🚨 Public Safety
Rio Nuevo Treasurer Chris Sheafe and Wife Killed in Marana Plane Crash. Prominent Tucson developer and Rio Nuevo District treasurer Chris Sheafe and his wife Jacque died Wednesday when their small plane ran off the runway and crashed upon returning to their home base at Marana airport. The couple had flown to Indianapolis to watch the University of Arizona compete in the Final Four. Sheafe was widely credited with helping build modern downtown Tucson through his financial expertise and years of service on the Rio Nuevo board.
🏛️ Government
Arizona's Public Universities Quietly Dismantled DEI Programs, Refused to Disclose Changes. Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, and the University of Arizona have renamed programs, consolidated resource centers, and scrubbed DEI-related content from websites over the past year — all without publicly disclosing the scope of changes. The moves followed a February 2025 U.S. Department of Education letter threatening to cut federal funding if universities continued promoting DEI programs. Officials at all three schools declined interview requests and denied or ignored public records requests from the Arizona Center for Investigative Reporting over several months.
Tucson-Area Congresswoman Among Lawmakers Demanding Answers on Overcrowded Mesa ICE Facility. U.S. Reps. Yassamin Ansari, Adelita Grijalva (D-Tucson), and Greg Stanton made an unannounced visit Thursday night to the Arizona Removal Operations Coordination Center at Mesa-Gateway Airport and found detainees packed "like sardines" — up to 40 to 50 people in rooms certified for 21, many sleeping on concrete floors without bedding. The lawmakers sent a formal letter to the Department of Homeland Security citing potential violations of federal detention standards, including inadequate toilets, showers, drinking water, and medical care. DHS did not respond to a request for comment before publication.
Pima County Seeks Applicants for New RTA Citizens Oversight Committee. Following the March 10 vote to extend the Regional Transportation Authority for 20 years, Pima County is now accepting applications for a new citizens' oversight committee to provide public accountability for the renewed regional transit program.
Tucson Local Media / Explorer News
Pinal County Board: Attorney Acted as 'Vigilante' in Signing ICE Deal. Attorneys for the Pinal County Board of Supervisors asked a Maricopa County Superior Court to void County Attorney Brad Miller's 287(g) immigration enforcement partnership with ICE, arguing Miller violated Arizona law by signing the agreement without board approval. The Task Force Model agreement — the most aggressive type of ICE partnership — allows county investigators to question individuals' citizenship status during routine encounters. A hearing is scheduled for April 15.
🏗️ Development & Business
Gas Prices in Tucson Begin Dropping After Strait of Hormuz Reopened. Pima County's average price per gallon has begun falling from a recent high of around $4.50, following the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, though most stations remain above $4. GasBuddy analyst Patrick DeHaan said prices will continue declining barring new developments and advised drivers not to rush to fill up — but to watch headlines and consider filling up Sunday night or Monday morning.
Oro Valley Planning Land-Use Designations for 114 Acres East of Oracle Road. Oro Valley is moving toward new zoning and general plan designations for undeveloped land in the Oro Valley Town Center — a 114-acre parcel east of Oracle Road near Pusch View Lane. Town officials say they are seeking to "balance" competing development interests for the site.
Tucson Local Media / Explorer News
Tucson House Renovation Begins at 1501 N. Oracle Road. Work began March 10 at the historic Tucson House apartment building in a ceremony attended by Gov. Katie Hobbs and Mayor Regina Romero. The renovation project marks new life for a longtime midtown landmark.
🎉 Community & Events
Tucson Folk Festival Celebrates 41 Years This Weekend Downtown. The Tucson Folk Festival — billed as the largest free folk music festival in the western United States — returns for its 41st year, with multiple stages centered at Jácome Plaza and surrounding downtown venues. The multi-day event features bluegrass, Americana, and singer-songwriter performances and is free to attend. Mild spring weather and large crowds are expected.
Taste of Oro Valley Returns Sunday at Steam Pump Ranch. The Rotary Club of Oro Valley hosts the 11th annual "Taste of Oro Valley" on Sunday, April 12, 4:30–7:30 p.m. at historic Steam Pump Ranch, featuring local restaurants and community vendors.
Logan Phillips Named Tucson Poet Laureate, 2026–2029. The city of Tucson, in partnership with the Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona and the University of Arizona Poetry Center, appointed Logan Phillips as the city's poet laureate for the 2026–2029 term.
⛈️ Weather — Tucson
No active watches, warnings, or advisories.
Today: Sunny, high near 87°F. South wind 2 to 15 mph, gusts up to 24 mph. Precipitation chance: 5%. Tonight: Clear, low around 55°F. South wind 6 to 14 mph, gusts up to 23 mph. Tomorrow (Sunday): Mostly sunny, high near 85°F. South wind 6 to 21 mph, gusts up to 31 mph — breezy. Outlook: A pleasant but increasingly windy weekend gives way to a brief cooling trend Monday (high near 80°F, partly sunny). Conditions clear and warm again by mid-week, with sunny skies and highs in the low-to-mid 80s through Friday.
Sunrise: 5:57 AM | Sunset: 6:51 PM
NWS Tucson Forecast API