they've had to trim every state program, lay off staff, close state parks and even13 of Arizona's 18 highway rest stops. That last one has tourists, truckers, and rural Arizonans complaining. Arizona Public Radio's Laurel Morales reports.

By Howard Fischer

Phoenix, AZ – Governor Jan Brewer signed the state's 2011 budget last week. It's full of severe cuts to many state programs. And lawmakers may have to slash more if voters don't approve a one cent sales tax and the state isn't sued. Arizona Public Radio's Laurel Morales talked to state capitol reporter Howard Fischer about all that was cut.

By Gillian Ferris Kohl

Flagstaff, AZ – Former Alaska governor Sarah Palin will be in Arizona this week to promote republican Senator John McCain's re-election bid. It's the first time the two have campaigned together since they shared a ticket. Arizona Public Radio's Gillian Ferris Kohl reports.

By Gillian Ferris Kohl

Flagstaff, AZ – The U.S. Department of Justice is looking to college students to help identify Native Americans who might be entitled to claims for radiation exposure. Arizona Public Radio's Gillian Ferris Kohl reports.

By Gillian Ferris Kohl

Flagstaff, AZ – Railway officials are investigating a train derailment yesterday near Bellemont. Arizona Public Radio's Gillian Ferris Kohl reports.

By Gillian Ferris Kohl

Flagstaff, AZ – Arizona Governor Jan Brewer has signed legislation that will cut health care for some 350 thousand people, including many children. Arizona Public Radio's Gillian Ferris Kohl reports.

By Laurel Morales

Flagstaff, AZ – After lots of waivering Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick has decided to vote in favor of the health care reform bill. Arizona Public Radio's Laurel Morales reports.

Fred Solop is head of the Politics and International Affairs department at Northern Arizona University. Solop says as Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick decides which way to vote on health care reform she isn't thinking simply about health care.