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In today’s newsletter:
🏫 A special meeting of the ASDB board may have violated open meetings law — no minutes or recording were posted as required by state statute. At that meeting, the board voted to cap teacher salaries and freeze raises. Read more.
🚨 Pima County supervisors voted unanimously to require Sheriff Chris Nanos to answer questions about his conduct and employment history — or face removal from office. He has until the board’s April 21 meeting to comply. Read more
đź”’ Formerly detained migrants and advocates testified about medical neglect, overcrowding and abuse inside Arizona ICE detention centers at a Phoenix briefing organized by Reps. Ansari, Grijalva and Stanton, who are calling for more oversight. Read more
Featured stories
ASDB board caps teacher salaries in meeting that may violate open meetings law
With no published minutes, no livestream and fewer than 20 people present, the Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and the Blind Board of Directors voted last week to cap […]
Pima County supervisors demand sworn report from Sheriff Nanos or face removal
The Pima County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to require Sheriff Chris Nanos to provide a sworn report on his work history and conduct, saying he could be removed from […]
“It’s just inhumane”: Grijalva, Ansari hear testimonies of deplorable conditions in Arizona detention centers
Medical negligence, verbal and physical abuse from guards, small metal beds, dirty clothes, overcrowding, a lack of access to legal representation, nutrient-less food and unfiltered, dirty water. These are some […]
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See you at Cyclovia on Sunday! Arizona Luminaria is a proud media sponsor of Cyclovia. Bike, skate, walk, run, roll and just hang out on the Downtown – Amphi route. Meet your local journalists, play word games and pick up new stickers at the Luminaria booth at the Historic Y. See event info.
The Arizona Board of Regents will meet Thursday, April 16 in Tucson at the Paul and Alice Baker Center for Public Media, 2685 S. Catalyst Dr., with livestreaming on YouTube. Among the agenda items is a discussion of the Southern Arizona Military Installation Initiative, which uses Technology and Research Initiative Fund money to support defense research at local bases including Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and Fort Huachuca. The board also is expected to approve a new Department of Intelligence Operations within the College of Engineering at the University of Arizona. See meeting agendas and details.
Pima Animal Care Center is reporting a sharp rise in parvovirus cases across Pima County, with infections up 250% compared to this time last year. Officials say the highly contagious and often fatal illness is affecting puppies countywide and urge pet owners to update vaccinations as free clinics continue to see declining turnout. Veterinary staff are expanding outreach efforts, including mobile vaccine services, to curb the spread and protect unvaccinated dogs. Get info on low-cost vaccine clinics.
The Tucson Folk Festival will return April 10–12 to Downtown Tucson to celebrate its 41st year, with free admission for the public. Considered one of the largest and longest-running free folk music festivals in the country, the event was recently recognized by 5280 Magazine with its Best of the Mountain West 2025 award. The 2026 festival will feature more than 150 performances and 450 musicians across six stages, bringing together nationally recognized artists, emerging songwriters, young performers, and a diverse mix of regional, national, and international acts.
NAMI Southern Arizona will host its annual NAMIWalks event on Saturday, April 11, at Reid Park, bringing the community together to raise awareness and support for mental health. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., followed by the walk at 9 a.m., with family-friendly activities, live entertainment, and access to more than 35 local resources. Organizers say the event aims to foster connection, reduce stigma, and support programs that provide education and life-saving services across Southern Arizona. Sign up, donate or volunteer.
Sonoita Vineyards will host its 48th Annual Blessing of the Vines on Saturday, April 11, with a traditional noon procession marking the start of the spring growing season. The public event features wine tastings, live music, food vendors and local artisans. Admission costs $30 at the door and includes tasting.
Capture wildlife digitally in your backyard with a two-part class at the Tucson Botanical Gardens. Use your motion-activated camera to check out animals in your yard and contribute to wildlife conservation efforts. First class is April 11 from 10 a.m. to noon. The second class is May 2. Classes are sponsored by Sky Island Alliance and the Gardens. Classes are $60 for non-members and $48 for a Tucson Botanical Gardens member. Bring your own camera or borrow one from the Gardens.Â
The Southwest Folklife Alliance and Artists At Work are bringing together Southern Arizona artists for a free community gathering on Sunday, April 12, from 1-4 p.m. at the YWCA Frances McClelland Community Center, 525 N. Bonita Ave. The afternoon opens with hands-on artmaking sessions in printmaking, tiny clay doll crafting, and Hopi weaving, followed by a conversation on the role of art in civic life featuring four Tucson artists currently supported by the national Artists At Work program. Space is limited — RSVP by April 7. English/Spanish interpretation provided.
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