Cover Story
Riki Rachtman recalls tumultuous life in new show
Former “Headbangers Ball” host Riki Rachtman was nervous when he booked his first one-man show, “One Foot in the Gutter.” “When I thought of this show, I heard, ‘You’re going to do what? Who’s going to go?’” he said. Now, he couldn’t be prouder of his show, which is selling out in the United States…
The untold story of prohibition, endocannabinoid deficiency
Many years ago, our food supply came from small family farms that utilized crop rotation practices to keep soils healthy and productive. Some plants consume nitrogen, other plants sequester nitrogen in the soil and still others tend to leave behind heavy metals and other minerals that build up over time, reducing the health and productivity…
The legal battleground surrounding Delta-8
OK. It’s not CBD. And it’s not quite the regular THC. But it can get you high — kind of. Think slightly more relaxed and less stressed out. It’s a hemp-derived form of THC known as Delta-8, and it’s a tense story of legal loopholes and semantics. Let’s go back to 2018, a pivotal moment…
Cannabis laws are changing, as must drug testing
Voters and politicians are reshaping America’s marijuana laws for the better. The possession and use of cannabis is now legal for medical purposes in 38 states and legal for adult recreational use in 23 of those. Unfortunately, antiquated and discriminatory drug testing policies often haven’t kept up with these changes. It’s reasonable for employers to…
School is open — forever
With school starting back up this week in most districts, there is an interesting mix of storm clouds and bright sunshine off in the distance. Big issues are facing our education system, both nationally and here in Southern Arizona. Administrators, teachers and students all have daunting challenges and unique opportunities. The main problem this year…
Wildcats basketball headed to Israel, UAE
The UA men’s basketball team will visit Israel and the UAE for a 10-day trip in August hosted by the nonprofit Athletes for Israel. Athletes for Israel looks to combat antisemitism and fight for inclusivity through the voices of professional and college athletes. Daniel Posner, the CEO and founder of Athletes for Israel, said the…
Take a deep dive into Southwestern history
Even adults can take field trips. The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum is offering a six-day Mesa Verde Tour from Monday, Aug. 21, to Saturday, Aug. 26. Participants can learn about the history and roots of Southwestern culture. Among the places on the itinerary: Durango, Colorado; Silverton, Colorado, where a train ride is planned; and Mesa Verde…
Running bonds Michelle and Luke Nolen
For longtime Tucsonan Michelle Nolen, running is more than just exercise. It is her passion. It’s also a way for her to bond with her son, Luke. In April, Nolen accomplished one of her “bucket list” items when she ran the Boston Marathon. Nolen ran when she was younger and revived it after she gave…
City Week: Weekly Picks
Southeast Arizona Birding Festival AUG. 9 TO AUG. 13 Field trips, presentations, events, lectures, a nature expo — it’s like SXSW for bird lovers. All day, every day, shoulder to shoulder with folks whose passion for birding may be even greater than your own, your binoculars may fix on more species here than anywhere else…
Women find the jokes in real lives of moms
One day nine years ago, best friends Kristen Hensley and Jen Smedley were hanging out, having a glass of wine, commiserating about the sweet, hilarious and often outrageous doings of their four collective kids. Both had come to Los Angeles to pursue careers in comedy — sketch, improv, standup. Along the way, family became a…
