Tucson

Giffords documentary comes as gun debates stay center stage

By TERRY TANGJune 24, 2022 GMT

In the two years documentary filmmakers shadowed former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, the most jarring moment for them was in the kitchen of her Tucson, Arizona, home.

Wildfire near Arizona’s Kitt Peak observatory 50% contained

June 21, 2022 GMT

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — A lightning-caused wildfire that led to last week’s evacuation of the Kitt Peak National Observatory southwest of Tucson was 50% contained Tuesday, up from 40% in previous days.

Wildfire near Arizona’s Kitt Peak less than half contained

June 20, 2022 GMT

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — A lightning-caused wildfire that led to last week’s evacuation of the Kitt Peak National Observatory southwest of Tucson remained 40% contained Monday.

Authorities said more than 300 firefighters continued working the wildfire that has now charred 31.8 square miles (823 square kilometers) since it began June 11 on a remote ridge on the Tohono O’odham Indian Reservation about 8 miles (13 kilometers) southeast of Kitt Peak.

Arizona wildfire near Kitt Peak observatory 40% contained

June 19, 2022 GMT

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — A lightning-caused wildfire that led to an evacuation of the Kitt Peak National Observatory southwest of Tucson is 40% contained, authorities said.

More than 300 firefighters were working the wildfire Saturday.

Inflation taking bite out of new infrastructure projects

By DAVID A. LIEB and MICHAEL CASEYJune 19, 2022 GMT

The price of a foot of water pipe in Tucson, Arizona: up 19%. The cost of a ton of asphalt in a small Massachusetts town: up 37%. The estimate to build a new airport terminal in Des Moines, Iowa: 69% higher, with a several year delay.

Man accused of killing estranged wife, her 2 kids in Tucson

June 18, 2022 GMT

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Tucson police said Saturday that a man has been booked on suspicion of murder in the killing of his estranged wife and her two sons nearly a year ago.

John Edwards James was booked in the fatal shooting of 44-year-old Willona Ametrice White, 14-year-old Jaiden White and 18-year-old Talmadge Holmes Jr.

4 buildings at observatory in Arizona lost in wildfire

June 18, 2022 GMT

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Four non-scientific buildings at the Kitt Peak National Observatory southwest of Tucson were lost in a wildfire, but early indications show other buildings on the property didn’t appear to be damaged, authorities said Saturday.

Tucson Electric Power seeking nearly 12% rate increase

June 17, 2022 GMT

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — The utility that provides electricity to nearly 440,000 homes and businesses in Tucson and surrounding areas wants to raise its rates for residential customers by nearly 12% and for business customers by a slightly lower amount.

Today in Arizona History

By The Associated PressJune 16, 2022 GMT

Sunday, June 19

On this date in 1895, J.O. Dunbar, editor of the Phoenix Gazette, who called the Governor, Territorial Secretary, Attorney General and the Marshal, “assassins, looters, hoodoos, patronage peddlers and land grant sharks” was convicted and fined $3,000 for libel by a Tucson court.

Police: 2 adults found dead in Tucson in a double homicide

June 12, 2022 GMT

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Two adults have been found dead in Tucson and the case is being investigated as a double homicide, police said Sunday.

They said officers responded to a report of unknown trouble around 5 a.m.

Arizona executes Frank Atwood for 1984 killing of young girl

By JONATHAN J. COOPER and JACQUES BILLEAUDJune 8, 2022 GMT

FLORENCE, Ariz. (AP) — An Arizona man convicted of murder in the 1984 killing of an 8-year-old girl was put to death Wednesday in the state’s second execution since officials resumed carrying out the death penalty in May following a nearly eight-year hiatus.

Man awaiting trial in Tucson murders sentenced for burglary

June 8, 2022 GMT

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — A suspect still awaiting trial for the murders of two Tucson girls has been sentenced to 65 years in prison in a separate case..

Prosecutors said 40-year-old Christopher Matthew Clements was credited with nearly 1,900 days served at Tuesday’s sentencing in a 2017 burglary case out of Maricopa County.

Arizona history-June 12-18

June 8, 2022 GMT

Sunday, June 12

On this date in 1888, an Apache Indian who had fired one shot that killed two men was tried for murder in one of the deaths and acquitted. He later was tried again for the murder of the second man and convicted on precisely the same set of facts.

Former Rep. Giffords tells Congress ‘be bold’ on gun reform

By ASHRAF KHALILJune 7, 2022 GMT

WASHINGTON (AP) — Eleven years after her own life was massively altered by gun violence, former congresswoman Gabby Giffords stood in front of the Washington Monument Tuesday and lobbied anew for stricter gun laws after yet another string of mass shootings in America.

Brad Johnson of ‘Melrose Place,’ Marlboro Man ads dies at 62

By LYNN ELBERJune 4, 2022 GMT

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Brad Johnson, who jumped from rodeo cowboy to portraying the Marlboro Man in cigarette spots and film and TV roles including Steven Spielberg’s “Always” and “Melrose Place,” has died.

Arizona’s Tommy Lloyd to get 5-year contract extension

June 3, 2022 GMT

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Arizona basketball coach Tommy Lloyd will get a $1 million raise next season in a proposed five-year contract extension through 2027 following a successful first season in the desert.

Court declines to hear arguments for condemned Arizona man

May 28, 2022 GMT

PHOENIX (AP) — A federal appeals court has denied a request by lawyers for an Arizona man scheduled to be executed June 8 to be allowed to make new arguments in an effort to overturn his death sentence in the 1984 kidnapping and killing of an 8-year-old Tucson girl.

Tribal request to halt Arizona copper mine work is denied

May 27, 2022 GMT

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — A federal judge has rejected a request by Native American tribes to stop Toronto-based Hudbay Minerals Inc. from preparing a planned new Arizona copper mine's site in the Santa Rita Mountains near Tucson.

Pool noodle fight over the name Josh again attracts hundreds

May 23, 2022 GMT

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A couple hundred people grabbed their pool noodles and headed to a Nebraska park again this weekend to battle over the right to the name Josh.

The event started as an online joke when Josh Swain from Tucson, Arizona, sent out a tweet challenging anyone who shared his name to fight over it.

Tucson may forego some water to help keep Lake Mead level up

May 21, 2022 GMT

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Arizona's second most populous city has signaled it may forego part of its allotment of Colorado River water delivered by the Central Arizona Project aqueduct in order to help forestall a shortage declaration for Lake Mead that would trigger mandatory reductions.

Arizona history-May 22-28

May 18, 2022 GMT

Sunday, May 22

On this date in 1894, Dr. A.E. Douglass selected a site in Flagstaff for the Lowell Observatory.

On this date in 1923, four people died in an explosion at the Apache Powder Plant at Benson.

Arson probe after 14 homes being built in Marana destroyed

May 17, 2022 GMT

MARANA, Ariz. (AP) — Authorities in the Tucson suburb of Marana are investigating whether a fire that destroyed 14 homes under construction homes was arson.

Marana police officials said the fire started late Friday night.

Accelerate Diagnostics: Q1 Earnings Snapshot

May 16, 2022 GMT

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) _ Accelerate Diagnostics Inc. (AXDX) on Monday reported a loss of $14.2 million in its first quarter.

On a per-share basis, the Tucson, Arizona-based company said it had a loss of 21 cents.

Inmate death probed in Tucson; in-custody death in Kingman

May 14, 2022 GMT

KINGMAN, Ariz. (AP) — Police in Kingman are investigating the circumstances that led to the death of a suspect while he was in the custody of Bullhead City officers who were transporting him to the Mohave County jail.

6 years in prison for 21-year-old Phoenix human smuggler

May 14, 2022 GMT

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — A judge has sentenced a 21-year-old Phoenix man to more than six years in federal prison after he pleaded guilty to charges related to a human smuggling operation he was running that led to a fatal crash involving a driver he recruited via Snapchat.

Company: Arizona mine project remains underway after ruling

May 13, 2022 GMT

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Hudbay Minerals Inc. says it may appeal a court ruling against its planned use of forest land to store waste rock from a proposed new copper mine but that it also will continue planning for a nearby related project that would include using private land.

Mister Car Wash: Q1 Earnings Snapshot

May 12, 2022 GMT

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) _ Mister Car Wash Inc. (MCW) on Thursday reported first-quarter earnings of $35.5 million.

On a per-share basis, the Tucson, Arizona-based company said it had net income of 11 cents.

Arizona history-May 15-21

May 11, 2022 GMT

Sunday, May 15

On this date in 1899, the Phoenix Daily Herald ran an ad placed by a local contractor asking residents why they continue to spend $5, $10 or $15 a month on rent when they could own a lot in the heart of Phoenix for $65 to $200.

Former state lawmaker Herschella Horton of Tucson dies at 83

May 7, 2022 GMT

TUCSON, Ariz (AP) — Former Democratic state lawmaker Herschella Horton of Tucson has died, her family announced Friday. She was 83.

A registered nurse, Horton died Wednesday, her son and daughter, Jon Horton and Cheryl Walker, said.

AudioEye: Q1 Earnings Snapshot

May 5, 2022 GMT

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) _ AudioEye, Inc. (AEYE) on Thursday reported a loss of $3.6 million in its first quarter.

The Tucson, Arizona-based company said it had a loss of 32 cents per share.

The company posted revenue of $6.9 million in the period.

Tucson police: 3 found dead in home after murder-suicide

May 5, 2022 GMT

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — A Tucson man killed himself after fatally shooting his wife and adult stepdaughter in a home, police said.

Two juveniles were in the home when the shooting occurred Tuesday but were unharmed and ran to the home of a neighbor who called 911, police said in a statement.

Arizona couple get prison terms in a 2019 Tucson murder case

May 1, 2022 GMT

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — An Arizona couple who prompted a nationwide manhunt in 2019 after escaping from custody have both been sentenced in a Tucson murder case.

Pima County prosecutors said Blane Barksdale, who turns 59 next month, received a 22-year prison term Friday while his wife got a five-year sentence.

Ex-county assessor pleads guilty in bribery corruption case

April 26, 2022 GMT

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — A former southern Arizona county official has pleaded guilty in a bribery corruption case in which he took cash and favors for reducing assessed values of properties so the landowner would save on taxes.

Arizona history-April 24-30

April 20, 2022 GMT

Sunday, April 24

On this date in 1880, St. Mary’s Hospital in Tucson opened, staffed by the Sisters of St. Joseph.

On this date in 1909, the town of Wickenburg was incorporated by a vote of 36 to 5.

Arizona’s Mathurin declares for NBA draft

April 14, 2022 GMT

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Arizona sophomore Bennedict Mathurin is entering the NBA draft.

The 6-foot-6 guard is a projected lottery pick after a breakout season during his second year in Tucson. He led the Wildcats with 17.7 points per game and shot 45% from the field.

Tucson couple convicted of defrauding investors out of $5M

April 10, 2022 GMT

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — A Tucson couple who ran a software company have been convicted of defrauding investors out of about $5 million., according to federal authorities.

Prosecutors said 73-year-old Michael Feinberg and his 80-year-old wife Betsy Feinberg were convicted by jurors Friday after a trail in U.S.

Police: Suspected driver of migrants hits cyclist, crashes

April 8, 2022 GMT

SIERRA VISTA, Ariz. (AP) — Sierra Vista police say a Tucson man suspected of transporting migrants who'd entered the country illegally was arrested after speeding through a school zone, hitting a bicyclist and crashing his vehicle in a residential area.

Arizona history-April 10-16

April 6, 2022 GMT

Sunday, April 10

On this date in 1903, Mason Greenlee, pioneer from Kentucky for whom Greenlee County is named, died.

On this date in 1904, Sister Euphrasia, one of five sisters who came to Tucson in 1871 from St.

Mining company plans to begin site preparation work soon

April 5, 2022 GMT

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — A Hudbay Minerals Inc. subsidiary plans to begin clearing and grading this month on the southern Arizona site for a planned new mine with five open pits.

Man wounded in shooting in Buckeye last month dies

April 4, 2022 GMT

BUCKEYE, Ariz. (AP) — Buckeye police say a man shot and wounded last month has succumbed to his injuries.

Police spokeswoman Carissa Planalp confirmed Sunday that 23-year-old Brian Herman Ceccon Gonzi died Friday.

Pima County leader to resign months after bicycle crash

April 1, 2022 GMT

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Longtime Pima County Administrator Chuck Huckleberry is resigning more than five months after he was seriously injured when a driver struck him while he was riding his bicycle.

Woman dies in Tucson fire; Smoking near oxygen tanks blamed

March 31, 2022 GMT

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — An elderly woman has died in a mobile home fire on Tucson's west side and smoking too close to oxygen tanks is the likely cause, authorities said Thursday.

Tucson Fire Department officials said crews were called out to the Four Threes Mobile Home Park around 10:30 p.m.

Tucson police: Suspect arrested in a double homicide case

March 27, 2022 GMT

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — A suspect has been arrested in connection with a double homicide case in Tucson, according to authorities.

Tucson police said 24-year-old Zachary Joseph Thomas Naifeh iwas being held in the Pima County Jail on suspicion of two counts each of first-degree murder and being a prohibited possessor of a firearm.

Mister Car Wash: Q4 Earnings Snapshot

March 24, 2022 GMT

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) _ Mister Car Wash Inc. (MCW) on Thursday reported fourth-quarter net income of $36.3 million.

The Tucson, Arizona-based company said it had profit of 11 cents per share. Earnings, adjusted for non-recurring gains, came to 10 cents per share.

Tucson bookkeeper accused of embezzling $5M from businesses

March 21, 2022 GMT

PHOENIX (AP) — A longtime bookkeeper for two Tucson-area construction companies and a homeowner’s association in Mexico has been indicted for allegedly embezzling more than $5 million from the businesses, according to authorities.

SUV fatally strikes 2 cyclists near Tucson; Suspect arrested

March 20, 2022 GMT

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Two cyclists have died after being struck by a vehicle in the Catalina Foothills near Tucson and a suspect has been arrested, according to authorities.

Pima County Sheriff's officials said 74-year-old Kenneth Cook and his 62-year-old wife, Gretchen, were both declared dead at the scene Saturday.

Colorado railroad operator poised to operate Old Tucson site

March 19, 2022 GMT

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — A company that operates historic railroads in Colorado and North Carolina is poised to take over operations of Old Tucson, a western-themed attraction that served as a film set for classic movies, television productions and commercials, officials said.

Tucson to name music hall for native daughter Linda Ronstadt

March 19, 2022 GMT

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — The Tucson Music Hall will be renamed in honor of Linda Ronstadt, a southern Arizona native who went on to become a Grammy-winning superstar, Mayor Regina Romero announced Friday.

Koloko, Arizona overpower Wright State in NCAA 1st round

By BERNIE WILSONMarch 19, 2022 GMT

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Christian Koloko scored 17 points, grabbed 13 rebounds and keyed a second-half surge for top-seeded Arizona, which beat No. 16 Wright State 87-70 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday night.

No. 19 Arizona relishing chance to host NCAA Tournament

By JOHN MARSHALLMarch 18, 2022 GMT

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Adia Barnes led Arizona's rise to national prominence as a player, guiding the Wildcats to the NCAA Tournament three of her four years in the desert. She returned to coach at her alma mater and spearheaded a return to national prominence.