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The Florida School Recognition Program was supposed to be the gem in Gov. Jeb Bush’s plan to bring accountability to Florida’s troubled schools. By assigning grades to every school, then doling out money to those that scored an A or showed improvement, Bush planned to use cash as leverage to coax the best performance out… Continue reading Schooled in Excess
Some churches buzz about a sizable bingo jackpot, or an uncommon act of charity. For a decade at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, the parish gossip revolved around the Rev. Edward McLoughlin’s sexuality. The way he acted around the church’s young boys -- constantly touching them, spanking them and pulling on their underwear -- clearly… Continue reading ‘A Sin of Apathy’
Top clergymen in the Diocese of Venice knew for more than a decade that one of their priests had an attraction to teen-age boys. But they did nothing to keep Father Edward McLoughlin away from the children in his parish, even in the face of sure signs he was not controlling his urges. In 1984,… Continue reading Church shielded abusive priest
More than 700 of the belly buttons in San Manuel are the handiwork of Dr. Robert Brower. The 71-year-old staff physician has worked at the San Pedro River valley town's small hospital since 1961. It was called the Magma Copper Company Hospital until 1987, when TMC HealthCare bought it and rechristened it the San Manuel… Continue reading Boomerang Bust
Out in the dusty boondocks of east Mesa, a blue sign is posted next to Power Road. It tells motorists that the highway has been adopted by Project Challenge. There is no litter in sight. "Don't Waste Our Space," insists the sign. The same slogan should be tattooed on the 141 kids who arrive at Williams… Continue reading Full Mettle Junket
Matthew Doig 