Good morning, Tucson.

Tucson Parks and Recreation will begin $4.7M safety upgrades at Rudy Garcia Park on the southside, installing LED lights on nearly all fields and adding a new walking path (funded by Proposition 407), with work to finish before baseball season next spring.

Tucson resident Ashwin Raj said his night walks are risky as monsoon rains drive rattlesnakes, coyotes, and javelina into neighborhoods, making it hard to safely walk his small dog.

Pima County Parks and Recreation recommends well-lit parks with ballfields and pet-friendly malls (Park Place and Tucson Mall) as safer options, with the Pima Animal Care Center set to join Park Place Mall in August.

150 Tucson children from families facing financial hardship received $150 each to buy back-to-school clothes and shoes at JCPenney today as part of The Salvation Army Tucson's Child Spree; each child also left with a backpack full of school supplies.

The Space Cowboy fundraiser will take place Sunday, July 26, at El Casino Ballroom (437 E.

26th St.) from 6 p.m. until late night to support Chef Gary Hickey's recovery after a rare stroke in January; the event features live food stations, local chefs, silent auction, casino floor and DJ.

Southwest Gas crews are investigating a natural gas line break near Elm Street & North Tucson Boulevard in Midtown on Monday, shutting off service and working with first responders as third-party work is said to have caused the break.

Arizona Autism Charter Schools held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday morning for its new Tucson campus that will serve around 120 students in grades six through 12; classes begin Aug.

3 and the building will support work-based learning (including a culinary arts class).

Recycling in Tucson hit its lowest contamination level in years as community efforts improve sorting and processing.

City officials say increased public awareness (like better recycling education) has helped achieve the drop.

Officials warn that dangerous heat and poor air quality may affect outdoor activities this weekend as temperatures soar and rain chances remain.

Residents are advised to stay hydrated and use caution while following local weather alerts (details subject to change).

A federal judge indicated Wednesday he was unconvinced that the Tohono O’odham Nation should block the construction of 62 miles of border wall along the Arizona-Mexico border.

The tribe claims the project will harm sacred sites and disrupt wildlife migration (including endangered species) and its legal rights.

Arizona health officials confirmed the state's first case of a deadlier mpox strain in a traveler who contracted the virus abroad, but they say the risk to locals remains low.

Tucson Medical Center treated 20 patients for bat exposure this week, and county health officials report record bat exposures in July.

They advise residents to avoid handling bats (dead or alive) and call the Pima Animal Care Center if a bat is found indoors.

Tucson residents are asking for safer routes to walk their pets amid concerns over busy streets and poorly maintained sidewalks.

Community members hope city officials will review potential pet zones to boost local safety (a growing priority).

Ciao, Bella! An Italian Summer Evening of Jazz

6:30-9:30 p.m. — The Century Room — $20-30 + DICE Fees — Enjoy an enchanting evening of Italian-inspired jazz and vintage charm while sipping refreshing drinks in a candlelit ambiance.

Scrappy Sundaze at Pueblo Vida Brewing Company

2-5 p.m. — Pueblo Vida Brewing Company — Free entry — Enjoy a relaxing afternoon of crafting with coloring pages, games, and summer scrap packs in a vibrant community space.

Nike Basketball Camp at Mountain View High School

9 a.m.-3 p.m. — Mountain View High School — $399 — Enhance basketball skills and gain confidence in a fun and educational environment.

Wednesday Team Trivia Night

7-9 p.m. — Pueblo Vida Brewing Company — Free entry — Test your knowledge and compete for prizes over tasty beverages in a lively trivia challenge.

Kidz Expo & Back to School 2026 15th Anniversary

4-8 p.m. — Tucson Convention Center — Vendor & sponsorship opportunities — Celebrate back-to-school with one of the biggest family events of the year.

Smokewagon Late Night Show

10:30 p.m. — The Century Room — Free entry — Experience an electrifying performance of Bluegrass, Western Swing, and Country music by Reid Riddiough and Jon Stark's Smokewagon.

Tucson Back To School Craft and Vendor Market

11 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Park Place Mall — Free entry — Explore a variety of local vendors offering unique finds and back-to-school essentials.

One Night of Queen

7-8:30 p.m. — Fox Tucson Theatre — Ticketed event — Experience the sensational tribute to Queen with Gary Mullen and The Works capturing Freddie Mercury's iconic spirit.

Shinedown Concert

7-8 p.m. — Tucson Convention Center — Price TBA — Experience the powerful rock sound of Shinedown live in concert.

Don Was and The Pan Detroit Ensemble Live

7:30-9 p.m. — La Rosa — Ticketed event — Experience the soulful blend of jazz, blues, R&B, and funk with legendary producer Don Was and his ensemble.