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In today’s newsletter:
📝 A University of Arizona spokesperson said the school first learned of a compact asking it and eight other U.S. universities to commit to President Donald Trump’s political priorities in exchange for more favorable access to federal money when they received it Oct. 1. “We are reviewing it carefully,” they said. Read more.
🦠As valley fever cases surge, researchers at the University of Arizona are advancing vaccines and faster testing — but federal funding cuts could stall lifesaving progress. Read more.
🚌 Amphitheater Public Schools will close up to five elementary schools next year due to declining enrollment, with final decisions expected by December. Learn more.
🏛️ A federal judge has ordered changes to community meetings in the long-running racial profiling case overseeing the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. Read more.
Featured stories
UA among 9 schools asked to sign “compact” by Trump administration
WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House is asking nine major universities, including the University of Arizona, to commit to President Donald Trump’s political priorities in exchange for more favorable access […]
Tucson researchers mapped a smarter way to catch valley fever. Politics may unravel it.
John Galgiani has been waiting for this call.
The 79-year-old physician is sitting on a chair in a side office at a health clinic in Phoenix, long legs crammed under the […]
Five things to know about the fungal infection valley fever
If you live, work or play outdoors in Pima County, valley fever is on your radar — or it should be. This quick guide covers how it spreads and what […]
Amphitheater Public Schools to close up to five elementary schools before 2026-27 school year
Amphitheater Public Schools will close up to five elementary schools next school year because of declining enrollment, the superintendent said in a letter to staff and parents this week. Amphi […]
Federal judge issues order restructuring Maricopa County sheriff oversight meetings, including new process for community input
A federal judge formally ordered changes Friday to community meetings tied to a nearly 20-year-old racial profiling case and ongoing oversight of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. The decision by […]
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A federal judge ordered a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient with Arizona ties released from detention after immigration authorities said they could not deport her because of DACA. The case offers new insight into how people with DACA status may be treated by courts under the Trump administration. There are 19,810 DACA recipients in Arizona as of March 2025, according to federal government data.
Local author and activist Dora Rodriguez presents her book, “Dora: A Daughter of Unforgiving Terrain.” On Friday, Oct. 17, Rodriguez will give a book talk at University of Arizona’s César Chávez building at 1 p.m. Find out more about the event here. Read Arizona Luminaria’s interview with Rodriguez here.
Starting Oct. 2, Tucson Water will expand its economic assistance program to increase how many customers can access discounted water services. Depending on income, customers could see their bills drop by 20% to 80%. “By ensuring water remains safe, reliable, and affordable, we are advancing equity and building the foundation for long-term community prosperity,” said Tucson Water Deputy Director Silvia Amparano. Get help paying your bill here.
Peep this list of state parks where you can see fall colors around Arizona.
The League of Women Voters of Greater Tucson will host a public forum on the Plan Tucson 2025 ballot measure Saturday, Oct. 11, from 11 a.m. to noon at Quincie Douglas Library, 1585 E. 36th St. The event will also stream live on the league’s Facebook page, with a recording later on YouTube.
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