Cover Story
The Contender
This is no place for dreams, not this lost street off of a southside overpass, warehouse after warehouse lining the way in the darkness of a winter night. The only light here shines through the door of a place called Tucson Southwest Boxing. You’ve never heard of it, and you’ve never heard of Armando Altamirano.…
Watch the Memorial Here, Courtesy of PBS
A live stream of tonight’s memorial at McKale Center from PBS should appear here, beginning at 6 pm.
Seats for the Memorial Already Spoken For
According to KGUN 9, the University of Arizona’s headcount of those in line for tonight’s event at McKale exceeds the number of available seats, so there will be overflow into Arizona Stadium. Basically, if you’re not in line right now, you won’t be in McKale tonight. Updates to come.
Information About a Fund for the Shooting Victims
From a press release issued by the Pima County Attorney’s office: The shooting incident that occurred on January 8th has had far-reaching consequences, affecting not only those who were directly victimized, but witnesses and family members who will be actively involved as cases progress through the criminal justice system. This type of involvement is not…
Wall Street Journal Publishes More Details of Loughner’s Online Life
There’s a stunning article worth reading in today’s Wall Street Journal about Jared Loughner and his posts to a message board for a online game called Earth Empires. Any virtual forum with some shield of anonymity where a bunch of young men hang out can be a wildly disturbing and juvenile, but it’s hard to…
Farley: “Now Everything Must Change”
In his latest Farley Report, Rep. Steve Farley calls for state lawmakers to turn down the heat of their rhetoric in the wake of Saturday’s massacre: Before 10:11am, Saturday, January 8, 2011, we had the luxury of being less than charitable toward our political rivals. Some of us — on both sides — lashed out…
Trent Franks: “If Every Person in the World Was Like Sarah Palin … No One Would Be in Danger of Any Kind”
U.S. Rep. Trent Franks, who represents Maricopa County, offers this thought in defense of Sarah Palin, who has come under fire for putting Gabrielle Giffords in crosshairs on a map of targeted political districts: “If every person in the world was like Sarah Palin, there probably wouldn’t even be need for government because no one…
Walk for Peace Set for Sunday
Desirea Simiele Walk for Peace, 10 a.m., Sunday, Jan. 16 “A Walk for Peace” will take place at 10 a.m., Sunday, Jan. 16, to honor Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and others who died or were injured in the Jan. 8 shooting. The walk begins at McCormick Park, 2950 N. Columbus Blvd., and ends at Giffords’ Congressional…
Another Look at Tucson
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy NBC News’ Savannah Guthrie introduces America to her hometown.
UA Will Open Arizona Stadium to Hold McKale Overflow From ‘Together We Thrive’ Memorial
The east side of Arizona Stadium will be open for any overflow from McKale Memorial Center when President Barack Obama and other dignitaries speak Wednesday, Jan. 12, in honor of the victims of the Jan. 8 shooting. Those seated in the stadium will watch KUAT’s live broadcast of the memorial on the stadium’s scoreboard. The…
Photo: Mark Kelly Sits By Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords’ Hospital Bed
Via Giffords spokesman C.J. Karamargin: Mark Kelly holds the hand of his hospitalized wife, Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords.
Arizona Glock Sales Soar in Wake of Shooting
Michael Riley at Bloomberg News reports that sales of weapons like the one used in last weekend’s shooting have soared: After a Glock-wielding gunman killed six people at a Tucson shopping center on Jan. 8, Greg Wolff, the owner of two Arizona gun shops, told his manager to get ready for a stampede of new…
UPDATE: Ben’s Bells Needs Our Help Honoring Saturday’s Victims
The Range just heard from Jeannette Mare regarding Thursday’s Ben’s Bells project. The organization is overwhelmed by the positive response to the call for volunteers and thanks everyone who has contacted the group. Right now no additional volunteers are needed. From Jeannette Mare, founder of Ben’s Bells: I am overwhelmed and profoundly humbled by the…
Photos of Shooting Victim, Ron Barber, at UMC
Ron Barber, Tucson District Director for Rep. Giffords, was among the wounded from Saturday’s shooting. Giffords spokesman C.J. Karamargin shared with us two photos from his room in the ICU. Photo by Gawain Douglas Karamargin: “Ron Barber, 65, meets with Daniel Hernandez in his hospital ICU room on Sunday, Jan 9, 2001. Daniel works with…
Slate: Gunning For Trouble
Slate’s William Saletan points out the potential dangers that come with encouraging citizens to carry guns and fire at will in situation’s like Saturday’s shooting: This is a much more dangerous picture than has generally been reported. Zamudio had released his safety and was poised to fire when he saw what he thought was the…
Cohn: U.S. Needs Better Treatment for Mentally Ill
TNR’s Jonathan Cohn puts the blame for Saturday’s shooting on a lack of adequate mental-health treatment: Count me among those who have been worried, for a while, about the violent undercurrent in political speech and, for much longer than that, about the easy availability of guns, particularly in states like Arizona that have notoriously lax…
Free Admission at the Children’s Museum Saturday
From a press release: Tucson Children’s Museum is offering free admission during their regular hours of 10 a.m. — 5 p.m. on Saturday, January 15. Unanimously approved by the Museum’s Board of Directors , the day is offered as a way to support all families, explained Board President Dev Sethi. Museum staff and the Board…
Doctors and Family Members Speak Today at UMC
Photograph by Josh Morgan Penny Wilson and Angela Robinson reminisce about their stepfather, Dorwan Stoddard. Stoddard was one of six victims from Saturday’s shooting. Photograph by Josh Morgan Bill Heilman’s wife, Suzie Heilman, was at the scene of the crime with 9-year-old Christina Taylor Green, one of the six victims from Saturday’s shooting. Mrs. Heilman…
The Text of the Loughner Family Statement
The statement handed to the press waiting outside their home today: This is a very difficult time for us. We ask the media to respect our privacy. There are no words that can possibly express how we feel. We wish that there were, so we could make you feel better. We don’t understand why this…
Funeral Protest Ban Passes Arizona Senate
In response to the possible Westboro Baptist Church protest, the Arizona Senate has unanimously passed SB 1101, which bans protests within three hundred feet of buildings where memorials are being held. The bill is on its way to Governor Brewer to sign, which she has previously indicated she will do.
The Cover of This Week’s Issue of the Stranger
The cover of Seattle’s alt-weekly The Stranger, hitting the streets this Thursday: The issue of Seattle’s The Stranger hitting newsstands later this week.
Scenes From University Medical Center
Photograph by Josh Morgan Tucsonans gather at a vigil in front of the UMC dedicated to the victims of Saturday’s shooting. Photograph by Josh Morgan Photograph by Josh Morgan
Giffords’ Congressional Office Open
Adam Kurtz While Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords remains the ICU unit at University Medical Center following Saturday’s shooting, her staff reopened her office yesterday to continue doing work for the constituents of Congressional District 8. “We had a lot of people come by today with tears in their eyes and condolences and wanting to write messages…
Vigil on Bicycle Wheels Tonight
There’s a Facebook event set up for a “Bike Ride Vigil” tonight from 7 to 8:30 pm. From the event’s page: Gather on the west side of Old Main on the U of A campus at 6:50 and leave at 7:00 for a ride around campus with a stop at UMC to light candles. Return…
Gabe Zimmerman: “He Helped People for a Living”
C.J. Karamargin, spokesman for Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, speaks about Gabe Zimmerman, 30, who was killed in Saturday’s rampage:Gabe was the face of the congresswoman’s office in many communities. He would speak on her behalf at events and he was a good person to have in that role because he knew a lot of stuff. He…
‘Sweet Home Arizona’
New York Times The New York Times published an opinion piece yesterday by Aurelie Sheehan, director of the creative writing program at the University of Arizona and the author of the novel History Lesson for Girls. Sheehan shared her reaction to the Jan. 9 shooting that left U.S. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords fighting for her life,…
Interfaith Service Tonight at Catalina United Methodist
Interfaith services have been scheduled simultaneously across the state at 5:30 tonight to provide a contemplative time for the community to respond to response to Saturday’s shooting. The leaders of the Pima County Interfaith Councils describe the event, to be held locally at Catalina United Methodist Church (2700 East Speedway Blvd.), as an opportunity to…
Photos from Safeway
Photo by Kadie Pangburn Photo by Kadie Pangburn Photo by Kadie Pangburn Photo by Kadie Pangburn
Photos From Mesa Verde Elementary
Photo by Kadie Pangburn Photo by Kadie Pangburn Photo by Kadie Pangburn Photo by Kadie Pangburn Photo by Kadie Pangburn
The Creation of the Christina Taylor Green Memorial Fund
From the Green family: The family of Christina Taylor Green, killed in the tragic shooting in Tucson on Saturday, January 8, 2011, has announced the creation of a charitable memorial fund to honor the life and memory of this special little girl. The fund will be held by the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona. John…
Take-Away From Tuesday’s UMC Press Conference
Lemole: Giffords is able to generate her own breath, but they’re keeping the ventilator in. Lemole: The care is up to her, and they are playing the care to her timeline. Lemole: They are very encouraged that she is doing so well. Lemole: Wants to underscore the seriousness of the injury. Rhee: Brought in military…
Jon Stewart Reacts to the Shooting
I don’t say this about many people on TV, but before The Daily Show came on last night, I said to myself “I wonder what Jon Stewart is going to say about this”. He did a great job. The Daily Show With Jon Stewart Mon – Thurs 11p / 10c <td style='padding:2px 1px 0px 5px;'…
Sen. Jack Harper: Giffords and Others Shot Because Sheriff Dupnik “Did Not Do His Job”
Sen. Jack Harper lashes out at Pima County Sheriff Clarence Dupnik, who has criticized Harper’s proposed legislation to allow faculty to carry guns on campus: “Where was Sheriff Dupnik and why wasn’t there a deputy at that event? How does a congressperson have an event in his jurisdiction and there’s no security whatsoever?”
President Obama Scheduled for UA on Wednesday Evening
President Barack Obama will be at the University of Arizona Wednesday. Details from UA spokesman Johnny Cruz: President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama have accepted the University of Arizona’s invitation to visit Tucson in response to the tragic shooting that occurred on Saturday. President Obama will speak at a memorial event at 6…
Tucson’s Muslim Community Offers Condolences
The Islamic Center of Tucson sent out this release yesterday to offer condolences yesterday from Tucson’s Muslim community: The Muslim Community of Tucson is saddened by the heinous act of violence in Tucson. The horrific tragedy has left six people dead and fourteen injured including honorable congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. Congresswoman Giffords has been a great…
How to Send Good Wishes to Ron Barber
The Arc of Tucson, an advocacy organization for people and children with disabilities, delivered this e-mail today about how to send Ron Barber, U.S. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords’ district director who was injured on Saturday, good wishes during his recovery: Dear Arc Members and Friends: As many of you know, our longtime friend and highly respected…
President Obama to Visit Tucson
From CNN: Two Senior Administration officials tell CNN President Obama will travel to Tucson, Arizona on Wednesday. The sources said the President will likely attend a memorial service and visit with victims’ families, many of whom he has already spoken to by phone.
Jared Loughner Makes His First Appearance in Court
While I wouldn’t want to make the determination whether he was “smirking” or not, the Republic reports from the Phoenix courtroom where Jared Loughner and his new court appointed defense attorney, Judy Clarke, appeared this afternoon: Jared Loughner, the Tucson man accused of shooting Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and 19 others Saturday, appeared in federal court…
Remembrance Walk Tonight at Maynards
The weekly Meet Me at Maynards walk, taking place tonight at Maynards Market and Kitchen, will be a remembrance for the victims of the shooting this weekend. A community debriefing across the street at Hotel Congress after the walk will feature information on coping with the tragedy. Check in at Maynards Market and Kitchen’s Facebook…
WSJ: Loughner Bought Bullets at Walmart Saturday
From the Wall Street Journal: Arizona shooting suspect Jared Lee Loughner was turned away from a Walmart store when he tried to buy ammunition, but was sold the bullets at another Walmart nearby, hours before the rampage, according to people familiar with the matter. Federal investigators probing the shooting are focusing on the sequence of…
Giffords Guest Editorial in Inside Tucson Business
Our sister paper received a guest editorial from Rep. Giffords on Friday to publish in this week’s paper regarding her priorities for the next legislative session: I took the congressional oath of office for a third time this month and the most important of the 71 words in that oath was my vow to “support…
Arizona Republic: The Loughner Family is Barricading Themselves In
This news from the Arizona Republic doesn’t seem like a positive development: Family members of the suspect in the Gabrielle Giffords shooting on Monday blockaded themselves into their home north of Tucson and were refusing FBI agents’ entry. At about 12:25 p.m., agents began banging on the blockade built with 4-by-4 double-thick plywood, yelling, “This…
Post-Traumatic Counseling Opportunities in Tucson
A few options if you need to talk to someone after Saturday’s events: Tucson Medical Center is offering individual and group counseling sessions at two locations today. Counselors will be available until 6 pm tonight with remaining group sessions at 2 and 4 pm through United Healthcare. The sites are El Dorado Healthy Living Connection…
LA Times: Profiles of Arizona Shooting Victim
With a contingent of at least 10 staffers, including Nicole Santa Cruz, a UA School of Journalism alumna, The Los Angeles Times has put together a look at the lives of those lost on Saturday. Click here to read the story.
The New York Times Covers the Reaction of Local Talk Show Hosts
Obviously, with all the talk from Sheriff Dupnik and others about what blame to assign to the media after the events of Saturday, a media outlet was bound to make the rounds of Tucson’s talk radio hosts and their listeners. From the New York Times: Phone calls poured in to stations across the AM dial…
World News: Dupnik Makes International News
Giffords shooting: the sheriff who turned the focus on rightwing rhetoricClarence Dupnik, the Pima county sheriff, claimed ‘vitriolic’ US political debate had contributed to the tragedy By Jon Henley/The Guardian Few outside his home state will have heard of Clarence W Dupnik before this weekend, but if world reaction to the Arizona shootings has focused…
From Politico.com: Couric to broadcast from Tucson
Katie Couric to anchor from Tucson “CBS Evening News with Katie Couric” will be broadcast from Tucson on Monday. In addition to Couric on the scene from Tucson, Monday’s “CBS Evening News with Katie Couric” is also scheduled to air reports related to the shooting from CBS News correspondents including: Senior Political Correspondent Jeff Greenfield,…
Food Bank Starts Giffords Hunger Fund
News from the Community Food Bank: The Community Food Bank in Tucson has established a special fund for those who wish to honor Representative Gabrielle Giffords. The Gabrielle Giffords Hunger Fund will be established immediately. Those wishing to make a donation may do so by logging on to www.communityfoodbank.org (click on #1) or call (520)…
Candlelight Vigil at Rep. Giffords’ Office
PHOTOGRAPH BY ROXANA VASQUEZ Last night, community members came out in droves at a candlelight vigil outside Rep. Gabrielle Giffords office to show their support for those who were injured and killed on Saturday morning. PHOTOGRAPH BY ROXANA VASQUEZ PHOTOGRAPH BY ROXANA VASQUEZ PHOTOGRAPH BY ROXANA VASQUEZ PHOTOGRAPH BY ROXANA VASQUEZ PHOTOGRAPH BY ROXANA VASQUEZ…
Take-Aways From UMC’s Press Conference
Only two patients remain in the ICU, the remaining patients are in the regular wards. Dr. Rhee: We can’t undo the events that have occurred. The amount of care that has come forth is commendable. Rhee: Eight patients in the hospital, one in critical, five in serious, one in good. Additional surgeries to come. Rhee:…
TW’s Tom Danehy on the Shooting in Esquire
Tucson Weekly columnist Tom Danehy comments on the state of Tucson in the wake of the Saturday’s shooting: Giffords had confounded people by holding court in a district — a state, really — that has developed a decidedly conservative edge. And an increasingly sharp one at that. She beat, in order, a border zealot, a…
A Statement From Mark Kelly
Mark Kelly, husband of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, last night released the following statement via Giffords’ spokesman: On behalf of Gabby and our entire family, I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the people of Arizona and this great nation for their unbelievable outpouring of support. Gabby was doing what she loved most — hearing…
Joey Burns on Rep. Giffords
Calexico’s Joey Burns appeared on NPR’s All Things Considered to discuss performing for Rep. Giffords. Calexico performed at two fundraisers for Giffords and one of their songs was the “wake up” song for Giffords’ husband in space.
The Names of the Heroes and a Shooting Timeline
From the Pima County Sheriff’s Department: There has been several new developments reference the shooting that occurred January 8, 2011. The person of interest who was being sought by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department was located during the morning of January 9, 2011. He was identified as a cab driver who drove the suspect to…
The Federal Criminal Complaint vs. Loughner
The federal criminal complaint against Jared Lee Loughner can be downloaded here. PR_01092011_Loughner.pdf
More Than 400 People at Jan. 8 UMC Vigil
UMC vigil on Jan. 8. Early in the evening on Jan. 8 at the UMC vigil. Flowers for Gabby at the UMC vigil. More than 400 people showed up at the UMC vigil last night. While there was a small group of well-wishers on the lawn in front of the hospital’s main entrance throughout the…
Loughner: “I Planned Ahead”
The New York Times examines the court filings against Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords’ would-be assassin, Jared Lee Loughner: Court documents filed in the U.S. District Court in Phoenix indicated that evidence seized from Mr. Loughner’s home showed that he had planned to kill Representative Gabrielle Giffords, who was in critical condition with a gunshot wound to…
Snapshot: Vigil at University Medical Center, Jan. 8
Patrick McArdle Patrick McArdle
Who Is This Man? (Updated)
Updated (1:05 p.m.): CNN is reporting that the man in this pic has been interviewed, and has been ruled out as being a part of yesterday’s shooting. The Pima County Sheriff’s Office today released this pic of the person they want to talk to regarding yesterday’s shootings. Know him? Call 911, 88-CRIME or the Federal…
Take-Aways From Law Enforcement Press Conference
— Dupnik: The investigation is “far from over,” but is progressing very smoothly. — FBI Director Robert Mueller: “This was an attack on our institutions and an attack on our way of life.” He IDs Jared Lee Loughner as a suspect. — Still trying to determine whether others were involved. — “All logical precautions are…
Snapshot: Giffords’ Headquarters, Jan. 9
Adam Kurtz The scene at Gabrielle Giffords’ headquarters at on Swan Road this morning, Jan. 9.
Take-Aways From UMC Press Conference
— 11 patients were brought to UMC. First was 9-year-old, Christina Green, who was declared dead after efforts to resuscitate failed. — Five patients arrived in serious condition. — Five arrived in critical. — Six patients needed surgery. Only one patient—Gabrielle Giffords—remains in critical condition; three in serious; rest in good or fair; one released.…
Where We’re At Right Now
It’s still a little early for much new news from last night, but we should learn a lot this morning, between the press conference at UMC at 10 am and a Sheriff’s office press conference at 11. Still, there are a few news items before those events roll around: — The Pima County Sheriff’s Office…
In Case You Missed It: Video From Giffords’ Doctors’ Press Conference
Video and Produced by Dave McErlean
The List of Victims
KVOA lists the six victims according to the Sheriff’s Office: -John Roll, 63, a federal district court judge. -Gabriel Zimmerman, 30, Giffords’ director of community outreach -Dorwin Stoddard, 76, a pastor at Mountain Ave. Church of Christ. -Christina Greene, 9, a student at Mesa Verde Elementary -Dorothy Morris, 76 (previously reported as Murray) -Phyllis Scheck,…
Downtown Tucson, Jan. 8, 2011
Courtesy of Alexander Monarrez-Maldonado
Seeking a Moment of Clarity: Few Questions Answered at Westward Look Press Conference
Photograph by Josh Morgan Pima County Sheriff Clarence W. Dupnik, stands in front of members of the press at the Westward Look Resort. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department held a press conference regarding today’s shooting, which resulted in the death of at least six people, including District Judge John Roll. Photograph by Josh Morgan Dupnik…
The Red Cross Could Use Your Blood Tomorrow
Fortunately, the Red Cross was able to provide enough blood for the wounded today, but that leaves the blood supply in Tucson at dangerously low levels. From the Arizona Daily Star: The region’s two blood donor centers in Tucson will be open Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for those persons who already had…
Jon Justice Responds to Dupnik Criticism
Obviously, there are a million more pressing issues today, but here’s an e-mail comment from KQTH FM 104.1 talk-show host Jon Justice in response to Dupnik’s press conference editorializing about the polarizing role of talk radio. Recognizing this is probably Dupnik’s toughest day, and emotions understandable, Dupnik has focused on this belief in the past…
Slain 9-Year-Old Identified
A number of media sources including The Arizona Republic are reporting that the 9-year-old killed was Christina Taylor Green of Tucson. A neighbor was going to the Giffords event and invited Christina along because she thought she would enjoy it, said her uncle, Greg Segalini. Christina had just been elected to the student council at…
Report: The Gun Was Purchased Legally
From The Washington Post: According to law enforcement sources, the gun used in the shooting was purchased on Nov. 30 at Sportman’s Warehouse, 3945 W. Costco Dr. in Tucson. The gun was bought legally, with at least one other handgun.
House of Representatives Postponing Health-Care Vote
From The Hill: House Republicans are postponing a vote to repeal the healthcare law scheduled for next week after the shooting of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.) in Arizona. Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) said in a statement late Saturday that “all legislation currently scheduled to be considered by the House of Representatives next week is…
Dupnik: There May Be a Second Person Involved
Pima County Sheriff Clarence Dupnik says that law enforcement has a reason to believe another person is involved in the shootings of Judge John Roll, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and others today. “We’re not convinced that he acted alone,” he said at a news conference at Westward Look resort. He confirmed that there were 19 people…
Gabe Zimmerman One of the People Slain
Thelma Grimes/San Pedro Valley News-Sun Solar Park in Benson: Kevin Rasch, right, developer of a new Solar Park to produce renewable energy supplies in Benson, discusses the 200-acre project with, from left, Gabe Zimmerman, and Tamrack Little, of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords’ office, Tucson resident Joanie Rodik, Susan Buchan, director of the Cochise County Planning and…
Yearbook Photo of Giffords Gunman
Yearbook photo posted online. The internet was abuzz today after the shooting of U.S. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ). The shooter, identified as Jared Lee Loughner, was apprehended at the scene. Here is a photograph posted by a classmate of Loughner’s from Mountain View High School in Tucson on the SomethingAwful.com forums.
Updated: Pics From the Shooting Scene
James Palka A woman believed to be Rep. Gabrielle Giffords is taken to an air-evac helicopter Saturday morning. James Palka James Palka James Palka
Images From the UMC Press Conference
Photograph by Josh Morgan Katie Riley introduces Dr. Peter Rhee, a surgeon at the University Medical Center, at the UMC press conference concerning the shooting of congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. Photograph by Josh Morgan Dr. Peter Rhee, a surgeon at the UMC, discusses Gifford’s condition to the press. Photograph by Josh Morgan Mayor Bob Walkup gives…
Vigil Tonight at the Rialto
Curtis McCrary of the Rialto Theatre (and a Weekly contributor) tells me that the doors will open at the Rialto tonight at 7:30 p.m. for a special vigil in honor of Gabrielle Giffords, John Roll and the other victims of today’s shooting. He said the lineup of musicians has yet to be determined, but local…
Update: Three of Four Patients Released From St. Mary’s and St. Joe’s
Mari Herreras reports that a spokesman at St. Mary’s Hospital says that three of the four patients brought to that facility have been released, as has the one victim brought to St. Joseph’s. One person remains at St. Mary’s. The spokesman said he could not say the names of the victims until we was given…
The Crazed Internet Rantings of Jared Loughner
It appears that this YouTube clip is of Jared Loughner, in custody for the shooting at Safeway this morning. My son is 9 years old, so when I heard from UMC’s Dr. Peter Rhee that a child of the same age is among the confirmed dead from the shooting at Safeway on Ina and Oracle…
Updated: Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords in Critical Condition After Being Shot in Brain; Five Dead, Including 9-Year-Old, Judge John Roll
Update (3:45 p.m.): Mari Herreras spoke to Rep. Daniel Patterson: “My first thought is that I hope that the congresswoman is able to recover and is OK. That’s the most important thing, and certainly, my family and I are deeply saddened by the people who have been killed. “… We don’t know what the shooter’s…
Reminder: If You Remember Floppy Discs, You Are Old
I don’t think the Montreal schoolteacher who filmed children reacting in adorable ways to antiquated technology was specifically trying to drive me to afternoon drinking, but he may have succeeded accidentally.
Brewer: Story About Transplant Cut Blown Out of Proportion
You know those sick people who have been taken off the transplant list in Arizona because Gov. Jan Brewer and GOP lawmakers cut the funding for the program? Turns out it’s not a big deal, according to Brewer, who said today the media were just blowing the story out of proportion. Yep, it’s all the…
Now Open: Medusa Kabob House
I forgot my camera, so this business card will have to do for now. The new Medusa Kabob House has opened in the old Casbah Tea House spot at 628 N. Fourth Ave., and, damn, do those kabobs smell good. Owner and general manager Ashur Davoudikia had been busy all morning making fresh kabobs, and…
Dead Bats on the Eastside Killed by Jerk With BB Gun
Good news: Tucson’s dead bats aren’t a sign of the apocalypse. Bad news: someone thought it would be fun to kill a bunch of bats. From the Game and Fish Department: The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD) has determined that the probable cause of death for approximately 80 bats found dead or dying beneath…
A Non-Theater-Going Guy’s Perspective on ‘Wicked’
If you haven’t noticed (and based on the year-long hype machine that preceded this week’s opening, I’m not sure how you that’s possible), Wicked, the Broadway musical telling the story of what happened before the Wizard of Oz begins, is in town. If you’re looking for an review informed by a wide perspective on the…
New TV Column: The Idiot Boksen
According to Nielsen (via the AV Club), Americans watched 34 hours of television per person, per week last year. Apparently, this is a record. Nielsen Ratings aren’t necessarily trustworthy. Most people I know love television, and watch it frequently, but there’s no way they’re spending 30 percent of waking life in front of a TV.…
Artistic Range: Francois Robert at Etherton Gallery
“Tank” from the series “Stop the Violence,” 2008, by Francois Robert, whose work will be featured in Flesh, Bone, Spirit, opening this weekend at Etherton Gallery, 135 S. Sixth Ave. There is an opening reception for the show, which also features work by Joel-Peter Witkin, from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 8. The show…
Buckmaster Show: Friday Roundtable Edition
The Friday Roundtable was reborn on Bill Buckmaster’s radio show on KJLL, 1330 AM this morning, along with an interview with guests Rep. Steve Farley and Bob Westerman, outgoing chair of the Pima County Republican Party. You can listen to the show—and see what else Buckmaster has coming up—here.
City Elections 2011: Romero vs. Ortega?
Democrat Miguel Ortega, who lost his bid for Tucson Unified School Board two months ago, is now weighing a run against Ward 1 Councilwoman Regina Romero in this year’s primary election. “I’m interested,” Ortega tells The Range. “I’m considering it. I’m talking to folks.” Ortega is a familiar face around City Hall; he worked as…
This Week on Tucson Weekly TV: Adam Borowitz on The Food Truck Diaries
The response to our new series The Food Truck Diaries has been great, and this week on Tucson Weekly TV, Adam Borowitz talks about the motivation behind the feature (while sitting outside of a food truck on Valencia, appropriately).
Win Exciting (and We Mean Exciting) Prizes From Fascinations
Our Valentine’s Day contest with Fascinations is now open, with six prizes available from the local outlet of eroticism. Entering is ridiculously simple: Submit a photo of you and your “sweetheart,” and tell us about the moment you found out they were “the one.” Great prizes, minimal effort … what more could you ask for?…
Is This Creep Annoying You, Too?
How many Facebook “friends” do you have named “Fox?” “Fox Drachman,” “Fox Himmel,” “Fox Tortolita,” “Fox Schaefer” and at least five others have solicited my own favor. The the guy behind them claims to be one Fox Ellipsus, a man who clearly doesn’t understand that “no” means “no.” Fox’s scammy-spammy hectoring might be no more…
January’s All Together Theatre Plans
January will be host to some fun events over at Live Theatre Workshop. This Sunday, Jan. 9, the theater will host a special event called Bringing Literature to Life. Children of all ages are invited to bring a copy of their favorite book. The actors will select books from the audience to read aloud and…
Want to Open a Dispensary? Here Comes Green Relief
According to a press release today, Arizona’s first medical-marijuana convention is set for April 14. The Green Relief Medical Marijuana Convention and Expo will focus on the law, employer issues, patient rights and dispensary setup and operations at the Renaissance Hotel and Spa in Glendale. For more info, go to the Green Relief website here.…
Molly McKasson on Invisible Theatre
After our deadline, Molly McKasson (an occasional Weekly contributor), who has long been involved with Invisible Theatre, got in touch with Sherilyn Forrester regarding this week’s article on IT’s 40th anniversary year. Since we were unable to include her thoughts in the published piece, we thought we’d include them here on The Range: This little…
Watch the World End, One Dead Bird at a Time
Although Kirk Cameron wasn’t willing to ring the alarm, when God is taking the manatees back to heaven, we all should be concerned. Thankfully, someone is keeping track of the forthcoming apocalypse on Google Maps.
New Daily Show Star: Puppet John McCain
The Daily Show With Jon Stewart Mon – Thurs 11p / 10c <td style='padding:2px 1px 0px 5px;' colspan='2'Let’s All Stand on John McCain’s Lawn www.thedailyshow.com Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor & Satire Blog The Daily Show on Facebook Jon Stewart brings us Puppet John McCain. He sure is grumpy!
Mini-Dorm Vigil in Jefferson Park
Three homes were torn down in the Jefferson Park neighborhood at the end of December. Mini-dorm ghettos in Feldman’s. This neighborhood is adjacent to the Feldman’s Historic Neighborhood, which has seen its share of homes torn down, followed by the construction of large duplexes often grouped together. These buildings, which barely cling to the definition…
Yes, Someone Has Painted the Presidents Holding Hams
Appropriately enough, this painting of John Quincy Adams, along with images of the other presidents (including Barack Obama, which should clear up that “secret Muslim” nonsense) can be found at PresidentalHam.com.
Today in Unbelievably Disturbing Children’s Literature
Ummm, this is disturbing: I found it in an old stack of children’s books we had in storage. It’s from a book published in 1981 called Tortillitas Para Mama and Other Nursery Rhymes. From the introduction: These familiar rhymes, which kindle feelings of warmth, security and love, are gathered in this book to both preserve…
Gospel Greats
Tucson’s a long way from Harlem—and while our town has plenty of culture, it’s not exactly exploding with African-American heritage. Sadly, Arizona didn’t count Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a holiday until 1993, making us the second-to-last U.S. state to recognize one of history’s most important black leaders. This should make culture-loving Tucsonans all…
City Week
Barrio Memories; Bringing Literature to Life; Family Ties; Lang Lang Performs With the Tucson Symphony Orchestra
T Q&A
Leza Carter
¡Ask a Mexican!
Dear Mexican: I was today alerted to the problem of trash dumped in the Sonoran Desert in Arizona, and I am trying to track down more articles about the issue. That is how I found you. There are lots of piles of trash—looks like clothes—in a wash in Arizona. Can you tell me what’s going…
On the Fly
When dancer Kimi Eisele is in the shower before a Movement Salon performance, she’s sometimes tempted to plot out her moves. But she always manages to suppress the impulse. After all, planned choreography is a no-no in improvisational dance. Rehearsals are out, too, and so are music and words composed in advance. Along with the…
Bad News, Good News
It’s a bad-news, good-news, more-good-news sort of week. Let’s dispense with the bad news first: At the close of the week, Adam Borowitz will be leaving the job of City Week listings coordinator. Don’t feel bad for him; he’s embarking on an exciting new career. Instead, feel bad for us, because we’re losing one hell…
Stepping Up Shakespeare
The Rogue Theatre is tackling The Tempest, the last of Shakespeare’s plays—and perhaps his most magical. The company is also making the enchanting work his most dance-y. “It’s quite a dancerly production of the play,” says Cynthia Meier, who directs. The part of Prospero, the exiled duke who turns to magic, will be performed by…
Danehy
Alot has been made of President Obama’s stunning rise from the ashes during the recently completed lame-duck session of Congress, and with good reason. Congress passed several of Obama’s pet pieces of legislation after (and perhaps because of) his agreement to extend the Bush tax cuts for the rich. Republican efforts to take the tax…
Respect for the Craft
Tucson’s Invisible Theatre has something that few theaters anywhere can claim: a full four-decade history. In 1971, with a controversial war dividing the country, baby boomers coming of age and a cultural revolution well underway, grassroots theaters were springing up all around the country, in the belief that young, new voices could change the world.…
Downing
My project for 2011 is to start a political movement: Tax the Rich. That’s it. One agenda, one plan, one three-word slogan. Tax. The. Rich. Simple, right? Before you say that this would be OK with you except that you’re planning to be rich, let’s see you win the lottery or inherit big before we…
Signs and Wonders
Leslie Marmon Silko inhabits a curious reality: Some of her best friends are rattlesnakes; she nearly fell in love once with a grasshopper; and she’s known to kick back in the afternoon and watch Sesame Street with a parrot on her shoulder. The celebrated author of Ceremony, Almanac of the Dead and Gardens in the…
Mailbag
A Cordial, Reasoned Letter From a Fan; In Defense of Hipsters; A Few Additions to the Naughty List; Why Is Wikileaks Only Targeting the U.S.?; Correction
Top Ten in Books
Antigone Books’ best-sellers for the week ending Dec. 31, 2010
To the Courts!
Just a few hours before outgoing Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne was sworn in as Arizona’s new attorney general on Monday, Jan. 3, he announced at a press conference that Tucson Unified School District is in noncompliance of the anti-ethnic-studies law that he helped create, according to a 10-page report that he compiled. Save…
Tucson’s Film Experience
Nine-plus years ago, the Loft Cinema was falling apart. “I mean, it was literally falling apart,” said Jeff Yanc, the theater’s programming director. For example, orange discoloration and warped spots in the ceiling marked areas where rain had leaked through. That was in 2001. Now run as a nonprofit, the Loft is not only financially…
The Skinny
Who wants to run for mayor this year? Almost nobody, actually … Will we have partisan city elections or not? … Guess who’s the new flack for the Arizona House of Representatives … and more!
Top Ten in Movies
Casa Video’s top rentals for the week ending Jan. 2, 2011
Top Ten in Music
Toxic Ranch Records’ top sales for the week ending Jan. 2, 2011
Media Watch
UA water expert Glennon gets ‘Conspiracy Theory’ treatment
Selfish Stubbornness
Director Claire Denis has made an astonishing, puzzling war movie with White Material, featuring a haunting central performance from Isabelle Huppert. As Maria Vial, a French woman in an unnamed African country shattered by civil war (the year is also not revealed, but the film has a modern feel), Huppert exhibits a quiet stubbornness. When…
Nine Questions
Matt Elliott
Death and Demagogues
Well, good afternoon, everyone,” Gov. Jan Brewer said to her Phoenix audience on April 23. “And thank you all for being here today to join me as we take another step forward in protecting the state of Arizona.” With that, the governor sat down, reached for a pen and signed Senate Bill 1070 into law—thus…
Now Showing at Home
Big Love: The Complete Fourth Season; Funny or Die Present: The Complete First Season; Howl (Blu-ray); Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work
Live
On a cold and rainy night, Tucson’s chapter of the Arizona Blues Hall of Fame (AZBHOF) gathered en masse downtown, with about 150 blues enthusiasts celebrating the induction of its four newest members, all with solid Tucson ties. AZBHOF president and local blues ambassador Stefan George presided over a brief ceremony announcing the new class…
Sustainable Successes
While some Arizona politicians are doing their best to turn the clock back to the 19th century, the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) has been working to pull the state’s utility companies into the 21st century. Kris Mayes, a Republican who recently retired as the ACC chair, in large part led this effort. “I hope people…
Say Cheese
For a restaurant in midtown Tucson, competition for customers can be stiff—especially for a pizza joint. There are lots of established local favorites offering everything from deep-dish to Neapolitan-style pies, and if you don’t have your pizza formula perfected, attracting a strong customer base will be difficult. Prince Pizza and Family Restaurant, located in the…
Ciara: Basic Instinct (Laface/Jive)
Ciara springs, Athena-like, from the janet.-era Janet Jackson who left behind her famous surname to bring raw sexuality into her image. Ciara doesn’t always convincingly pull off Janet’s swagger. That famous topless janet. cover was as self-possessed as it was self-revealing. Ciara is often a pale imitation of that idea, jiggling athletically in her underwear…
Weekly Wide Web
Get Ready for Threewords.me; The week on The Range; Comment of the week; Best of WWW; and more!
Noshing Around
Pasco Kitchen and Lounge; Allegro: Il Gelato Naturale; Sushi Cortaro; Acacia on the Move; Sur Real Closes
Complaints Choir: Complaints Choir (Smog Veil)
Here’s a model for making high art from Tucsonans’ endless complaints about Rio Nuevo, the education crisis, the departure of spring training and the presence Russell Pearce, not to mention dead car batteries, bike lanes (or not) and the general run of missing socks, condo associations, bad kissing and the inability to play mix tapes…
Police Dispatch
A NEIGHBOR WITH ISSUES NORTH MONA LISA ROAD DEC. 6, 12:38 A.M. A woman cited no impairment—except for an endocrine disorder—after displaying paranoid behavior, according to a Pima County Sheriff’s Department report. A man said he had been smoking outside of his apartment when a neighbor walked past him, grabbed a garden hose and, for…
Crash and Bang
The noisy Los Angeles band No Age finds itself firmly lodged in the middle of a Venn diagram, says guitarist Randy Randall. “It’s weird—well, maybe not so much—but we make music where the avant-garde, punk rock and pop cross over, and that has always been our favorite kind of music to listen to as well,”…
Elvis Costello: National Ransom (Hear Music)
Already having established his midcareer reputation as a restless experimenter, Elvis Costello continues his journey down the back roads of America’s musical styles on National Ransom. His latest is purposefully all over the map, covering Memphis, New Orleans, West Texas, Hollywood, the Appalachian hills and Tin Pan Alley. The swings between conventional rock, crooner jazz…
Soundbites
Webley once more; Flamboyantly yours; Northern lights come to the southwest; See that 1 guy wield his instrument; Short takes; On the bandwagon
Anti-Vaccine Study Actually Elaborate Bribery Scheme
It’s not just that the British study that kicked off the anti-vaccine craze was poorly executed…Dr. Andrew Wakefield was taking bribes from lawyers who wanted to sue vaccine makers. This wasn’t just despicable behavior on Wakefield’s part, but a massive distraction for the medical community as a whole and the cause of a completely unnecessary…
Time To Govern
TNR’s Jonathan Chait chuckles at how quickly House Republicans are cutting back on their promises to cut back on spending: They haven’t even taken over yet, and they’ve already reduced their target by half! They will reduce it further still as they get into the details. The one thing that won’t be scaled down is…
‘The Other Side of Immigration’
This video of two women climbing up the border wall in 18 seconds is making its rounds on Facebook, but check out the documentary it comes from, The Other Side of Immigration, by Roy Germano. Check out the film’s website here. About the film: The Other Side of Immigration is an award-winning documentary based on…
Jan. 10: Hold Russell Pearce Accountable
Ready to protect the 14th Amendment? Put Monday, Jan. 10, the first day of the Arizona Legislative session, on your calendar for the Hold Russell Pearce Accountable Event, from noon to 1 p.m. at the Arizona State Capitol in Phoenix in the Senate Lawn Area. From Citizens for a Better Arizona and former U.S. Senate…
Farm Carts, Rooftop Gardens and Pasture-Raised Meat: Pasco Kitchen and Lounge Is Gonna Rock Your Local-Food World
Chef Ramiro Scavo, one of the driving forces behind the yet-to-open Pasco Kitchen and Lounge, has some seriously ambitious plans for the UA-area eatery. Scavo says he’s installing a rooftop garden at the restaurant, where he’ll grow some of the veggies and spices used in the kitchen below. He said the garden will be installed…
Scalia and the Constitution: ‘Handmaid’s Tale’?
I suppose, if one wanted to be kind, it would be easy to look at Justice Antonin Scalia’s recent comments in California Lawyer on the U.S. Constitution and women, and compare his sentiment to how people of different religious groups interpret the Bible — word for word absolute Book of Revelations truth, vs. stories that…
Pinal County Deputy Fired Following Interview With Phoenix New Times
Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu has fired Louie Puroll, the deputy who was shot in the desert last April and later said some nutty things to Phoenix New Times reporter Paul Rubin, who questioned Puroll’s account of being shot by drug smugglers. New Times reports: In an e-mail from PCSO spokesman Tim Gaffney, the Sheriff’s…
Mayor’s Race 2010: McClusky’s In!
Just got an e-mail from Republican Shaun McClusky, who tells The Range that he’s officially running for mayor. For details on the mayoral field, read yesterday’s bulletin here or check out today’s print edition.
Man Says Ozzy Osbourne Made Him Drive Drunk and More: Rynski Radio on Party934
UPDATE with playlist and download at bottom of postPeople try to cry their way out of speeding tickets or make up some lame excuse to explain their traffic violations all the time. Illustration Ryn Gargulinski But one Ohio guy’s excuse for driving drunk is a new one. He’s blaming Ozzy Osbourne. That story and more…
