Cow Milk Tests Positive for Bird Flu

The bird flu was detected in a dairy herd’s milk for the first time in Arizona, officials announced on Friday. 

The discovery came as part of the state agriculture department’s regular testing of cow milk, which was implemented in January to coincide with the emergence of the H5N1 avian flu outbreak. 

Officials did not name the facility where the positive test occurred, but said it happened at a Maricopa County site that has since been quarantined.

A CDC study shows pasteurized milk is safe to drink, but warns that raw milk can effectively transmit the virus.

Another Lawmaker Dodges Citation

For the second time in a month, an Arizona lawmaker was granted amnesty for a traffic violation due to legislative immunity under the state’s constitution. See the video report.

A highway patrol officer pulled over Sen. Jake Hoffman for traveling 24 miles per hour over the posted speed limit—89 in a 65—but upon verifying his standing as a lawmaker, declined to ticket him. 

In January, Sen. Mark Finchem requested his citation be dismissed under the same immunity. Watch his traffic stop here. 

Republican House Rep. Quang Nguyen recently introduced a resolution to end immunity for traffic violations. The concept originated centuries ago as a means to prohibit intimidating legislators. 

Chandler Homeownership Soars

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➤ Capitol: A bill that would empower schools to restrict students’ cell phone usage during classroom hours moved through a House committee last week with unanimous approval. (More)

➤ Statewide: Gov. Katie Hobbs relaunched the Arizona Space Commission on Friday after the program had been dormant for the past decade. (See Details) 

➤ Tucson: A foothills home with seven bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, and 18,653 square-feet is now on the market for $12.9 million. (See Photos)

➤ Fort Huachuca: Military troops from New York have arrived in Fort Huachuca, where they’ll stay temporarily before being assigned to help with border operations in the area. (See Photo)

➤ Mesa: The Dobson High School football coach was arrested last week for allegedly furnishing harmful items to minors and luring of a minor for sexual exploitation. (See Details) 

➤ Sedona: Several roadways will undergo crack sealing beginning today. The affected roads will also be re-striped. (See List)

➤ No. 13 Arizona men’s basketball lost their second consecutive game on Saturday, falling 62-58 to No. 6 Houston. The Wildcats led the game by five points at halftime but were unable to hold on. (More) 

➤ Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Josh Naylor has been named “the most influential Canadian in baseball” by the Canadian Baseball Network. He joined the Diamondbacks this offseason. (More) 

➤ The Arizona Cardinals prevailed in a lawsuit filed against the organization by former VP of player personnel Terence McDonough, who was seeking damages for defamation. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s results: NCAAM | NCAAW | NCAASB | NASCAR | Soccer | Tennis | PGA

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➤ A bill that would require businesses to accept cash payments passed unanimously in a House committee. The bill is designed to prevent discrimination against individuals who rely on cash to make purchases. (More)

➤ Sprouts Farmers Market signed a lease to open its first store in Sierra Vista at the upcoming Tribute Plaza shopping center. The new location will sit on 13 acres near Highway 92 and Buffalo Soldier Trail. (See Details) 

➤ The Courtyard by Marriott Tucson Airport Hotel sold at auction for $14.195 million. The 149-room hotel was marketed with 75% occupancy when it sold. (More)  

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➤ Ninety-year-olds Marilyn Webb and Bob Burgess married on Valentine’s Day at the Apache Junction senior living center where they met. Born weeks apart, they each spent 66 years in previous marriages, each raising three children, and each was widowed. (More)

➤ A bat in Fort Huachuca tested positive for the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome disease, which can be deadly to other bats. Infected bats might appear unable to fly and should not be touched. (See Details) 

➤ The 35th Annual Chandler Chamber Ostrich Festival will feature musical artists including The Fray, Natasha Bedingfield, and Tyler Hubbard. The event runs March 14-16 and 21-23. (See Details)

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Should schools have a say over how much access students have to their phones during instruction periods?

1. Yes
2. No
3. No Opinion

Previous Results:

Do you think “Howdy” should be the official greeting of Arizona?

1. How’s this even a bill?: 46%
2. No: 29%
3. Yes: 25%

In its early years, Arizona became known for the “5 Cs,” which denote industries that drove the state’s economy. They include copper, climate, cotton, cattle, and _____? 

Show me the answer