Tucson Today: Guthrie Search Intensifies, New Police Chief, Gem Show Windfall
Tucson, AZ – February 18, 2026 – Guthrie search deepens, city welcomes new police chief, and the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show leaves a major economic mark.
Tucson Daily Briefing
Investigators press on in Nancy Guthrie disappearance
The search for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, abducted from her home in the Tucson area earlier this month, remains the region’s most urgent story. As the case enters its third week, investigators say DNA from a glove found near her home did not match any profiles in national criminal databases, closing off one early lead but not the broader forensic work underway.
Detectives and federal agents are now leaning more heavily on advanced tools, including technology that can search for signals from Guthrie’s pacemaker and detailed analysis of surveillance images. A new clue, a distinctive ring visible on the suspect in recovered video, is being examined for possible ties to specific buyers or local retailers.
The case has drawn intense national attention because Guthrie is the mother of a network morning show co-anchor, but in Tucson the focus is on a vulnerable neighbor who has not been seen since February 1. Neighbors have lined streets with yellow ribbons as a visible sign of support, and a six-figure reward remains on the table for information that leads to Guthrie’s safe return or an arrest.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has said investigators are still working the case as if Guthrie could be found alive, noting there is no proof of death even as days pass without confirmed sightings. Authorities continue to urge residents within several miles of Guthrie’s home to review security footage and report anything unusual from the days before her disappearance.
Monica Prieto steps in as Tucson’s new police chief
Leadership at the Tucson Police Department is shifting just as the region faces heightened scrutiny over public safety. Deputy Chief Monica Prieto has been promoted to chief, assuming command of the department’s five major bureaus after more than two decades with the agency.
Prieto began her career on Eastside patrol and worked assignments ranging from narcotics to sensitive investigations involving vulnerable victims. In recent years she has overseen violent crimes and then investigative services, giving her direct experience with the kind of complex, multi-agency cases now in the spotlight.
Her promotion follows the decision by outgoing Chief Chad Kasmar to move into a senior administrative role with Pima County. Prieto is expected to emphasize community partnerships and data-driven policing while managing staffing challenges that mirror those facing departments nationwide.
Gem and Mineral Show delivers big economic boost
As investigators and police manage heavy workloads, Tucson’s largest annual event has just wrapped up with record numbers. The Tucson Gem and Mineral Show and its satellite events are estimated to have generated roughly $285 million in economic impact for the metro area, according to a recent study.
Organizers say the number of shows, vendors and buyers has risen sharply over the past decade, filling hotels from downtown to the outskirts and keeping restaurants, bars and transportation services busy throughout the winter season. Local businesses describe the weeks around the show as a crucial part of their yearly revenue.
City leaders view the event as both a tourism engine and an international calling card for Tucson, drawing visitors from around the world who often return for other desert getaways and conferences.
Sources
https://apnews.com/article/aadbb20a613491c10373f55ba33d1831
https://people.com/nancy-guthrie-neighbors-decorating-trees-mailboxes-with-yellow-ribbons-amid-search-11907926
https://www.the-sun.com/entertainment/15959777/nancy-guthrie-new-clue-update/
https://www.nypost.com/2026/02/18/us-news/nancy-guthrie-sheriff-admits-to-only-holding-out-hope-as-no-proof-of-death/
https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Police/About-the-Tucson-Police-Department/Chief-of-Police-Monica-Prieto
https://biztucson.com/tucson-police-chief-chad-kasmar-to-be-pima-county-deputy-administrator/
https://www.kgun9.com/news/community-inspired-journalism/midtown-news/tucson-gem-and-mineral-show-delivers-285-million-boost-to-local-economy
