Good Thursday morning, Arizona!
Here’s your update as we dive into the latest news across the Valley and beyond for Thursday, February 12.
Meteorologist Jorge Torres reports a warm, partly cloudy day is on the horizon for the Valley, with afternoon highs near 80 degrees and morning lows in the 50s. However, prepare for cooler air and a chance of rain as a storm system approaches late this week, particularly on Friday.
In significant news, a man detained by Pima County Sheriff’s deputies, who claims he was wrongfully accused of kidnapping Nancy Guthrie, spoke exclusively to ABC15 following his release. Carlos described his experience during a traffic stop south of Tucson, where he was held for hours without clarity on the situation. “They didn’t even tell me what’s going on until detectives got here… They told me I was being detained for kidnapping, and I asked them, ‘Kidnapping of who?’” he recounted.
In other developments, the Paradise Valley Unified School District has terminated Superintendent Dr. C. Cummings after placing him on administrative leave for several months. The school board cited contract violations and unprofessional behavior as reasons for his dismissal. Allegations include failure to disclose previous administrative leave from his prior position in South Bend, Indiana, where he faced criticism over possibly inflating student grades. Cummings’ contract was set to run until June 30, 2027, with a base salary of $230,000.
As Arizona faces broader water management challenges, the state, along with six other southwestern states, has just three days to negotiate an agreement regarding Colorado River water distribution before federal intervention becomes a possibility. With the current allocation rules set to expire at the year’s end, residents are left in uncertainty about their water future. The Department of the Interior has laid out potential plans, which indicate that Arizona could face significant cuts.
Tragically, in a situation where police negligence is under scrutiny, the family of a man mistakenly shot by an officer in west Phoenix is preparing to file a notice of claim against the city. David Chami, the family’s lawyer, voiced concerns over the officer’s conduct during the incident that occurred on January 26, noting the reckless nature of the officer’s approach. While the lawyer hopes to resolve the matter without litigation, he is ready to pursue damages if necessary.
This week’s news highlights ongoing challenges in law enforcement, education leadership, and critical resource management as Arizona navigates complex issues affecting its residents.