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Opinion

Local opinion: Rio Nuevo not alone in 'crony capitalism'

Local opinion: Rio Nuevo not alone in 'crony capitalism'

  • Michael A. Chihak Special to the Arizona Daily Star

An opinion writer argues that while some Arizona lawmakers have criticized Tucson’s Rio Nuevo district as an example of “crony capitalism,” state government also provides substantial public funding to private prison operators. The piece examines the debate over taxpayer subsidies, economic d…

Tucson Speaks Out: June 17

Tucson Speaks Out: June 17

    Solving TUSD attendance

    Local opinion: Arizona deserves the truth about data centers

    Local opinion: Arizona deserves the truth about data centers

    • Russ Walker Special to the Arizona Daily Star

    An opinion writer argues that public concerns about data centers are being fueled by misinformation rather than facts. Citing polling data, the piece contends that support for data centers increases when voters learn about water recycling, infrastructure investments, tax revenue and data sec…

    Tucson Speaks Out: June 16

    Tucson Speaks Out: June 16

      Bike crashes rise

      Tucson Speaks Out: June 15

      Tucson Speaks Out: June 15

        Data vs alfalfa

        Arizona opinion: ICE detainees have a constitutional right to health care

        Arizona opinion: ICE detainees have a constitutional right to health care

        • Shmuly Yanklowitz Special to the Arizona Daily Star

        An Arizona rabbi argues that people held in immigration detention have a constitutional and moral right to receive adequate medical care. The opinion piece calls attention to deaths and health concerns in ICE facilities and urges Americans across the political spectrum to support basic healt…

        Local opinion: Tucson's 'basics vs. ideology' debate is a false choice

        Local opinion: Tucson's 'basics vs. ideology' debate is a false choice

        • Lane Santa Cruz Special to the Arizona Daily Star

        A Tucson City Council member defends the city’s approach to homelessness, transit and public safety, arguing that investments in affordable housing, fare-free transit, community health programs and poverty reduction are essential to building a safer and more equitable city. The opinion piece…

        Tucson Speaks Out: June 18

        Tucson Speaks Out: June 18

          Tucson leadership

          Gary Varvel for Jun 18, 2026

          Gary Varvel for Jun 18, 2026

            Letter: The Dastardly Undoer

            Letter: The Dastardly Undoer

            • Ronald Nowicki, Green Valley

            Under the Trump administration many programs and ideals which defined America have been undone. Trump undid the multi-nation Iran Agreement as developed by the Obama administration because he could do better. Now the undoer is looking for a way to claim victory in his war of choice and simpl…

            Letter: Sharia law

            Letter: Sharia law

            • Beverly Van Fosson, South Tucson

            Theses people come to our country and believe strongly that Islamic law supersedes the laws of our Country. Thet are NO LONGER IN SAUDI ARABIA, BENGLADESH, IRAN, IRAQ OR LIVING IN ANOTHER COUNTRY. THEY ARE LIVING HERE IN THE UNITED STATES, Their Islamic laws do not apply here, and they don't…

            Letter: Who can be president

            Letter: Who can be president

            • Philip Reinecker, East side

            Many many years ago I was told that anyone could become president. I didn't believe it until now. Our current president is a coward, a liar, a braggart, a pedophile, a narcissist, disrespectful, man-child, corrupt, void of decency, insulting, hypercritical, inhumane and lacking any compassio…

            Letter: UFC at the White House

            Letter: UFC at the White House

            • Gary Haslett, SaddleBrooke

            Everyone is hammering on Trump about the terrible Iran deal (or no deal again?). I will focus on the UFC fights.

            What is lost when strangers stop talking to each other? | The Ethical Life podcast

            What is lost when strangers stop talking to each other? | The Ethical Life podcast

            • scott.rada

            🎧

            Editorial cartoons

            ANOTHER VIEW | John Darkow | Cagle Cartoons

            ANOTHER VIEW | John Darkow | Cagle Cartoons

            Don’t rely on the bank of mom and dad | Allison Schrager

            Don’t rely on the bank of mom and dad | Allison Schrager

              In America today, one of the rites of passage that marks the transition to full adulthood is paying your own phone bill. By this standard, many people — even those well into middle age — are stuck in an extended adolescence.

              Protect the right to jawbone in America | Las Vegas Review-Journal

              Protect the right to jawbone in America | Las Vegas Review-Journal

                Sen. Ted Cruz, Ron Wyden are right to defend free speech on campus and late-night television

                The untold Hispanic history that made US history possible | Carrie Gibson

                The untold Hispanic history that made US history possible | Carrie Gibson

                  On my first attempt to find Bernardo de Gálvez in 2015 in Pensacola, Florida, he was difficult to spot. I eventually found him at Fort George, in the form of a small stone bust with the words “Yo Solo” (“I Alone”) carved underneath.

                  Local opinion: Rio Nuevo not alone in 'crony capitalism'

                  Local opinion: Rio Nuevo not alone in 'crony capitalism'

                    An opinion writer argues that while some Arizona lawmakers have criticized Tucson’s Rio Nuevo district as an example of “crony capitalism,” state government also provides substantial public funding to private prison operators. The piece examines the debate over taxpayer subsidies, economic development incentives and the role of government in supporting private businesses.

                    Tucson Speaks Out: June 17

                    Tucson Speaks Out: June 17

                      Solving TUSD attendance

                      Letter: entertainment?

                      Letter: entertainment?

                        Presidents in the past put on concerts in the East Room that featured classical American music performers, like Aretha Franklin and Paul McCartney. The audience came dressed in their best duds, black ties, and expensive dresses.

                        Letter: Republican Principals

                        Letter: Republican Principals

                          Mike Johnson brags about the Republican core principles:

                          Editorials

                          A note to readers

                          A note to readers

                          To our readers:

                          Local opinion: What leaders like John McCain understood about the truth

                          Local opinion: What leaders like John McCain understood about the truth

                          A defining moment from John McCain’s 2008 campaign is being revisited as a reminder of political integrity, highlighting the importance of correcting misinformation — even within one’s own party — in today’s polarized climate.

                          Arizona Daily Star Editorial: New tactic to come after public lands must be stopped

                          Arizona Daily Star Editorial: New tactic to come after public lands must be stopped

                          Juan Ciscomani has a pivotal role to play in protecting public lands. It's a role that he must fulfill.

                          Local opinion: A dismissive editorial peers through rose-colored glasses

                          Local opinion: A dismissive editorial peers through rose-colored glasses

                          The Herald has missed its mark in offering us reassurance of the court’s stability and the strength of democracy. And when it values confidence over honest scrutiny, its words ring hollow.

                          Columnists

                          What is lost when strangers stop talking to each other? | The Ethical Life podcast

                          What is lost when strangers stop talking to each other? | The Ethical Life podcast

                          🎧

                          Don’t rely on the bank of mom and dad | Allison Schrager

                          Don’t rely on the bank of mom and dad | Allison Schrager

                          In America today, one of the rites of passage that marks the transition to full adulthood is paying your own phone bill. By this standard, many people — even those well into middle age — are stuck in an extended adolescence.

                          Protect the right to jawbone in America | Las Vegas Review-Journal

                          Protect the right to jawbone in America | Las Vegas Review-Journal

                          Sen. Ted Cruz, Ron Wyden are right to defend free speech on campus and late-night television

                          The untold Hispanic history that made US history possible | Carrie Gibson

                          The untold Hispanic history that made US history possible | Carrie Gibson

                          On my first attempt to find Bernardo de Gálvez in 2015 in Pensacola, Florida, he was difficult to spot. I eventually found him at Fort George, in the form of a small stone bust with the words “Yo Solo” (“I Alone”) carved underneath.

                          Recommended For You

                          Tucson Speaks Out: June 17

                          Tucson Speaks Out: June 17

                          Tucson Speaks Out: June 18

                          Tucson Speaks Out: June 18

                          What is lost when strangers stop talking to each other? | The Ethical Life podcast

                          What is lost when strangers stop talking to each other? | The Ethical Life podcast

                          Shopping

                          Farmhouse to Modern Comfort: HVAC Solutions for the Midwest's Oldest Homes

                          Farmhouse to Modern Comfort: HVAC Solutions for the Midwest's Oldest Homes

                          Affiliate content. Learn how modern HVAC systems can be integrated into even the oldest Midwest homes. 

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                          Tornado Season and Your HVAC: A Midwest Homeowner's Recovery Guide

                          Affiliate content. Learn how to protect your HVAC unit before and after a tornado. 

                          How to Buy WLFI Token: Full Beginner Guide

                          How to Buy WLFI Token: Full Beginner Guide

                          Affiliate. Learn how to buy WLFI Token in this step by step guide for beginners. 

                          Solana Wallet for Beginners (2025): Setup, Safety, Staking & Swaps

                          Solana Wallet for Beginners (2025): Setup, Safety, Staking & Swaps

                          Affiliate. Learn how to create and use a Solana wallet, stake SOL, swap tokens, bridge assets, and stay secure with Best Wallet’s multi-chain features.

                          Letters to the Editor

                          Tucson Speaks Out: June 18

                          Tucson Speaks Out: June 18

                          Tucson leadership

                          Letter: The Dastardly Undoer

                          Letter: The Dastardly Undoer

                          Under the Trump administration many programs and ideals which defined America have been undone. Trump undid the multi-nation Iran Agreement as developed by the Obama administration because he could do better. Now the undoer is looking for a way to claim victory in his war of choice and simpl…

                          Letter: Sharia law

                          Letter: Sharia law

                          Theses people come to our country and believe strongly that Islamic law supersedes the laws of our Country. Thet are NO LONGER IN SAUDI ARABIA, BENGLADESH, IRAN, IRAQ OR LIVING IN ANOTHER COUNTRY. THEY ARE LIVING HERE IN THE UNITED STATES, Their Islamic laws do not apply here, and they don't…

                          Letter: Who can be president

                          Letter: Who can be president

                          Many many years ago I was told that anyone could become president. I didn't believe it until now. Our current president is a coward, a liar, a braggart, a pedophile, a narcissist, disrespectful, man-child, corrupt, void of decency, insulting, hypercritical, inhumane and lacking any compassio…

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