Tucson
Today
Saturday, May 16th, 2026
Good morning, Tucson. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 16th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Seniors in Tucson face rising inflation at 3.8% and have free or low-cost help for housing, food, utilities and medical costs. Local agencies including the Pima Council on Aging—via its helpline at (520) 790-7262—offer guidance and support. KVOA
- ➤ Soldier’s Best Friend, a nonprofit that trains service dogs for disabled veterans, will open a new training facility in Tucson this summer. The facility is set to hold its grand opening mid-May and will help support Pima County veterans by pairing them with rescued shelter dogs. Inside Tucson Business
- ➤ Pickleball players at Morris K. Udall Park oppose a planned fee of $3.50 per 90 minutes plus say they will leave if it is approved, as TAP urges City Council to seek funding alternatives ahead of a June 9 decision with fees starting July 1. Inside Tucson Business
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Crews are working on a 600-million-dollar I-10 expansion that is 40 percent complete and causing ramp closures including the permanent closure of the westbound Palo Verde on ramp, which is impacting local businesses like Purcell’s Tire Shop. The project is set to finish by mid-2028. KVOA
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Pima JTED students marked completion day today on Tucson's Southside campus by finishing career and technical education programs designed to prepare them for college and work. Enrollment remains open for eligible students across Southern Arizona. KGUN 9
- ➤ Tucson Unified School District began reviewing school closures and consolidations to address budget issues and falling enrollment. The board will gather community input starting in August before presenting a plan in December (final timelines may adjust based on collected data). Inside Tucson Business
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Arizona climate experts recommended on Thursday that Governor Hobbs renew the drought declaration in effect since 1999 as record heat caused water levels to drop — reducing hydropower output. The coordinating group meets again in November to review the situation. Tucson Sentinel
- ➤ Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument earned its Dark Sky Park certification, promising astronomy-based programming and improved night views for visitors in the Sonoran Desert. The designation highlights ongoing modernization efforts to preserve the area’s quality stargazing experience. KGUN 9
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Arizona Governor's Office of Resiliency said (via its Efficiency Arizona program) it provided its 1,000th rebate for energy-saving appliances and HVAC equipment to help families cut summer power bills on May 14. KVOA
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Dr. Dan Derksen (director of the Arizona Center for Rural Health) said providers in Tucson face rising pressure from federal changes that could shrink insurance coverage and delay care. A $167 million Rural Health Transformation Program is expected to support rural facilities, though emergency departments remain strained. Inside Tucson Business
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ City of Tucson is preparing to request federal funding for a new affordable housing development in Barrio Anita — a plan intended to boost local housing options. KVOA
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Arizona Wildcats men’s tennis fell to Wake Forest on Thursday, May 14 at the Dan Magill Tennis Complex in Athens, Georgia+ ending their historic NCAA Tournament run. The Daily Wildcat
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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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Jazz Jam
6:30-9:30 p.m. — The Century Room — $5-$10 + DICE fees — Experience an evening of lively jazz with Max Goldschmid and the house band in an engaging jam session.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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