Education

Exploring "Observational Ecology" with Alán Ruiz Berman.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Local grassroots theater group debuts a new comedy/mystery; and how a local middle school teacher reclaimed her life after a tragic illness.

Since COVID, threats to local school officials have nearly tripled, research finds

Researchers at Princeton University say some instances corresponded with national attacks on DEI initiatives as well as on LGBTQ+ policies and that the targets held a variety of political views.

Tucson Unified School District facing $6 million in federal funding losses

Superintendent Gabriel Trujillo called the projected impact of those cuts “devastating.”

Still Catching Up: How COVID-19 set back Arizona’s youngest learners

Five years after the pandemic shuttered classrooms, Tucson educators say the youngest students are still struggling with academic setbacks, behavioral challenges, and have fewer resources to help them recover.

"Hidden Voices" reveals empathy and compassion on the streets of Tucson

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Building bridges through interfaith connections; and the spiritual creations of artist, Quinton Antone.

The Long Road: TUSD faces tough cuts and turns to voters after federal aid ends

With COVID relief gone and state funding lagging behind inflation, TUSD faces possible cuts, unless voters approve a $45 million override this fall.

The documentary "Final Vows" looks at a way of life that is disappearing

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Retired Tucson architect Paula Holmes celebrates 100 years; and "Stories that Soar!" shares an amphibious love story.

The A.R.F.F. Program: How shelter dogs are helping people living with aphasia.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Sharing memories of "The Twilight Zone" with Joseph Dougherty, author of "Rod Serling at 100".

The art of "Kindred Spirits: Honoring Animals in Death".

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Katrina Kerstetter shares how she brought back things she learned in South Korea to help make Southern Arizona a better place.

U of A Launches Arizona’s First Three-Year MD Program to Combat Doctor Shortage

Accelerated degree aims to boost the state’s primary care workforce and bring physicians to underserved communities faster.

"Everything You've Got": Sometimes it takes seven billion years to find yourself.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: The connection between Alcatraz prison and the Hopi tribe of Arizona; The Tucson Pink Pistols make a comeback; and the former owner of Colette's remembers Tucson's queer nightlife in the '80s.

Arizona governor vetoes bill banning teaching antisemitism, calls it an attack on educators

Educators would have personally been responsible for covering the costs of damages in lawsuits for violating the rules.

"It's the New Zoo Revue, comin' right at you!": A conversation with the hosts of the beloved 1970s kids' show.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Mike Stark shares the natural history "Starlings: The Curious Odyssey of a Most Hated Bird"; and "Stories that Soar!" asks that we look for beauty beyond the screen.

Tucson Unified asking voters to approve $45 million budget override

The override would raise property taxes in the district to fund teacher raises and expand access to counselors, fine arts, PE, early childhood education, credit recovery and more.

TUSD board disagrees on AI policy

District board passed its first policy on the use of artificial intelligence this week, with some reservations.

Ending the silence about mental health in Southern Arizona.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Tucson youth explores emotion and expectations in his book "The Weight of Tomorrow"; and how Ability Dogs of Arizona pairs those in need with canine companions.

State Treasurer Kimberly Yee to run for schools post

Yee is challenging Superintendent Tom Horne

How to get to Sesame Street? Kids can now head to Netflix as well as PBS

The children's series has found a new streaming home — Netflix, PBS stations and PBS KIDS will air new episodes on the same day.

A quarter of children have a parent with substance use disorder, a study finds

A new study says millions of children in the U.S. live in a household with a parent who has either a moderate or severe substance use disorder.

University of Arizona unveils preliminary “balanced” budget amid ongoing recovery from $140M deficit

University of Arizona announces draft balanced budget with limited raises, 7.5% admin cuts, and cautious optimism following $140M financial shortfall.

Tucson eyes early childhood education cuts amid budget strain

Families and educators urge Tucson leaders to preserve Pima Early Education Program scholarship funding, a vital preschool scholarship program at risk in the proposed city budget.

The Master - Apprentice program preserves not only mariachi, but women in mariachi.

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Sound Fiction returns with James Mustard's "Homestead on Bellatrix Prime"; celebrating the return of the Elegant Trogon to Madera Canyon; and "A Book I Love" from Cyclovia Tucson 2025.

Trump cuts baby 'Safe to Sleep' team. Here's what parents should know

The Safe to Sleep campaign has greatly reduced cases of sudden infant death syndrome and other sleep-related deaths.

TEP vs. city-run utility feasibility; new mom in Border Patrol custody at TMC

The Press Room - May 2, 2025

Education Department stops $1 billion in funding for school mental health

The Trump administration will halt $1 billion in federal grants used by school districts to hire mental health professionals like counselors and social workers.

TUSD to make dozens of administrative cuts

Tucson Unified School District has identified dozens of vacant administrative positions to cut to help reduce the $8.5 million year-over-year deficit.

Student filmmakers confess "I Dream in Widescreen."

Also on Arizona Spotlight: Film essayist Chris Dashiell; remembering James Mercer, a Pima County Ranger killed in action in 1914; and "Stories That Soar!" celebrates the sun.

State Board of Education delays vote on school voucher handbook—again

Arizona’s State Board of Education delayed a vote on a revised ESA handbook, drawing criticism from both supporters and opponents of school vouchers.

Tohono O’odham Nation: Head Start closure would "devastate" tribal families

Nation says cutting Head Start would threatening early education, language, and cultural programs for children.

Journeys in space and mind.

On Arizona Spotlight: Join Pati Jinich as she explores "Panamericana"; and Tibetan Buddhist Lama Lodu Rinpoche visits Tucson to share ancient wisdom about our inner space.

The CD7 race is set, Cano appointed to Pima Board of Supes, legal battle over student visas

The Press Room - April 18, 2025

Raising kids is costly; Tariffs will make it even more expensive

By some estimates, raising a kid, who was born in 2015, could cost a middle class family close to $320,000 over 17 years.

Juan Ciscomani warns he won't support Medicaid cuts, Oak Flat land swap controversy

Plus, UA faculty vote to push back against the Trump admin, Gov. Hobbs signs bill banning encampments on university campuses, and a new member joins the Tucson City Council.

American citizen detained by ICE, Gov. Hobbs vetoes Arizona ICE Act

Plus, a huge decrease in border crossings, attorney Mo Goldman announces a run for CD6, and Superintendent Tom Horne on DEI in the Tucson Unified School District.

The Unbreakable Lisa Scott

Lisa Scott survived sepsis and is now living as a quadruple amputee. She is a teacher, mother, and advocate and is not letting anything get in her way of reaching her goals.

Education in Recovery

How TUVA is closing the COVID Learning Gap for students & families

Art and Justice: Alfred Quiroz

Following his active duty service, Alfred Quiroz used his G.I. Bill to begin pursuing what became a lifelong career as an artist and art educator.

Act One: VR Field Trip

Act One brings virtual reality field trips to the classroom, libraries, senior living facilities, and more.

Scholarships A-Z

Scholarships A-Z provides resources for undocumented college students.