Tucson
Today
Wednesday, February 18th, 2026
Good morning, Tucson. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 18th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The 'Bring Her Home' banner outside News 4 Tucson had over 100 heartfelt messages for Nancy Guthrie and her family as of Feb. 17, and residents were invited to add their own note of support. This display of community care reflects the town's unified spirit during a difficult time. KVOA
- ➤ Sister Jose's Women’s Shelter on Tucson's South Side has finished a $1.3M expansion that adds 12 beds + a new lobby, showers, a clinic and pet care facilities; city officials and donors celebrated this milestone as a vital step for supporting unhoused women. Tucson Sentinel
- ➤ Pima County Parks & Recreation is asking Green Valley residents for feedback on its plan to open a County dog park at Canoa Preserve Park near I-19. The proposal offers fenced areas for dogs, agility courses, water stations, shade trees, and extra parking, with comments open until Mar. 10. KGUN 9
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Taiwan-based Jiann Sheng Machinery joins the UA Center for Innovation’s incubator program in March to test its semiconductor machines at Tech Parks Arizona and Pima County Economic Development sponsors its first six months, building on a trade mission that connected over 50 Arizona businesses last September. KVOA
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Tucson Folk Festival will feature legendary singer Tom Rush on the Jácome Plaza stage Saturday evening during its free three-day event from April 10–12. Hosted by the Tucson Kitchen Musicians Association, the festival will offer live music & workshops from over 150 artists for the community. Tucson Sentinel
- ➤ The Parish in Tucson (a popular gathering spot) hosted a Mardi Gras celebration on Fat Tuesday with live music, an alligator roast, and Cajun cuisine, featuring six live bands performing in and outside on Oracle Road near Orange Grove Drive until 10 p.m. KVOA
- ➤ Tucson cultural leaders at the Dunbar Pavilion and African American History Museum of Southern Arizona remembered civil rights icon Jesse Jackson, who died Tuesday at 84, noting his deep ties to local events and lasting message of resilience — a legacy that continues to spark community pride. KGUN 9
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ University of Arizona Air Force ROTC cadets were honored as the best large detachment among 145 units at a ceremony on Jan. 15, with leaders praising their hard work and community service. The award highlights their commitment to preparing for future military leadership. KVOA
- ➤ A $35.5 million upgrade at the University of Arizona (UA) unveiled a 6,500 sqft cleanroom that enhances nanofabrication and supports chip research; university officials say it will boost training and secure microchip manufacturing for both students and industry leaders. KVOA
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Federal officials are moving forward with a backup plan today after states missed a critical deadline, with a proposal that may result in a 77% cut in Colorado River water affecting Central Arizona if no new deal is reached. Arizona Daily Star
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Arizona Senator Mark Kelly said on the BBC on Feb. 17 he was seriously considering a 2028 presidential run — stressing the weight of his decision amid challenging times. KVOA
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Arizona Wildcats hosted Nevada on Tuesday, Feb. 17 at 5 p.m. at Rita Hillenbrand Stadium + they aimed to build on their early season win streak before heading on the road to the DeMarini Invitational in Palo Alto. The Daily Wildcat
- ➤ Tucson Bicycle Classic is expanding into a four-day event as it builds a regional partnership with Marana + Oro Valley. The press release said the expansion will boost Tucson’s status as a prime cycling destination. KVOA
-
Boogie T Live in Tucson
9:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. — Gentle Ben's — Ticket information not provided — Experience the high-energy beats of Boogie T as he brings his unique sound from the Louisiana bayou to the Tucson stage.
-
USPA Tested and Open 2026 Arizona Powerlifting Classic
9 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Tucson Strength — Registration required — Compete in powerlifting events with both tested and non-tested divisions available.
-
Jazz Jam with Max Goldschmid
6:30-9:30 p.m. — The Century Room — $5-$10 + DICE fees — Enjoy an evening of live jazz with multi-instrumentalist Max Goldschmid and the house band during an open jam session.
-
AR Flamenco Performance
6:30-9:30 p.m. — The Century Room — $25-$35 + Dice fees — Experience the authenticity of flamenco with a celebrated local artist and live musicians in an intimate setting.
-
Wednesday Team Trivia Night at Pueblo Vida Brewing
7-9 p.m. — Pueblo Vida Brewing Company — Free entry — Showcase your knowledge during a fun-filled trivia night with gift card prizes for winners.
-
Greg Abate Quartet
6:30-9:30 p.m. — The Century Room — $25-$35 + DICE fees — Experience the mesmerizing saxophone skills of jazz legend Greg Abate in an engaging live performance.
-
Strings and Winds Concert
2-4 p.m. — Tucson Symphony Center — $ — Experience the harmonious collaboration of strings and winds featuring music by Dvorák, Barber, and Valerie Coleman.
-
Water Harvesting Design Certification Course
March 2-14 — Watershed Management Group — Registration required — Enhance your skills in water harvesting design through expert-led instruction and a guided tour.
-
Aimee Mann Concert
8-11 p.m. — Rialto Theatre — Prices include all fees — Enjoy an evening of music with the talented Aimee Mann in Tucson.
-
The Descendents & Frank Turner and The Sleeping Souls
7-9 p.m. — Rialto Theatre — Tickets required — Experience an evening of passionate folk/punk music from rising stars Frank Turner and The Sleeping Souls.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The first step toward success is taken when you refuse to be a captive of the environment in which you first find yourself.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Tucson Today
Welcome to the Tucson Today, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Tucson, Arizona community. If you like the Tucson Today, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Tucson.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Tucson and across Arizona. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Tucson Today
A free Tucson community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://tucsontodaynews.com/sitemap