🌱 AZ Dems Question Legislative Map + Special Olympics Powerlifting

Happy Tuesday, Yuma! Here's everything you need to know around town today.

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First, today's weather:

Cooler; windy in the morning. High: 74 Low: 47.

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Here are the top three stories in Yuma today:

1. Arizona Democrats have called for Attorney General Mark Brnovich to investigate the state's legislative map, which may ultimately lead to a redrawing of the current districts. A complaint delivered by the Democratic Party's executive director Charlie Fisher says that decisions made by the Independent Redistricting Commission "give a political edge to three incumbent GOP senators." One of those decisions involved moving 600 residents in the unincorporated community of Liberty from Democratic LD 23 to "Republican-safe" LD 25, which includes areas on the east side of Yuma. (YourValley.net)
2. Local athletes have been working hard over the last 10 weeks to train for a Special Olympics Powerlifting competition. For the first time in seven years, this competition will be held locally at Yuma's own 4th Avenue Gym on Friday, Apr. 15, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. The public is invited to attend the meet, where the gym will be selling t-shirts to benefit the Special Olympics. "It's a huge deal for them and I just think that the community needs to ... support them and ... cheer them on," said gym owner Justin Haile. (KYMA)
3. Takos and Beer and Julieanna's Steak and Seafood in Yuma are being honored for exceptional achievement by America's SBDC Arizona Network. The pair of restaurants, both owned by local restaurateur and chef Eddie Guzman, are among the 28 Arizona small businesses that will be honored at the 2022 Success Awards this Thursday, Apr. 14 at the Arizona State Capitol. "Each of the winners has created significant economic impact in their communities by seeking expert advice and assistance," said America's SBDC Arizona Interim State Director Danny Ayala. (Gila Valley Central)

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Today in Yuma:

• Spanish Club At Yuma Main Library (9:00 AM)
• Tree Of Life - Reggae Night Class At The Artsy Fartsy Studio (6:30 PM)

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From my notebook:

• Interested in coaching the Yuma Parks and Recreation Department's Boys & Girls Basketball League? The department will host a coaching meeting on Apr. 28 at 6:00 p.m. at Joe Henry Optimist Center's Gym. There will also be volunteer applications at the location for everyone interested in coaching. (Facebook)
• The city of Yuma Fire Department reminds the community that it's National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. "Remember to thank those who are the first link in the chain of Emergency Response," the department wrote on Facebook. (Facebook)
• Congratulations to Cibola High School senior Andrey Acosta, who signed his letter of intent to continue playing football at Elmhurst University in the fall! Learn about this impressive student and his achievements and medical career goals in this KYMA feature. (KYMA)

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You're all caught up for today! I'll see you soon.

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.