Tucson
Today
Thursday, May 21st, 2026
Good morning, Tucson. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 21st of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ On Saturday morning, a Pima County Health inspector issued a warning at Tucson's only 24/7 free food site, Tucson FREEdge (2831 E. Broadway), for distributing food that needs proper cooling without a permit; executive director Jen Ollman said the nonprofit would keep operating while seeking a compromise with officials. Tucson Sentinel
- ➤ Cyclists gathered tonight at Reid Park for the 24th Ride of Silence that calls for safer streets and honors riders injured or killed on Tucson roads. They rode over 8 miles along Country Club, Broadway, and Craycroft — a move that aims to improve road safety and support bike advocacy. KVOA
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ An industry analyst said the national average gas price may soon reach $4.80 per gallon, a rise that could squeeze summer travel plans for Tucson drivers. Arizona Daily Star
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Pima Community College celebrated its class of 2026 by awarding nearly 6,000 degrees and certificates to over 4,500 students at the Tucson Convention Center Arena. The college held two ceremonies (one in the morning, one in the afternoon) to ease congestion and honor graduates with inspiring speeches. KGUN 9
- ➤ University of Arizona researchers have developed new tech that turns any room into a virtual screen for 3D imaging. The breakthrough uses a laser scanner to split shiny surfaces from dull ones and will help machines see better for self-driving cars, robotic surgery and industrial checks. KVOA
- ➤ Nash Elementary and three other district schools will close (due to declining enrollment and financial challenges) after a unanimous board vote. Families, students and staff shared bittersweet memories on the final day as they prepared for new beginnings at other schools. KVOA
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Tucson fire officials began investigating brush fires on May 20 amid windy and cloudy conditions; they continue to monitor the area for updates. KOLD News 13
- ➤ Reid Park Zoo is encouraging residents to recycle old cell phones at its onsite electronics recycling bin to help save flamingos whose habitats suffer from lithium mining. The program accepts small devices to support conservation efforts in fragile wetlands. KGUN 9
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Pima County Administrator Jan Lesher warned investors (including Mitsubishi and Canadian regulators) that unresolved risks related to water supply and environmental impacts at the Copper World mine 30 miles southeast of Tucson could affect its future $1.7 billion project ahead of a forthcoming feasibility study. Tucson Sentinel
- ➤ Grant Road will be closed in both directions between I-10 and Flowing Wells starting Friday, May 22 until early August for a six-lane widening project (local detours include I-10 Frontage Road, Miracle Mile, Oracle Road and Speedway). Tucson Sentinel
- ➤ Starting Wednesday, May 27, Tucson’s City Department of Transportation and Mobility will lay asphalt on the northbound lane of Park Avenue between 22nd and 36th streets, while southbound lanes close at 5 a.m. Thursday, May 28 for utility work. The closure lasts until late July, with work finishing in October. KGUN 9
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ National Alliance on Mental Illness launches NAMI in the Lobby at crisis centers and hospitals across Southern Arizona today to offer free peer support for families and caregivers dealing with mental health challenges. KGUN 9
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Tempo by Hilton Tucson Uptown (set to offer 144 rooms) will rise on the former Foothills Mall site. The project will add a modern hospitality option to Uptown. Arizona Daily Star
- ➤ Belvedere Terrace at 4431 E. 22nd St. opened 72 affordable apartment units for seniors today, with 22 reserved for formerly homeless residents. Arizona Daily Star
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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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Amor Deluxe Concert
7-10 p.m. — Hotel Congress — $10 — Tucson guitar legend Naïm Amor brings a night of genre-defying music with his band AMOR DELUXE and supporting acts.
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Wednesday Team Trivia Night
7-9 p.m. — Pueblo Vida Brewing Company — Free entry — Test your trivia skills and enjoy a fun evening with friends while competing for great prizes.
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I Can See Your House From Here Live Performance
6:30 & 8:30 p.m. — The Century Room — $25-$35 tickets + DICE fees — Celebrate a landmark jazz album with live renditions and intimate performances.
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Music for Listeners: Joseph Haydn
1-2:30 p.m. — Donna R. Liggins Recreation Center — Free entry — Discover the genius of Joseph Haydn, a key figure in classical music history.
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