Daily Brief
May 29, 2026
Friday
🏛️ Government
Project Blue data center approved to draw 31 million gallons of water annually from Pima County wells. Arizona water officials have approved wells tied to the Project Blue data center under construction in Pima County, after the City of Tucson rejected the use of city water resources. The facility could use up to 31 million gallons of water per year, raising concerns about regional water supply.
TUSD board unanimously approves $3,000 annual salary increase for teachers. The Tucson Unified School District governing board voted unanimously to award teachers a $3,000 annual pay raise effective July 1. Substitute teachers will also see a 4% pay increase under the new agreement.
Pima County adopts $1.81 billion budget for fiscal year beginning July 1. The county's proposed budget represents approximately a $58.5 million increase over the current year. The majority of the increase is funded by more than $39 million in additional property tax collections.
University of Arizona instructs faculty to call campus police if outside law enforcement enters classrooms. UA officials from the Office of Public Safety told faculty senators this spring to immediately contact the University of Arizona Police Department if "non-university law enforcement" officials show up on campus and enter classrooms or other spaces. The directive reflects ongoing concerns about federal enforcement activity at universities.
🚨 Public Safety
DPS trooper fatally shoots woman during traffic stop on I-10 east of Tucson. A 39-year-old woman was shot and killed by an Arizona Department of Public Safety officer during a traffic stop on Interstate 10 Monday, authorities confirmed Tuesday. The incident occurred east of Tucson; investigators have identified the woman but have not released further details about the circumstances leading to the shooting.
More than 100 dogs surrendered to Pima Animal Care Center after being found in cramped conditions. Over 100 dogs — including pugs, yorkies, and other small breeds — were recently surrendered to PACC after being discovered living in overcrowded conditions southwest of Tucson. The animals are receiving medical care and are expected to become available for adoption.
🎉 Community & Events
Loft Cinema launches Loft Kids Fest with free movies and popcorn, starting tonight at Himmel Park. The Loft Cinema's annual Loft Kids Fest runs through June 28, offering free weekend screenings and family programming. Tonight's kickoff event is an outdoor screening of *Zootopia 2* at Himmel Park; regular screenings continue every Saturday and Sunday at The Loft Cinema (doors 9:15 a.m., films at 10 a.m.).
Community garden at Esperanza veterans housing campus now producing food. A community garden at Esperanza — a Tucson organization providing transitional and permanent housing for homeless veterans — has grown from bare dirt last fall to a thriving source of vegetables, fruit, and herbs. The project, supported by the University of Arizona's Engineers Without Borders, will eventually add solar shade structures and rainwater harvesting.
Summer Night Market returns to MSA Annex tonight, 6–10 p.m. The monthly Summer Night Market at the Mercado District's MSA Annex features more than 80 vendors, food trucks, and local shops. The event is free to attend and runs on the last Friday of each month through summer.
⛈️ Weather — Tucson
No active watches, warnings, or advisories in effect.
⚠️ **Elevated fire weather conditions** east of Tucson today: southwest winds 12–20 mph with gusts 25–35 mph; minimum relative humidity 7–18% in valleys. Use caution with any ignition sources in eastern Pima County.
Today (Friday, May 29): Sunny. High near 90°F. Southwest wind 1–14 mph. Sunrise 5:17 AM / Sunset 7:25 PM. Tonight: Clear. Low around 60°F. West wind 2–13 mph. Saturday: Sunny. High near 91°F. Light west wind. Outlook: Temperatures rebound significantly Sunday (high near 97°F) as the cooling upper low departs. June arrives with slightly above-normal highs and triple-digit heat for lower desert elevations. Monsoon moisture may bring afternoon and evening thunderstorm chances east of Tucson by Wednesday–Thursday of next week.