🏛️ Government
RTA Next Transportation Plan Passes Across Every Pima County Jurisdiction. Tucson-area voters approved Propositions 418 and 419 — the $2.67 billion RTA Next regional transportation plan — in all six Tucson city wards, as well as in Marana, Oro Valley, Sahuarita, South Tucson, and unincorporated Pima County precincts. The sweeping approval provides a multi-decade funding framework for roads, transit, and active transportation across the region.
Pima County Sheriff Nanos Found to Have Abused Authority for Political Gain. An outside administrative investigation concluded that Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos used his office and department resources for "political gain" and violated code of conduct rules when he launched an investigation into former deputy Heather Lappin, who ran against him in the 2024 election. The probe, reported by the Tucson Sentinel, marks a significant accountability finding against the sitting county sheriff.
Arizona Joins 23-State Lawsuit to Block Trump's Mail Ballot Executive Order. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes joined a coalition of more than 20 states Thursday filing suit in federal court to block President Trump's March 31 executive order restricting mail-ballot procedures. Mayes said the Constitution is clear that "states run elections — not the President," and that Arizona will not allow federal seizure of its election system. The order would require DHS to compile citizenship lists, mandate ballot tracking barcodes, and condition federal funds on state compliance.
Arizona Mirror, Tucson Sentinel
Federal Judge Rules DHS Unlawfully Ended Parole for 900,000+ CBP One Users. A federal judge in Boston ruled the Trump administration violated federal law by terminating immigration parole status for more than 900,000 people admitted under the Biden-era CBP One app while they sought asylum. The ruling has direct implications for thousands of border-area migrants in the Tucson-Nogales corridor.
Trump Administration Sues Arizona Over Kalshi Prediction Market Prosecution. Three weeks after Arizona filed criminal charges against online prediction market platform Kalshi for allegedly violating state gambling laws, the Trump administration countersued the state, arguing it has no authority to regulate federally licensed prediction markets. The clash pits Arizona's attorney general against federal regulators in a case with broad implications for state versus federal jurisdiction over financial products.
Arizona Republicans Push for More Oversight of Elections Procedures Manual. Senate Bill 1237 — which would require the secretary of state to consult with county recorders and legislative elections committee chairs before revising the Elections Procedures Manual — passed the Arizona Senate on party lines and is headed to a House floor vote. Tucson Democratic Rep. Nancy Gutierrez called the measure an "overreach," while Republican sponsors argue it would reduce future litigation over election rules.
Pascua Yaqui Members React with Mixed Feelings to New Native American ID Designation. Arizona now allows enrolled members of federally recognized tribes to obtain a Native American designation on their driver's licenses and state IDs. While tribal members acknowledge potential opportunities, some Pascua Yaqui residents expressed skepticism about how the designation will be used and what it may mean for tribal sovereignty.
🏗️ Development & Business
Miller's Surplus, a 75-Year Tucson Fixture, Is Closing. Miller's Surplus, the military surplus and gear store north of downtown Tucson that has been a local institution for 75 years, is closing. The store has already launched a liquidation sale as it winds down operations.
Renovations Begin at Tucson House Landmark on Oracle Road. Work began March 10 at the Tucson House, 1501 N. Oracle Road, with a ceremony attended by Gov. Katie Hobbs and Tucson Mayor Regina Romero. The renovation of the longtime landmark is expected to bring new life to the Oracle Road corridor.
Legacy Learning to Open New Tucson Campus for Deaf and Blind Students. Private education provider Legacy Learning Community announced it will open a new Tucson campus in Fall 2026 that will welcome students with visual and auditory impairments, following the announced closure and relocation of Arizona Schools for the Deaf and Blind programs.
🎉 Community & Events
Logan Phillips Named Tucson Poet Laureate for 2026–2029. The City of Tucson, in partnership with the Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona and the UA Poetry Center, has appointed Logan Phillips as Tucson's poet laureate through 2029. Phillips is an Arizona-based poet and educator.
UA Head Coach Tommy Lloyd Signs Five-Year Extension, Will Not Leave for North Carolina. University of Arizona basketball coach Tommy Lloyd signed a five-year, $37.5 million contract extension through 2031, ending speculation that he was a candidate for the head coaching vacancy at North Carolina. The deal includes commitments from the UA to boost basketball resources, revenue sharing, and NIL support.
⛈️ Weather — Tucson
No active weather alerts.
Today (Saturday, April 4): Mostly sunny. High near 90°F. ESE wind 5–8 mph. 2% chance of precipitation. Tonight: Mostly clear. Low around 60°F. E wind around 8 mph. Tomorrow (Sunday, April 5): Sunny. High near 91°F. ESE wind 9–14 mph. 3% chance of precipitation. Outlook: Hot, dry conditions dominate the coming week. Highs reach 91°F Sunday before dropping to 87°F Monday, then climbing back to 91–93°F by Tuesday–Wednesday. A slight (5–9%) chance of precipitation returns late next week, but no significant rain is expected through the period.
NWS Tucson Forecast API