Around ASU
The state Senate is currently debating sweeping reforms to the state's university system. Senate Bill 1115 would disbanding the Arizona Board of Regents and separating the Polytechnic campus from ASU to create a new university, Arizona Polytechnic University. The measure passed the Senate Appropriations Committee this week and is headed to the Senate floor for discussion before the entire chamber.
Three ASU women are finalists for the Truman Scholarship. Danielle Bäck, an economics junior and a Flinn scholar; Natalie Fleming, a sustainability junior; and Alexa Kissinger, a philosophy, political science, and women and gender studies junior are all in the running for the scholarship that focuses on helping students who are active in their community pursue graduate work in an area of public service.
Virginia Tech shooting survivor Collin Goddard spoke on the Tempe campus this week about gun safety and opposed Senate Bill 1467, a piece of proposed Arizona legislation that would allow anyone with a permit to carry a concealed weapon on college campuses statewide. He also showed his documentary "Living for 32," which refers to the 32 people who lost their lives in the 2007 massacre.
Around Arizona
Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords has shown emotion, good memory skills and a grasp of various topics, the Associated Press reported on Thursday. Giffords has been recovering in a Houston hospital after being shot in the head in Tucson in January. The Congresswoman has enjoyed regular visits from her staff and family.
After it was revealed that he inflated kidnapping statistics to secure federal grant money, Public Safety Manager Jack Harris will be removed from the day-to-day operations at the Phoenix Police Department. The city will review the kidnapping statistics before making any further moves. An executive assistant at the department will manage day-to-day operations as acting police chief.
The state Senate on Thursday passed a bill that would allow guns in public establishments and events, like Suns games, unless the facility has metal detectors and armed guards. The bill passed along party lines with Republican support and will go to the House for consideration.
