Speedway Crash, New Murals, and Mild Weather - Tucson Local Pulse Sunday Roundup

Good morning, this is Tucson Local Pulse for Sunday, November 16, 2025. We begin with breaking news overnight. A major emergency response closed off Eastbound Speedway Boulevard near North 13th Avenue after a pedestrian was seriously injured in a vehicle collision just past midnight. Tucson Police and paramedics performed CPR at the scene and traffic was detoured while crews provided urgent care. The victim's condition has not been released yet, and investigators are now looking into how a possible second vehicle may have been involved. We are thinking of the individual and their family, and will update as authorities share more details. Safety on the roads remains a big concern, especially for pedestrians along busy stretches like Speedway and intersections in Central Tucson. Let’s all stay alert out there and watch out for one another. Looking at citywide updates from the last few days, downtown Tucson just unveiled four new murals by local artists in celebration of the city’s 250th anniversary. If you’re out and about near Congress Street or Stone Avenue, take a moment to enjoy these colorful additions. Over at City Hall, the latest debate focuses on the new Project Blue data center proposal. Residents are pushing for transparency about water use and potential electric rate impacts, and city leaders promise to hold more community meetings in the weeks ahead as Amazon’s involvement becomes the talk of the town. The weather this Sunday is mild and sunny, perfect for getting outdoors. We have highs in the low 70s and just a light breeze through the afternoon. That means good news for hikers headed up to Mount Lemmon, where prescribed burns are underway to help prevent future wildfires, so expect some smoky air up there but clearer skies in town. On the business front, the Ethan Allen Warehouse Sale wraps up today at 1605 South 35th Avenue near Papago Street. Doors are open until three o’clock, with everything from sofas to dining chairs at clearance prices. If you’re moving or updating your home, today’s your last chance for this sale. Downtown, a new coffee shop called Prickly Perk just opened doors on Broadway and Fifth, promising local brews and pastries in a cheerful setting. In real estate, Tucson home prices have risen about three percent this fall. Inventory stays tight, especially on the east side and near Sabino Canyon, where new listings are snapped up in days. Last week, over 80 homes sold locally, with average prices hovering near $370,000. The local job market sees a seasonal boost. University Medical Center just announced about 50 new positions, mainly in support staff and patient care, while several downtown restaurants are hiring ahead of winter visitor traffic. Now looking ahead, Palo Verde Magnet High School is hosting the Impact Tucson Resource Fair this Saturday, with backpacks and school supplies for families in need. Mark your calendars, especially if you’re looking to support our schools and students. Quick mention This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.