Good morning, this is Tucson Local Pulse for Thursday, August seventh.
Our top story today: the Tucson City Council has unanimously voted to kill the controversial Project Blue data center proposal near I-10 and Houghton, ending hopes for a billion-dollar Amazon facility on the city’s southeast edge. The project promised thousands of construction jobs and steady tech employment, but fierce opposition from residents over water and electricity use pushed the council to act. Mayor Regina Romero says the move is about protecting Tucson’s resources, and the city will soon work on stricter zoning rules for future large water users. The land sale still stands in unincorporated Pima County, so we might see activity just outside city limits, but for now, this chapter closes with local environmental groups celebrating.
Shifting to City Hall, council members this week also discussed new ordinances on reclaimed water and debated tax options to fund public transit. There was special attention paid to regional transportation and fare equity, along with an update on water rights negotiations with the Pascua Yaqui Tribe.
If you are out and about near Camino de Oeste and Bald Eagle Avenue, expect delays this morning, as the county is installing an all-way stop with flaggers managing traffic. And for those near La Cholla and Foothills Mall Drive, yesterday’s temporary signal shutdown is now resolved.
Turning to our weather, we are starting the day warm and dry, with highs pushing past one-oh-seven. No rain in sight, so if you are making outdoor plans—especially hikes in Sabino Canyon or Tumamoc Hill—bring plenty of water and stay cool during those peak afternoon hours. The heat should stick around through the weekend, so pace yourself.
On the health front, the Pima County Health Department is hosting a back-to-school vaccine clinic today at the Kino Event Center on Ajo Way until four p.m. If you still need immunizations or school physicals for your kids, just grab their records and drop in. No appointment needed, and uninsured families can get assistance.
In real estate news, demand stays steady while supply remains tight on the east side. Median home prices are holding near four hundred forty thousand dollars. The rental market continues to be competitive, especially around the University area.
Looking at jobs, the city’s vote against Project Blue means we miss an estimated seventy-five to one hundred eighty new data and IT roles, each averaging around sixty thousand dollars a year, but local hospitality and healthcare sectors are both actively hiring, with popular hotel chains and Banner Health posting multiple openings this week.
It is a busy week ahead culturally. Four new murals are brightening Downtown as part of Tucson’s two hundred fiftieth anniversary. This weekend, Impact Tucson is offering free backpacks and school supplies at Palo Verde Magnet High School, and local peace activist Ted Warmbrand will be leading a community sing on Sunday, connecting music with history at the El Pueblo Center.
As for sports, high school teams are gearing up for football scrimmages and preseason volleyball. University of Arizona’s soccer squad snagged a twenty win over Grand Canyon last night, a strong start to their August schedule.
On public safety, Tucson police report a quiet night downtown after a recent uptick in car break-ins near Fourth Avenue. Officers remind us to secure valuables and lock vehicles, especially during August’s busy event season.
Ending on a positive note, a local poet, Joshua Lillie, has just released his new collection Small Talk Symphony, drawing inspiration from conversations across Tucson’s neighborhoods. His work offers snapshots of the people and places that make our city unique.
Thank you, listeners, for tuning in and remember to subscribe. This has been Tucson Local Pulse. We will see you tomorrow with more local updates. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.
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