The final month to support Arizona Luminaria in 2025
🗓️ We’ve entered the last month of our end-of-year fundraiser. Every contribution between now and Dec. 31 helps carry community-centered reporting into the year ahead. And thanks to NewsMatch, one-time donations are matched dollar-for-dollar, and new monthly gifts are matched 12 times. Give today.
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In today’s newsletter:
⚡🏜️ Marana’s Planning Commission voted unanimously to advance another Beale data center project, sparking boos and fierce pushback from residents worried about power, water and pollution. Read more.
⚖️ Arizona’s Democratic congressional delegation is urging a formal investigation into DHS after Rep. Adelita Grijalva and journalists were pepper sprayed during a Tucson operation. Read the update.
🌵 Join Arizona Luminaria reporter Carolina Cuellar and journalists from The Margin on Zoom Dec. 16 at 6 p.m. for a webinar diving into “Deserted at the Border,” a powerful look at how colonias along the Arizona border are being left behind amid deadly heat and dwindling resources. Register here.
📱➗ Instead of banning phones, a Tucson teacher built an app to turn them into learning tools — and his students are helping test it in real time. Read more.
🧪 Arizona regulators are investigating contaminated water discharges at the proposed Hermosa mine near Patagonia after testing showed elevated levels of a heavy metal. Read the story.
Featured stories
Unanimous vote in Marana for data center met with boos
The scene at the Dec. 10 meeting of the Marana Planning Commission was reminiscent of many of the recent public meetings in Tucson: A packed audience listening to an elaborate […]
Cell phones deployed in this University High classroom
Clusters of students enter the precalculus classroom in twos and threes — black hoodies on, heavy backpacks slung over one shoulder. One-by-one, each University High School student does the same […]
Arizona launches investigation into proposed Hermosa mine’s contaminated water discharge near Patagonia
A proposed critical minerals mine in southern Arizona that was the first added to a federal permitting process designed to be quicker and more transparent has reported water with levels […]
Junta Estatal de Educación de Arizona avanza en eliminar lenguaje DEI de estándares de enseñanza
La Junta Estatal de EducaciĂłn de Arizona votĂł el lunes en Phoenix a favor de revisar los estándares de enseñanza del estado, lo que podrĂa eliminar el lenguaje relacionado con […]
Arizona Democrats in Congress call for DHS investigation after Tucson raid, pepper spray of Rep. Grijalva
The ongoing alarm over a December federal immigration raid in Tucson continued Friday as Democratic members of Arizona’s congressional delegation requested a formal congressional investigation into the U.S. Department of […]
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County officials have shared a copy of a binding memorandum of agreement outlining the community investments Beale Infrastructure — the company behind the controversial Project Blue data center — promised as part of its development plans in Pima County. Details include Beale’s commitment to a total of $15 million community donation over the life of the project and $5 million for an initial investment in STEM scholarships and for students and trade schools. That comes after the Arizona Corporation Commission gave a green light to the Project Blue power agreement and the Marana Planning Commission voted to recommend rezoning to pave the way for another Beale data center. Read the proposed agreement here.
The Tucson City Council will convene on Tuesday, Dec. 16, for a full day of meetings. The day begins with an 11 a.m. study session to address several key topics, including an update on unsheltered homelessness initiatives, a discussion on potential new taxes and fees, and a review of city-owned property for possible disposition. The council will also hear updates on transit safety. At 5:30 p.m., the regular session will include a public hearing about amendments to the city’s Unified Development Code related to middle housing. Meeting agendas and details.
The Pima County Board of Supervisors plans to vote on a new Parks and Recreation Master Plan at its meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 16. In other actions, the board is expected to approve the sale of 400 acres of land adjacent to Saguaro National Park West to the National Park Service for $3 million. It will also vote on a contract to buy new body cameras for the sheriff’s department. Meeting agendas and details.
Admission and shows at the Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium are free today, Saturday, Dec. 13, to celebrate the center’s 50th anniversary. Details.
The American Red Cross Southern Arizona Chapter Board, in partnership with Tiffany Circle members, will host a holiday blood drive on Monday, Dec. 15 at Beads of Courage, 3301 N. First Ave. in Tucson, to address a seasonal decline in blood donations. Community members are encouraged to donate to help maintain a steady blood supply for patients in need during the winter months.
A federal grand jury in Tucson indicted Leo Reynoso, 46, for unlawfully excavating and trafficking archeological resources from the Gila River Indian Community. The items included Indian Trader tokens, coins, buttons, crucifixes and jewelry, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona. Reynoso is accused of removing and selling artifacts without a permit.
đź’¸ Need help with IRS or tax disputes? Catholic Community Services of Southern Arizona is offering free legal consultation through its Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic. The program serves six Arizona counties, helping families navigate IRS proceedings, tax court, and more. Appointments are available now at 520-416-4759.
The Tucson Holiday Ice skating rink is now open after an equipment failure delay. The outdoor rink pop-up will run through Jan. 4 at 260 S. Church in front of the Tucson Convention Center. Cost is $22 for 90 minutes. Children under 12 are $15. Skates are included in admission, socks are required and gloves are recommended. No bags are allowed on the ice. Get tickets here. Tickets for dates impacted by the delay will be refunded. Call 520-791-4101, option one for information.
Donate to a holiday food drive organized by the Phoenix Indian Center to support Indigenous families in need across the Valley. Through Dec. 18, people can drop off turkeys and unopened non-perishable items to the center’s office at 4041 N. Central Avenue during regular business hours.
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