Hello, we hope this post finds you well – and God willing, not stuck in an airport.
Nationally, it was a week defined by tech failure, both in terms of software and the people in charge of creating it. Microsoft Outlook went down, disrupting workflow basically everywhere (ahem). On Friday, the FAA grounded flights across the country over a faulty router, or something like that. And then, of course, there was the saga of Jensen Huang, the now-former head of chip manufacturer Nvidia, who put on a leather jacket, thought he was James Bond, got caught up in some espionage and lost his job.
Of course, all of that impacted southern Arizona – including the Huang scandal, as a UA alum is succeeding him and stepping into the role of Nvidia’s interim CEO. So… Bear Down?
In terms of news more specific to our neck of the woods, though, tensions continued to rise over two of the most contentious issues in this region: immigration and mining. A federal judge denied an injunction to hold up the South32 Hermosa Mine Project, while residents in Tubac are demanding answers about a proposal to expand a Border Patrol checkpoint along I-19.
In Tucson, meanwhile, parents and staff at Dunham Elementary School received a reprieve, as TUSD did a take-backsie on its recommendation to close the school, despite its A-rating. And to cap the week, Reid Park Zoo finally opened its Pathway to Asia exhibit. What better way is there to decompress from a stressful week than a little animal therapy?
Want to hear more about these stories and everything else from the week that was? Stream AZPM’s News Weekend podcast.
1. “TUSD alters school consolidation plans for Dunham, Magee” (Nov. 9)
A few weeks ago, as part of its rollout of school consolidation plans, Tucson Unified School District recommended closing A-rated Dunham Elementary School and merging it with Marshall Elementary, a B-rated PreK-5. Now, following a contentious meeting, Superintendent Gabriel Trujillo is walking back that recommendation – as well as pushing back the proposed closing date of Magee Middle School.
2. “Federal judge denies request to block South32 Hermosa Mine expansion on public land” (Nov. 10)
Opponents of the South32 Hermosa Mine Project in the Patagonia Mountains were dealt a blow last week as a federal judge denied an injunction that would have slowed construction of the project’s infrastructure, which critics say will harm critical habitats for endangered species like jaguars and ocelots.
3. “As DHS moves to expand I-19 checkpoint near Tubac, residents are pushing back” (Nov. 12)
About 200 people packed a community meeting Monday to discuss the details of a proposed Border Patrol checkpoint expansion between Tubac and Amado. AZPM’s Angela Gervasi was among the throng. Who wasn’t there? Anyone with Border Patrol.
4. “UA alum takes over Nvidia amid scandal” (Nov. 13)
Maybe you heard about the controversy surrounding the American tech company Nvidia and its CEO, Jensen Huang. Well, former CEO – Huang stepped down from his post this week, effective immediately. And turns out, his temporary replacement has a Tucson connection.
5. “Reid Park Zoo’s Pathway to Asia opens this week. Here’s what to expect” (Nov. 12)
Over 30 new species of animals are moving to Tucson this week, as the zoo has finally completed its first major expansion since 2012 after two and a half years of construction. Among the new residents are some very-endangered Malayan tigers, a Komodo dragon and, in a few more weeks, gibbons and red pandas. Which is all well and cute – but can someone please tell us when the pygmy hippos are moving in?
Three For the Week: What to look forward to in the week ahead
AZPM is screening an episode of the science docuseries Nova called “Knowledge Keepers” about the long history of science and engineering within North America’s indigenous communities on Nov. 19 at our home base, the Baker Center. It will be followed by a panel discussion.
Dust off your lycra: El Tour de Tucson is back. The bicycling festival hits the road Nov. 21. Check here for routes and registration info.
UFC Lightweight Champion Justin Gaethje is returning to his home town of Safford, and the city is celebrating his achievements. He’ll be appearing at the third annual Justin Gaethje Gila Valley Swing for the Kids charity golf tournament at Mount Graham Golf Club on Nov. 21. Gaethje and his mother, Carolina, will also speak at the Safford High School Football Field today the night before, on Nov. 20, at 6 pm.
