Tucson City Council reviews homelessness, heat efforts
The Tucson City Council reviewed regional homelessness data showing a 4% decrease in Pima County alongside a loss of 200 shelter beds, and heard updates on the city's heat response efforts.
Region
News about Pima County, Tucson, South Tucson, Oro Valley and Marana.
Hobbs Vetoes Budget That Would Have Killed Rio Nuevo
Gov. Katie Hobbs vetoed the Republican budget proposal that would have eliminated Rio Nuevo, but the fate of downtown Tucson's redevelopment program remains uncertain as budget negotiations continue with no deal in sight.
Tucson activists guilty in Jim Click protest case
Four members of the "Good Trouble" protest group were found guilty of criminal trespassing after blockading a Jim Click Kia dealership in September 2025, but walked away with just six months' probation.
Sheriff Nanos skips hearing, sends letter instead
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos skipped his April 21 accountability hearing, submitting a 12-page letter through his attorney instead, pushing the board's review to May 12.
South Tucson cuts food tax amid $1.6M budget deficit
South Tucson's city council voted to eliminate its food and consumption tax, rename Cesar Chavez Day and explore a free community wifi network, all while grappling with a $1.6 million budget deficit.
Chris Sheafe shaped Tucson's downtown development
Chris Sheafe, the Rio Nuevo treasurer credited with helping transform the struggling tax increment finance district into one of Tucson's most consequential economic development engines, died April 8 in a plane crash at Marana Regional Airport.
Tucson drug arrests up 67% under Safe City Initiative
Tucson saw a 67% spike in drug arrests in early 2026 under its Safe City Initiative, but critics say hundreds of arrests have produced only a fraction as many shelter placements, raising questions about the program's true goals.
Tucson voters to decide on TEP energy deal in November
Tucson voters will weigh in November on a first-of-its-kind franchise agreement with Tucson Electric Power that would direct millions in shareholder funds toward climate projects and low-income energy assistance.
Tucson bets on partnerships to battle climate change
As federal climate funding shrinks under the Trump administration, Tucson is leaning on public-private partnerships to expand solar access, grow its urban tree canopy and protect residents from deadly heat.