Good morning, Tucson.

Reid Park Zoo celebrated the birth of a healthy Grevy's zebra foal on July 8, born to resident zebras Anna and Ben.

Zoo staff monitored the new foal and its mother closely as the zoo follows its Grevy's Zebra Species Survival Plan to help protect this endangered species.

Tucson officials said copper wire theft has left 4,200 of the city's 23,000 street lights out and repairs costing over $1 million, with experts warning that worsening darkness may put drivers at risk—residents are urged to call 911 for suspicious activity and 311 to report outages.

Tucson Unified School District is set to lose $6 million in federal funds for student services and teacher training due to a federal funding freeze, and superintendent Gabriel Trujillo said the cuts will reduce afterschool programs & English language learner support.

The district is planning to adjust its budget and update parents before these changes affect the upcoming school year.

Tucson schools face cutbacks as federal Title grants were suspended on June 30, costing TUSD $6 million and putting teacher training, English learner programs, and after-school services at risk.

Arizona Superintendent Tom Horne said officials are still studying the matter — no final decision has been made.

Environmental groups in Arizona will file legal challenges to block border wall construction—moves set to be brought to court soon—to slow the project, officials said.

Starting Monday, July 14, Columbus Blvd south of Grant Road will be closed until October for water, sewer and storm drainage upgrades—drivers on nearby Grant Road will see a traffic shift between midnight and 6 a.m. on Monday as work begins on the long-term project.

Tucson Fire Department added 33 new firefighters from its Class of 25-1 during academy graduations on Thursday—these recruits will begin their probationary period Sunday as the department prepares for upcoming retirements.

Chief McDonough noted that adding new team members helps the department remain ready for emergencies.

The City of Tucson Department of Transportation and Mobility warns residents that Columbus Road south of Grant Road will close on July 14 for underground utility work as part of the Grant Road Project that began in May 2024—once finished in October, the project will expand Grant Road to three lanes each way with wider sidewalks, upgraded bike lanes, more streetlights and extra crosswalks.

Tucson received an initial $4.8M from a national legal settlement to address PFAS contamination and nearly 40 shut drinking water wells—city officials say the funds will help build new water treatment facilities— and nearly $30M in total is expected to support the water system.

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.

Sixpence None the Richer Concert

8-9:30 p.m. — 191 Toole — GA Standing, 21+ Only — Experience an evening of melodic tunes with Sixpence None the Richer.

Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab Tour

90 minutes — Steward Observatory — $ — Discover the innovative engineering and optical technology behind the world’s largest telescope mirrors.

Ally Venable Live Performance

8-9:30 p.m. — 191 Toole — All sales are final — Experience the electrifying Texas blues-rock vibes of Ally Venable and her exceptional guitar skills.

Of Montreal Concert

8:00-9:30 p.m. — 191 Toole — Tickets available — Experience the innovative sounds of Of Montreal performing tracks from their landmark album, The Sunlandic Twins.

Jazz Jam with Max Goldschmid

6:30-9:30 p.m. — The Century Room — $5-$10 + DICE fees — Enjoy an instrumental jam session with multi-instrumentalist Max Goldschmid and the house band.

Contradance with Kismet and Randy Hobbs

1:30-5 p.m. — Southern Arizona Dance Center — $10 entry ($5 under 25) — Experience an evening filled with energetic contra dance and live music.

Public Mirror Lab Tours

90 minutes — University of Arizona's Steward Observatory Richard F. Caris Mirror Laboratory — Free entry — Discover cutting-edge engineering and technologies behind the world's largest telescope mirrors.

Wavves Concert

8-9:30 p.m. — 191 Toole — General Admission — Experience the energetic sounds of Wavves live in Tucson.