INSIDE: Admin summer recap | Ranking campus food | Sports previews | Tucson Loveletter
WILDCAT 101: SURVIVAL GUIDE
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VOLUME 121 | ISSUE 4 | WILDCAT 101: SURVIVAL GUIDE
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WELCOME WILDCATS | VOLUME 121, ISSUE 4 News
4
Arts & Life
6 Tucson Love Letter
Summer Breakdown
Opinions
9
Definitively ranking campus dining options
11 Fall Sports Preview
14
15
Five tips for preventing dorm room catastrophes
Multimedia
Comics
19 Summer Gallery
23 Comics Corner
Volume 121 • Issue 4
Editing Staff
Editor-in-Chief Emma LaPointe editor@dailywildcat.com
Magazine Editor & Training Coordinator Ellie Conover Griffin Salkowski
Copy Chiefs Ari Keating Olivia Volland copy@dailywildcat.com
Managing Editor Emma McDonough editor@dailywildcat.com
Sports Editors Ava Widener Michael Smith Will Shenot sports@dailywildcat.com
Comics Editor Amara Williams amarawilliams26@arizona.edu
Arts & Life Editor Kate Eid Mia Payette arts@dailywildcat.com
Social Media Coordinators Michael Smith socials@dailywildcat.com
Photo/Multimedia Editors Charlie Ramirez Mason Kumet photo@dailywildcat.com
Designers Emma LaPointe Kasey Williams Amara Williams
Opinions Editors Abigail Rowley Valeria Moreno opinion@dailywildcat.com
Sports
Opinions
Getting to know Tucson
News Editors Jasmine Creighton Malia Hirasa news@dailywildcat.com
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UA has broken ground on a new dorm amid housing changes
Sports
Sports
14
News
THE DAILY WILDCAT
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August 2026
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ABOUT THE DAILY WILDCAT: The Daily Wildcat is the University of Arizona’s student-run, independent news source. While publishing daily online at DailyWildcat.com, its print edition is distributed on campus and throughout Tucson during fall and spring semesters. The function of the Wildcat is to disseminate news to the
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Cover illustration by Amara Williams
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NEWS
Campus News over the Summer ABIGAIL ROWLEY The Daily Wildcat
While students were away, the University of Arizona announced major updates to campus and its policies. Here is what students might have missed over the summer.
Policy The university has announced efforts to expand hazing prevention on campus and revoked recognition of a fraternity chapter on campus after being under investigation for allegedly subjecting new members to hazing. Part of the expansion includes required education for fraternity and sorority new members, expanding
awareness of anti-hazing to student organizations across campus, and hiring a full-time Dean of Students staff member to strengthen hazing prevention and response, according to the Arizona news release. After United States Secretary of Education Linda E. McMahon sent a letter to universities across the country
following the White House’s higher education compact late last year, UA President Suresh Garimella stated he will consult key stakeholders of the university to prepare for a response.
Campus housing UA broke ground on “The Catalina,” a residential hall complex for undergraduate students. The complex, with nine stories and a dining hall, is designed to house over 1,300 students. It is expected to open in fall 2028. In addition, the university announced the Arizona-Sonora residence hall will be used as graduate overflow housing. The change was made to meet increasing demand for graduate student housing on campus. Academics The UA College of Veterinary Medicine earned full accreditation from the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education following a comprehensive peer review. The school was established in 2019, with its first class in 2023. UA Health Sciences, which houses the college of medicine, nursing and pharmacy, is being reorganized. The colleges under UA Health Sciences will be run under the Office of the Provost, and other functions will be integrated into other parts of the university. The César E. Chávez building on the University of Arizona campus will officially have its name removed and be referred to by its former name, the Economics building. This comes after The New York Times reported that two women said Chávez, a civil rights leader, sexually abused them when they were 12 and 13 in the 1970s. EVELYN FLEMING | THE DAILY WILDCAT SHOT OF THE ENTRANCE at the old main on the University of Arizona campus, on Feb. 20.
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SPORTS
From touchdowns to Texas‑style barbecue: Ismail Mahdi’s entrepreneurial endeavors
MASON KUMET | THE DAILY WILDCAT ISMAIL MAHDI SMILES ON his way to the end zone for a touchdown against Baylor on Nov. 22 at Casino Del Sol Stadium.
WILL SHENOT Assistant Sports Editor
Former Arizona running back Ismail Mahdi announced he is opening Dickey’s Barbecue Pit located at 7077 N. Thornydale Road. Mahdi was a key contributor to the 2025 Arizona football team totaling 978 yards from scrimmage and 5 touchdowns. Mahdi totaled 2,792 yards and 17 touchdowns in his two seasons at Texas State University before
joining Arizona. Despite spending just one season with the Wildcats, Mahdi is already growing roots in the community by opening a new franchise in northern Tucson. Mahdi initially aimed to pursue a professional football career, but injuries derailed that path and pushed him toward business ownership. “I went to a couple mini camps, got hurt and just didn’t work out,” Mahdi said on Spears & Ali. “So, I was like, let me get into my entrepreneur background and venture into that.”
The Tucson community stood out to Mahdi as he wanted to give back to those who supported his transition. “I was there for a year […] good people, good community,” Mahdi said on Spears & Ali. “I just thought it was a great location to bring the entrepreneurship to it.” The menu is highlighted by the rib plate, brisket sandwich and plans to bring Texas Twinkies — jalapeño, cream cheese brisket and wrapped in bacon — to Tucson. Mahdi plans on applying the lessons he learned through his athletic career
to lead his employees by saying, “employees are your team.” When talking about his favorite moments as a Wildcat, his game against Kansas State stands out. Mahdi carried the ball 22 times for 189 yards in a 23-17 victory and won Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week. According to Mahdi, he hopes the business can be a way to stay connected with the Tucson community that supported him through his first season with the Wildcats.
Welcome Wildcats • August 2026
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ARTS & LIFE
Tucson Love Letter highlights the Tucson community UA School of Journalism alumna Gloria Knott started a business dedicated to sharing her love of and uplifting the Tucson community MIA PAYETTE The Daily Wildcat
For the past 30 years, Gloria Knott has been discovering what makes Tucson vibrant and unique. She started sharing her love for the city on her website and social media pages under the name Tucson Love Letter in October 2025. Knott graduated from the University of Arizona in 2018 and worked for the Arizona Daily Star and their sister site #ThisIsTucson. She started as a public safety reporter, then became a producer and a digital content manager and was the editor for #ThisIsTucson for four years. According to Knott, she wouldn’t be who she is professionally and personally without working for the Arizona Daily Star, but she left after seven years of working because she wanted more autonomy and to reevaluate where she wanted to go with her career path. “I knew I wanted it [Tucson Love Letter] to involve the community, but I didn’t know exactly what that looked like. So I ended up surveying and asking over 80 Tucsonans questions. I sat down with some of them, sent a survey to others, I asked what Tucson needed, what the local media landscape needed, what people loved, what people hated about Tucson and Tucson Love Letter is a result of those responses,” Knott said. Community is Knott’s main focus. She had always envisioned people connecting with others and finding new places, but seeing it happen is the most fulfilling part for her. After posting a reel on Instagram about a non-profit tool lending library, Tucson Toolbox, it received a lot of engagement, and the community showed up by donating and using the service she posted about. At a “Love Island” watch party she hosted, she saw two first dates taking place and people exchanging instagrams after meeting for the first time. “I love being able to write stories and
PHOTO CREDITS LESLIE BURBIDGE | COURTESY OF GLORIA KNOTT GLORIA KNOTT TABLING AT her launch party for Tucson Love Letter.
talk to these people and that has its own benefit on its own, but when people are actually taking action on what I’m writing about and making a donation, visiting a shop, making a purchase, all of those things, I think that is really amazing,” Knott said. “That’s the goal. I want people to read and I want people to like my reel on Instagram, but I, more than anything, want people to actually do the thing that I’m writing about. So that’s been really rewarding.” Knott had a few worries when creating Tucson Love Letter and she also never envisioned herself starting her own publication. According to Knott, when she started school at the UA and started working for the Arizona Daily Star and #ThisIsTucson, she just wanted to write and be the reporter. However, she is ultimately grateful for all of the positions she took on and the knowledge she gained
from them. She has since learned more about the business side and the inner workings of running a publication. “I think when I first started Tucson Love Letter, I was concerned that no one, I was scared that no one would care, that no one would care to read these stories, that no one would care to go to these events, that none of this would matter and I think what I’ve learned is that I have a good understanding of community, a better understanding than I ever have before […] I think I’ve really learned the importance of putting community first and that’s something that I always try to do,” Knott said. It wasn’t until Knott started writing stories about the Tucson community that she truly fell in love with the city. Growing up, she wanted to move, but now she can confidently say she never wants to live anywhere else. Her love for the city is
reflected in the design of Tucson Love Letter. “All the stories that I write, the things that I post, are my love letter to Tucson and I think that the name Tucson Love Letter, it kind of reflects that,” Knott said. She took a more conversational approach to reporting and story telling, aiming to make her website and Instagram accessible and welcoming for everyone. While Tucson Love Letter is heavily inspired by her vision of Tucson, the community remains front and center for the publication. “I think if you’re moving to a place as an adult to a new city, you probably want to learn the city pretty intimately, so a lot of people who move here want to get to know the culture. They want to understand the history, they want to go to these events, they want to learn the community, so I’m glad that this can be an accessible resource for them,” Knott said She loves when people reach out and ask questions. For Knott, the more niche the better. She has answered questions ranging from where to volunteer to what local shop you can buy a snowglobe at. “I love, love, love when people ask questions. I want to always emphasize that you can message me anything, you can email me anything and I will do my absolute best to respond and if I don’t have an answer I want to be able to pass along a different resource or something,” Knott said. This past year has been big for Knott and she’s extremely grateful for the Tucson community that has shown up to support Tucson Love Letter. “I feel like I’m a writer by trade, but I don’t even know the words to be able to explain how grateful I am. Tucson Love Letter would not be this without people reading it, without people caring and without people supporting, so yeah, I’m very grateful and I’m just happy that it reaches the right people and that people are able to love Tucson a little bit more through it,” Knott said.
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Welcome Wildcats • August 2026
NEWS
UA has broken ground on a new dorm amid housing changes Construction officially began on the University of Arizona’s newest dorm as campus housing continues to evolve.
COURTESY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA A RENDERING OF THE Catalina dorm from the corner of East Speedway Boulevard and North Campbell Avenue.
JAYLA TAFT The Daily Wildcat
On July 14, the University of Arizona broke ground on the new Catalina residence hall located on the Northeast corner of East Helen Street and North Campbell Avenue. The nine-story building is set to open in the fall of 2028 and will house over 1300 students and include a dining hall.
The dorm will be catered to suite-style preference and is also in proximity to campus resources such as the Health Science Innovation Building and other medical-related buildings. After being approved by the Arizona Board of Regents in February, the development of Catalina has been in partnership with Collegiate Housing Foundation and Mortenson Development. Mortenson Development is
leading the design, construction and development, while CHF is responsible for the acquisition and financing of the project. According to UA news, Mortenson Development facilitated a taxexempt financing structure with CHF and RBC Capital Markets in order to expand university housing while allowing for financial flexibility and supporting a path to future ownership.
They have attributed the acceleration of this process to both a quick turnaround time, which was seven months from initial conversations to groundbreaking. As well as Mortenson Development’s threemonth early purchase of the site to allow preparation to begin ahead of construction. Catalina’s announcement is followed by a statement by UA housing in which “living on campus as a first-year, main campus student is expected.” Exceptions to this rule apply to students who live with relatives, live within 30 miles of campus, or have other extenuating circumstances, according to the UA housing official website. According to research data from University Analytics and Institutional Research, “students who live on campus for at least one year have a 50% higher four-year graduation rate than those who never live on campus.” UA news said. Their data also shows that firstyear students that are living on campus average around an 81% first-to-second-year retention rate, while those who live off campus are at 73%. The university claimed safety benefits from on-campus living, such as, cat-card controlled residence halls, UA Police Department Presence, emergency blue light phones and late-night transportation services.
August 2026 • Welcome Wildcats
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OPINION
Definitively ranking campus dining options
THE DAILY WILDCAT STUDENTS, FACULTY, AND PARENTS utilize the buffet option at the Honors Village located in the north of campus.
ABIGAIL ROWLEY The Daily Wildcat
The University of Arizona has over 35 food options around campus, and in the last two years I have visited almost all of them. With so many places to choose from, it makes it hard to separate the wheat from the chaff. That is why I, someone who lives to eat, feel it’s necessary to share the wisdom gained along my culinary journey with others. Thus, I have ranked almost every on campus dining location from lowest to highest, excluding places I haven’t visited, marketplaces and locations yet to open. 21. Sushi with Gusto Sushi with Gusto is not worth your life. It’s not worth the swipe it takes to buy the sushi. It’s not even worth the steps to walk from wherever you are to Global Center to have Sushi with Gusto. I thank our overlords at Arizona Student Unions for moving
this olfactory hazard out of the Student Union Memorial Center. Even still, it did not go far enough. If you need sushi, go to Flakes over on Park Avenue. It is very inexpensive and worth the money to not get whatever gastrointestinal catastrophe Sushi with Gusto will give you. Your toilet will thank you. 20. ’85 North Like most buffet-style dining locations, ’85 North is one of the bestvalue-per-swipe options. If you’re living at Honors Village Residence Hall, ’85 North is great to have, especially for breakfast with their made-to-order eggs. However, if you live anywhere else, you’re better off going to Cactus Grill. 19. Catalyst Café If you’re looking for somewhere to grab something to drink on campus, this is an option. They also have a wide range of pastries, sandwiches and salads. Catalyst Café is catered more toward upperclassmen and graduate students, so the value per swipe isn’t great because things are priced weirdly.
18. Cafe Bolo Similar to, but better than, Catalyst Café, Cafe Bolo offers a wider range of food options but fewer drink options. Their flatbreads, burgers and breakfast are pretty good. Much like Catalyst Café, Cafe Bolo suffers from location and weird pricing. 17. Cactus Grill Cactus Grill is like ’85 North, but with way more options and a more central location. If you’re going to have a buffetstyle meal, go to Cactus Grill. 16. Sabor Tucson is colloquially known as the best 23 miles of Mexican food in the United States. With Sabor, you wouldn’t know! Sabor focuses on quesadillas, nachos and bowls. This would be great if any of them were worth the swipes. The nachos are just shredded cheese with a poor chip-to-topping ratio, the salads are all lettuce and you can only get a base chicken or carnitas bowl that’s skimpy on everything but rice for under a swipe. Even a little packet of shelfstable sour cream will cost you $1.50 (pro tip: buy condiments like ranch or sour cream to avoid paying $2 for tiny portions). If you want Mexican food, go to Más Tacos, or better yet, support one of Tucson’s amazing family-owned Mexican restaurants. 15. Campus Crust If you’re lucky to get a fresh slice, Campus Crust isn’t too bad. It’s as OK in quality as it is in value, given that you can get two margarita or pepperoni slices for a swipe. 14. Starbucks @ Campus Store Similar to, but worse than, the library location, if you are in a rush to get anywhere, do not order from this Starbucks. I don’t care if it says ready in 15 minutes and you have 30 minutes before your class starts; you either aren’t getting your drink or you aren’t making it to class. 13. Shake Smart Shake Smart is pretty consistent between Student Recreation Center and North Recreation Center. They’re good at what they do: protein shakes and small, healthy bites. You can get a large protein shake or a bowl plus a few select add-ons for the cost of a swipe,
which is pretty good. I would caution people looking to Shake Smart to eat healthy, as I have accidentally canceled out quite a few workouts by having a smoothie there. Cut the agave sweetener in half; you won’t tell the difference. 12. Starbucks @ Main Library Starbucks @ Main Library is one of the most anxiety-inducing drink experiences I’ve ever had. It is constantly packed with both orderers and people waiting to pick up their mobile orders. Always add a 10-minute buffer between when it says your order will be ready and when you actually need it. In terms of people watching, you can see some real brilliance at work here. “Uhm, I got a nonfat chai, and this is a mocha.” “Then that isn’t your drink.” “Oh.” 11. Einstein Bros Bagels Einstein’s is the best bagel you’ll get on campus; however, bagels from the on-campus locations are significantly worse than off-campus ones. Make sure to get your bagel double-toasted, or it will be raw. 10. Cork & Craft Cork & Craft is heavily slept on. Most of their menu is designed to fit within swipes and is pretty high quality, all things considered. Their tomato jam brussels sprouts and craft burger are fantastic options for those looking for something a bit more premium-feeling. 9. Everbowl If you’re looking for açaí bowls on campus, skip Shake Smart and go to Everbowl. For the cost of a swipe, you can get a pretty generous bowl with not just açaí but also pitaya, chocolate and “blue majic” bases. If you have a freezer and space it out right, one of these could last two meals. 8. Starbucks @ Global I would say Starbucks @ Global is a hidden gem, however, it’s a Starbucks and everyone knows it’s there. Regardless, Starbucks @ Global
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Welcome Wildcats • August 2026
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OPINION CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9
is the best location on campus. When ordering ahead, wait estimates are fairly accurate and they usually aren’t too busy. The drinks are also the most consistent out of all the locations. However, I’d recommend skipping Starbucks altogether and heading up the street to Scented Leaf, which accepts CatCash and is also locally owned. 7. The Den Unlike Starbucks @ Global, I can say with some confidence that The Den is slept on. I’ve had numerous conversations where I mention the baby Denny’s on campus and people look at me like I’m crazy. If you need greasy, borderline-bowling-alley junk food, go to The Den. Their burgers are the best on campus. Most importantly, they have really good mozzarella sticks. Priorities. 6. Ike’s Coffee and Marketplace Ike’s Coffee and Marketplace is the best option on campus for coffee and tea. Their prices are fair, and there’s a good amount of customization. I wish they were available for mobile ordering through GrubHub, but considering they are a locally owned small business, I can’t be too upset over it. 5. Snax Snax has some of the best concession-style pretzels I’ve had in my entire life. They are soft, warm and airy in a way you wouldn’t expect from a campus dining pretzel. For a pretzel with flavor topping and dip, you’re looking at just under a swipe. If you ditch the sprinkle, you can get it with a cookie or a drink for a swipe. My main complaint is their wonky hours. Why do you close at 5 p.m.? Why aren’t you open on weekends? Many such questions. 4. Más Tacos Más Tacos is the best option on campus for Mexican food. For the cost of a swipe, you can get a taco plate that includes two pretty generously portioned tacos, a side and a choice of salsa. I feel they blow Sabor out of the water. If you’re looking for a more traditional streetstyle taco, this is the move.
3. IQ Fresh While known for their salads or wraps, real ones know that their specialties are where it’s at. In terms of bang for your buck, the chicken tender basket, hummus bowl and gyro are some of your best options on campus. Healthy eating is hard on a meal plan, so if you’re looking for food that is both not completely terrible for you and tastes good, IQ Fresh is the move. 2. Chick-fil-A Everyone who has friends at smalltown colleges has bragged that we have
a Chick-fil-A on campus. While the wait is always centuries, there’s a good reason for that. After all, it’s Chick-fil-A. However, value per swipe is lacking, which isn’t too surprising. 1. Panda Express While lines will be long at the start of the year, there’s a good reason for it. Panda Express has one of the best deals on campus, aside from the buffetstyle options, and the food is actually amazing. For the cost of a swipe, you can walk away with two entrees and a side. Pro tip: If you have extra swipes and
love their cream cheese rangoons or other appetizers, you can get five orders for one swipe (that’s 15 rangoons), freeze them in a plastic bag and reheat them. My freshman year, I had 60 rangoons in my freezer. It was definitely worth it. New arrivals that weren’t mentioned include Little Italy, Sammy’s Deli, WildKatz and Root’d. Locations I haven’t visited include Radicchio, Slot Canyon Café and Sweets.
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SPORTS
Arizona Athletics Fall Preview
CHARLIE RAMIREZ | THE DAILY WILDCAT KENDRICK REESCANO RUSHES THE football against Baylor at Casino Del Sol Stadium on Nov. 22.
AVA WIDENER Sports Editor
As students prepare to come back to Tucson to start the new school year, student-athletes have already been working hard to prepare for the upcoming fall season. There are many exciting sports seasons beginning with plenty to look out for this fall. Tucson is approaching one of the most magical times of the year, football season. This season in particular is highly anticipated by Arizona fans. The team is led by head coach, Brent Brennan, who is entering his third
season coaching Arizona football. Football season will officially begin Sept. 5 at Casino Del Sol Stadium against NAU. Earlier in the year, Arizona Athletics announced several upgrades and changes, aside from the stadium name itself, that would take place ahead of the upcoming season. Some of the upgrades include new sound systems, lighting and video boards to enhance the fan experience at Casino Del Sol Stadium. Unlike football, the soccer season begins before students arrive on campus for the first day of class. These Wildcats are starting their season traveling for an exhibition game against University of California, Irvine on Wednesday, Aug. 5. They have their first home game on Sat-
urday, Aug. 15 against New Mexico State University. The first weekend of September, the Wildcats are hosting the Cactus Classic. They will welcome the University of North Carolina, Dartmouth University and NAU to Murphey Field. After a rough 2025 season and not making it to the Big 12 Tournament, the Wildcats are hoping to turn it around this season. Lastly, volleyball will kick off their season with the Red-Blue scrimmage on Saturday, Aug. 15 at 2 p.m. in McKale Center at ALKEME Arena. Following this scrimmage, they will officially start their season with an exhibition game on Wednesday, Aug. 19 at 5 p.m. against GCU.
The Wildcats are set to host the Wildcat Classic starting Friday, Aug. 28 through Sunday, Aug. 30. Throughout this classic, they are set to play Prairie View A&M University, Tarleton State University and University of California, Santa Barbara. After this classic, the ladies will be on the road and won’t return to Tucson until Friday, Oct. 2 for their Big 12 home opener. There are four starters from last season who have returned including Carlie Cisneros, Brenna Ginder, Adrianna Bridges and Journey Tucker. Along with these returning players, the Wildcats welcomed many transfers and freshmen.
August 2026 • Welcome Wildcats
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NEWS
UA housing changes: The future of student housing The student housing landscape will evolve as changes are being continuously made within the housing department. JAYLA TAFT The Daily Wildcat
The University of Arizona’s Arizona-Sonora residence hall will not welcome any undergraduate students for the 2026-2027 academic year. In a recent post on @uazhousing, the university’s official housing Instagram account, the university announced that Arizona-Sonora will now be used as graduate overflow housing. According to Ali Santander, associate director of marketing and communications for Arizona Housing, housing and residential life will adjust to each year’s dorm assignment forecasts and student’s housing needs. “For the 2026-27 academic year, the university expects more graduate students and a higher percentage of undergraduate students from the Tucson area,” Santander said. The shift in demographics has allowed for the “Arizona-Sonora dorm [to] provide graduate student housing to meet increased demand.” Santander said. In this year’s fall enrollment report, published by the Arizona Board of Regents, “undergraduate first-time and transfer students contributed the largest part of the [population] decrease, with a 14.5 percent drop from fall 2024.” The fall enrollment report said for fall 2025. The proportion of resident student enrollment increased by 2.8 percentage points, according to the report. “I am sad it’s switching to
graduate housing because it was such a fundamental part of my freshman year, along with many other undergraduate students.” Lauren Dempsey, UA senior and former Arizona-Sonora resident, said. “I do foresee complications,” Dempsey said. “I don’t think the location is
suitable for graduate students because it is right in one of the most important dorm districts for freshmen.” University spokesperson declined to give a comment on the specific dorm modifications but provided a press release on other housing changes. This announcement follows a
previous announcement made last year about the closure of another undergraduate dormitory KaibabHuachuca. Kaibab-Huachuca saw closure due to speculation over lower enrollment, as reported by the Daily Wildcat last year.
FELIX HERNANDEZ | THE DAILY WILDCAT
A SIGN DISPLAYS KAIBAB-HUACHUCA’S board of regents on Apr. 23.
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Welcome Wildcats • August 2026
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MAGAZINE SCHOOL SPIRIT
Getting to know Tucson
COURTESY OF FJ GAYLOR SUNRISE SHOTS OF CAMPUS and the Tucson area from the roof of the Thomas W. Keating Bioresearch Building (BIO5 Institute).
ELLIE CONOVER Magazine & PR Editor
From the moment you land in Tucson, there is an abundance of new events waiting for you. Whether you are looking for ways to escape the heat, or finding time outside, there is no shortage of activities on the horizon. The city kicks things off with its annual Tucson Meet Yourself from October 16-18. Here, you can find over 50 foodway vendors with countless genres of food. The festival highlights over 500 folk artists and musicians as well, performing across five different stages spread throughout the event. This is a perfect place to spend your day and get to know what Tucson is all about. Tucson’s Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase begins in January and goes through the middle of February. This event showcases thousands of various gems, crystals, jewelries, fossils, minerals and so much more. It is a perfect place to lose yourself in your surroundings. There is
something for everyone at the gem show. Tucson’s Rodeo and Parade is another hit in the city, offering front row access to rodeo events such as bull riding, steer wrestling, bareback riding and barrel racing. You can see both women’s and men’s events as well as modified youth events. It dates back to 1925 and holds over 150 entries of horse-drawn vehicles, mounted bands and folklórico dancers. This typically occurs in midlate February. Starting in March and running for two days, the Tucson Festival of Books runs right through the University of Arizona’s campus. The UA Mall is filled with authors sharing their new and upcoming books and vendors advertising their products. If you are looking for a way to spend your afternoon during this time of the year, the book festival is the perfect place right on your doorstep. If nightlife is more your scene, there are countless opportunities for you to immerse yourself in Tucson culture. Football and basketball seasons are some of the most popular times of year for Tucson. Whether you are able to be at Casino Del Sol Stadium and inside McKale Center or are watching the games downtown, fans and
supporters make games an unforgettable experience. If you find yourself leaning towards the music scene, Tucson hosts DUSK Music Festival, running over a long weekend in November. The concerts feature EDM, hip-hop, indie rock, pop and local acts as well as showcasing local artists and creators. It’s just a short walk downtown to the festival from campus and a great way to spend your evening. In the same month, the city holds its All Souls Procession event which blends Dia De Los Muertos and other global mourning traditions. Tucson celebrates this event as it recognizes and resonates with the diverse community it inhabits. People participating in this event dress up in costume and carry lanterns to commemorate loss. It is a celebration and service for all.
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Tucson’s Jazz festival happens in January, showcasing internationally acclaimed artists alongside local performers. It is among the largest jazz gatherings in the American Southwest. This 9-day event allows everyone in Tucson to stop by and explore the scene.
August 2026 • Welcome Wildcats
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OPINION
Five tips for preventing dorm room catastrophes It has happened before, it will happen again. Don’t let it happen to you AIDEN WILLIAMS The Daily Wildcat
In Plato’s philosophical dialogue “Timaeus,” he wrote of a golden age where the nation of Atlantis prospered. Slowly this great empire’s morals decayed and the once seemingly invincible nation was dragged beneath the sea by an earthquake overnight. Dormitories are kind of like Atlantis in that all seems to be going well one day and then an unforeseen disaster can bring it all crumbling to the ground. But unlike Atlantis, your roommates are very, very real. Every year, wide-eyed idealistic freshmen walk into their dorms at the University of Arizona. By the end of their first spring semester, the gleam in their eyes disappears as they let the lease expire after one too many knockdown, drag-out arguments with their roommates. These situations are preventable. So instead of having several panic attacks looking for new housing at the end of your first year, here are a few guidelines to save yourself future micro-aneurysms. Respect each others’s property Karl Marx might not have been the biggest fan of private property, but your roommates are. That food they bought is theirs. I have noticed my own roommates were able to, with mathematical certainty, remember how many slices of bread they had and if they went missing. Nothing ever made them more angry. The other things that made my roommates upset were the dishes. It’s a cliche, but one founded in a shared-human experience, likely experienced across the globe for generations. If you use a dish, Mom is not going to clean it for you and neither will the other inhabitants of your dorm. It is tedious. I have never had a good time doing dishes, not once. But it is vastly preferable to arguing about it, so grab that soap. Pay rent on time. During the 2026-7 academic year UA is listing that rent can cost from $7,270 to $16,140 for both semesters. Now, if you’re reading your probably Gen-Z. The economy has been rigged against
ILLUSTRATION BY AMARA WILLIAMS EVERY YEAR, WIDE-EYED idealistic freshmen walk into their dorms at the University of Arizona.
you from the start and there’s no way you’re covering that cost alone, so you and your roommates need to band together like the Avengers and foot that bill. Some dorms have you pay at the beginning of the semester or set up a payment plan. There’s minutia here, but ultimately it all ends in the same place. You have to pay it before your roommates decide to “get these beggars out of here.” Get a job at Spirit of Halloween for all it matters, the bread comes first. There are some students who need not worry about this. The genteel who sit in the high rises on Park Ave, driving around town in Teslas, their ultra wealthy parents paying for rent. But really, if your parents are paying for your apartment, why even have roommates? That’s just a tactical error at that point. Don’t live with your high-school friends. I’ve never heard of this working out. I know many people who thought they would live in perpetual bliss with their super-cool, best friends for life. Some have even tried to date their roommates, in acts of hubris comparable to Greek Heroes. None of them are friends/lovers anymore.
Some things are best in moderation. To room with your best friends is like gorging yourself on chocolate cake. It all tastes great going down, but burns as you throw it all back up. The chemistry that makes you great friends probably is not the same chemistry you want from a roommate. Your friend having a great time playing “Jack Box Party Pack” is not a qualification for being a roommate. Frankly, being friends with your roommates is entirely optional. You just need to live with them long enough to get a degree. It is more important to not be a jerk then it is to be friends. You probably want your friends to stick around longer than 4-6 years. If you are reading this and are like “Well, too late, we’ve already moved in.” Then I’m sorry, I wish I could’ve saved you. But it might be too late. Have sex responsibly. This is the big one. I have been regaled with many tales of dorm rooms collapsing in on themselves. The gravitational force that brought them all to their knees: sex. It happens. It happened before you moved here and will happen after you
leave. But do it responsibly and with consideration to your roommates and how thin dorm walls can be. Best to just avoid having sex with room mates in ear shot, or in the room. Sexual harassment as defined by the UA Student code of conduct is any “unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature.” Do not make the mistake of assuming your roommates will not tell anyone what you’re up to. They do. They’ve definitely told me. Ask Ted Cruz, his old roommate Craig Mazin has told many people. The destructive power of lust is an ancient fear. Look no further than the legend of Lancelot and Guenivere. These fears manifest in dorms here at UA, ASU and NAU. Our neighbors to the north at BYU go to great lengths to prevent this. But we need not go to such excessive lengths to prevent your dorm from ending like Camelot. Think before you have sex with someone. Don’t go around immediately telling everyone about your escapade when it happens. It’s exciting for you, no one else. And, most importantly, do not have sex with someone, one of your roommates is currently dating. You would have an easier time explaining why you set the refrigerator on fire than explaining that one. You’re adults now, behave like it. This is probably the most important lesson, not just for cohabitating but for college in general. The days of high-school melodrama are in the past. There is no one who is going to fight your battles for you. You have to schedule your classes. You have to get to those classes on time. You have to figure out your transportation, how you will pay rent and what to feed yourself. And at the end of the day, when your roommate is mad at you for who knows what, you are the one who has to talk with them. Do it respectfully and calmly. College is where you get your first taste of what the real world is going to be like. And sadly, the real world is a lot of talking about annoying things and figuring out solutions to those annoying things. Now is as great a time as ever to get your feet wet with adult conversations.
Welcome Wildcats • August 2026
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SPORTS
Arizona football gains two veterans after new NCAA eligibility ruling ANDRES VALENZUELA The Daily Wildcat
With the football season less than a month away, the University of Arizona returned two All-Big 12 Honorable Mentions from last season; leading rusher running back Ismail Mahdi and linebacker Max Harris. Both team captains and key contributors to the Wildcats last season, Mahdi and Harris provided leadership and value on opposite sides of the ball while helping Arizona finish the season with nine wins, their most since the 2023 season. Mahdi enters his second season in Tucson coming off a team-leading 853 rushing yards on 133 carries, averaging 6.4 yards per attempt and scoring four touchdowns. He also contributed 119 receiving yards and another touchdown through the air, finishing with 978 total yards from scrimmage. Now, with another season in the system, Mahdi gives the Wildcats an experienced option in a crowded running back room that features Kedrick Reescano and Quincy Craig, with all three serving as key contributors a season ago. While Mahdi provided a steady presence in Arizona’s backfield, Harris anchored the Wildcats on the defensive side of the ball. The linebacker finished the 2025 season with 78 total tackles, ranking third on the team, while adding 3.5 tackles for loss. His production earned him All-Big 12 Honorable Mention honors. A linebacker tandem of fellow senior Taye Brown and Harris will provide experience and leadership in the middle of Arizona’s defense. For Arizona head coach Brent Brennan, having Mahdi and Harris
back provides the Wildcats with two experienced leaders. “It’s great to have them back,” Brennan said. “The thing about them they’re great human beings and they’re also great football players.” The road to their return, however, came with uncertainty. The eligibility ruling that allowed Mahdi and Harris to return was still being sorted out as the Wildcats are finishing up their first week of fall training camp. “The sooner we could have a little bit more clarity about how it’s all going to play out, the better,” Brennan said. Following a court ruling by U.S. District Judge Charlotte Sweeney of
the District of Colorado, Class of 2022 athletes who have exhausted their previous eligibility can now compete for an additional season. Sweeney issued a class-wide preliminary injunction against the NCAA on July 31, allowing Division I athletes who began college during the 2022-2023 academic year to receive a fifth season under the NCAA’s new “five-for-five” eligibility model. The ruling temporarily opened the door for athletes like Mahdi and Harris, who had already completed four seasons of college football, to return for another year. With Mahdi and Harris back in the
fold, Arizona enters the new season with two experienced contributors who can provide production and leadership on both sides of the ball. Their returns give the Wildcats added depth and familiarity as they look to build on a nine-win season and take another step forward in the Big 12. After months of uncertainty surrounding their eligibility, the focus for them now shifts back to football. The Wildcats will open this season at home against NAU on Saturday, September 5 at Casino Del Sol Stadium.
FELIX HERNANDEZ | THE DAILY WILDCAT ISMAIL MAHDI (#21) CELEBRATES as he scores a touchdown against Baylor University on Nov. 22
August 2026 • Welcome Wildcats
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Welcome Wildcats • August 2026
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SPORTS
Three Wildcats hear their names called in this year’s NBA Draft WILL SHENOT The Daily Wildcat
Three Arizona Wildcats were selected in this year’s NBA Draft after their historic 29-2 season, which resulted in a Big 12 Championship and a Final Four appearance. Brayden Burries – Milwaukee Bucks, 10th Overall Brayden Burries entered the draft as one of the top guard prospects, and he sneaks into the top 10 as Milwaukee officially pivots into a new era after moving on from franchise cornerstone Giannis Antetokounmpo. He projects as an immediate rotation piece, likely one of the first guards off the bench behind Ryan Rollins and newly acquired All-Star Tyler Herro. Burries brings exactly the kind of skill set NBA front offices covet: a guard who can play on or off the ball, create within the flow of the offense and hold his own defensively. He’s a seamless fit for a Bucks team looking to reshape its identity. Koa Peat – Phoenix Suns, 30th Overall Koa Peat, initially projected to go in the mid-to-late first round, ended up falling to the final pick of the first round where he stayed in Arizona with the Suns. NBA general managers’ primary concern is his lack of perimeter shooting, but Peat’s freakish athleticism and 6-foot-8, 245-pound frame at just 19 years old give fans plenty of reason to be optimistic. Peat is explosive at attacking the rim and shows strong coordination and footwork, helping him finish
MASON KUMET | THE DAILY WILDCAT BRAYDEN BURRIES PUTS UP an awkward shot against the University of Michigan in the Final Four in Lucas Oil Stadium on April 4 in Indianapolis.
efficiently, where he shot 67% at the rim last season. If he can develop his perimeter game, he could end up being the steal of this draft. Jaden Bradley – Toronto Raptors, 50th Overall Jaden Bradley, the Big 12 Player of the Year last season, is viewed as a
high-floor prospect who will likely battle for immediate playing time this upcoming season. As the leader of the Wildcats’ Final Four run in March Madness, Bradley arrives with plenty of big-game experience for a team looking to push for the playoffs in 2027. Bradley’s all-around game should
keep him in the league for several years, and he could grow into a valuable contributor as a professional. His bread and butter is the midrange, but he was also efficient from the perimeter, shooting 39.4% last season.
August 2026 • Welcome Wildcats
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MULTIMEDIA
How reporters spent summer
EMMA LAPOINTE | THE DAILY WILDAT
EMMA LAPOINTE WITH A hot dog at a Washington Nationals game in Washington, D.C. It was the first game between the Nationals and the Toronto Blue Jays of the season.
REGINA PORTUGAL | THE DAILY WILDCAT
REGINA PORTUGAL TRAVELED TO New Zealand and hiked the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
KATE EID | THE DAILY WILDCAT AIDEN WILLIAMS | THE DAILY WILDCAT
AIDEN WILLIAMS ATTENDED PHOENIX Fan Fusiona and hosted riotous panels, battled an oversold crowd and made unwise financial decisions.
AIDEN WILLIAMS | THE DAILY WILDCAT
AIDEN WILLIAMS SPENT HIS summer relaxing and watching mvoies with his cat, Rosie
KATE EID TRAVELED TO GREECE through the W.A Franke Honors College where she studied mythology and creative writing.
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KAMSI K-O | THE DAILY WILDCAT
KAMSI K-O WENT WITH FRIENDS to go see Spider-Man: Brand New Day. The group posed in front of the poster and all did their own Spider-Man hand signs.
REGINA PORTUGAL | THE DAILY WILDCAT
REGINA PORTUGAL CONTINUED AN internship working in criminal defense at a private law firm in Tucson.
KAMSI K-O | THE DAILY WILDCAT
KAMSI K-O ATTENTED A FRIEND’S birthday party and captured a classic Tucson sunset.
August 2026 • Welcome Wildcats
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MULTIMEDIA
Photo Gallery
CHARLIE RAMIREZ | THE DAILY WILDCAT
STORM CLOUDS ROLL OVER the Tucson metro area on June 17.
CHARLIE RAMIREZ | THE DAILY WILDCAT
A WOMAN TAKES A photo of a stormy sky in Chandler Ariz. on July 27.
CHARLIE RAMIREZ | THE DAILY WILDCAT
RAIN FALLS NEAR 6TH 6th Street on June 17.
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MULTIMEDIA CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21
CHARLIE RAMIREZ | THE DAILY WILDCAT
STORM CLOUDS ROLL OVER Chandler Ariz. on July 27.
CHARLIE RAMIREZ | THE DAILY WILDCAT
LIGHTNING FLASHES ACROSS THE night sky on Aug. 6.
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August 2026 • Welcome Wildcats
COMICS CORNER AMARA WILLIAMS Comic’s Editor
OLIVE BRANCH
THE CANLAND ARCHIVE
Welcome, or welcome back Wildcats! My name is Amara and I’m the editor for the Daily Wildcat’s comics and illustration desk. I’m super excited to continue to bring you your Sunday (or whichever day this hits the newsstands) funnies this semester! If you like what you see here and want to see more comics, you can always visit our website at wildcat.arizona.edu. As you find your way through navigating this school year, I hope you can also find the time to follow along with the amazing stories our talented student artists create. Cheers to an amazing semester, and Bear Down!
By Amara Williams
By Porter Norton McDonald
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Commencement Print Edition • April 2026