Tucson's Dangerous Driving, PFAS Lawsuit Funds, and Local Talent Shine: Tucson Local Pulse Update

13/09/2025 4 min
Tucson's Dangerous Driving, PFAS Lawsuit Funds, and Local Talent Shine: Tucson Local Pulse Update

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Episode Synopsis

Good morning, this is Tucson Local Pulse for Saturday, September 13. We start today with major breaking news in public safety as Tucson now ranks fifth among the most dangerous cities for drivers in the country, according to Consumer Affairs. With 55 fatal crashes reported so far this year, local officials are calling for stronger enforcement measures and new technology to curb speeding and street racing. Cyclist safety is also in the spotlight, as our accident rate for cyclists is four times the national average, prompting neighborhood groups to push for better bike lanes and safer crossings.Looking at City Hall, there’s good news for Tucson’s water future. Water officials confirm we’ve started receiving settlement funds from a national lawsuit against makers of firefighting foam that contaminated water supplies. These funds are expected to support long-term water safety improvements and address the community’s concerns over PFAS chemicals.Turning to the weather, we wake up to a clear and warm morning, with temperatures heading toward the mid-nineties this afternoon. So if you’re planning to attend any outdoor events, like the Feliz Paseos nature walk, bring your sunblock and water. No rain is expected, and this dry pattern should hold through the weekend.If you travel along Speedway or Campbell, watch for increased police presence as they step up enforcement around high-traffic intersections. This is a response to recent accidents and is part of a city-wide effort to improve roadway safety.On the job front, Tucson’s unemployment rate remains steady at just under four percent, with hospitality and tech sectors showing the most new listings. Several new cafes and a boutique hotel have opened downtown, while a long-time Fourth Avenue art supply store announced its closing later this month.In real estate, local agents report that inventory remains tight with the average home price in central Tucson hovering around $340,000. Prospective buyers should prepare for competitive offers, especially near the University area.Switching to culture, the Tiny Desert Concert series continues tonight at Hotel Congress, featuring local indie acts and drawing music fans from across the city. Community favorites like the Marana Girls Flag Football “Battle of the Saddle” game are set for September 25, so mark your calendars. For families, the annual Southern Arizona College and Career Night is coming up on September 23 at the Tucson Convention Center, offering workshops and recruiter meetups for students.In school news, Marana Unified celebrated International Literacy Day this week, with hundreds of students participating in reading activities. Marana High’s own Mr. Bixby has just been recognized with the 2025 Yale Educator Award, a proud moment for the district. The Flowing Wells District also highlights their commitment to fine arts and athletics, continuing to offer robust after-school programs.For sports fans, University of Arizona football claimed a close win against Kansas State, pulling ahead 23 to 17 thanks to two first-half touchdowns by Noah Fifita and a standout 189-yard rushing game from Ismail Mahdi. Arizona volleyball suffered a tough loss to Washington but will look to bounce back against San Diego this afternoon.One feel-good story to close: Two Tucsonans have made this year’s prestigious 40 Under 40 list, bringing pride to the University of Arizona and highlighting the city’s future leaders in medicine and business development.As for crime updates, University of Arizona Police again urge e-bike owners to lock up and register their bikes after a recent increase in thefts near campus. No major violent crimes were reported overnight, but the police department reminds everyone to stay alert, especially after dark around Downtown and Fourth Avenue.Thank you for joining us. Don’t forget to check out upcoming community events, support our local businesses, and stay safe out there. This has been Tucson Local Pulse. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates. Thanks for tuning in and remember to subscribe. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease dot ai.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

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