AZTLAN NEWS: 🇺🇸 AZ GOP Mayor Breaks Ranks: Endorses Harris Over Trump
7/30/24: 🗳️ Pima County Race Heats Up: Primary or General? 💼 The Republican Influence in a Democratic Primary 🕵️ Dark Money and PACs Enter the Fray
TODAY IS ELECTION DAY IN TUCSON!
Progressive Primary Endorsements for Pima County Residents
The primary election is July 30th, 2024, and some offices will be determined by the winner in that race since there is no opposition from the other party, such as the Democratic primary for Pima County Attorney.
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Quick Summaries
🌟 Tucson's New African-American Hub: A Beacon of Inclusivity in Education 🏫
🇺🇸 Republican Mesa Mayor Backs Harris: A Call for Country Over Party 🗳️
🌟 Hollywood Meets Local Politics: Spielberg Duo Backs Pima County Recorder 🗳️
🎭 JD Vance's Political Drama: From 'Cat Ladies' to False Claims 🐱💼
🏙️ VP Harris Secures Key Border Mayor Endorsements in Arizona 🤝🇺🇸
🗣️ Australia's First Nations Languages: A Gender-Neutral Perspective 🌏
🏛️ Osage Nation Sues for Sovereignty: A Power Shift in the Making? 🦅
🏛️ Biden's Bold Push for Supreme Court Reform and Presidential Accountability ⚖️🇺🇸
🗳️ Pima County's Surprising Summer Showdown: When a Primary Feels Like November 🌵
😽 Keepin’ It Simple Summary for Younger Readers
👧🏾✊🏾👦🏾
In Arizona 🌵, there's a big election happening this summer ☀️! It's for an important job called County Attorney 👨⚖️. Usually, summer elections are small 🤏, but this one is really exciting 🎉. People from all over the country 🇺🇸 are interested in it. Some rich people 💰 who usually support a different political team 🐘 are giving money 💸 to one of the candidates 🗳️. This is making the election feel more like a big November election 🍂 instead of a small summer one ☀️. It's causing a lot of talk 🗣️ and excitement 🌟 in the town!
👵🏾👴🏾 Summary for Politically-Engaged Seniors
The Pima County Attorney race in Arizona has taken an unprecedented turn, transforming a routine Democratic primary into a highly contested battleground with national implications. Incumbent Laura Conover faces a challenger backed by substantial Republican donations, blurring party lines and raising questions about the influence of out-of-state interests in local elections.
The influx of dark money and involvement of Political Action Committees (PACs) has escalated campaign tactics, mirroring the intensity typically reserved for general elections. This race exemplifies the growing trend of nationalization in local politics, potentially setting a precedent for future elections and reshaping the political landscape of Arizona. The outcome could have far-reaching consequences for local governance and party dynamics, underscoring the critical importance of voter engagement in community-level elections.
🗝️ Takeaways
🏫 Tucson opens new African-American educational hub
🐘 Republican mayor endorses VP Harris, citing concerns about Trump
💰 Harris campaign raises $200M in first week
🏛️ Biden proposes 18-year term limits for Supreme Court justices
🗳️ Pima County Attorney race sees unusual Republican involvement in Democratic primary
💸 Dark Money and out-of-state PACs influencing local Arizona election
🌵 Mondays with Morales: 🔍 Behind the Headlines: The Real Story of Venezuela's Democracy
If the U.S. government were truly concerned about democracy and human rights, it would not be supporting repressive regimes like those in Saudi Arabia and Egypt. It would not be turning a blind eye to the grave abuses committed by its own allies in Honduras and Colombia.
🌟 Tucson's New African-American Hub: A Beacon of Inclusivity in Education 🏫
Tucson Unified School District is set to unveil a groundbreaking initiative tomorrow: the African-American Hub at Utterback Middle School. This innovative facility, opening at 3:00 PM, is designed to provide targeted support for African-American students and their families. The hub aims to address unique educational needs, foster academic success, and strengthen community bonds by offering specialized resources and programs.
This project underscores the district's commitment to diversity and inclusive education. It creates a dedicated space for community resources, extending assistance beyond the classroom. As Tucson's educational landscape evolves, this hub stands as a testament to the district's proactive approach to recognizing and celebrating the experiences of African-American students, setting a new standard for tailored educational support.
🇺🇸 Republican Mesa Mayor Backs Harris: A Call for Country Over Party 🗳️
In a bold move, John Giles, the Republican mayor of Mesa, Arizona, has publicly endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris over Donald Trump for the upcoming election. Giles argues that the GOP has lost its way under Trump's leadership, straying from core Republican values. He cites concerns over election denialism, blocked immigration reforms, and threats to democratic institutions as key reasons for his decision.
Giles praises the Biden-Harris administration's support for American cities, highlighting investments in infrastructure and job creation through the CHIPS Act. He portrays Harris as a competent leader fighting for gun safety and women's rights, contrasting her with Trump's potential implementation of the extreme Project 2025 agenda.
The mayor's stance underscores a growing divide within the Republican Party and emphasizes the critical importance of the upcoming election in shaping America's future.
🏊♀️ Swimming + 🧮 Math = 🥇 Olympic Edge
In the world of Olympic swimming, where milliseconds separate champions from runners-up, athletes are turning to an unexpected ally: mathematics. At the University of Virginia, swimmers like Kate Douglass collaborate with math professor Dr. Ken Ono to revolutionize their training approach.
Using accelerometers that capture 512 data points per second, swimmers create digital twins of their movements in the water. This data allows for complex mathematical modeling to optimize techniques. For instance, Douglass discovered she could save 0.15 seconds per breaststroke pullout by adjusting her head position – a finding derived from comparative analysis and predictive modeling.
The application of math extends to hydrodynamics, with concepts like drag coefficients and propulsion efficiency being quantified. French researchers are even calculating the percentage of a swimmer's power that translates into forward motion.
As swimming embraces this quantitative revolution, the pool becomes as much a laboratory as it is an arena. The result is a fascinating fusion of athletic prowess and mathematical precision, pushing the boundaries of human aquatic performance.
🌟 Hollywood Meets Local Politics: Spielberg Duo Backs Pima County Recorder 🗳️
In an unexpected twist to local politics, two Hollywood giants have put their star power behind a Pima County campaign. Oscar-winning director Steven Spielberg and actress Kate Capshaw each donated $1,000 to Gabriella Cázares-Kelly's re-election bid for Pima County Recorder.
Cázares-Kelly, the first Native American elected to a Pima County office, met the power couple earlier this year and shared insights about her work. The encounter clearly left an impression, resulting in their generous contributions to her campaign.
While the Recorder's office may not typically garner Hollywood attention, Cázares-Kelly's role in maintaining public records and overseeing early voting has clearly resonated beyond local borders. She plans to thank the Spielbergs with her campaign's popular "Indigenous Woman Coming Through" scooter stickers.
This high-profile support adds a unique dimension to the local race, bringing national attention to Pima County's political landscape. As the July 30 primary approaches, Cázares-Kelly's campaign has received an unexpected boost, demonstrating the far-reaching impact of her work in voter registration and public record management.
💸 Southwest Gas Rate Hike: A Battle for Energy Justice 🔥
Southwest Gas seeks its third rate increase in as many years, proposing a 12% hike that would hit vulnerable communities hardest. This comes on the heels of record-breaking profits and executive payouts.
As energy costs climb, many Arizonans struggle to keep up, often sacrificing essentials to pay their bills. The Arizona Corporation Commission faces a critical decision: protect consumers or prioritize corporate gains?
Beyond immediate financial impacts, this case raises questions about our continued reliance on methane gas - a potent climate pollutant with known health risks. It's time for regulators to consider the broader implications of their choices on energy affordability, public health, and environmental sustainability.
😢 Tragic End for Florida's 'Modern-Day Miracle' 🙏
Drew Kohn, a 29-year-old Florida man who defied medical odds by emerging from a 244-day coma in 2018, tragically lost his life in a recent traffic incident. Kohn's remarkable journey from a devastating motorcycle accident to recovery captivated many, earning him the moniker "modern-day miracle."
In 2017, Kohn suffered severe injuries that left him comatose for eight months. Despite doctors' grim prognosis, he regained consciousness and gradually recovered, crediting his faith and determination. His mother, Yolanda Osborne-Kohn, played a crucial role in his recovery, refusing to give up hope.
Sadly, on July 26, 2024, just days before his 30th birthday, Kohn was fatally struck by a pickup truck while walking on a dark road. His mother, though devastated, finds solace in her faith, believing her son is now "healed" and at peace.
🎭 JD Vance's Political Drama: From 'Cat Ladies' to False Claims 🐱💼
JD Vance, Trump's recent vice presidential pick, has stumbled into controversy. His national debut has been marred by a series of missteps, starting with his divisive comments about "childless cat ladies." In an attempt to shift focus, Vance falsely accused Vice President Kamala Harris of opposing the child tax credit.
This misdirection strategy has backfired, raising questions about the Trump campaign's vetting process and Vance's readiness for the national stage. As fact-checkers quickly debunked his claims about Harris, Vance now faces an uphill battle to regain credibility and appeal to a broader voter base.
With the 2024 election race intensifying, Vance's rocky start could have significant implications for the Republican ticket. His ability to recover from these early blunders and effectively communicate the campaign's message will be crucial in the coming months.
🐱 The Purr-sistent Myth of the "Childless Cat Lady" 👩🏻
JD Vance's recent comments about "childless cat ladies" have reignited a centuries-old stereotype. This trope, far from being a harmless joke, has a long and problematic history rooted in the suppression of women's independence and political power.
In medieval Europe, cats became associated with witchcraft and heresy, a far cry from their revered status in ancient Egypt. By the Victorian era, the "old maid with cats" stereotype emerged as a cautionary tale about unmarried women, suggesting they had "failed in the prime object of existence."
The cat lady trope took on new life during the suffrage movement. Anti-suffragists used cats in propaganda to portray women voters as emasculating. However, some suffragists cleverly reclaimed the symbol, with Nell Richardson and Alice Burke adopting a black cat named Saxon as their mascot during a cross-country voting rights campaign.
Today, many women are once again embracing the "cat lady" label as an act of defiance against outdated gender expectations. Vance's remarks reflect the persistent assumption that a woman's value is tied to motherhood. However, childless women - with or without feline companions - represent a growing demographic with significant political and economic influence.
As we move forward, it's crucial to recognize and challenge these lingering stereotypes. The "childless cat lady" trope is not just about cats or personal choices - it's about how society values women's contributions beyond traditional roles. Perhaps it's time to retire this tired stereotype and celebrate the diverse paths women choose, furry friends included or not.
💰 Kamala Harris's Campaign Soars with $200M Boost 🚀
In a stunning display of political momentum, Vice President Kamala Harris's presidential campaign has raised an astonishing $200 million in its first week. This impressive haul comes on the heels of President Biden's unexpected withdrawal from the 2024 race and his endorsement of Harris as the Democratic nominee.
Key points:
66% of funds came from new donors
170,000 new volunteers joined the campaign
Harris's favorability rating jumped from 35% to 43%
The $200 million adds to the controversial $95 million transferred from Biden's campaign, which has sparked a legal challenge from Donald Trump. Despite this, Harris has already secured enough delegate endorsements to clinch the Democratic nomination.
As the August Democratic National Convention approaches, Harris's campaign shows no signs of slowing down. With strong grassroots support and financial backing, she's positioning herself as a formidable contender for the 2024 presidential race.
🏙️ VP Harris Secures Key Border Mayor Endorsements in Arizona 🤝🇺🇸
Vice President Kamala Harris has garnered crucial support from border town mayors in swing-state Arizona, bolstering her campaign against Republican criticism. The mayors of Bisbee, Nogales, Somerton, and San Luis, along with two Yuma County Supervisors, have endorsed Harris, highlighting her grasp of border issues.
These endorsements come as Harris faces scrutiny over illegal border crossings. Republicans have tried to make the border a political liability, but support from local leaders may help counter this narrative. Somerton Mayor Gerardo Anaya expressed trust in Harris's ability to address border cities' needs without political exploitation.
This backing from key Arizona officials could prove valuable as Harris refines her campaign strategy for the 2024 election, potentially blunting Republican attacks on her border policies.
🗣️ Australia's First Nations Languages: A Gender-Neutral Perspective 🌏
Most of Australia's 460 First Nations languages lack gendered pronouns, offering a unique linguistic approach to identity. Instead of "he" or "she," many languages use neutral terms like "nyantu" or simply "that one" to refer to individuals. This linguistic feature reflects a worldview where gender isn't always a primary identifier.
Some languages, like Jingulu, categorize nouns into four genders: masculine, feminine, vegetable, and neuter. This system goes beyond biological sex, incorporating cultural and spiritual beliefs. For instance, in Dyirbal, birds are typically feminine as they're believed to embody the spirits of deceased women.
These linguistic structures reveal deep connections between language, culture, and spirituality in First Nations communities, demonstrating alternative ways of perceiving and categorizing the world.
🏛️ Osage Nation Sues for Sovereignty: A Power Shift in the Making? 🦅
The Osage Nation has launched a groundbreaking lawsuit against the U.S. Department of the Interior, seeking to reclaim control over crucial programs and funds. Filed in March 2024, this legal action aims to compel the Bureau of Indian Affairs to hand over management of several key activities, including the vital Minerals and Mining program.
Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear's proposal, initially rejected by the Interior Department, could reshape the administration of the Osage mineral estate. However, the lawsuit's potential impact on the existing Osage Minerals Council remains unclear.
This bold move highlights the ongoing struggle for Native American self-governance and could set a significant precedent for tribal autonomy across the nation.
🏛️ Biden's Bold Push for Supreme Court Reform and Presidential Accountability ⚖️🇺🇸
President Joe Biden is set to propose sweeping reforms to the Supreme Court and presidential powers. At the LBJ Presidential Library, he'll advocate for a constitutional amendment limiting former presidents' immunity from federal prosecution and suggest 18-year term limits for Supreme Court justices. These proposals aim to curb long-term judicial influence and boost accountability.
Biden's pivot towards court reform follows controversies involving Justices Thomas and Alito, plus divisive rulings on issues like abortion rights. He'll also urge Congress to impose enforceable ethics requirements on the Supreme Court, similar to those for other federal judges.
While these reforms face challenges in Congress, they highlight Biden's priorities in his final months and his dedication to reinforcing democratic institutions.
🛢️💼 Energy Transfer's Lawsuit Against Greenpeace Delayed 📅⏳
Energy Transfer's $300 million lawsuit against Greenpeace over the Standing Rock protests has been postponed to February 2025. The delay comes after a "massive document dump" by Energy Transfer in June, prompting Greenpeace to request a trial date extension.
This high-stakes legal battle stems from the 2016 Indigenous-led resistance to the Dakota Access Pipeline. Energy Transfer alleges that Greenpeace and other water protectors instigated the protests as a fundraising scheme. However, activists maintain it was a genuine grassroots movement to protect water resources and Indigenous rights.
Greenpeace is leveraging new EU anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation) legislation to counter what it calls a meritless attempt to silence dissent. This case represents the first application of the EU Directive, adopted in April 2024, to combat abusive lawsuits that threaten free speech.
The lawsuit's scope extends beyond Greenpeace, naming the Red Warrior Society and individual activists. Meanwhile, Energy Transfer's use of private security firm TigerSwan has come under scrutiny, with court-ordered documents revealing unauthorized surveillance of protesters.
As this legal drama unfolds, it highlights the ongoing tensions between fossil fuel interests and environmental advocates, raising important questions about corporate accountability and the right to peaceful protest.
Lots of more details are here.
🗳️ Pima County's Surprising Summer Showdown: When a Primary Feels Like November 🌵
In the heart of Arizona's summer, an unexpected political storm is brewing. The race for Pima County Attorney has morphed from a routine primary into what incumbent Laura Conover describes as "a general election happening in July."
This transformation offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolving landscape of local politics and the increasing influence of national trends on community-level elections.
🐘 The Elephant in the Room: Republican Influence in a Democratic Primary
Recent campaign finance disclosures have revealed a startling trend: Conover's opponent has outpaced her in second-quarter fundraising, thanks to substantial contributions from prominent Arizona Republicans. This influx of GOP money into a Democratic primary raises eyebrows and questions:
Jim Click, a well-known Republican donor, maxed out his contribution at $6,650
Bruce Ash, who chaired the 2016 Republican National Convention Rules Committee, threw his financial support behind Conover's opponent
Directors and leaders of HSL properties collectively donated over $25,000
Various land developers, bankers, and lenders have also contributed significantly
This Republican involvement in a Democratic race suggests a strategic attempt to influence the outcome, potentially reshaping the county's legal landscape.
🕵️ Shadow Players: PACs and Dark Money Enter the Fray
Adding another layer of complexity to this already unusual race is the involvement of Political Action Committees (PACs). Conover specifically calls out "A Public Voice," an out-of-state organization she claims has poured significant dark money into the race. This group has allegedly been flooding Democratic voters with text messages containing what Conover describes as "false and debunked messages."
The presence of dark money in local elections is particularly concerning as it obscures the true sources of political influence, making it challenging for voters to make fully informed decisions.
🥊 Gloves Off: The Impact on Campaign Tactics
With stakes this high and financial backing this substantial, the tone of the race has shifted dramatically. Conover characterizes the tactics used against her as "ugly and personal," suggesting that her opponent's campaign is resorting to these methods due to a perceived inability to win on the issues alone.
This escalation in campaign aggression raises concerns about the future of local political discourse. If primary races consistently mirror the intensity of general elections, it could lead to increased polarization and hinder post-election cooperation.
🏆 Conover's Corner: Achievements and Approach
Despite the heated nature of the campaign, Conover maintains that she has adhered to her commitment to respectful and professional conduct. She emphasizes several key accomplishments during her tenure:
Rapid intervention for individuals with substance use disorders, moving over 6,000 nonviolent people into treatment
Preventing the criminalization of those with mental illness
Minimizing the number of children tried in adult court
Establishing a new fraud unit
Successfully advocating for reproductive healthcare rights at the state level
Modernizing victim communications through a new text system
Maintaining public safety, with violent crime markers showing a downward trend
🔍 The Bigger Picture: Local Race, National Implications
This Pima County race serves as a microcosm of larger trends in American politics:
Increasing involvement of national parties in local elections
Growing influence of dark money in campaigns
Blurring lines between primary and general elections
These trends can significantly impact local governance, potentially shifting elected officials' focus from community-specific issues to national partisan concerns.
🔮 Looking Ahead: The Future of Pima County and Beyond
As the July 30th primary approaches, Pima County voters face a pivotal decision that extends beyond selecting the next County Attorney. The outcome of this race could set precedents for future local elections and shape the political landscape of Arizona for years to come.
Conover expresses optimism that voters will choose to continue on her administration's path of progress. However, she also pledges to support a smooth transition should her opponent win, emphasizing that "public safety is not a game."
🎓 Lessons for Voters: The Importance of Local Engagement
This unconventional race underscores the critical need for voter awareness and engagement at the local level. As national politics increasingly influence community elections, it becomes ever more crucial for citizens to:
Stay informed about local candidates and their policies
Understand the forces influencing campaigns
Critically evaluate political messaging
Recognize the long-term implications of their votes
🏁 The Final Lap: Conclusions and Reflections
The 2024 Pima County Attorney race is more than just a local primary – it's a bellwether for the changing face of American politics. As the boundaries between local and national political spheres continue to blur, voters must navigate an increasingly complex landscape.
This race highlights the urgent need for:
Greater transparency in campaign financing
Critical evaluation of political messaging
Renewed focus on local issues amidst national partisan influences
Regardless of the outcome, the Pima County Attorney race of 2024 will likely be remembered as a pivotal moment in local politics. It will set the stage for future elections and shape Arizona's political discourse for years to come.
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