Homelessness

Arizona sees a consistent spike in drug deaths in the summer. One local organization is working to raise awareness of the dangerous combination of extreme heat and substance use.

Protesters gathered outside a recent Tempe City Council meeting and dozens spoke inside to try to stop an ordinance they call a violation of free speech and assembly. Taylor Seely, a First Amendment reporting fellow at the Arizona Republic, joined The Show to discuss.

Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell announced the sentencing of a man involved in violent crimes against homeless people. Isaiah Adams faces 19 years in prison.

The most recent Tempe and Phoenix council meetings took more than 12 hours combined. Homeless advocates aired their fury in one city while leaders in the other added oversight to a contract with a nonprofit offering services to unhoused people.

Arizona is the first state to establish and then abolish a low-income housing tax credit program.

New York City finalized the tally of votes in last Tuesday’s primary election for mayor. Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani decisively defeated former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

The newly approved state budget allocates $4 million to the Arizona Department of Economic Security to assist renters with housing or utility expenses, or legal aid resources.

The Tucson City Council amended the city code to ban camping in city washes and parks, adding to restrictions that already limit where unhoused people can sleep.

CASS and Keys to Change held a water drive last weekend, but say they only received a fraction of what is needed for the summer.

Across the Valley, nonprofit organizations are preparing for the extreme temperatures with heat relief programs and service accommodations.