Federal Funding Freeze Sparks Lawsuits

A push by the Trump administration to pause federal grants and loans was met with lawsuits in 23 states, including Arizona, where Attorney General Kris Mayes said the human toll of the payment freeze would be “incalculable.”

The spending freeze was halted by a federal judge minutes before it was set to take place on Tuesday. The government then rescinded the order but said the funding review would continue.

The White House said the freeze would not apply toward Social Security or Medicare payments, food stamps, or other welfare programs for the poor.

According to White House officials, the decision to pause federal funding for a review was designed to reduce wasteful spending. Still, widespread confusion surfaced about exactly which programs would be paused.

State School Districts in Turmoil

An audio recording obtained by self-proclaimed “muckraker” James O’Keefe shows a Marana High School teacher teaching gender ideology in schools, the latest controversy affecting various school districts across the state. See the video here.

In Peoria, a school board member sued the district and lost after the district’s attorney advised her to refrain from reciting Bible quotes during public meetings. A federal judge sided with the district.

Meanwhile in Mesa, the state’s largest school district is considering cuts to various programs after low enrollment created budgeting problems. In a Tuesday meeting, the school board voted to cut jobs for what’s expected to be an $18 million shortfall. (See Video)

Similarly, budgeting issues at the Isaac School District in Phoenix led to it being placed under state control last week. The district overspent its budget by at least $28.5 million since 2020 and lawmakers are now requesting a criminal investigation.

10-Year-Old Surpasses $1M in Rodeo Winnings

A weekend of rodeoing at the Xtreme Million barrel race in Queen Creek was all 10-year-old cowgirl Dusky Lynn Hall needed to win $34,442, and her total lifetime earnings to more than $1 million. 

Hall’s record broke one set two days prior by three-tenths of a second, and she placed in or won several other events to accumulate five-figure earnings for a few days’ work. Last year, Hall earned $200,000 in two months.

The performance comes after another January showing in which Hall won the American West Region Qualifier in Las Vegas. 

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➤ Phoenix: Gov. Katie Hobbs unveiled a $60 million water initiative to safeguard Arizona’s water resources, far exceeding her initial plan for a $3 million litigation fund. (More)

➤ Mesa: Police showcased their helicopter’s infrared technology as they used it to track down a man who’d just committed a crime. (See Video) 

➤ Ahwatukee: The Arizona Supreme Court awarded a homeowner’s association $12 million after residents argued their property values dropped when a land seizure resulted in the construction of a nearby freeway. (More)

➤ Statewide: An Arizona man who posed as a psychologist and treated patients has been sentenced to 18 months in prison. (More)

➤ Marana: Development will move forward for a Downtown District on 20 acres near the Marana Municipal Complex. (See Image) 

➤ Bisbee: Officials want to find a buyer for the vacant Hillcrest Apartments building to make way for more affordable housing. (See Video)

➤ Arizona State men’s basketball pulled off a close 70-68 win over conference rival Colorado on Tuesday. The team will play rival University of Arizona on Saturday. (Watch video)

➤ Arizona Cardinals linebackers coach Sam Siefkes is leaving the organization to become Virginia Tech’s defensive coordinator. Siefkes was with the team for two years. (More)

➤ Arizona lawmakers created a bill outlining plans to renovate Chase Field, the home of the Arizona Diamondbacks. The funding would mirror how the Arizona Cardinals use sales and income tax revenue from State Farm Stadium to fund upgrades and renovations. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NBA | NHL | NCAAM | NCAAW | Soccer

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➤ Nestlé announced the grand opening of its new beverage factory and distribution center in Glendale on Wednesday. The 630,000-square-foot facility will bring 300 jobs to the area. (See Photo) 

➤ Theory Tucson, a 1,064-bed student housing development near the University of Arizona, is set to break ground. The 19-story building will offer 395 units in one-, two-, and three-bedroom configurations. (See Rendering)

➤ The Arizona Department of Agriculture purchased a 34,320-square-foot building in Rio Rico for $3.75 million. It will be situated near Nogales, an agricultural hotspot. (See Photo)

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➤ Chandler high schooler Gabe Castro performed CPR on a man who went into cardiac arrest at a restaurant, successfully resuscitating him. Castro learned CPR in his high school health class. (See Video)

➤ An Arizona man was reunited with his dog eight years after it went missing during a cross-country move to Phoenix. Paul Guilbeault was on his way to help with the L.A. fires when he got a text saying his dog had been found in Oklahoma. (See Video)

➤ The Grand Canyon was named one of the deadliest national parks during winter, according to a new study. It wasn’t the only Arizona park to make the list. (See Details)

Has your city received snowfall yet?

1. Yes
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Previous Results:

You’re lost in the Arizona wilderness. Which one item would you most want to have? 

1. Another Person: 16%
2. Other: 16%
3. Weapon: 15% 
4. Compass: 14%
5. Matches: 14%
6. Signal Mirror: 13%
7. Flashlight: 12%

In the image of the Arizona State Seal, a man can be seen holding what two tools? 

Show me the answer