Public records aren't much good if the public can't see them, which happens way too often in government agencies large and small. Every year, the media celebrates Sunshine Week by reminding readers about the importance of government doing its work in the open. As we have done before in recent years, we bring you The Foilies, an award ceremony for the worst responses for requests for information that has been curated by our friends at the Electronic Frontier Foundation. We hope you both enjoy the awards and are outraged by some of the decisions made by government employees.
On a sadder note: Bob Walkup, the Republican who served as mayor from 1999 to 2011, died last week from lung disease. Walkup was an unflagging optimistic about Tucson and I came to have great respect for him and his efforts to make Tucson a better place during his time in office. We remember his legacy on Page 6.
Elsewhere in the issue: Staff reporter Christina Duran updates you on good news about COVID (more people are getting vaccinated) and bad news about COVID (variant strains are spreading in the state); Duran also looks into what's happening with Casa Alitas, the waystation for migrants seeking refugee status, as the Biden administration relaxes the border blockage established by the Trump administration; The Skinny looks at some of the possible candidates who might want to run for Congress now that U.S. Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick is calling it quits after this term; associate editor Jeff Gardner looks into a proposal by a UA scientists to store a bunch of genetic material from humans, animals and plants on the Moon so we have a secure backup for restarting life on Earth after we screw it all up; columnist Tom Danehy is outraged again by Republican lawmakers; managing editor Austin Counts learns how to make chicken piccata from Anthony 'Rocco' DiGrazia of Rocco's Little Chicago; University of Arizona intern Madison Beal celebrates a big award for the owners of Medicine Man Gallery; Tucson Weedly columnist David Abbott looks at efforts to legalize cannabis for medical use to treat autism; and there's lots more throughout the book for you to enjoy, so start turning the pages, already!
Jim Nintzel
Executive Editor
Hear Nintz talk about all things Tucson Weekly at 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays during The Frank Show on 96.1 FM, KLPX.
