For Star subscribers: RTA Next locks the Tucson area into a renewed transportation tax and plan for 20 years — a long time and a risk. But it's a sure thing unlike the other ideas Tucsonans may have.
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: From the search for Nancy Guthrie to official state business, Arizona’s public agencies still rely on the platform formerly known as Twitter. Columnist Tim Steller argues that with the rise of AI-generated misinformation and "divisive" leadership, it's time for a strategic move to safer alternatives.
After years of staffing shortages and budget woes, South Tucson is officially outsourcing its fire services. The new partnership with Rural Metro aims to improve response times and provide much-needed equipment upgrades for the city.
For Star subscribers: Delivering the paper on horseback, horseshoeing from a deputy sheriff's patrol car, playing cowboy polo and making steel sculpture. Tucson artist Jerry Harris has stories to tell.
For Star subscribers: The "publicity pamphlet" for the two-question ballot is 280 pages long and cost round $800,000. It's dominated by Tucson leaders arguing for the transportation plan and its tax.
The publicity pamphlet for the RTA Next election is 280 pages long and just over 1/2-inch thick. Arguments for and against Propositions 418 an…
For Star subscribers: Outgoing Tucson Police Chief Chad Kasmar is only 48 and four years into his job, but he decided to take a less pressure-filled role with Pima County to prioritize the personal.
For Star subscribers: Once again, a sensational crime has made Tucson the focus of global attention. That's not a good thing, as a local family's suffering is compounded by the attention.
For Star subscribers: The tiny town of 5,000 sent three elected officials to an international conference in Colombia last month. Why? Find that and more on RTA, DHS and TUSD in the Political Notebook.