Prerana Sannappanavar
@preranawrites.bsky.social
Higher education reporter @tucson.com || Graduated from @medillschool.bsky.social || Journalist from Mumbai, India || Email me at [email protected] for tips!
🚨🚨: An ASDB community meeting Monday night brought heightened emotions as parents shouted out questions on if their kids were going to be served appropriately at the new location, after which the school's management abruptly shut it down. Read more:
tucson.com/news/local/e...
tucson.com/news/local/e...
ASDB abruptly ends Tucson community forum on school's planned move
Leaders from the Arizona School for the Deaf and Bling abruptly shut down a community meeting at the Tucson campus Monday night after frustrated audience members shouted questions about the
tucson.com
January 20, 2026 at 8:26 PM
🚨🚨: An ASDB community meeting Monday night brought heightened emotions as parents shouted out questions on if their kids were going to be served appropriately at the new location, after which the school's management abruptly shut it down. Read more:
tucson.com/news/local/e...
tucson.com/news/local/e...
🚨: Teachers working with blind students at the Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and the Blind's Tucson campus were notified Friday that they are being laid off, according to sources with professional ties to ASDB, my colleague @charlieborla.bsky.social writes.
tucson.com/news/local/e...
tucson.com/news/local/e...
Layoffs hit ASDB in Tucson amid campus move, sources say
Several teachers working with blind students at the Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and the Blind in Tucson were notified Friday that they are being laid off, sources said.
tucson.com
January 20, 2026 at 1:33 AM
🚨: Teachers working with blind students at the Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and the Blind's Tucson campus were notified Friday that they are being laid off, according to sources with professional ties to ASDB, my colleague @charlieborla.bsky.social writes.
tucson.com/news/local/e...
tucson.com/news/local/e...
NEW: The UA is launching an institute for national security that aims to translate research into solutions to “safeguard U.S. national security interests and armed services personnel amid an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.” Read my exclusive:
tucson.com/news/local/e...
tucson.com/news/local/e...
U of A launches national security institute amid geopolitical upheavals
The University of Arizona is launching an institute for national security that aims to translate research into solutions to “safeguard U.S. national security interests and armed services personnel ami...
tucson.com
January 20, 2026 at 1:19 AM
NEW: The UA is launching an institute for national security that aims to translate research into solutions to “safeguard U.S. national security interests and armed services personnel amid an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.” Read my exclusive:
tucson.com/news/local/e...
tucson.com/news/local/e...
The Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and Blind's Tucson branch is leasing Copper Creek Elementary Schools' Oro Valley campus starting in the fall 2026 semester due to reduced student enrollment.
tucson.com/news/local/e...
tucson.com/news/local/e...
ASDB in Tucson to move to Oro Valley
The Arizona State School for the Deaf and Blind is leaving its longtime, sprawling campus on West Speedway, west of Interstate 10.
tucson.com
January 16, 2026 at 6:28 PM
The Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and Blind's Tucson branch is leasing Copper Creek Elementary Schools' Oro Valley campus starting in the fall 2026 semester due to reduced student enrollment.
tucson.com/news/local/e...
tucson.com/news/local/e...
🚨: The UA is partnering with defense contractor Precise Systems to compete for up to $151 billion in contracts under President Donald Trump’s Golden Dome missile defense system, which he expects to be capable of intercepting missiles even if from space.
tucson.com/news/local/e...
tucson.com/news/local/e...
U of A joins team competing for up to $151 billion in Golden Dome contracts
The University of Arizona announced it is partnering with defense contractor Precise Systems, Inc. to compete for up to $151 billion in contracts under President Donald Trump’s Golden Dome missile
tucson.com
January 15, 2026 at 8:15 PM
🚨: The UA is partnering with defense contractor Precise Systems to compete for up to $151 billion in contracts under President Donald Trump’s Golden Dome missile defense system, which he expects to be capable of intercepting missiles even if from space.
tucson.com/news/local/e...
tucson.com/news/local/e...
🚨: UA political science professors express concern and confusion after U.S.'s Venezuela invasion and President Nicolás Maduro's capture under U.S. President Donald Trump, questioning if Maduro's justice is being achieved the right way. Read my exclusive:
tucson.com/news/local/s...
tucson.com/news/local/s...
U of A international politics experts see red flags in U.S. actions in Venezuela
University of Arizona researcher: Trump's action "engenders massive amounts of distrust in the international system."
tucson.com
January 11, 2026 at 11:33 PM
🚨: UA political science professors express concern and confusion after U.S.'s Venezuela invasion and President Nicolás Maduro's capture under U.S. President Donald Trump, questioning if Maduro's justice is being achieved the right way. Read my exclusive:
tucson.com/news/local/s...
tucson.com/news/local/s...
NEW: A faculty leader is criticizing the UA's processes for handling dismissal cases, saying President Garimella’s delegation of that responsibility entirely to the provost’s office seems to be undermining conciliation efforts and employee rights.
tucson.com/news/local/s...
tucson.com/news/local/s...
Faculty leader says U of A violates employee rights in dismissal process
A faculty leader is criticizing the University of Arizona’s processes for handling dismissal cases, saying President Suresh Garimella’s delegation of that responsibility entirely to the provost’s offi...
tucson.com
December 29, 2025 at 9:40 PM
NEW: A faculty leader is criticizing the UA's processes for handling dismissal cases, saying President Garimella’s delegation of that responsibility entirely to the provost’s office seems to be undermining conciliation efforts and employee rights.
tucson.com/news/local/s...
tucson.com/news/local/s...
🚨: U.S. Rep. Adelita Grijalva calls for review of former UA Professor Laureate Noam Chomsky who maintained communication with late convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, as recently released portion of the "Epstein files" show. Read my exclusive:
tucson.com/news/local/s...
tucson.com/news/local/s...
Rep. Grijalva: Review U of A prof Chomsky's ties to Epstein
University of Arizona Professor Laureate Noam Chomsky had ties to convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, records show.
tucson.com
December 22, 2025 at 7:31 PM
🚨: U.S. Rep. Adelita Grijalva calls for review of former UA Professor Laureate Noam Chomsky who maintained communication with late convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, as recently released portion of the "Epstein files" show. Read my exclusive:
tucson.com/news/local/s...
tucson.com/news/local/s...
UA President Suresh Garimella has a new chief of staff for his office for the second time in a year. Rachel Reinhardt, UA’s former associate vice president for research communications, has replaced Francisco Garcia, who took on the role in January.
tucson.com/news/local/e...
tucson.com/news/local/e...
U of A president names 2nd chief of staff in a year
University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella has a new chief of staff for the second time in a little less than a year.
tucson.com
December 17, 2025 at 10:36 PM
UA President Suresh Garimella has a new chief of staff for his office for the second time in a year. Rachel Reinhardt, UA’s former associate vice president for research communications, has replaced Francisco Garcia, who took on the role in January.
tucson.com/news/local/e...
tucson.com/news/local/e...
NEW: An artifact from the history of Mormon migration to Arizona in the 19th Century, the Lees Ferry bell, has now been donated and dedicated to be displayed at Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza at the Arizona Capitol Mall in downtown Phoenix.
tucson.com/news/local/h...
tucson.com/news/local/h...
Historic Lees Ferry bell donated for display at Arizona Capitol
Historic Lees Ferry bell dates to an era of Mormon migration to Arizona in the 19th Century.
tucson.com
December 15, 2025 at 9:33 PM
NEW: An artifact from the history of Mormon migration to Arizona in the 19th Century, the Lees Ferry bell, has now been donated and dedicated to be displayed at Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza at the Arizona Capitol Mall in downtown Phoenix.
tucson.com/news/local/h...
tucson.com/news/local/h...
🚨: UA English professor Matthew Abraham is currently in the midst of having his dismissal investigated by a committee on academic freedom and tenure, with the university alleging he wasn't fulfilling his responsibilities and threatening fellow colleagues. Read more:
tucson.com/news/local/s...
tucson.com/news/local/s...
Allegations fly as tenured U of A prof appeals dismissal
A University of Arizona committee is investigating the dismissal of a tenured English professor who alleges the university targeted him after he spent years suing UA over public records and
tucson.com
December 15, 2025 at 9:31 PM
🚨: UA English professor Matthew Abraham is currently in the midst of having his dismissal investigated by a committee on academic freedom and tenure, with the university alleging he wasn't fulfilling his responsibilities and threatening fellow colleagues. Read more:
tucson.com/news/local/s...
tucson.com/news/local/s...
🚨: University of Arizona's provost's office will be investing $200,000 in a new, one-time bridge funding program to support students working on grant projects whose federal funding has been paused or stopped. Read my latest:
tucson.com/news/local/e...
tucson.com/news/local/e...
U of A provost offers bridge funds for students facing federal cuts
The provost’s office at the University of Arizona will invest $200,000 in a new, one-time bridge funding program to support students working on grant projects whose federal funding has been
tucson.com
December 8, 2025 at 5:56 PM
🚨: University of Arizona's provost's office will be investing $200,000 in a new, one-time bridge funding program to support students working on grant projects whose federal funding has been paused or stopped. Read my latest:
tucson.com/news/local/e...
tucson.com/news/local/e...
🚨: UA's College of Medicine in Phoenix will be announcing its partnership with a Yuma medical health Center, Onvida Health, today, establishing a three-year primary care accelerated pathway program to address Arizona's physician care shortage.
tucson.com/news/local/e...
tucson.com/news/local/e...
U of A and partner to open medical school branch in Yuma
The University of Arizona’s College of Medicine — Phoenix will open a medical school branch in Yuma, partnering with Onvida Health, to help address a severe shortage of rural doctors.
tucson.com
December 4, 2025 at 3:24 PM
🚨: UA's College of Medicine in Phoenix will be announcing its partnership with a Yuma medical health Center, Onvida Health, today, establishing a three-year primary care accelerated pathway program to address Arizona's physician care shortage.
tucson.com/news/local/e...
tucson.com/news/local/e...
🚨: UA Provost Patricia Prelock said the university looks will look into its alcohol policy, education and prevention activities, after a UA student was alleged by police to have struck and killed three other UA students while driving when impaired by alcohol and/or drugs.
tucson.com/news/local/s...
tucson.com/news/local/s...
U of A will review alcohol policies, education and prevention
University of Arizona Provost Patricia Prelock talks about this and other issues in a wide-ranging interview.
tucson.com
December 1, 2025 at 10:09 PM
🚨: UA Provost Patricia Prelock said the university looks will look into its alcohol policy, education and prevention activities, after a UA student was alleged by police to have struck and killed three other UA students while driving when impaired by alcohol and/or drugs.
tucson.com/news/local/s...
tucson.com/news/local/s...
The University of Arizona's College of Veterinary Medicine brings more than 2,500 prospective students for the class of 2029, making it the third-most popular choice in the U.S., according to the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges.
tucson.com/news/local/e...
tucson.com/news/local/e...
U of A's veterinary college draws large applicant pool
The University of Arizona’s College of Veterinary Medicine has attracted more than 2,500 prospective students for the class of 2029 beginning next fall. The program is now the third-most popular
tucson.com
December 1, 2025 at 10:05 PM
The University of Arizona's College of Veterinary Medicine brings more than 2,500 prospective students for the class of 2029, making it the third-most popular choice in the U.S., according to the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges.
tucson.com/news/local/e...
tucson.com/news/local/e...
The University of Arizona has received a five-year federal grant of $14.8 million to help understand and mitigate health threats of dust from mine tailings and associated hazardous fungal spores, specifically within mining communities.
tucson.com/news/local/e...
tucson.com/news/local/e...
U of A secures grant to combat hazardous dust effects from mines
The University of Arizona has received a five-year federal grant of $14.8 million to help understand and mitigate health threats of dust from mine tailings and associated hazardous fungal spores,
tucson.com
December 1, 2025 at 10:04 PM
The University of Arizona has received a five-year federal grant of $14.8 million to help understand and mitigate health threats of dust from mine tailings and associated hazardous fungal spores, specifically within mining communities.
tucson.com/news/local/e...
tucson.com/news/local/e...
🚨: University of Arizona will be keeping tuition and fees flat for in-state undergraduate students for the third year in a row, despite dealing with the remaining $65 million financial deficit from fall 2023. Read my latest:
tucson.com/news/local/e...
tucson.com/news/local/e...
U of A keeps tuition flat for in-state students for 3rd year in row
University of Arizona officials say they're emphasizing affordability.
tucson.com
November 25, 2025 at 9:36 PM
🚨: University of Arizona will be keeping tuition and fees flat for in-state undergraduate students for the third year in a row, despite dealing with the remaining $65 million financial deficit from fall 2023. Read my latest:
tucson.com/news/local/e...
tucson.com/news/local/e...
NEW: UA colleges have now been asked to craft budgets with 2%, 3% and 4% cuts for fiscal year 2027, due to uncertainties in federal funding for research overhead costs, drops in international student enrollment and other issues. Read my latest:
tucson.com/news/local/s...
tucson.com/news/local/s...
U of A asks units to plan for more potential budget cuts
The University of Arizona asks units to craft budgets with 2%, 3% and 4% cuts, citing uncertainties in U.S. funding for research overhead and other issues.
tucson.com
November 25, 2025 at 6:39 PM
NEW: UA colleges have now been asked to craft budgets with 2%, 3% and 4% cuts for fiscal year 2027, due to uncertainties in federal funding for research overhead costs, drops in international student enrollment and other issues. Read my latest:
tucson.com/news/local/s...
tucson.com/news/local/s...
🚨: UA to allegedly lose approximately $4 million after 834 Chinese students quit their degrees at one of the micro-campuses in China, according to the executive vice dean of the Arizona College of Technology at the Hebei University of Technology.
tucson.com/news/local/s...
tucson.com/news/local/s...
U of A to lose millions in tuition after closing China micro-campuses
For Star subscribers: The University of Arizona could lose more than $4 million in tuition revenue from closing micro-campuses in China, an official says.
tucson.com
November 17, 2025 at 5:38 PM
🚨: UA to allegedly lose approximately $4 million after 834 Chinese students quit their degrees at one of the micro-campuses in China, according to the executive vice dean of the Arizona College of Technology at the Hebei University of Technology.
tucson.com/news/local/s...
tucson.com/news/local/s...
🏀🏀Former UA student, Wildcat legend and NBA champion Steve Kerr — who is making a $1 million gift commitment to the humanities college for study abroad scholarships — will also be joining the college as an honorary professor.
tucson.com/news/local/e...
tucson.com/news/local/e...
Wildcat legend and donor Steve Kerr to join U of A as honorary professor
University of Arizona Wildcat legend Steve Kerr — who is making a $1 million gift commitment to UA’s College of Humanities to provide study-abroad scholarships for students — will also
tucson.com
November 6, 2025 at 3:08 PM
🏀🏀Former UA student, Wildcat legend and NBA champion Steve Kerr — who is making a $1 million gift commitment to the humanities college for study abroad scholarships — will also be joining the college as an honorary professor.
tucson.com/news/local/e...
tucson.com/news/local/e...
NEW: UA President Suresh Garimella — an immigrant and international student from India — is in a more difficult position with the White House compact, which asks universities to cap international undergraduate enrollment, among others. Read my exclusive:
tucson.com/news/local/s...
tucson.com/news/local/s...
White House demand placed U of A's immigrant president in especially difficult spot
University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella is in an especially difficult position — having to straddle both roles of being a university president as well as an immigrant and former
tucson.com
November 3, 2025 at 8:08 PM
NEW: UA President Suresh Garimella — an immigrant and international student from India — is in a more difficult position with the White House compact, which asks universities to cap international undergraduate enrollment, among others. Read my exclusive:
tucson.com/news/local/s...
tucson.com/news/local/s...
NEW: How similar are UA President Garimella's "Statement of Principles" to the White House proposed higher education compact's demands? Read my story to find out which asks Garimella said no to and which he agreed to:
tucson.com/news/local/s...
tucson.com/news/local/s...
U of A to White House: We won't restrict individuals' speech
The University of Arizona will not restrict academic freedom or individual speech for faculty and students acting in their personal capacities, President Suresh Garimella told the Trump administration...
tucson.com
October 27, 2025 at 8:24 PM
NEW: How similar are UA President Garimella's "Statement of Principles" to the White House proposed higher education compact's demands? Read my story to find out which asks Garimella said no to and which he agreed to:
tucson.com/news/local/s...
tucson.com/news/local/s...
🚨: Reactions differ on whether UA President Suresh Garimella has said no to the White House's proposed higher education compact — some say it's a clear rejection of the proposal, while others say it's "clearly not" a rejection. Read my exclusive:
tucson.com/news/local/s...
tucson.com/news/local/s...
Did U of A say 'no' to Trump compact, or open negotiations? Views differ
Faculty chair says University of Arizona president clearly rejected the compact, but the state's schools chief says he didn't.
tucson.com
October 22, 2025 at 4:47 PM
🚨: Reactions differ on whether UA President Suresh Garimella has said no to the White House's proposed higher education compact — some say it's a clear rejection of the proposal, while others say it's "clearly not" a rejection. Read my exclusive:
tucson.com/news/local/s...
tucson.com/news/local/s...
🚨BREAKING: UA President Suresh Garimella has become the seventh president in the last two weeks to reject the White House's proposed "Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education." We will compete for merit-based funding, he said.
tucson.com/news/local/e...
tucson.com/news/local/e...
U of A rejects Trump compact, says it will compete on merit for funding
University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella tells the Trump administration the U of A will compete on merit for federal funding, but agrees with many of the proposed changes in
tucson.com
October 20, 2025 at 10:55 PM
🚨BREAKING: UA President Suresh Garimella has become the seventh president in the last two weeks to reject the White House's proposed "Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education." We will compete for merit-based funding, he said.
tucson.com/news/local/e...
tucson.com/news/local/e...
The Arizona Board of Regents adjourned its private meeting with University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella Friday, at which it was not scheduled to take any actions, on the White House's proposed compact.
tucson.com/news/local/e...
tucson.com/news/local/e...
Arizona regents take no actions at meeting on Trump compact
The Arizona Board of Regents has adjourned its private meeting with University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella, at which it was not scheduled to take any actions, on the White
tucson.com
October 20, 2025 at 4:52 PM
The Arizona Board of Regents adjourned its private meeting with University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella Friday, at which it was not scheduled to take any actions, on the White House's proposed compact.
tucson.com/news/local/e...
tucson.com/news/local/e...