What to know about Arizona's monsoon; State reports possible cases of hepatitis in kids; Everything to know about Gila monsters

Arizona Republic
·1 min read

A look at some of today's top stories, the weather forecast and a peek back in history.

The Arizona monsoon season, which starts in June and continues through September, brings rain and relief from the high temperatures of the desert.

Arizona is one of the 36 states and territories that have reported possible cases of a severe and mysterious form of hepatitis in children.

Did you know that the Gila monster is one of only two venomous lizards in North America? Here are more cool facts about this elusive reptile.

Today, you can expect it to be sunny and breezy, with a high near 96 degrees. Clear and breezy, with a low near 69 degrees. Get the full forecast here.

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Today in history

  • On this date in 1862, the advance guard of the California Column reached Tucson under the command of Lt. Col. Joseph West and established Camp Lowell.

  • In 1862, Congress passed the Homestead Act, giving free land to citizens who could qualify for ownership by living on the land.

  • In 1910, The Arizona Daily Star announced that incorporation papers were to be filed by a company of local promoters who planned to build a resort in Madera Canyon in the Santa Rita Mountains.

  • In 1959, nearly 5,000 Japanese-Americans had their U.S. citizenships restored after choosing to renounce them during World War II.

  • In 1969, U.S. and South Vietnamese forces captured Ap Bia Mountain, referred to as “Hamburger Hill” by the Americans, following one of the bloodiest battles of the Vietnam War.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: AZ Briefing: What to know about Arizona's monsoon season