Tucson
Today
Thursday, March 12th, 2026
Good morning, Tucson. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 12th of March.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Two Famous Sam’s pubs on North Oracle Road + East Irvington Road will be redeveloped into different businesses as plans are underway to repurpose the properties. The changes are expected to bring new opportunities to the local area. Arizona Daily Star
- ➤ Tucson's second Shake Shack opened Wednesday on the east side at 5545 E. Broadway on the corner of Broadway and Craycroft (its first location opened in February at Casas Abodes Plaza). A third location is under construction at 3105 N. Campbell Ave. KGUN 9
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Local DJ Gilbert Ybarra used AI to create Stand Up Strong, an anti-bullying song supporting 14-year-old student Ruben Perez at Desert View High School who was beaten Thursday and is now recovering at home. His own middle school bullying inspired the track. KGUN 9
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ After nearly six months of delays, the University of Arizona Faculty Senate unveiled a draft statement condemning antisemitism and Islamophobia. The move comes one year after Oct. 7 as the campus works to clarify its stance on hate. Arizona Daily Star
- ➤ A University of Arizona student traveled with a small group to Israel to meet with the prime minister about antisemitism on U.S. college campuses. Arizona Daily Star
- ➤ The Anti-Defamation League recently reported that the University of Arizona is surpassing expectations in fighting antisemitism and ensuring a safe, welcoming campus for Jewish students. Arizona Daily Star
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ PDEQ plans to update air quality rules to match federal standards and invites public comments March 11-April 14. An online hearing is set for 10 a.m. on April 14 and the County Board will vote on the changes May 12 at County Administration (130 W. Congress St.). KVOA
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Today, an Arizona House resolution (passed 5-3) urged Congress to remove the Mexican wolf from the endangered species list and defund its recovery plan, allowing local agencies to manage the species and help ranchers for cattle losses; a companion bill for livestock compensation will go to the full Senate next. Tucson Sentinel
- ➤ Gov. Hobbs and Mayor Romero celebrated the Tucson House rehabilitation yesterday as part of the city's Thrive in the 05 plan; the 17-story public housing building will be transformed into 358 affordable, modern units for older adults with a $50 million grant to upgrade safety + accessibility. City of Tucson
- ➤ Marana’s Stormwater Maintenance Team is clearing culverts and cutting vegetation to prevent flooding as the monsoon season nears. Led by Adrian Rojel, the team is inspecting 1,200 culverts (saving approximately $200K to $300K per project) to improve flood control. KGUN 9
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ The city will develop a 12-acre site on South 10th Ave into affordable housing with 300-400 units and townhome-style buildings. Officials plan to choose a co-developer by spring and start phased construction near Santa Rita Park (a community with deep cultural roots). KGUN 9
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Wildcats lost a tight Big 12 tournament game to ASU (54-51) at T Mobile Center in Kansas City on March 4, ending their season with another close finish. Tucson Weekly
- ➤ Freshman Ivan Kharchenkov (19) of the Wildcats remains determined to win his first championship as the team prepares for the Big 12 Conference tournament in March. Coach Tommy Lloyd praised his energy while noting he works on discipline to keep the team competitive. KGUN 9
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Hubbell Trading Post at the Tucson Festival of Books
9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. — The University of Arizona — Free entry — Witness author Gregg in conversation about his latest book ANTIHERO at the Tucson Festival of Books.
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Jazz Jam Session
6:30-9:30 p.m. — The Century Room — $5-$10 + DICE fees — Enjoy an evening of improvisational jazz with local musicians and a guest multi-instrumentalist.
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El Royale Beer Release
3-9 p.m. — Pueblo Vida Brewing Company — Limited edition beer release — Celebrate the launch of a tropical Mai-Tai inspired hazy IPA with pineapple and coconut flavors.
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Wednesday Team Trivia Night
7-9 p.m. — Pueblo Vida Brewing Company — Free entry — Test your wits and enjoy drinks while competing for fun prizes in a vibrant atmosphere.
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The Wildwoods Live
7-10 p.m. — Hotel Congress — $18-$28 + fees — Enjoy a lively evening with The Wildwoods from Lincoln, Nebraska, and Gabrielle Pietrangelo.
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Monster Jam
March 20th-22nd — Tucson Arena — Ticket prices vary — Experience thrilling monster truck action and amazing stunts at this exciting show.
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KXCI’s 2nd Annual Baila el Pueblo Music Festival
4-10 p.m. — St. Augustine Cathedral — Cost info not provided — Celebrate cultural diversity with vibrant music and local food at this all-day festival.
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Nattali Rize Live in Concert
7-11:59 p.m. — The Sea of Glass — Center for the Arts — Experience a high-energy reggae show with Nattali Rize and her band uniting people through music.
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Pat Benatar Concert
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Fox Tucson Theatre — Ticketed event — Enjoy an iconic pop performance from Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo.
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Fields IPA Release
3-9 p.m. — Pueblo Vida Brewing Company — Cost for drinks varies — Enjoy a refreshing single-hop Mosaic IPA with berry notes and unique can art.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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