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Arizona Daily Wildcat

The Arizona Daily Wildcat: Printing the news, sounding the alarm and raising hell since 1899.

The independent, student-run newspaper at the University of Arizona, the Daily Wildcat publishes daily at DailyWildcat.com, and weekly in print (every Wednesday) during the Fall, Spring and Summer terms.

10/08/2025

The University of Arizona’s decision to install AI-enhanced automated license plate readers without broad student input fuels growing concerns over transparency and trust between students and their administration.

On Aug. 11, Desert Rising Tucson, a non-partisan activist group, began an informational campaign informing the Tucson community of UA’s contract with Flock Safety, a surveillance technology company. According to Desert Rising, the UA installed approximately 54 of Flock Safety’s ALPRs — camera-based systems that capture data — on and near campus.

“I, as a student leader, didn’t even know this was happening,” Eddie Barrón, at-large senator of the Associated Students of the University of Arizona, said.

Barrón argued that this is a direct reflection of the UA administration’s inability to keep students updated about measures that could impact their day-to-day lives. “I think the university administration has a real problem with informing students about what’s happening on campus and what policy and security measures they are implementing,” Barrón said.

📝: Emma McDonough
📸: Courtesy of Desert Rising Tucson

Read more about the UA’s decision to install Flock Safety license plate readers at the Daily Wildcat Website. ⬇️

As the University of Arizona turns to surveillance cameras in the name of campus safety, student activists push back. From fears of data misuse to frustrations over transparency, the fight over automated license plate readers has become a test of trust between students and their administrators.

10/05/2025

Tucson community members and University of Arizona students gathered Friday, Sept. 12, outside the Aloft Tucson University Hotel to protest Marriott’s recent association with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Protesters demanded Marriott honor its 2019 commitment to not allow any of its properties, including the Aloft Tucson University Hotel, to serve as detention facilities for ICE.

The protest was organized by the Marriott ICE Melt Coalition in response to reports that a property owned by Marriott in Louisiana was being used to detain immigrant families and unaccompanied children. Marriott denies direct involvement, stating it falls on third-party operations.

For students like A***n Chavez, the protest was about standing in solidarity with immigrant classmates. “I came out today to support our immigrant brothers and sisters who are facing mass deportation on a scale never seen before,” Chavez said. “Tucson is run by immigrants, and we are here to say no to racial profiling. We don’t want ICE in our classes or our streets. Students should be able to learn without the fear of ICE.”

📝: Regina Portugal
📸: Josie Shivers

Read more about the protest at the Daily Wildcat Website. ⬇️

UA students and community members protested outside the Aloft University hotel. Demanding Marriott honor its initial promise to reject ICE detention contracts after reports linked a Marriott property serving as a detention facility in Alexandria, Louisiana.

10/03/2025

The Trump administration sent the University of Arizona, along with eight other universities, a request to sign a pledge in exchange for better access to federal funds on Wednesday, Oct. 1.

The letter urges university leaders “to sign a ‘Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education’ committing them to adopt the White House’s vision for America’s campuses,” according to the Associated Press. It asks that universities limit international enrollment to 15%, freeze tuition for five years, accept the government’s definition of gender and apply it to campus bathrooms, locker rooms and women’s sports teams along with other demands.

University of Arizona officials did not respond to a request for comment by the time of publication.

➡️ Read more about the event at the link in our bio.

📝: Sierra Bl**er
📸: Emily Beck

Read more about the event at the Daily Wildcat Website. ⬇️

The University of Arizona is among nine academic institutions that were sent a letter from the Trump administration requesting a political pledge.

09/30/2025

The University of Arizona’s Kaibab-Huachuca dorm building will not welcome new students this fall as part of structural changes to campus housing for the 2025-2026 academic year.

According to Ali Santander, associate director of marketing and communications for UA Housing and Residential Life, projections showed occupancy would be lower than previous years, which contributed to the decision to close a dorm.

KAHU was specifically chosen for closure by UA Housing and Residential Life for several reasons, such as less demand than the other dorms. Housing officials emphasized that dorm communities “thrive better when the dorm is close to full capacity,” making the closure a strategic decision to maximize occupancy in the remaining dorms.

The future of KAHU remains unknown. “We are currently evaluating next year’s projected incoming first-year class to determine our projected occupancy and any adjustments we might need to make,” Santander said.

📝: Jayla Taft
📸: Jayla Taft

Read more about the closure of the Kaibab-Huachuca dorm at the Daily Wildcat Website. ⬇️

Kaibab-Huachuca won’t be welcoming new residents this fall. The university is temporarily closing the building as a part of broader housing adjustments, leaving the future of the dorm unknown for now.

09/25/2025

On Sep. 16, the University of Arizona chapter of the Turning Point USA organization hosted a celebration of life for Charlie Kirk. Crowds of mourners — both university students and Tucson residents — joined together at the Bear Down Gym to remember Kirk.

The entrance was lined with metal detectors scanning every person who walked in. Inside, guests were met with a table lined with candles and pictures of Kirk — along with stickers and posters saying “Cut Taxes Not Trees,” “Make Hunting Traditional Again” and “IRS is really stealing.”

Speakers at the event included Ashley Mendola and Neave Rojas, president and vice president of TPUSA of University of Arizona, media correspondent for TPUSA Joey Vantis and preacher Ross Johnston who appeared at the UA Mall the day before for a prayer service.

📝: Gabriel Paz
📸: Charlie Ramirez

Read more about the event at the Daily Wildcat Website. ⬇️

Conservatives on campus and across town come together for the memorial of Charlie Kirk. There was heavy emphasis on prayer and the life Kirk led.

09/24/2025

Senior transfer running back from Texas State University, Ismail Mahdi, delivered his breakout game against the Kansas State University defense last Friday night, Sept. 12, at Arizona Stadium for 189 rushing yards on 22 carries and catching two passes for 32 yards. The performance earned him Big 12 Player of the Week honors for week three.

Before Friday night, Mahdi totaled just 15 carries in the first two games combined.

Now against Kansas State, the senior may have cemented his role as the lead back in this high-powered offense led by star quarterback Noah Fifita. Mahdi’s experience was critical in the clutch for the Wildcats, picking up a 27-yard check-down pass on third-and-15 in the fourth quarter.

➡️ Read more about the event at the link in our bio.

📝: Will Shenot
📸: Mason Kumet

Read more about the event at the Daily Wildcat Website. ⬇️

Ismail Mahdi put on a show against Kansas State University Friday evening on Sept. 12 at Arizona Stadium. His impressive performance showcased his ability to be the Wildcats’ new secret weapon entering the rest of the season.

09/18/2025

For the second week in a row, the Associated Students of the University of Arizona Senate tabled approval for its constitution, citing inconsistencies in language after they received their budget from the university over a month later than usual.

In November 2023, the UA financial status report revealed an alarming $177 million deficit due to a miscalculation of cash on hand. Since then, the university has been continuously working to balance its budget, leading to inconsistencies and questions from clubs, organizations, students and faculty across campus.

On Aug. 26, the UA announced that its fiscal year 2026 budget is balanced, with no deficit, leading to a “new chapter in the university’s history.” These adjustments, however, have led many on-campus organizations to feel at a standstill with the university’s financial status.

➡️Read more about the ASUA updates at the link in our bio.

📝: Emma McDonough
📸: Sam Ellis

Read more about the ASUA updates at the Daily Wildcat Website. ⬇️

ASUA senators pressed pause on approving their constitution for the second week in a row due to lingering questions about their budget. The delay, tied to the university’s $177 million deficit from 2023 and ongoing financial restructuring, has left organizations across campus at a stand still.

09/11/2025

The University of Arizona Office of Public Safety released the school’s first safety app, SafeCats, at the start of the fall semester. The app combines all safety features into one user-friendly homepage, available for all UA students, employees, friends and family.

“In this world that we live in, information flows so quickly, and we wanted to make sure that our faculty, staff and most importantly our students had all the available resources right at their fingertips,” Steve Patterson, vice president and chief safety officer chair, said.

The app includes preceding safety features such as SafeRide and Mobile BlueLights, a portable version of the on-campus BlueLights. It also includes new features such as Friend Walk, Work Alone and Social Escape.

You can download SafeCats for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

📝: Ruby Wray
📸: Amara Williams

Read more about the SafeCats app at the Daily Wildcat Website. ⬇️

Being informed, staying connected and staying secure all in arm’s reach: the UA’s new public safety app, SafeCats, is available for faculty & staff, students and family. Download the free app today from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

09/01/2025

The University of Arizona football team dominated in the opening game of the season 40-6 over the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa on Aug. 30, at 7:30 p.m. at Arizona Stadium.

In celebration of Pacific Island Heritage night, former Arizona wide receiver and No. 8 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft Tetairoa McMillan and former defensive back Randy Robbins were inducted into the Arizona Football Ring of Honor. The Wildcats put on a show with many Arizona alumni in attendance.

📝: Michael Smith
📸: Charlie Ramirez

Read our full overview of the game at the Daily Wildcat Website. ⬇️

The University of Arizona football team cruised to a 40-6 victory over University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa at Arizona Stadium on Aug. 30. The Wildcats open this year’s campaign 1-0.

08/27/2025

Whether you are an incoming freshman or a seasoned UA student, heading into the fall semester at the University of Arizona calls for some fresh Tucson bucket list items. From longer weekend adventures to recommendations for the best bites near campus, our list of the best things to do in Tucson throughout the rest of the year has something for everyone.

📝: Kate Eid
📸: Josie Shivers

Read more about the UA’s new digital CatCards at the Daily Wildcat Website. ⬇️

Check out these awesome ideas for in-between classes or weekend outings!

08/20/2025

On Aug. 5, the University of Arizona made mobile CatCards an official part of campus life, putting student IDs one tap away on Apple and Google Wallets. The new digital cards mark a change from the plastic CatCards that UA students have carried for decades to buy meals, get into their dorms and prove their identification.

To upload CatCards onto phones, students must download the newly updated University of Arizona app and complete the card’s activation to add onto mobile wallets. By adding the card onto a mobile device, a student’s physical card will be deactivated.

Associate Director of Marketing at Arizona Student Unions Katie Schoeben expressed gratitude for what this change could mean for the efficiency of dining across campus. “The digital CatCard integration is a major step forward in improving the dining experience,” Schoeben said, noting how digital CatCards will speed up transactions and reduce time spent troubleshooting lost or damaged cards.

Digital CatCards will also offer a more sustainable campus experience. “This option eliminates the need to print and mail physical cards, creating a safer, more cost-effective and more environmentally-friendly process,” Alexa Rohr, IT Project Manager at University Information Technology Services, said.

While it may seem like a small change, the mobile CatCard reflects a bigger trend: the UA’s push toward a more digital, streamlined future. And for students, that future may be just a tap away.

📝: Emma McDonough
📸: Sela Margalit

Read more about the UA’s new digital CatCards at the Daily Wildcat Website. ⬇️

The University of Arizona is going digital with its student IDs. CatCards are now available on Apple and Google Wallet, offering students a new way to tap into campus life.

06/29/2025

The San Antonio Spurs have selected former University of Arizona Wildcat, Carter Bryant, with the No. 14 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Bryant, a 6-foot-7 forward, played one year and 37 games in his freshman season for Arizona, displaying an immense amount of effort and athleticism for the Wildcats. In his lone season with Arizona, the forward averaged 6.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, one assist and one block per game in the 19.2 minutes he played.

Bryant will fit in nicely with the Spurs, being able to provide his defensive versatility for a San Antonio team who look to build around Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox. Bryant is the first Wildcat to be drafted by the Spurs since Marcus Williams was selected in the second round of the 2005 NBA Draft.

📝: Melisa Guzeloglu
📸: Mason Kumet

Read more about the new Spurs’ rookie at the Daily Wildcat Website. ⬇️

The San Antonio Spurs have selected former University of Arizona Wildcat Carter Bryant with the No. 14 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Bryant, a 6-foot-7 forward, played one year and 37 games in his freshman season for Arizona, averaging 6.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, one assist and one block per game in the...

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The independent, student-run newspaper at the University of Arizona, the Daily Wildcat publishes daily at DailyWildcat.com, and distributes its print edition regularly on campus and in nearby communities during the Fall, Spring and Summer terms.