Good morning, Tucson.

The FBI is offering a reward of up to $75,000 for tips that help identify those behind the disappearance and murder of Emily Pike—officials said the offer was announced on May 8.

Loft Cinema announced that the NEA pulled a $30,000 grant for the Loft Film Fest because of a change in presidential funding priorities, and the festival is set for November 5—13.

Local supporters have stepped up to help keep the event alive despite the setback.

Today, Tucson Catholics celebrated the election of Pope Leo XIV (the first American pontiff) as white smoke signaled a new leader after a fourth round of voting in the Sistine Chapel, and masses will now honor his name.

Families and early childhood education advocates urged Tucson leaders Tuesday at a City Council meeting on the fiscal year 2026 budget to maintain the Pima Early Education Program Scholarship funding, warning that reducing the city’s contribution from $1 million to $750,000 could risk access to preschool for over 800 students + the proposed cuts come amid lower revenue from sales taxes and shared-state funds.

At Utterback Middle School in Tucson, staff from non-profit Higher Ground are helping families remove barriers like lack of health care, dental care, transportation and childcare to improve student attendance—an approach aimed at reducing chronic absenteeism.

The organization’s support has previously lowered absenteeism by 21% in its schools, after nearly 195,000 students missed 18 or more days during the 2022-2023 school year.

A new study found that extreme heat and drought have increased death rates for saguaros and other large cacti across the Sonoran Desert—researchers warned that if these conditions persist, even areas like Tucson, which have fared better so far, may see changes in their desert landscapes over coming decades.

A coalition of western Apaches returned to federal court on Wednesday to ask a judge to temporarily pause transferring the sacred 2,400-acre Oak Flat site to Resolution Copper—whose plans to build a copper mine could harm ancient religious practices.

The judge is expected to rule by 5 p.m. on May 14 as the Supreme Court reviews the appeal.

Tucson City Council approved Councilmember Paul Cunningham's HAUS pilot program to help shelter residents secure housing by offering up to $2,500 for move-in costs — the program, aimed at starting with 40 tenants at a cost of about $100,000, will be evaluated over the next 90 days as officials review funding and legal details.

Arizona Softball reached its first Big 12 Semifinal after coming back from a 3—0 deficit to beat UCF 4—3 in Oklahoma City.

The Wildcats will face Iowa State today at 3:30 p.m. MST and Netz, who gave up one run on three hits in 5.2 innings pitched, earned the win.

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.

Pueblo Vida Brewing Company Happy Hour

3-9 p.m. — Pueblo Vida Brewing Company — $5 full pours — Enjoy refreshing craft beers every Monday at unbeatable prices.

Public Mirror Lab Tours

1-1:30 p.m. — University of Arizona's Steward Observatory Richard F. Caris Mirror Laboratory — Free entry — Discover the innovative processes behind the world's largest telescope mirrors at this immersive 90-minute tour.

Wednesday Team Trivia Night

7-9 p.m. — Pueblo Vida Brewing Company — Free entry — Test your knowledge while enjoying drinks and competing for gift card prizes in Downtown Tucson.

Jon Pardi Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Tucson Arena — Tickets from $84 — Experience the lively country tunes of Jon Pardi live in Tucson.

Arizona New Notary Workshop

10 a.m. - 2 p.m. — 800 E Wetmore Rd — No charge mentioned — Discover the essentials of becoming a notary public in Arizona with expert guidance.

Match Point Open Pickleball Tournament

3 PM – 3 PM — 300 S Toole Ave, Tucson, AZ — $12,000+ Cash Prize Pool — Compete in an exciting pickleball tournament with a substantial prize pool.

Tucson 5000 & FitKidz Mile

Tucson 5000 — All Day — Gene C. Reid Park — Registration fee required — Experience Tucson's fastest 5K on a pancake-flat course ideal for setting personal records.

All Day Happy Hour at Pueblo Vida Brewing Company

3-9 p.m. — Pueblo Vida Brewing Company — $5 full pours — Enjoy a relaxing evening with great brews at a fantastic price.