Good morning, Tucson.

Tucson is testing a housing-first initiative inspired by San Francisco’s approach to help people without shelter—officials say the program will be adjusted as they track outcomes amid challenges with behavioral health services.

Local leaders expect that these measures will improve support for the unsheltered population.

City leaders and neighbors gathered Tuesday to mark the start of a $6.2 million project to build a new aquatic center at Mission Manor Park on Tucson’s southside—this project will add a zero-entry pool, heated therapy pool, splash pad, pool house and green stormwater features and is set to be completed by summer 2026.

A 72-year-old woman was bitten by a rattlesnake Tuesday morning in front of her home in Sahuarita and was treated by emergency crews before being taken to Banner University Medical Center, where she is in stable condition (the snake was found coiled in a pile of leaves near her door).

Customs officials seized nine narcotic shipments at Nogales Port of Entry over seven days—seizing over 718,845 fentanyl pills, 23 pounds of cocaine, and 507 pounds of methamphetamine with some hidden on a traveler's back and in a vehicle.

The Tucson Airport Authority announced that Tucson International Airport and Ryan Airfield generated $10.9 billion in annual economic impact, supporting 42,012 jobs and providing $2.9 billion in wages according to a study by Elliott D.

Pollack + Company. TAA President Danette Bewley said the airports remain key to the region’s growth.

Tucson city leaders are asking residents to share feedback on the proposed middle housing plan by June 30 to help guide changes required by state law—about 80 comments have been received so far with most calling for more flexible rules.

Planning officials will present revised code proposals to the mayor and council in August—this move aims to balance development near downtown and busy corridors.

Tucson’s PAG and RTA appointed Michael J.

Ortega as interim executive director on June 16—he replaces Farhad Moghimi who was fired on June 5 by a 5-4 vote. Ortega will lead the effort to finalize a new 20-year transportation plan as the current plan expires in June 2026.

The Arizona Department of Transportation advanced its study on a passenger rail link between Phoenix and Tucson after the Federal Railroad Administration approved key documents.

The agency will develop a Service Development Plan over the next two to three years—allocating $10.6 million with $500,000 already spent—to guide station locations, infrastructure, and funding options.

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.

All Day Happy Hour at Pueblo Vida Brewing Company

3-9 p.m. — Pueblo Vida Brewing Company — $5 full pours — Enjoy a refreshing brew with friends during a fantastic happy hour.

Grupo Arizona with Kevin Ravellette

6:30-10:30 p.m. — The Century Room — $10-$15 + fees — Experience vibrant classical and jazz fusion with a unique Latin twist in a summer residency.

Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab Tour

9-10:30 a.m. & 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. — Steward Observatory — $10 adult, $5 youth — Explore cutting-edge telescope mirror technology at the largest lab of its kind in the world.

A Mountain Fireworks Celebration

9-10 p.m. — Tucson Convention Center — Free entry — Celebrate Independence Day with an iconic fireworks display and live entertainment in Downtown Tucson.

Ramon Ayala Live Concert

8-10 p.m. — Anselmo Valencia Tori Amphitheatre — Tickets on sale 1/10/25 — Experience the legendary Ramon Ayala performing iconic norteño music live.

Brunch with Clio at Monterey Court

11 a.m. — Monterey Court — Donation requested — Enjoy a brunch concert featuring Clio as part of outdoor community activities for active adults over 50.

Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab Tour

90-minute tour — Steward Observatory — Admission details not specified — Discover the engineering behind the world's largest telescope mirrors and their role in astronomical research.