Quoted:
In her case, something like a Sony RX100 3 would be the best bet since she's not a dedicated photographer. It's handy so she can have it with here everywhere.

Quoted:
The equivalent on the Canon side would be the PowerShots, something like the G1 X or G7 (https://www.flickr.com/groups/canong1x/pool/) (keep in mind street price is always ~20-25% less than the prices on Canons website, check Amazon for current price or slickdeals for deals). Will check them out.

It might be better to have her do some shopping, does she want a P&S? Does she want it to be fullsize, pocket, or standard? Point and shoot would probably be all she needs for the "work".  I'm not sure what size she wants.

I kind of agree if you are not a photographer and are not really trying to be one a full on expensive SLR setup may not be what she wants. But it's more up to her, you could do a basic entry level SLR like the Rebel T3/T3i in that price range that can produce some good pictures (https://www.flickr.com/groups/600d/pool/) if that's what she wants, but then there's glass and possibly an itch to upgrade if she likes it.   I agree.  The Rebel is looking good.

Maybe the paper needs to invest in a camera that can be loaned out instead? Sorry I only really know the Canon lines off the top of my head, I make no claims that they are better than the other brands in any way, especially on the value front.

Quoted:
My daughter went to work for a friend of hers last year.  He started a newspaper in a small town outside of Austin.

Initially she was just doing office work.  Now she is reporting and taking pictures (And doing admin,sales etc...).
She has been using her phone to take pics as the camera I gave her 4 years ago "shit the bed".  

Advice on lens/lenses, camera body would be appreciated.  Or is there a "kit" that would work in her situation.

She is finishing up her 2nd year at Community College and working at the paper.  Of course the pay isn't great so factor that in.  Just looking today on eBay and Amazon Rebels are around 300-500 used.  Is that the price point were looking at?

I know nothing about cameras and neither does she (yeah "Factor that one in too"!)

Thanks