The University of Arizona’s online program was ranked third in the state by onlinecolleges.com. Northern Arizona University clinched the top spot with Grand Canyon University at number two.

The website ranks schools based on 11 criteria including graduation rate, tuition, electronic library collections, number of programs and services among others.

Onlinecolleges.com named NAU as the best online college in Arizona because of the large number of programs offered and their Personalized Learning Programs that allow students to complete classes at their own pace.

U A landed at number three because of the broad range of majors that can be completed online such as mining, cybersecurity and pediatric nursing.

Other notable schools include the University of Phoenix, ranked number four, and Arizona State University at number six.

See the full list here.

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"A Seat at the Table" at The Coronet. This summer series is a five-course meal of some of the finest dishes to be found in Tucson: bruleed stone fruit, roasted snails, black truffle, Egyptian fava beans, hot chili lamb, pistachio orange biancomangiare, and so much more. Now that's class. Email [email protected] to book your seat. 7 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 28. 402 E. Ninth St. $70. Details here.

Deconstructing The Beatles–1963 Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!. Entomologists, keep walking. This presentation and screening by Beatles expert Scott Freiman takes audiences back to 1963, the year Beatlemania first shook the world. 1963 was the year of their first huge singles, including “Love Me Do” and “I Want to Hold Your Hand”. This showing examines a pivotal year in a career jam-packed with pivotal years. 7:30 to 8:50 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 28. Loft Cinema, 3233 E Speedway Blvd. $10. Details here.


Bluegrass & Brews Jamboree. In some parts of the country the leaves are starting to turn orange, but in Tucson the grass is turning blue at The Gaslight Music Hall's Bluegrass & Brews Jamboree. Boogie to the Freddy Parish Trio and Cadillac Mountain Bluegrass while sipping on tasty beer specials from a local brewery. on Tuesday night at 6 p.m. The evening of traditional bluegrass and brews will end with a grand finale of all the musicians on stage together. $12.50. Gaslight Music Hall, 13005 N. Oracle Road. Details here.

Events compiled by Emily Dieckman, B.S. Eliot, Ava Garcia and Jeff Gardner.

The Royal Room, a wine bar that has been open on the corner of Sixth Ave. and Sixth Street for about a year now, was full to the brim Saturday night for a collaboration with local literary art non-profit Casa Libre. 

The audience squeezed into the warmly lit wine bar for three reasons, wine, Sophia Terazawa and Raquel Salas Rivera.

Terazawa opened the evening with a powerful and theatrical reading of soldier's testimonies from the Vietnam war, at points screaming while at other times holding a large knife to her throat. She captivated the audience, who didn't quite know what she was going to do next, and invited them to scream, cry or look into the eyes of her Hello Kitty stuffed animal for comfort.

After a brief intermission where attendees rushed, the best they could through the throngs of people, to the slate bar to refill their wine glasses, Salas Rivera took the podium.

Dressed casually in a t-shirt and jeans, Salas Rivera joked and laughed with the crowd before diving into the deeply political poetry.

Salas Rivera read each poem first in Spanish, earning snaps and hollers from those in the audience who understood. Salas Rivera then read in English, the words expressing love for Puerto Rico and anger at how it, and it's people, have been treated.

The first half of the reading included poems from Salas Rivera's books, including the most recent book, lo terciario/the tertiary. Salas Rivera is the author of four published books and six chapbooks. The poems from the newest book felt old, Salas Rivera joked, even though the book only came out in April.


Salas Rivera then read from new works, ever relevant as situation in Puerto Rico continues to evolve after the devastating hurricane that hit the island a little less than a year ago.

While some of the poetry left the audience speechless, a huge round of applause filled the Royal Room at the end of the performance.

Wine glasses clinked as friends, all somehow intertwined in Tucson's rich poetry community, mingled with the poets, Casa Libre hosts and friends after the reading.

Read Margaret Regan's full story that appeared in last week's issue of the Tucson Weekly previewing the event here.

University of Arizona-designed robotic spacecraft, OSIRIS-REx got its first view of target asteroid Bennu earlier this month. UA’s Lunar and Planetary Laboratory (LPL) says OSIRIS-REx will enter Bennu’s orbit Dec. 3.

The robot was launched in 2016 and is designed to orbit and survey the asteroid for about two years before bouncing on the surface and collecting a sample.

OSIRIS-REx first photo of Bennu marks the final approach to the asteroid. In the coming months before entering orbit, scientists at UA’s LPL will study Bennu’s size, shape and atomic composition to gather as much data as they can about this near-Earth asteroid.

One reason scientists have chosen Bennu as their target is that its composition is, as described by New York Times writer Kenneth Chang, “a conglomeration of leftovers, largely unchanged over the last 4.5 billion years.”

In essence, scientists expect that Bennu will provide a look into the origins of the solar system.
OSIRIS-REx sample collection is scheduled for July 2020 and if everything goes as planned the robot will return to earth in September, 2023.

Read more here

“Do you love to cuddle cats? I could be your guy! I love to be held and cuddle.”
-Theodore

Bring your family to meet Theodore at HSSA Main Campus at 635 W. Roger Rd. Have questions? Call 520-327-6088, ext. 173 to speak with an adoptions counselor.

After news broke of Senator John McCain's passing, reactions from around the state, country and international community started pouring in. Two days later, family, friends, co-workers and those impacted and inspired by the Senator continue to share their memories and condolences for McCain and his family.

The U.S. Navy, in which McCain served from 1954 to 1981, released multiple statements.

Statement from Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer

Today, the Navy and Marine Corps team lost a friend and one of our own when Senator John McCain passed.

From the Naval Academy to flight school and throughout his time as a prisoner of war in Vietnam, McCain displayed unfailing honor and duty to country. If that was the end of his service, he would still be renowned as a hero, but McCain’s desire to serve didn’t stop when his uniform came off. He continued to serve as a representative and senator from Arizona. Throughout his life, McCain never ceased serving our nation or fighting for what he believed.

My heartfelt condolences go out to the McCain family, their friends and loved ones. Everyone on the Navy and Marine Corps team shares this loss with all who had the fortune of knowing Sen. John McCain.

Statement by Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson

The nation has lost a great patriot and warrior. Whenever we were in a tough spot, we knew Sen. McCain would be on our side with his characteristic toughness and integrity. The U.S. Navy mourns the loss of a true shipmate. Our prayers go with him and to his family, that they find consolation. May Sen. John McCain, who never flinched from a worthy fight, rest in a well-deserved peace.

Statement by USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) commanding officer Cmdr. Micah Murphy:

On behalf of the crew of USS John S. McCain, I offer our support and prayers to the McCain family, our gratitude to the senator for his years of service to our nation, and a heartfelt traditional Navy sendoff: 'Fair winds and following seas.' It is an honor to have our mighty warship carry on your name and continue your legacy.

DDG-56's name honors three generations of dedicated service to the Navy and nation. Sen. McCain's father, Adm. John S. McCain, Jr. served as U.S. Pacific Command commander. Sen. McCain's grandfather, Adm. John S. McCain was a distinguished World War II carrier task force commander.

Sen. McCain continued this proud legacy as a naval aviator during the Vietnam War. As a prisoner of war, he endured more than five years of captivity, representing America honorably and selflessly.

After retiring from the Navy, he continued national service in Congress, first as a representative and later as a senator from Arizona. Sen. McCain took an active interest in the destroyer and its crew, including a visit to the ship during a port visit to Cam Ranh International Port in Vietnam on June 2, 2017. The ship had visited ports in Vietnam several times before over the years in honor of the McCain legacy.

University of Arizona President Robert Robbins released this statement about McCain:

At the University of Arizona commencement ceremony in 2005, Sen. John McCain told Wildcat graduates that he believed "the true worth of a person is measured by how faithfully we serve a cause greater than our self-interest, that encompasses us but is not defined by our existence alone."

By that standard, Sen. McCain's value has been immeasurable. Through a higher standard of service rooted in honor, courage, and commitment, he inspires us to reach across national boundaries and philosophical differences to learn from and care for each other.

I was blessed to have met this unique and honorable American hero. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Cindy and his family.

Senator Jeff Flake appeared on NBC News' Meet the Press with Chuck Todd, and spoke about his fellow Arizona Senator:

“It was like having a big brother who nobody wanted to mess with. So, I very much enjoyed serving with John McCain in the Senate and being in the House when he was in the Senate as well.”

Arizona Democratic Representative Ruben Gallego released this statement:

John McCain is a national hero. From Vietnam to the halls of Congress, Senator McCain served our country his entire life. In the way he lived, he set an example of courage, honor, and love of country that will inspire young Americans for generations to come.

All of us, in Arizona and across our land, have lost a truly great public servant. My sincerest condolences to Senator McCain's family and his loved ones on their loss.

Tohono O'odham Nation Chairman Edward D. Manuel issued the following statement:

"The Tohono O’odham Nation was saddened to learn of the passing of U.S. Senator John McCain, who had represented Arizona in the halls of Congress for more than 30 years. A U.S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam War who survived capture and torture in a P.O.W. camp, Sen. McCain dedicated his life to serving his country and fellow citizens. His example of service and sacrifice will continue to inspire future leaders across the United States.

The people of Arizona were especially fortunate to have been represented by such a tireless and devoted public servant for so many years. During his time in elected office, Sen. McCain worked closely with the Tohono O’odham Nation on many issues of importance to our communities. His leadership, experience, and insights will be greatly missed.

On behalf of the Tohono O’odham Nation, I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Sen. McCain during this difficult time.”

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Chipotle Percentage Night. Listen, you and I both know you're going to be eating at Chipotle sometime soon anyhow. So why not use your burrito date for a good cause and support Tucson High Badger Volleyball? Tell the cashier you're supporting the cause to make sure that 33 percent of the proceeds will be donated to Tucson High School Girls Volleyball Booster Club. Now that's a burrito (or bowl) worth binging! 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 27. 1202 W. Irvington Road. Details here.

Refugee 101 Info Night. Tucson Refugee and Iskashitaa Refugee Network are hosting his opportunity for you to get informed about immigrant resettlement, and learn more about the struggles faced by new Americans. How do you define a refugee? An asylee? An immigrant? How can you welcome a family in your neighborhood? How do new Americans become self-sufficient? Refugee agencies and organizations throughout the city are represented, and all are welcome, especially present and potential volunteers (though attendance doesn't obligate you to volunteer—you're perfectly welcome to come if you just want to learn more about the situation, which we could all stand to do.) 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 27. Habitat for Humanity, 3501 N. Mountain Ave. Free. Details here.

Mondo Mondays. It's Monday which means it's time for another Mondo Monday at The Loft. It's College Cut-Ups month and this week's movie is a scary sorority girl classic. Killer Party has all the makings of a great '80's Greek Life flick, it also has some unexpected plot twists and turns. The movie starts at 8 p.m. and costs $2 for Loft members and $3 general admission. Details here. Events compiled by Emily Dieckman, B.S. Eliot, Ava Garcia and Jeff Gardner.

Meghan McCain remembers her father, Sen. John McCain, who died yesterday at age 81.

I love you forever - my beloved father @SenJohnMcCain pic.twitter.com/Y50tVQvlVe

— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) August 26, 2018

Sen. Jeff Flake remembers his fellow Arizona senator:

And now, in a way that would probably have him making wisecracks, we are wistful for John McCain. We may never see his like again, but it is his reflection of America that we need now more than ever. He was far too self-deprecating to ever have thought of himself as just such a towering figure, so I will go ahead and say it. He showed us who we are and who we can be when we are at our best. And he devoted his life to service and to the exalted idea of America that was bigger and better than him. Bigger than us all. His fidelity to that idea, and his idealism in balancing fierce political battles with a determination to always see the good and find the humanity in his opponents is an example that transcended politics and made him the man that he was.

As I got up to leave that day, he said, 'The doctors tell me I’m halfway there.' He paused. 'The more I see this end coming, the more I am grateful for what I have.'

Today, I am grateful for John McCain. I’m grateful for the long and meaningful miles he traveled, and for having the privilege of having traveled just a few of those miles with him.

Gov. Doug Ducey's tribute: