Good morning, Tucson.

Greg Durnan started AcaciaIT after a layoff in 1992 and turned his setback into a Tucson IT firm with 15 employees and 12 service vehicles — his first contract with Allied Signal spurred further growth — which now delivers dedicated IT services to non-profit, medical, legal and manufacturing clients.

Federal agencies eliminated 73 research awards and grants at the University of Arizona, causing nearly $61 million in unspent funds, and the university has capped its bridge funding at $1 million to help faculty with temporary funding gaps+ officials said the program will support ongoing research.

On Friday, 9,000 University of Arizona students celebrated the largest graduation ceremony in the school’s history at Arizona stadium.

Graduates overcame challenges from Covid-19 and a changing job market as officials and speakers praised their readiness — fireworks ended the ceremony.

Pima County bought the historic Kelly Ranch near Catalina State Park on May 17 and will preserve it as open space—officials shared a video tour to highlight the plans.

The effort aims to maintain the landmark for public enjoyment.

Pima County is suing the Department of Homeland Security to recover millions for sheltering asylum seekers in 2024 and 2025—officials claim the government withheld reimbursements that cost taxpayers dearly.

The lawsuit, which joins similar actions by Chicago and Denver, seeks tens of millions in owed funds.

Pima County is suing the federal government to recover millions owed for sheltering asylum seekers in 2024 and 2025—County Attorney Laura Conover said the government withheld $12 million in reimbursements, a loss that the lawsuit seeks to recover.

Chicago and Denver joined the suit, and the county expects court action to require payment to local taxpayers.

Santa Rita Park closed late last month for an $8.4 million upgrade that will add a splash pad, playground, walking area and restroom facility and is set to finish by summer 2026—local groups that aid the homeless say the closure leaves vulnerable people without needed services.

Governor Hobbs signed a new law that requires construction companies to start work at 5 a.m. on weekdays from May 1 to Oct.

15 to protect workers from extreme summer heat. In Tucson, construction still begins based on sunrise on weekdays and at 7 a.m. on Saturdays.

Developers plan to start construction on a 19-story apartment tower (Theory Tucson) at the northwest corner of East Speedway and North Campbell that will replace Palm Shadows Apartments and rise nearly 40 feet taller than other towers near the University of Arizona.

The new building will have 395 units (including 1,064 bedrooms) aimed at students and young professionals, with demolition notice provided before work begins.

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.

520 IPA Release Celebration

3-9 p.m. — Pueblo Vida Brewing Company — Celebrate the release of the 520 IPA with a taste of Tucson's unique flavors.

Luis Coronel Concert

8-10 p.m. — The Rock — Ticket prices vary — Experience the heartfelt melodies of Luis Coronel on his ETERNO ENAMORADO 2025 TOUR.

Public Mirror Lab Tours

1 PM — University of Arizona's Steward Observatory Richard F. Caris Mirror Laboratory — Free to attend — Explore cutting-edge technology behind the world’s largest telescope mirrors.

Memorial Day Weekend Special Hours

12-10 p.m. — Pueblo Vida Brewing Company — Cost varies — Celebrate Memorial Day Weekend with extended taproom hours and local craft beer.

Michael Eckroth Band Performance

6:30-9:30 p.m. — The Century Room — $20-$30 Tickets + DICE fees — Enjoy a night of Latin jazz as Michael Eckroth presents a suite of Wayne Shorter’s tunes with special guests.

Fireworks Viewing Dinner on the Patio

8:15 p.m. — Signature Grill with Patio Dining — Food & Beverage not included — Enjoy spectacular fireworks while dining on a beautiful patio overlooking Tucson.

All Day Happy Hour at Pueblo Vida Brewing Company

3-9 p.m. — Pueblo Vida Brewing Company — $5 full pours — Enjoy great craft beers during our weekly happy hour.

Adventure Storytelling Series #6 – Trails

6-9 p.m. — Borderlands Brewing Company — $5 entry — Explore epic tales of outdoor adventures shared by local storytellers.

Wednesday Team Trivia Night

7-9 p.m. — Pueblo Vida Brewing Company — Free entry — Test your knowledge and enjoy a fun night out with teams competing for great prizes.