Phoenix School District in Turmoil

Millions in federal funding given to the troubled Isaac School District in Phoenix will be used to pay off debt and not teacher salaries, raising questions about possible layoffs and relocation of the district’s 6,000 students.

Early estimates said the district overspent its budget by $12 million between 2020 and 2024, but new reports have that number at closer to $28 million. The state took over control of the district’s finances last week.

Arizona Superintendent Tom Horne initially said the incoming $6 million would be used toward teacher payroll, but the Maricopa County treasurer said that’s inaccurate—the money will first go toward paying what’s already owed to the county, per state law.

The district’s superintendent announced his resignation last week, and lawmakers are now calling for a criminal investigation.

  Bill Would Fine Slow Left-Lane Drivers

A Republican lawmaker introduced a bill that would impose a $500 fine for drivers who slow down highway traffic in the left lane—the so-called “Slow Poke Law.”

While impeding traffic is already illegal, State Rep. Teresa Martinez hopes the bill’s passage would reinvigorate enforcement and reduce instances of road rage. She said signs would be installed along the highway to inform drivers of the penalty.

An attempt to update the legislation last year failed to make it to the governor’s desk.

On whether the legislation even matters since it’s currently not being enforced by police, Martinez said “That’s something I’m going to have to address with DPS. And I will address it with DPS.”

  Arizona Nurse Finally Released from Gaza 

A group of American health professionals, including one Arizona nurse, successfully left Gaza yesterday after earlier announcing they’d become trapped there while on a medical aid mission.

On Monday—days after the group was supposed to depart—a video report surfaced in which Dr. Shehzad Batliwala confirmed travel restrictions had prevented them from doing so. 

Arizona nurse Nor Rizek was one of the 11 healthcare workers on the mission. All 11 are now headed to Jordan, and then back to the U.S.

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➤ Flagstaff: Snow arrived this week after the city faced one of its worst snow droughts ever. (See Video Report) 

➤ Tucson: Officials who discovered the bodies of 14 coyotes, three javelina, and a raven in the Pantano Wash are investigating it as a deliberate poisoning. (See Details)

➤ Alpine: Officials are urging residents to be ready for evacuation after a wind-driven fire broke out earlier this week. (See Photo)

➤ Tempe: Police cited a man for feeding the homeless at a park without having a permit to do so. (See Video)

➤ Glendale: The city halted plans to demolish a popular library after community pushback. (See Video) 

➤ Sahuarita: A $58,000 grant will go toward enhancing traffic, pedestrian, and cycling safety. (See Video)

➤ Arizona pulled off an improbable 86-75 overtime win on Monday night against No. 3 Iowa State. The team almost lost in regulation before star guard Caleb Love sunk a shot from beyond half court to send the game to overtime. (Watch video)

➤ Devin Booker led the Phoenix Suns with 26 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists, helping the team defeat the Los Angeles Clippers 111-109. (More)

➤ The Arizona Cardinals have parted ways with the team’s defensive line coach Derrick LeBlanc. (More)

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

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➤ A new list of 10 Arizona restaurants with the most scenic views includes Skysill Rooftop Lounge, the highest open-air rooftop bar in Tempe, and Mariposa Sedona, with red rock views. (See List) 

➤ Bear and the Honey has moved into its new location in North Phoenix and debuted its new menu. The popular bakery is now located near 7th Street and Thunderbird Road. (See Video)

➤ Ski shops across the state are hopeful the recent arrival of snow in Northern Arizona will result in an increase in business. Many shops got off to a slow start due to a snow drought. (See Video) 

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➤ Police in Cordes Lake ran into a flaming house to rescue a dog after a fire engulfed a nearby home. The homeowner told police of the dog’s location before they rushed in to save it. (See Video)  

➤ A home in the Phoenix Valley that’s built into the mountain terrain is now on the market for $5 million. It features an infinity pool, home theater room, and a multilevel design. (See Video Tour) 

➤ Flagstaff author Kevin Fedarko won the prestigious Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Nonfiction for his book A Walk in the Park: The True Story of a Spectacular Misadventure in the Grand Canyon. (More) 

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

1. Matches
2. Weapon
3. Another Person
4. Signal Mirror
5. Flashlight
6. Compass
7. Other

Previous Results:

What’s your ideal outdoor temperature?

1. 70-80:  23%
2. 60-70:  18%
3. 80-90:  17%
4. Below 60:  14%
5. 90-100:  14%
6. 100+:  14%

What year did the Arizona Wildcats men’s basketball team win its only NCAA championship?

Show me the answer