Latest news with #KOLD
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Student Was Told She Couldn't Wear Military Stole at Graduation, Then School District Revised Policy amid Controversy
An Arizona high school senior spoke out after initially being told she couldn't wear her military stole at graduation Shortly before the ceremony, the school district announced they were revising the policy "I am proud of my country and being able to serve," wrote Daniela Rascon-Rivas on social media before the decision was announcedA high school senior was told she couldn't wear her military stole while receiving her diploma, so she spoke out and started a petition. At the last minute, the district reversed its decision. Daniela Rascon-Rivas was a week from graduating when a school official told the Mesa High School student, who is preparing to join the Arizona National Guard, that she couldn't wear her military stole during the ceremony, CBS affiliate KHOU reported. 'Mesa High is not allowing me or my classmates to walk the stage this Thursday with our military stoles on,' the student wrote on X on Monday, May 19. 'I am proud of my country and being able to serve. I want my community to know I am fighting for them!' When reached for comment, Mesa Public Schools told the outlet that the reason was rooted in a long-time policy, but that students were permitted to wear stoles after the ceremony. 'Mesa High upholds a longstanding tradition of unity at graduation, in alignment with district policy 5-217.D and state law ARS 15-348, that promotes uniformity during the ceremony by limiting adornments on graduation attire,' the school said, according to KHOU. The response was not enough for Rascon-Rivas, who started an online petition to amend the policy, the outlet reported. When he heard of the news, Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne offered his support and urged the district to reconsider. 'This country owes its existence to the bravery of people willing to fight for our freedoms. Miss Rascon-Rivas has done a tremendous amount of extra work to prepare for service in the Arizona National Guard, which she will join after she graduates,' he said in a statement on Wednesday, May 21. 'This goes above and beyond the efforts required to graduate high school and deserves praise and recognition." That same day, the school district announced it was revsiting its policy, making it so that all students who have formally enlisted can wear military stoles while walking across the graduation stage, CBS affiliate KOLD and NBC affiliate KPNX reported. 'This is an important and appropriate way to recognize the commitment of our students who are preparing to serve in the United States military,' incoming Superintendent Dr. Matthew Strom told KOLD. 'Graduation marks a major milestone, and it is fitting that students entering military service are honored for their choice to serve our nation.' The updated policy will be presented at the school district's governing board during the summer, according to KOLD. Neither Rascon-Rivas, Horne nor Mesa Public School immediately responded to PEOPLE's requests for comment. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. After the change was announced, Horne applauded the decision. When she graduated on Thursday, May 22, Rascon-Rivas shared an image of a card on her Instagram Story that read, "Thank you for your commitment to the Arizona Army National Guard. Congratulations on your graduation." Read the original article on People
Fox News
13-03-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Democratic Rep. Raul Grijalva dead at 77
Rep. Raul Grijalva, D-Ariz., died of lung cancer-related issues on Thursday morning, his office announced in a statement. In Congress, the southern Arizona Democrat was most known for his work on the House Natural Resources committee. "From permanently protecting the Grand Canyon for future generations to strengthening the Affordable Care Act, his proudest moments in Congress have always been guided by community voices," the statement read. "He led the charge for historic investments in climate action, port of entry modernization, permanent funding for land and water conservation programs, access to health care for tribal communities and the uninsured, fairness for immigrant families and Dreamers, student loan forgiveness, stronger protections for farmers and workers exposed to extreme heat, early childhood education expansion, higher standards for tribal consultation, and so much more," the statement continued. "Some of these victories seemed out of reach when he first came to Congress, but with support from community, colleagues, allies, and staff, he helped make them real." The southern Arizona Democrat was 77 years old, and he had served in Congress since 2003. While receiving treatment, he had undergone local scrutiny for missing dozens of votes on Capitol Hill, KOLD reported. There was an outpouring of condolences for the late congressman. "First and foremost, as someone who lost their father recently, I want to express my sincerest condolences to the Grijalva family," Arziona state Rep. Alma Hernandez, D-Tucson, told Fox News Digital. "Losing a parent is beyond one of the hardest experiences one can face. Outside of this political world we are all normal human beings. May the family find peace in the memories that they lived with the Congressman." "A genuinely devastating loss," Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., posted to X. "Raúl Grijalva stood as one of the biggest champions for working people in all of Congress. His leadership was singular. He mentored generously and was an incredible friend. I will always be grateful for his lifelong courage and commitment." The Democrat represented a deep blue district, leaving the door wide open for a competitive primary.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Yahoo
Mid-air plane collision over Arizona kills at least 2
Authorities in Arizona are investigating a deadly mid-air collision that occurred roughly 20 miles outside Tucson Wednesday morning. The Marana Police Department said two deaths were confirmed following the crash between 'smaller fixed-wing single-engine planes' that happened around 8:30 a.m. local time near a regional airport. The National Transportation Safety Board said the collision involved a Cessna 172S and a Lancair 360 MK II. The cause of the crash is being investigated. One local pilot told Arizona station KOLD that he was about to fly his plane out of Marana Regional Airport, but was told shortly before takeoff that the airfield was closed.' Wednesday's crash comes two days after a Delta plane landing in Toronto wound-up on its back on a frigid runway. The cause of that crash, in which no one died, is also under investigation. Both incidents follow reports that the Trump administration is in the process of firing hundreds of provisional FAA employees amid an especially deadly period of air travel in North America. U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed last week that fewer than 400 agency workers were cut and said none of them were involved in air traffic control. On Jan. 29, a collision between American Eagle passenger plane and a military helicopter left 67 people dead outside Washington D.C. Days later, seven people were killed when a medical transport jet crashed in Philadelphia. ---------
