Good morning, Tucson.

Tucson Mayor Regina Romero, Ward 4 Councilwoman Nikki Lee + Tucson Parks and Recreation are hosting a celebration for the official opening of the Freedom Park splash pad on Saturday, May 3 at 10 a.m. at 5000 E.

29th St. Families can join the free event for food, music, bounce houses, games and crafts until 12:30 + a chance to cool off as temperatures rise.

A Tucson police officer on Golf Links Road stopped a 37-year-old man last week for driving 111 mph in a 40-mph zone and found his blood alcohol level was 0.217—nearly three times the legal limit—leading to his arrest on charges of Criminal Speeding, Reckless Driving, and DUI while his car was impounded.

The Pima County Sheriff's Office is searching for 86-year-old Rana Dutta—last seen Sunday, April 27 at 6 p.m. near 5000 North Largo Cipressi and behind a silver/gray 2022 Subaru Forester spotted near Bear Canyon Drive and Snyder Road—while urging anyone with information to call 911.

Federal funding cuts are affecting arts groups nationwide, but Tucson’s creative community is leaning on local support & community partnerships to keep art programs strong.

A 2024 State of Culture report showed art contributes $4.1 billion to the local economy and supports 52,000 jobs, proving its key role in civic life.

Tucson Unified School District announced it will cut dozens of vacant administrative positions, including most in its Equity, Diversity, and Inclusiveness Department—responsibilities now falling to Student Services—to save about $8.5 million amid falling enrollment and state budget cuts. The district will also maintain a hiring freeze through June 30 to help manage its budget deficit.

Tucson VA staff received an email on Wednesday that the deadline to reapply for DRP 2.0 was extended to May 16—allowing more time to avoid a planned 15% reduction in the workforce.

Secretary Collins said no healthcare workers would be cut while employees remain worried about how support roles might be affected.

Jacobs Park — a cherished spot for Tucson residents — will close for planned renovations following a groundbreaking event on May 9 at 10 a.m., and construction will begin mid-May with updates to playgrounds, sports facilities and green features, scheduled to finish by summer 2026.

Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab Tour

1-1:30 p.m. / 3-3:30 p.m. — Steward Observatory — Free entry — Discover how groundbreaking engineering creates the world's largest telescope mirrors at this exclusive lab tour.

PNMT Cervical Spine Workshop

9 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Arizona School of Medical Massage and Wellness — $445, $405 early bird — Enhance your skills in problem-solving neck pain for massage therapy with hands-on experience.

Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus 85th Anniversary Weekend

2-3:30 p.m. — Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus — $85 fee includes multiple events — Celebrate 85 years of music with an open house and reception honoring Dr. Julian Ackerley.

Morrissey Concert

8:30 PM – 12:30 AM — Centennial Hall UA — Ticket prices vary — Experience the iconic frontman of The Smiths in a night of indie rock and Britpop nostalgia.

Between The Buried And Me Concert

7-9 p.m. — Rialto Theatre — Tickets available — Experience a captivating evening with musical storytelling that blurs the line between dreams and reality.

Chris Isaak Concert

7-9 p.m. — Fox Tucson Theatre — Tickets from $60 — Enjoy an evening of soulful music with Chris Isaak at a renowned local venue.

Barnaby and the Butcher Concert

7-11 p.m. — St. Philip's Plaza — Cost varies — Enjoy a night of dark country and bluesy Americana with Barnaby and the Butcher.

Martin Sexton Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — 191 Toole — $38 — Enjoy the soulful sounds of Martin Sexton at this intimate venue in Tucson.

Marana Mother's Day 5K

8 AM – 12 PM — Gladden Farms Community Park — Family-friendly event — Celebrate Mother's Day with a fun 5K run for the whole family.

Lukas Nelson Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Rialto Theatre — Last-minute tickets available — Experience an evening with Lukas Nelson in Tucson's popular venue.