Good morning, Tucson.

Arizonans spent a record $1.52 billion on lottery tickets this year, raising hundreds of millions for state programs like higher education + transportation and foster-child advocacy.

Officials say the spending supports essential public services across the state.

Students, staff and community members at Ochoa Community School will soon benefit from new flooring, roofing and fencing upgrades funded by TUSD's $480 million bond approved in 2023 — the projects will create a safer, more welcoming campus and are expected to be complete by next summer.

TUSD will use a $480M bond to upgrade school safety in Tucson facilities in time for the new school year, with officials saying the improvements will enhance security and support safer learning environments.

Jamie Lopez spoke with her daughter Maria before kindergarten classes began on Thursday at Gertrude Cragin Elementary School on N.

Tucson Blvd. TUSD welcomed students in a warm back-to-school start.

A student petition led Pima County to build a new flying tee intersection at Mica Mountain High School to improve safety near the busy student parking lot.

School officials praise the change and advise drivers to lower speeds on Valencia Road.

Some Three Points residents and farmers oppose a proposed solar farm set to cover over 5,500 acres of state land near Robles Junction.

Organizers are holding community meetings to discuss potential habitat loss and higher property taxes if agriculture zoning shifts to industrial.

Governor Hobbs partnered with Undue Medical Debt to erase more than $1 billion in medical debt for 670,963 Arizonans without using state funds, a program that brings financial relief to many local residents.

ADOT MVD specialty license plates topped 1,001,000 in FY2026 — raising a record $15.8 million in proceeds for 104 charitable organizations.

An I-10 interchange at Palo Verde Road will permanently close at 9 p.m. Aug.

14 as ADOT starts a $600 million highway rebuild southeast of downtown. The closure paves the way for a new interchange at Country Club Road set to open this fall.

Arizona law allows someone to break a car window if a child or pet is trapped in a hot parked vehicle — officials note that cars can reach 110°F during summer and advise calling emergency services immediately.

On Aug. 6 at 1:20 p.m., deputies responded to a call from the Pima Canyon Trailhead after five hikers showed heat-related illness symptoms; four left safely while one was rescued by Pinal County Sheriff's Office.

PCSD urged all hikers to carry extra water & plan their routes during extreme heat.

Dengue Fever Live Concert

7:30-9:30 p.m. — La Rosa — Ticket prices vary — Experience the captivating fusion of 1960s Cambodian rock and modern psychedelic sounds from Los Angeles' Dengue Fever.

Chris Ramsay Live Performance

8-11 p.m. — Rialto Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the captivating magic of renowned illusionist Chris Ramsay in an intimate setting.

Anthony Green Live in Tucson

6:00-8:30 PM — La Rosa — Ticket info available — Experience the powerful vocals and personal narratives of Anthony Green in an intimate venue.