Good morning, Tucson.

Community leaders in South Tucson say they will continue the Defend Nuestro Barrio campaign as citizen patrols will keep cleaning streets and offering treatment referrals—following a month-long pilot that provided 50 hygiene kits and helped secure housing for one resident.

The group will hold smaller patrols during the week and one city-wide cleanup each month to address neighborhood concerns.

Arby's Cares launched its Meals for Life program in Tucson to fight food insecurity and create training and job opportunities for people with disabilities — funded by June's campaign — in partnership with United Cerebral Palsy of Southern Arizona.

Angel Charity for Children will hold its 22nd annual The Big Deal Poker Party on Sept.

19 at Tucson Country Club—featuring Texas Hold'em, casino games, karaoke, and entertainment to support local causes and distribute $1.75 million in funds, with Big Brothers Big Sisters and San Miguel High School receiving a combined grant of $1.4 million. The event will also provide $327,841 to six Opportunity Grant recipients to further support community services.

A male pedestrian was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries from a crash—near 1st Avenue and Fort Lowell Road in midtown Tucson on Wednesday night.

SRFD Amy Shultz is named the 2025 United Fire Firefighter of the Year—an honor that recognizes her dedication and skill in protecting the community.

Congresswoman Ansari toured an ICE detention center in Eloy and found harsh conditions for detainees including a woman with leukemia who had not received needed care.

She demanded that lawmakers secure immediate medical attention and improved conditions for the detainees—her remarks follow a new facility opening in Louisiana.

The City of Tucson Housing & Community Development Department will request HUD funds on September 16 for the South 10th Avenue Affordable Housing Redevelopment Project, which will redevelop six city-owned parcels into 300 to 400 mixed-income units.

Phase 1 will begin with planning, engineering, and site preparation work—such as demolishing old buildings and improving streets and sidewalks—with current funds estimated at $7,144,600.

A Tale of Two Tunas

11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. — Natural Grocers — Free entry — Explore delicious plant-based cooking alternatives during a free cooking demo.

Ottmar Liebert Performance

8:00 – 9:30 p.m. — Rialto Theatre — Reserved seating — Experience an intimate evening with renowned guitarist Ottmar Liebert in a no-opening-act format.

BEER RELEASE: Stadion at Pueblo Vida Brewing Company

3-9 p.m. — Pueblo Vida Brewing Company — On Draft / 16oz 4-Pack — Enjoy a refreshing Ultra IPA perfect for post-workout hydration.

Scialog - Sustainable Minerals, Metals, and Materials

09:00 AM-06:00 PM — The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa — Entry fees vary — Engage with scientists to explore innovative solutions for sustainable material production.

Thirsty Thursday Car Show

6:30-10 p.m. — Dave & Buster's Tucson — Free entry — Enjoy a showcase of stunning cars while unwinding with friends at this lively car show.

Elias Medina Concert

8:30-10:00 p.m. — Rialto Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the heartfelt sounds of Mexican regional music with Elias Medina's spirited performance.

Oktoberfest Celebration at Pueblo Vida Brewing Company

12-10 p.m. — Pueblo Vida Brewing Company — Cost varies — Celebrate Oktoberfest with stein-full beers and fresh baked pretzels.

Jazz Jam with Max Goldschmid

6:30-9:30 p.m. — The Century Room — $5-$10 + DICE fees — Enjoy a lively jam session with multi-instrumentalist Max Goldschmid and local musicians.

2nd Annual Los Donantes Blood Donor Celebration

1-3 p.m. — Red Cross Foothills Blood and Platelet Donation Center — Free — Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with food, music, and community storytelling while donating blood.

Ashley Gavin Live Performance

7-8:30 p.m. — 191 Toole — Tickets on sale — Enjoy an evening of comedy with Ashley Gavin at this intimate venue.