Hola,
Gracias for making Arizona Luminaria part of your week. We are always grateful to hear from you.
In today’s newsletter:
💧 A proposed fast-tracked mine near Patagonia has residents worried their wells could run dry and wildlife could suffer — while the company offers contracts that neighbors fear give it too much control. Read more here.
📚 After a summer of frozen education funds that upended school planning, Southern Arizona districts say federal grants are finally moving again — keeping before- and after-school programs, teachers and services on track. More here.
🌳 To offset Resolution Copper’s impacts on sacred Oak Flat, the federal government will take possession of a rare old-growth mesquite forest. But it already approved exploratory drilling for another mine near the bosque. Read more via Inside Climate.
❤️ In 105-degree heat, South Tucson neighbors and leaders launched the Defend Nuestro Barrio campaign — walking the streets twice a week to help unhoused neighbors, confront fentanyl’s toll and watch for ICE activity. Read more here.
Featured stories
“Moving with our corazón”: South Tucson neighbors and leaders walk the streets with water, hugs and help
David Garcia pulls a pink wagon behind him as he walks along Sixth Avenue in South Tucson Monday night. Inside the wagon is an open case of bottled water, a […]
As South32 Hermosa mine nears new fast-track approval near Patagonia, neighbors receive water warnings
PATAGONIA — When Becky and John Ball retired from careers in firefighting, they found their dream home in the foothills of Arizona’s famed Patagonia mountains. But less than a year […]
As crucial grants move toward local programs, next year’s flat-funded federal education budget remains unsettled
After a summer of frozen education funds that sent schools into a tailspin, Southern Arizona school districts are finding their footing as money moves toward the special programs that need […]
Mesquite bosque set aside to ease impact of one copper mine, at risk from another mine near Mammoth
MAMMOTH — On the banks of the San Pedro River lies one of the American Southwest’s few remaining old-growth mesquite bosques — a streamside forest in more than 3,000 acres […]
Concejo Municipal de Tucson rechaza centro de datos del Proyecto Blue ante intensa presión comunitaria
El Concejo Municipal de Tucson votó de manera unánime el miércoles en contra de incorporar dentro de los límites de la ciudad el centro de datos del Proyecto Blue, un […]
Flickers 🕯️
Please fill out this quick submission form to suggest a future Flicker.
The first ever all-Native American baseball team, Native Nations, is competing in the Babe Ruth World Series, beginning Friday through Aug. 16 in Branson, Missouri. The team’s players were selected following a July tournament in Arizona, where youth from diverse tribes across the country competed for a spot. Included on the team are players from the Hopi, Navajo, Pascua Yaqui and San Carlos Apache tribes in Arizona. Keep up with the team by downloading the GameChanger app here.
Summit Hut, a locally owned outdoor gear retailer in Tucson, announced it closed its Oro Valley location but is keeping the doors open at its Speedway location. The company said in an email newsletter: “We’ve been proud to serve the Oro Valley community for nearly 13 years, and closing our doors is truly heartbreaking. This decision was not made lightly. Like many small, locally owned retailers, we’ve faced increasing economic pressures in recent years — including rising operating costs, shrinking profit margins, and the ongoing challenges of competing with online giants and national big-box stores.”
After 280 days at the shelter, the Pima County Animal Care Center’s longest-stay pup, Dwayne, found his forever home Wednesday during the center’s free adoption day. In total, 62 pets were adopted.
Free pet care: Spay, neuter, microchip or vaccinate your pet for free on Saturday, Aug. 9. Pima County Animal Care Center’s Karen’s Karing Van, will be at Bullfrog Spas, 5919 E. Broadway Blvd. from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reminder: Leash your dog and crate your cat for safety. Large-breed female dogs and outdoor female cats are first priority. Find more information here.
Comment on the draft Regional Active Transportation Plan by Monday, Aug 11. The deadline was extended. The draft plan will recommend improvements and projects that respond to active transportation needs in our region and will help inform future regional transportation planning efforts, according to the Pima Association of Governments. Comment or sign up for updates here.
Be aware of county emergencies and sign up for MyAlerts, Pima County’s mass notification system. Wildfire and monsoon season are here. This notification system will push important info to your device. Sign up here.
Republish our articles for free, online or in print.
