Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of March.
Good morning, Maricopa.
🎭 Culture
Ballet Arizona debuted its new show on Thursday with Renee Rodriguez highlighting the production's innovative choreography at the local venue (final details to come), offering local audiences a fresh cultural experience.
🎓 Education
Act One has broadened its support by funding free arts field trips for Arizona middle schoolers including a recent visit to Symphony Hall and offering virtual reality alternatives for campuses facing travel challenges.
The nonprofit’s program helps combat rising absenteeism since the pandemic by making cultural experiences accessible.
🌲 Environment
Hummingbird migration is underway in Arizona as birds appear at feeders and gardens from late February to early September; peak sightings occur April through June (with some species, like Anna's, staying year-round).
🏛️ Government
Dolores Huerta (civil rights icon) has supported local causes after visiting Arizona and coining 'Si Se Puede' at a Phoenix fast.
Mayor Kate Gallego said in a March 18 letter that the City Council will rename Chavez Day to Farmworkers Day on Tuesday, Mar. 31.
🏥 Health
The Arizona Department of Health Services announced a voluntary recall on Cheech & Chong Infused Preroll 3pk 1g Apple Fritter, batch number K-2025-C3P3-AFRI, by Legacy & Company due to potential Aspergillus fungus contamination; no illnesses have been reported.
🏈 Sports
Manager Torey Lovullo said the Diamondbacks are still testing Alek Thomas and Jordan Lawlar for the outfield as they decide who starts in center + left; he also noted that Eduardo Rodriguez is due back from the World Baseball Classic while left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. may see reduced playing time.
Former Arizona high school standouts are in the NCAA tournament as UA’s Koa Peat (a four-time state champion) leads his team and peers from local prep schools like Duke Brennan and Tru Washington in first-round games that started March 19, sparking hometown pride.
A national survey by Sacred Heart University found that 57% think sports betting affects college basketball’s integrity as Arizona residents wagered over $1.6 billion on sports last year; meanwhile, the University of Arizona men’s team plays today while ASU women’s game took place yesterday.
The WNBA and its players agreed on a collective bargaining deal that will raise the salary cap to $7 million and boost pay, benefiting teams like the Mercury, as free agency, training camps and expansion drafts are expected before the season starts in early May (pending union and board approval).
🎉 Maricopa Events
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Wild West Music Fest
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