Thursday Microburst: UA threat, jaguar sighting, Cyclovia Tucson

Good afternoon. On Friday and Saturday, the forecast is sunny with a high near 86°. It may be slightly cooler on Sunday, with a high of 80°.

🌵 A man was arrested after threatening to commit a mass shooting at the U of A.

Michael Pengchung Lee was booked into Pima County jail for making a “terroristic threat.” In a group Snapchat, he threatened to cause “mass tragedy and atrocity,” specifically targeting UA fraternities and sororities. The UAPD and FBI teamed up to make the arrest.

🌵A jaguar was caught on wildlife cameras in the Huachuca Mountains for the first time since 2017.

Experts aren’t sure if the big cat is a known jaguar such as El Jefe, or a new, previously unseen jaguar. The photos were captured by the Border Patrol. Jaguars, like other wildlife, are affected by border fencing. The new images are a good sign of jaguar “connectivity” between the Huachucas and nearby mountain ranges in the U.S. and Mexico.

🌵 Cyclovia Tucson is happening on Sunday.

Multiple streets will be closed on a route stretching from Downtown to Amphi. Cyclovia encourages people of all ages to “walk, bike, skate, roll, play, explore, and learn” in car-free streets from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The organization has an online interactive route map, whether you plan to participate or simply avoid street closures.

🌵 Voluntary water cuts by Arizona and other states have staved off a Colorado River disaster — for now.

The situation has improved since 2022, when the Bureau of Reclamation said major, mandatory cuts might be needed to keep water levels in Lake Powell and Lake Mead from dropping to critical lows. Arizona is on track this year to use a third less water than it is allowed to draw from the Colorado. A long-term agreement is still needed to address river management beyond 2026.

🌵 Lastly, it’s a good weekend for fall colors and pumpkin carving.

Fall colors are out on Mount Lemmon. Also, with Halloween just around the corner, don’t miss some Arizona pumpkin stencils along with carving tips from pumpkin artist Ray Villafane. 

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