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KNAU's Morning Rundown: Thursday, April 22

Flagstaff Policing Discussion Slated For Monday

Flagstaff City Council is slated to hold a special meeting next Monday, April 26, to discuss policing. A meeting agenda has not been released. It comes days after former Officer Derek Chauvin was convicted on three charges concerning the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis — and as police reform is discussed nationwide. The Flagstaff Police Department reported yesterday that officers shot civilians in two different cases throughout 2016. FPD also reports an officer fatally shot a civilian once in the year 2017, once in 2018, and once in 2019.

Sister Raises Funds After Former Navajo Nation Resident Killed 

The sister of Tammy Begay has released a GoFundMe campaign after the 23-year-old woman was killed in a Tempe apartment complex earlier this week. Begay’s sister told the Arizona Republic the family is raising funds to pay for funeral expenses; Tammy Begay spent part of her childhood in Kayenta, where she attended middle and high school. Begay had been studying to receive a certification in dental hygiene. Tempe Police say Begay’s boyfriend, Mason Nez, has been arrested and charged with murder.  

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, the National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached at thehotline.org or at 1-800-799-7233.

DigDeep Microgrant Program On Tap 

The Navajo Water Project continues to accept applications in a microgrant program to increase water accessibility. The non-profit says it’s awarding 10 different grants this year to fund projects that provide water in underserved communities throughout the country, though it’s prioritizing projects on the reservation. The Navajo Water Projectsays it’ll accept applications by April 30. A report from Dig Deep and the U.S. Water Alliance estimates Diné people are 67 times more likely than other Americans to lack water.

Listen: KNAU’s Ryan Heinsius spoke with Katie Janss of the Navajo Water Project about the ongoing microgrant program.

Adult-Use Cannabis Licenses Issued To Businesses In Apache, Gila Counties

The Arizona Department of Health Services has allocated more than a dozen new adult-use marijuana licenses for businesses across the state. Two companies, Apache County Dispensary and Springerville Smoke, have been selected for the licenses in Apache County’s Springerville. Two other businesses, Lawrence Health Services and Gila Dreams X, are slated for Globe and Payson, respectively. The names were drawn on Monday from a selection of businesses in rural areas. None of the businesses are currently operational, according to ADHS. 

The Arizona Republic estimates the recent drawing raised approximately $9.4 million in state funding through the companies submitting application fees.

Hantavirus Case Confirmed On Navajo Nation

Navajo Nation officials on Tuesday confirmed the first Hantavirus case this year on the reservation; the case was confirmed in New Mexico’s McKinley county. Hantavirus is a disease spread primarily through infected rodents and can be fatal. Tribal health officials say the virus can be spread by breathing near infected areas and encouraged the public to open doors and windows for 30 minutes before cleaning, and to disinfect rodent droppings and nests with bleach and water, among other precautions. Health officials say it is not known how the individual contracted the virus.

Cocodona 250 Race Slated For Jerome, Flagstaff 

A 250-mile footrace is expected to cross several northern Arizona communities early next month. The Cocodona 250 race is slated to begin in Black Canyon City before weaving through Prescott, Jerome and Flagstaff among other communities. Organizers behind the race say they’ll request, but not require participants to test for COVID-19, and that face coverings will be required for the entirety of the six-day marathon. 

 

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