Daily Brief
May 11, 2026
Monday
🏛️ Government
Trump administration proposes canceling NASA funding for U of A's OSIRIS-APEX asteroid mission. The Trump administration wants to eliminate funding for several NASA science missions with ties to the University of Arizona, including the OSIRIS-APEX asteroid probe currently in flight. The spacecraft, originally launched as OSIRIS-REx, successfully returned asteroid samples to Earth and is now en route to a second asteroid — but would be left without operational support if the proposed cuts are approved. The University of Arizona leads the mission.
TUSD governing board formally launches school closure and consolidation review. The Tucson Unified School District board has opened a months-long process to evaluate potential school closures and consolidations, with a timeline that includes community input, data analysis, and eventual board action. The district has faced persistent enrollment declines and fiscal pressure.
Marana town council reviews recommended FY2026-27 budget. At an April 28 study session, Marana council members heard a recap of fiscal year 2025-26 performance and the recommended spending plan for the fiscal year beginning July 1. Council members were presented with both accomplishments and areas of concern heading into the next cycle.
Sen. Gallego pushes Major Richard Star Act for combat-disabled veterans. U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego is pressing for passage of the Major Richard Star Act, which would ensure combat-disabled veterans receive their full military retirement benefits without offset. Gallego shared the story of an Arizona veteran named Beatriz in a video post, calling the fight a personal priority.
🚨 Public Safety
Illegal dumping and feral dogs plague desert land along Old Vail Connection Road. A stretch of desert land along East Old Vail Connection Road near Country Club Road on Tucson's south side has become a persistent illegal dump site spanning miles. The area is complicated by overlapping ownership — Pima County, the city of Tucson, the state, and the Tucson Airport Authority (which owns about 1,600 acres) — hindering coordinated cleanup. The Tucson Airport Authority says it is engaged with Pima County on a procurement for cleanup action; prior fencing efforts have repeatedly been cut through. Residents also report near-feral dog packs roaming the area. Illegal dumping on county land can be reported to Pima County DEQ at 520-724-7400 or via the Wildcat Dumping Hotline at 520-622-5800; city limits at 520-791-3232 or the 311 app.
🎓 Education
Two University of Arizona professors named 2026 Guggenheim Fellows. A pair of UA professors have been selected among more than 200 scholars nationwide named 2026 Guggenheim Fellows by the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation. The annual grants support artists and scientists as they pursue new projects; the two UA honorees were not identified in the RSS summary.
Amphitheater Public Schools earns Arizona's 'Copper Apple' award. Amphitheater Public Schools has been recognized with the Copper Apple award from State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne, honoring academic achievement across Arizona school districts.
🏗️ Development & Business
Tucson small businesses adapting strategies amid tariffs and economic headwinds. Inside Midtown Mercantile Merchants — a multi-dealer retail marketplace with more than 100 small businesses — represents a broader pattern of Tucson entrepreneurs rethinking their business models in response to tariff pressures and shifting economic conditions. A new report examines how local small businesses are pivoting to survive.
Six Tucson muralists selected to transform Mosaic Quarter. Six local artists have been commissioned to create large-scale murals throughout Mosaic Quarter, the sports and entertainment venue, as part of the venue's long-held vision to integrate art with athletics and entertainment. The artists were selected in a curated process organized by venue leadership.
Tucson Local Media, Inside Tucson Business
🎉 Community & Events
Tucson Pops Orchestra opens 71st season with free Mother's Day concert today at Reid Park. The Tucson Pops Orchestra launches its 71st spring season this afternoon with the first of three free outdoor concerts at the DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center in Reid Park — a farewell season at the venue, which is slated for future redevelopment. Concerts are free and open to the public.
Tohono O'odham youth name rare wild ocelot 'Himdam,' meaning 'traveler.' A wild ocelot documented roaming southern Arizona has been given the name Himdam — the O'odham word for "traveler" — by Tohono O'odham Nation youth, reflecting Indigenous community engagement in regional wildlife conservation. Wild ocelots are exceedingly rare in the United States.
Tucson civic leader and rancher Fred Boice dies at 96. Fred Boice, a longtime Tucson civic leader, rancher, and champion of higher education, died Tuesday, May 5. He was 96. Boice was widely recognized for his contributions to Tucson's civic and educational institutions over decades.
⛈️ Weather — Tucson
No active NWS watches, warnings, or advisories for Tucson Metro Area (AZZ504).
Today (Mon., May 11): Sunny. High near 103°F. East-southeast wind 5 to 13 mph. Precipitation chance: 2%. Tonight: Mostly clear. Low around 73°F. Southeast wind around 6 mph. Tomorrow (Tue., May 12): Sunny. High near 103°F. Southwest wind 1 to 8 mph. Outlook: Triple-digit heat continues through Wednesday (high near 100°F, with south-southwest gusts to 28 mph), then gradual cooling — Thursday near 96°F, Friday near 95°F, weekend upper 90s. No precipitation in the forecast through the week. ⚠️ Tucson and Pima County cooling centers have opened early in response to extreme heat; dozens of free locations are available across the region. Note: An Extreme Heat Warning (105–110°F) remains in effect for the Phoenix metro area through Tuesday evening — that warning does not extend to Tucson.