Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 26th of September.
Good morning, Tucson.
🏘️ Community
The Tucson Family Food Project provides nearly 300 middle schoolers with meal kits each week and plans to expand into Amphitheater schools and open a new kitchen before year end — the program also will receive support from the 2nd Annual Thornscrubs Picnic on Sunday, Sept.
27 from 3-9 p.m.
Authorities confirmed teen Ryker Lee was found safe today near Three Points after a search, and officials are monitoring his condition as his family expresses relief.
💼 Business
The Southern Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Legacy and Light Gala on Oct.
10 at Casino del Sol to celebrate local business leaders with seven awards, live music, and a regal theme during Hispanic Heritage Month.
🎓 Education
The UA's HiRISE camera orbiting Mars has marked 20 years of sending over 100,000 photos to scientists via the HiWish program, capturing key moments such as spacecraft descents and seasonal changes (and may operate another decade).
Tucson Unified School District is reconfiguring its schools as enrollment drops and held three public meetings in September for feedback; the board may vote on consolidations or closures in December as the School Reconfiguration Committee meets today (Saturday) to review data that could lead to shutting six to eight schools.
At Rivera Elementary, kindergartners are improving balance and discipline through a new All Kids Bike program funded by a nationwide nonprofit, with HDR Engineering donating 24 bikes, helmets, and training for physical education (costing about $9,000).
The University of Arizona reported a nearly 19% drop in its fall first-year enrollment, from 7,506 last fall to 6,111 this fall, as it shifts strategy to boost student success – with stronger academics and rising retention rates.
Some faculty warned this could affect budget allocations.
The University of Arizona suspended Sigma Tau Gamma after a university letter reported hazing last fall that forced new members to drink large amounts of alcohol and care for live goldfish while officials continue investigating the matter.
🌲 Environment
Researchers are tracking more than 100 Sonoran Desert tortoises in Tucson Mountain Park as part of Pima County's periodic survey that has so far identified at least 110 individuals; the team recently named two new tortoises, Clementine and Littlefoot, as part of ongoing conservation efforts.
🏛️ Government
On Thursday evening, a live debate in Scottsdale let voters hear both sides of Arizona’s Prop 320 on school spending.
Hosted by Clean Elections and the Arizona Media Association, the event featured Chris Thomas of the Goldwater Institute and Jimmy Arwood of Arizonans for Quality Education.
🏥 Health
Pima County Health Department reported that an international visitor developed measles following exposure in Colorado after visiting Banner ER (North Campbell Avenue from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept.
24) and is now isolating at home; officials urge anyone who may have been exposed to monitor for symptoms.
Health officials confirmed a measles case in Pima County from an international visitor who recently traveled into Southern Arizona, and they are investigating any potential spread.
U of A health officials warned students that potent synthetic opioid Cychlorphine, found in drug supplies in California and Nevada – may soon appear on campus, urging the community to remain cautious.
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