For Star subscribers: When people call Tucson a "cesspool," they're often talking about the view from their car. Those living on the streets are often the only people you see on Tucson's main roads.
Tim Steller
Columnist
About
Tim Steller is an opinion columnist. A 25-year veteran of reporting and editing, he digs into issues and stories that matter in the Tucson area, reports the results and tells you his conclusions. Contact him at tsteller@tucson.com or 520-807-7789. On Bluesky: @timsteller
For Star subscribers: In 2024, protests against Israel's war in Gaza were common at the University of Arizona. The breakup of an encampent ended that and shielded UA students from disfavored speech.
For Star subscribers: Chuck George was a well-liked local weatherman when a mental-health crisis led him to leave in 2013. Now he's back in Tucson, his true home, teaching in high school and on TV.
For Star subscribers: GOP leaders in the state Legislature call the Rio Nuevo district "crony capitalism," and they're not wrong. But it has produced benefits in central Tucson that merit it continuing.
Pastor Isaac Noriega is incompetent to stand trial for failing to report child sexual abuse, a Pima County judge ruled. But he was ordered into a restoration-to-competency program.
For Star subscribers: If the University of Arizona renames the Cesar Chavez building, it should also rename the Kemper Marley building, due to his alleged link to the killing of reporter Don Bolles.
For Star subscribers: Sen. Ruben Gallego is not accused of any sexual misconduct of the sort that caused his friend Rep. Eric Swalwell to resign. But his association with Swalwell fits his politics.
For Star subscribers: Tucson Police Chief Monica Prieto is working to stabilize a department that was shaken for a few years, while advancing its treatment of employees and use of technology.
For Star subscribers: Sen. Mark Kelly, a Tucson Democrat, voted for the first time to block the sale of arms to Israel, in a sign of shifting public opinion. Also, Gallego is under the gun, and more.