Thursday, May 14th, 2026
Good morning, Tucson. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 14th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Community leaders and volunteers assembled nearly 1,600 heat relief kits at the El Pueblo Recreation Center to help vulnerable Tucson residents stay safe this summer+ the kits will be distributed at outreach events, cooling centers and to people experiencing homelessness throughout the season. KGUN 9
- ➤ Plate Full of Care reached its $45,000 goal through community donations and will continue serving free hot meals and activities for seniors until 2027. Program manager Ellie Towne Neal thanked donors for helping seniors get essential meals (and a chance to socialize). KGUN 9
- ➤ Volunteers and City Council Member Selina Barajas assembled heat relief kits at El Pueblo Recreational Center this morning to help residents stay safe as temperatures rise. The Pima County Health Department and community partners provided essentials (water, food, and hygiene products) to protect vulnerable people. KVOA
- ➤ Northwest YMCA is hosting free swim lessons today from 4—7 p.m. as part of News 4 Tucson’s 17th annual Lifesaver Swimfest to help keep kids safe in water this summer. KVOA
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ This weekend, Tucson hosts a Star Wars concert at Linda Ronstadt Music Hall (Saturday, 7:30 p.m.), a comedy magic dinner at Dante's Fire (Friday–Saturday, 6:30–10 p.m.), and a free International Day of Light at Flandrau Science Center (Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.). Tucson Sentinel
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Wholesale inflation jumped 6% in April (the highest increase since 2022), leading Dickman’s Meat and Deli to face steeper fuel costs that could push meat prices up if gas rates continue to climb. KOLD News 13
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Tucson Unified approved $815,000 in Medicaid funding on Tuesday night to support visually-impaired students from the Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and the Blind, with $500,000 for staffing and $300,000 for facility upgrades. The exceptional education department is hosting a public forum today for community input. KOLD News 13
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Pima County Environmental Quality issued a Notice of Violation to AMES Construction building a new data center on South Houghton Road north of the fairgrounds for failing to use dust control measures. The contractor has five days to correct the issue and paused work until a water source is secured. KGUN 9
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Tucson Housing and Community Development will request HUD funds May 29 for the Barrio Anita Casitas project for building six one story homes in Barrio Anita — new sidewalks, driveways and landscaping are planned as the casitas sell to low and moderate income families under a community land trust model. City of Tucson
- ➤ Since late 2024, the Efficiency Arizona program has provided over 1,000 energy rebates to eligible households, saving an average of $7,000 and 618,152 kilowatt-hours. The Governor's Office of Resiliency and Allen Home Comfort will offer rebates through 2029 to help families lower energy costs during the hot months. KVOA
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Pima County is investing nearly $2 million in a new 15-bed SAFR Center near downtown to help individuals with substance abuse stabilize + receive referrals for long-term care. The six-month pilot, funded by opioid settlement dollars, opened in January and has served over 130 people. KVOA
- ➤ Cooling centers will open in early June to help residents and the homeless cope with high temperatures, while dozens of centers have begun operating since early May thanks to a county-nonprofit partnership & government coordination. The centers will offer relief until September if budgets allow additional support. Tucson Sentinel
- ➤ Family members honor Marine sergeant Ivy Unruh's final act as her organ donation saved six lives, including a kidney for a 15-year-old (her legacy lives in community hearts) after she died in Kansas last month. Her funeral is scheduled for June 5 at Southern Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery. KVOA
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Indigo Girls Concert
7-10 p.m. — Fox Tucson Theatre — Check for ticket prices — Experience the iconic harmonies of the Indigo Girls bringing their classic hits to life.
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Mike Zito Live
7-10 p.m. — Hotel Congress — $26-$32 — Experience an evening of blues music with Mike Zito at this iconic Tucson venue.
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Nirvanarama Beer Release
3-9 p.m. — Pueblo Vida Brewing Company — Check out the latest groovy Hazy IPA dry-hopped with exclusive New Zealand hops.
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Team Trivia Night at Pueblo Vida Brewing Company
7-9 p.m. — Pueblo Vida Brewing Company — Free entry — Test your trivia skills with friends and enjoy prizes while sipping tasty brews.
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Juniper Djinn Live Performance
6:30-7:45 p.m. — The Century Room — $10-$20 + DICE Fees — Experience a nostalgic evening of early jazz and melodious waltzes with Juniper Djinn.
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RBY x KD Wrestling Camp
May 23-27 — Desert View High School — $399 — Train with elite coaches and learn from accomplished athletes in an intensive wrestling camp.
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Wednesday Team Trivia Night
7-9 p.m. — Pueblo Vida Brewing Company — Free entry — Test your knowledge with friends and compete for gift card prizes at this fun trivia night.
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Monthly Coloring Day at Pueblo Vida Brewing
3-9 p.m. — Pueblo Vida Brewing Company — Grab a drink and unwind with classic coloring sheets for a perfect mid-week reset.
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Collie Buddz Concert
6-11 p.m. — La Rosa — Ticket prices vary — Experience an unforgettable night with Collie Buddz's hits and lively crowd interaction in an intimate setting.
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20th Annual Meet Me Downtown 5K Night Run & Festival of Miles
6-9 p.m. — Children's Museum Tucson — Registration required — Celebrate community spirit with a night run and a festival featuring awards for participants.
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