Good morning, Tucson.

On June 16, a fatal crash at East Valencia Road and South Alvernon Way killed 29-year-old Michael Henry Dooling when his Chevrolet Colorado, traveling over 45 mph without a seatbelt, swerved into a stationary tow truck, injuring its driver slightly—traffic detectives are investigating speed control failure and suspected impairment.

Officers at the Nogales Port of Entry discovered nearly 92 pounds of meth hidden in a vehicle’s gas tank and body on June 16 (investigators are still examining any further connections).

Tucson will break ground on its first Bus Rapid Transit line that will connect the Tohono Tadai Transit Center near Tucson Mall to the Ronstadt Transit Center downtown along Stone Avenue.

The project is expected to cost about $140 million + take nearly three years of construction with half its funds from federal grants and community input on stop placements.

State officials, researchers, and an 18-member taskforce worked with OSHA to begin an informal virtual hearing on a proposed federal heat rule—meant to require employers to protect indoor and outdoor workers from extreme heat.

The rule will cover several industries, and the taskforce will recommend guidelines by the end of this year to help control heat hazards.

State lawmakers used over $70 million from a special water fund — established in 2022 for new water supplies — to help balance the state budget, prompting criticism from officials who say the move risks delaying future water projects.

The Senate Appropriations Committee advanced a $17.6 billion package, and the full Senate will vote later today.

Tucson is set to break ground on Tuesday, June 24 at 8:30 a.m. on a new aquatic center at Mission Manor Park that will transform the long-closed Mission Manor Pool into a modern facility for local residents with a step-free pool, heated therapy pool, splash pad, pool house and shade structures (with green stormwater features and native landscaping), while the $6.2 million project funded through Proposition 407 and Community Project Funding is expected to finish by summer.

The Pima County Board of Supervisors approved $427,500 in Outside Agency Funding for fiscal year 2025-26 on June 17 to boost 24 Tucson organizations such as those behind El Tour de Tucson and the Tucson Jazz Festival.

The funds will be spread over 12 months and reviewed by the Outside Agency Citizen Review Committee (which held open meetings in April and May) to support local activities.

University of Arizona has launched a three-year MD program at the Tucson and Phoenix campuses that lets students finish the required coursework faster—this new program, approved earlier this month, aims to boost the primary care workforce and fight the doctor shortage in rural, tribal, and underserved communities with 36 students expected to start this fall.

On June 10, a person infected with measles passed through Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, prompting health officials to urge Arizonans to check their vaccination records.

As summer travel ramps up, officials recommend ensuring everyone has received two doses of the MMR vaccine — the best protection against the virus.

That Arena Rock Show

8-9:30 p.m. — Rialto Theatre — All Ages — Get ready to rock out at this high-energy arena show in Tucson.

Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab Tour

90 minutes — Steward Observatory — Free entry — Explore the innovative technology behind the world's largest telescope mirrors and their impact on astronomy.

Viva Victoria! Benefit Concert featuring Mariachi Cobre

8 p.m. — Casino Del Sol — Cost TBA — Enjoy a vibrant evening of music as Mariachi Cobre celebrates over 50 years of cooperation and cultural showcase.

The Matrix Movie Potluck Pool Party

12-6 a.m. — 1510 W Liddell Dr, Tucson, AZ — Potluck style — Enjoy a summer pool party while watching The Matrix trilogy under the stars.

Public Mirror Lab Tours

90 minutes — University of Arizona's Steward Observatory Richard F. Caris Mirror Laboratory — Cost varies — Explore cutting-edge technology behind giant telescope mirrors pushing the boundaries of astronomy.

Tucson Speed Dating for Singles Ages 21-39

2-4 p.m. — The Outlaw Bar & Grill — Ticket required — Experience a fun and efficient way to meet local singles with engaging pre-dates.

Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab Tour at University of Arizona

90-minute tour — Steward Observatory — $ — Explore innovative engineering behind the world's largest telescope mirrors.

Monthly Coloring Day at Pueblo Vida Brewing Company

3-9 p.m. — Pueblo Vida Brewing Company — Free entry — Unwind with coloring and a pint in a relaxed atmosphere.

Public Mirror Lab Tours

9:00 – 10:30 AM — University of Arizona's Steward Observatory Richard F. Caris Mirror Laboratory — Free entry — Discover cutting-edge optical technology and engineering behind the world's largest telescope mirrors.

The Gospel According to Grown Folks featuring GMWA Choir

4:30-6 p.m. — The Century Room — $20-$30 + DICE fees — Experience an uplifting concert with Grown Folks and the GMWA Choir showcasing gospel music talent.