The Arizona Legislature wrapped up work a few weeks ago after the usual shenanigans, including efforts to destroy public education, kneecap the initiative process and cut taxes in order to ensure Arizona does not ever have the money it needs for basic infrastructure, much less a better school system.
Veteran political reporter and Tucson Sentinel columnist Blake Morlock captures the highlights (and lowlights) in our cover story.
In our Currents section, Danyelle Khmara visits the very last weekly vigil for those undocumented immigrants who lost their lives crossing the border in Southern Arizona. The vigil has been happening for 17 years at downtown's El Tiradito shrine, but the man behind it, Jon Miles, can't do it anymore, so the regular vigils have come to an end, although occasional events to honor the memories of the dead may still happen. Sadly, with the temps hitting triple digits, the list of those who perish during their crossing will, in all likelihood, climb again this summer.
Danyelle also brings us the story behind a new effort to fight domestic abuse by Emerge!, the nonprofit dedicated to helping women (and sometimes men) who are victimized by their partners.
Our friends at the Arizona Center for Investigative Reporting bring us the news that former Arizona Corporation Commission member Gary Pierce is now under indictment, along with one of Pinal County's worst developers, George Johnson. It's all related to an alleged bribery scheme involving a wastewater plant, so yeah: The situation stinks.
Over in the Cinema section, Bob Grimm stayed home to watch Showtime's Twin Peaks revival rather than going out the movies this week. I recall how groundbreaking David Lynch's nighttime soap was a quarter-century ago (even if it skidded off-track in the second season) and I'm looking forward to carving out a few hours soon to catch up with what Lynch is up to these days.
Elsewhere in the book: Arts writer Margaret Regan gives you the lowdown on this Saturday's downtown Art Cruise, music writer Brett Callwood tells you why you should get out to The Rock to see Stitched Up Heart on Sunday night, food writer Mark Whittaker gets a taste of The O and weed columnist Nick Meyers explains why you have to pay so much for your medical marijuana card.
And in case you're wondering: The Skinny will be back next week.
Thanks for reading!
— Jim Nintzel
