Politics

Democratic Senators Demand Answers on Trump’s Secretive Border Expulsions

by ProPublica, Dana Lind on April 8, 2020 at 2:59PM

Since March 20, citing the risk of spreading the novel coronavirus in border facilities that aren’t designed for medical care, the Border Patrol has adopted a policy of pushing migrants back to Mexico as quickly as possible. Mexico has agreed to accept not only its own citizens but citizens of Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador; the four countries make up the overwhelming majority of immigrants who cross into the U.S. without papers.

Ducey: Visitors Entering AZ From Places With Substantial COVID-19 Spread Will Have to Quarantine Themselves for Two Weeks

by Jim Nintzel on April 7, 2020 at 3:42PM

“This data will allow us to better prepare for our peak in cases and hospital demand, and it will help us identify a better recovery rate for Arizonans affected with this disease,” said Cara Christ, director of the Arizona Department of Health Services. “With widespread transmission, we know that there have likely been and currently are more cases in our community.

Grijalva: Blue-Collar Workers Deserve Hazard Pay

by Jim Nintzel on April 7, 2020 at 2:16PM

Congressman Raul Grijalva (D-AZ03) was one of 41 House Democrats to send a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy asking that future legislation include hazard pay for essential blue-collar workers who remain on the job during the COVID-19 outbreak, as well as protective gear for workers who need it. An excerpt from the letter:

Betty Villegas Named To Board of Supervisors To Replace the Late Richard Elías

by Austin Counts on April 7, 2020 at 9:49AM

The Pima County Board of Supervisors approved Betty Villegas as the new District 5 Supervisor in a 3-1 vote during this morning's meeting. District 4 Supervisor Steve Christy was the lone vote against Villegas.

Candidates Are Scrambling To Get Signatures To Run for Elías Seat on Board of Supes

by Austin Counts on April 2, 2020 at 10:38AM

Gathering hundreds signatures in less than a week would be a trying feat during a normal election year. But signature gathering during a global pandemic, coupled with Gov. Doug Ducey’s statewide stay-at-home order is on another level of difficulty.

Consuelo Hernandez Expected to Run for Elias' Seat

by Austin Counts on March 31, 2020 at 9:12AM

There are now two new Democratic candidates running for the Pima County Supervisors District 5 seat left vacant after Supervisor Richard Elias died this past Saturday. Consuelo Hernandez filed a Statement of Interest as well as a Statement of Organization with the Pima County Elections Department on Monday, according to Mary Martinson, elections unit supervisor for Pima County Elections Department.

Adelita Grijalva Announces Bid For Elias' Seat

by Austin Counts on March 30, 2020 at 2:17PM

Tucson Unified School District Board Member Adelita Grijalva announced her intention to run for the Pima County District 5 seat in a Facebook post this afternoon. The announcement comes days District 5 Supervisor Richard Elias died on Saturday and just a week before the filing deadline to seek the office.

Gov. Ducey signs legislation providing education guidelines

by Logan Burtch-Buus on March 27, 2020 at 2:49PM

As the question of whether Arizona’s public schools will reopen before the scheduled date of summer break hangs in the air, administrators now know they will not have to extend the academic year. Gov. Doug Ducey signed legislation Friday that ensures school will not have to make up for days lost due to statewide closures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.