Daily Brief
July 12, 2026
Sunday
🚨 Public Safety
Monsoon storm knocks out power for more than 10,000, floods streets and washes. A powerful monsoon storm swept through Tucson Saturday night, cutting power to more than 10,000 Tucson Electric Power customers across 28 reported outages and flooding streets and washes citywide. Trees were downed across the city as the storm moved through.
Tucson Fire rescues person stranded in Alamo Wash. Crews rescued an uninjured individual Saturday evening from fast-moving floodwaters in the Alamo Wash near Wilmot Road and 5th Street. The person had been left stranded on a small section of the wash bank as waters rose quickly during the storm.
Former Tucson man arrested on decades-old sexual assault charges. John "Lincoln" Sperry, a former Tucson resident, has been arrested on two counts of sexual conduct with a minor stemming from an alleged assault on a teenage girl in 2004, according to KOLD News 13.
🏛️ Government
Sun Tran contract vote looms for Tucson bus riders. Teamsters Local Union 104 was scheduled to hold a press conference Sunday evening following a membership vote on Sun Tran's final contract offer. Union leadership planned to announce whether members voted to accept or reject the offer, with riders closely watching the outcome for potential service impacts.
Rep. Grijalva calls for halt to deportations amid Arizona measles outbreak. U.S. Rep. Adelita Grijalva, a Tucson Democrat, is calling on federal authorities to delay deportation proceedings for ICE detainees in Arizona affected by a measles outbreak. Grijalva cited public health concerns for both detainees and the broader community.
ESA restriction initiative likely headed to November ballot. A ballot initiative that would place new limits on Arizona's Empowerment Scholarship Account program — the state's universal school voucher system — appears on track to qualify for the November ballot, according to Green Valley News. The measure would restrict eligibility for the publicly funded vouchers.
Election officials and law enforcement brief community on voting security. Several local agencies held a joint community briefing in Tucson to outline coordinated efforts to protect the integrity and safety of the upcoming election. Separately, Arizona community organizers have trained hundreds of residents as election observers, with emphasis on protocols if National Guard or immigration agents appear at polling places, according to Arizona Mirror.
Lawsuit seeks to block Arizona 'Secure the Border Act' provision before July 14. Two organizations filed a federal lawsuit seeking to block the most contested provision of Arizona's voter-approved Secure the Border Act ahead of a July 14 deadline, according to KOLD News 13.
Pima County offers job training assistance under expanded SNAP work rules. Pima County has announced it is ready to help residents navigate new federal requirements that expand work mandates for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients. County officials said job training and support services are available for those affected by the change.
🏗️ Development & Business
Federal housing law expected to expand affordable options in Tucson. A bipartisan federal housing bill, which Sen. Mark Kelly said has been signed into law, targets manufactured housing, ADU financing, environmental review reform, and construction funding with the aim of increasing housing supply. Local advocates say the legislation could meaningfully expand affordable housing options in the Tucson area.
KOLD News 13, [Sen. Mark Kelly](none)
Mount Lemmon water restrictions pressure short-term rental operators. Stage 3 water restrictions on Mount Lemmon are squeezing short-term rental property owners during peak summer tourism season, according to KOLD News 13. The restrictions are limiting operations at a time when demand for mountain retreats is typically at its highest.
Downtown Tucson skate park breaks ground after decade-long effort. The city held a public groundbreaking ceremony on June 30 for the Cushing Street Skate Park in downtown Tucson, marking a significant milestone after more than ten years of planning and advocacy, according to Inside Tucson Business.
⛈️ Weather — Tucson
No active NWS alerts are in effect.
Today (Sunday): Mostly sunny with a 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms, primarily between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., followed by patchy blowing dust. High near 104, with temperatures falling to around 99 in the afternoon; heat index values could reach 105. Winds WSW at 1–7 mph.
Tonight: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 5 a.m. Mostly cloudy with a low around 75. Precipitation chance 60%.
Monday: Mostly sunny with a chance of afternoon storms after 11 a.m. High near 101; heat index up to 104. Precipitation chance 50%.
Outlook: Active monsoon pattern continues through the week, with daily storm chances of 40–60% through at least Wednesday. Overnight lows will remain near or above 75°F, and afternoon highs will stay in the triple digits. Residents should monitor washes closely and avoid low-water crossings during storm activity.
NWS Tucson Forecast API