🚨 Public Safety
Pima County Sheriff says multiple suspects possible in Nancy Guthrie abduction; reward now $102,500. Investigators are not ruling out the possibility that more than one person was involved in the abduction of Nancy Guthrie, and are seeking information to identify a man seen on doorbell surveillance video at her home. DNA recovered from gloves found two miles from Guthrie's property did not match a national DNA database or samples collected at the scene. An anonymous donor contributed $100,000 to 88-CRIME, bringing the total reward for information to $102,500.
Davis-Monthan airman and spouse indicted in multi-million dollar medical device fraud scheme. A U.S. Air Force airman stationed at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and his spouse have been indicted by federal prosecutors on charges of purchasing government-funded medical devices and reselling them for personal profit. The scheme allegedly involved millions of dollars in fraudulently acquired equipment.
🏛️ Government
Tucson leaders push back on budget cuts amid $27 million deficit. The mayor and city council reaffirmed their commitment to nonprofit organizations and public drug use prevention initiatives during a Wednesday study session, even as city officials struggle to close a $27 million budget gap this fiscal year. City CFO Anna Rosenberry presented four options totaling only $9.1 million in savings — a fraction of what is needed — including the possibility of foregoing general fund contributions to housing programs.
Arizona Luminaria, Tucson Agenda
RTA Next voter guide: March election will shape regional roads and transit for years. The Regional Transportation Authority's Next election, coming next month, will not raise taxes but will determine which road projects get funded — or don't — over the coming years. Voters in Marana, Tucson, and surrounding communities will decide the fate of a $2.67 billion plan that includes long-delayed projects such as Silverbell Road and Tangerine Road improvements. The election also has significant implications for bus riders across the region.
Pima County supervisors adopt policies restricting ICE activity on county property. The Pima County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to adopt two new policies limiting the use of county property by federal immigration agents, including a prohibition on masked law enforcement activity. Supporters call the resolution a clear message to federal agents; Republican Supervisor Tim Christy characterized it as "toothless" but symbolic.
Benson recall election: Three city council members to face challengers over aluminum plant. Months of grassroots opposition to an aluminum plant under construction in Benson has forced a recall election targeting three of the city's five council members. The campaign is one of the most significant local accountability efforts in Southern Arizona in recent years, driven by residents' concerns about the industrial facility.
Arizona bill would place immigration officers at polling places. Arizona Republican lawmakers are preparing to introduce legislation that would station immigration enforcement officers at polling locations. The proposal is the latest in a series of state bills aimed at tightening immigration enforcement and has drawn sharp criticism from civil liberties advocates and Democratic legislators.
🎓 Education
University of Arizona dismantles cultural housing communities, shifts to interdisciplinary model. A University of Arizona program that grouped students from similar cultural backgrounds together in residence halls will no longer center on shared cultural identity. The university is rebranding the initiative under an interdisciplinary focus, a move that follows broader national pressure on institutions to restructure identity-based programs. Some student advocates expressed concern about the loss of community support structures.
🏗️ Development & Business
Brandylion: Tea & Spirits to open downtown Tucson Saturday. A new tea and spirits concept, Brandylion, will host its grand opening Saturday, Feb. 21, at 200 N. Court Ave. inside the Presidio San Agustín del Tucson Museum. The space previously housed Dandelion Cafe and Bakery, which relocated across the street.
Oro Valley stormwater utility fees rising July 1 under three-year phased plan. Oro Valley will begin implementing a series of stormwater utility fee increases effective July 1, the first in a three-year phased hike approved by the town. The increases are intended to fund drainage infrastructure and comply with state and federal stormwater management requirements.
🎉 Community & Events
Diocese of Tucson installs new Bishop after yearlong vacancy. James Misko was ordained and installed as Bishop of the Diocese of Tucson on Friday at St. Augustine Cathedral in downtown Tucson. The ceremony, attended by a cardinal, 20 bishops, and more than 200 clergy, marks the end of a 12-month vacancy for the diocese, which serves approximately 400,000 Catholics in Southern Arizona.
⛈️ Weather — Tucson
No active NWS alerts for the Tucson/Pima County area.
Tonight: Mostly clear. Low around 35°F. West northwest wind 2 to 7 mph. No precipitation.
Tomorrow (Saturday): Sunny. High near 72°F. East wind 2 to 6 mph. No precipitation.
Sunday: Mostly sunny. High near 77°F. East wind 8 to 12 mph.
Outlook: A significant warming trend is underway for Southeast Arizona. After reaching near-normal temperatures this weekend, highs will climb to around 82°F by Monday — roughly 10°F above normal. By the end of next week, the Tucson metro could see highs of 86–87°F, 13 to 18 degrees above normal. NWS Tucson forecasters say there is a 49 percent probability of a record high temperature on Friday, Feb. 27 (forecast: 87°F; record: 88°F). Dry conditions with low relative humidity are expected throughout.
NWS Tucson Forecast API