Graffiti becoming more common in Tucson's backcountry

A springtime walk on the Pima Canyon Trail can be a bonanza of beauty - and also a bit of a bummer.

Thanks to some winter rain, spring bloom's here after all

Patches of Mexican poppies are popping up along the Sutherland Trail in Catalina State Park north of Tucson, courtesy of late rains.

Thanks to some winter rain, spring bloom's here after all

Caption unavailable

Thanks to some winter rain, spring bloom's here after all

Caption unavailable

Thanks to some winter rain, spring bloom's here after all

Caption unavailable

Thanks to some winter rain, spring bloom's here after all

Caption unavailable

Thanks to some winter rain, spring bloom's here after all

Caption unavailable

Thanks to some winter rain, spring bloom's here after all

Caption unavailable

Thanks to some winter rain, spring bloom's here after all

Caption unavailable

Thanks to some winter rain, spring bloom's here after all

Caption unavailable

Thanks to some winter rain, spring bloom's here after all

Our bloom is not a bust after all.

For those craving snow, mountains have plenty

There is something quite wondrous about breaking a fresh trail - in science, in art and even in a medium as simple, and yet sublime, as new-fallen snow.

Today's road conditions in Pima County

Today’s road condition report from Pima County’s Transportation Department:

Crews fighting house fire on Tucson's NE side

Crews from Rural/Metro Fire Department are working to control a fire in a home in the 3700 block of North Tres Lomas Drive. That's near East Tanque Verde Road and East Catalina Highway.

Mt. Lemmon, with 29" of snow, is a big white magnet for skiers

Though tracks lead every which way, this snowboarder at Mount Lemmon Ski Valley has a route all planned out. "It's been really good this year - good snow and good crowds," said Graham Davies, general manager of Ski Valley, which opened on Dec. 20.

Mt. Lemmon, with 29" of snow, is a big white magnet for skiers

Skiing enthusiasts Mary Cavada, 8, and her father, Francisco, take advantage of the excellent conditions at Mount Lemmon Ski Valley.

Mt. Lemmon, with 29" of snow, is a big white magnet for skiers

Skiers are schussing the slopes of Mount Lemmon Ski Valley on 29 inches of natural snow - while more northerly ski areas such as the Arizona Snowbowl near Flagstaff rely partly on artificial snowmaking.

Road to Mt. Lemmon closed

The road up Mount Lemmon is closed due to white-out conditions.

Lifetime probation for Tucson man who tried to lure boys

A 53-year-old Tucson man was placed on lifetime probation Monday for soliciting sexual acts from teenage boys on two separate occasions.

Court: County reneged on trailhead deal

Pima County broke its promise to build a Catalina Highway bike trailhead and may have to pay back the family who helped fund it, the Arizona Court of Appeals has decided.