Arizona Luminaria has welcomed Stephanie Casanova as their new environment reporter. With over a decade of experience, Stephanie will focus on environmental issues affecting Southern Arizona, including Tribal Nations and underserved communities. Her reporting will delve into how people are safeguarding their environmental resources and scrutinize development, government policies, water use, and land decisions impacting the Sonoran Desert region.

Local Impact and Community Engagement

Stephanie is already familiar to Arizona Luminaria readers, having contributed as a freelance journalist. She covered the contentious Project Blue data center proposal, where Tucson residents raised concerns about water use and transparency. Her work also includes reporting on bail reform, environmental justice efforts for clean water in Tucson, and Arizona families’ concerns over changes to the state’s paid parent caregiver program for children with developmental disabilities.

Arizona Luminaria emphasizes the importance of local journalism that is accessible to all, free from paywalls, and deeply rooted in community issues. Stephanie’s addition to the team is part of a partnership with the High Country News Western Environmental Collaborative, which has a long history of addressing social, political, and ecological issues in the West.

A Commitment to Accountability

Stephanie brings a wealth of experience from her previous roles, including her work at Signal Cleveland and the Chicago Tribune, where she covered criminal justice and environmental issues. Her investigative reporting has driven policy changes and earned her several awards. She is committed to accountability reporting, particularly on environmental and water issues in Southern Arizona, aiming to hold powerful industries accountable and provide solutions for vulnerable communities.

Outside of her reporting duties, Stephanie enjoys dancing salsa and bachata, baking, and hiking with her dog, Solito. Her position is partially funded by Report for America, highlighting the significant resources required for in-depth, community-centered journalism.

Original reporting: Arizona Luminaria — read the source article.