Tucson
Today
Thursday, January 1st, 2026
Good morning, Tucson. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 1st of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ KGUN 9's review recaps 2025 with local highlights including Project Blue developments, UA sports success, new business activity, and neighbors helping during tough times. The review shows the strength of local storytelling and sets the stage for more community news in 2026. KGUN 9
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Rock in Midtown will remain open after plans to replace the venue with student housing were scrapped, the owner announced. The venue has been a local staple since the 1970s and continues to host live music by national acts and local bands. KVOA
- ➤ Construction at Casino Del Sol Vahi Taa'am features a 28,000‑pound copper dome set to house an art project — artist Joe Pagac's crew will paint white clouds on a blue sky in February. The work will take seven weeks as the casino aims to open in 2027 with 500 jobs. KGUN 9
- ➤ Joan Agajanian Quinn’s extensive Cool School art collection is on display today at the Tucson Museum of Art, where visitors can view West Coast contemporary works until May 20 — the exhibit includes pieces by Carlos Almaraz and other notable artists. Tucson Weekly
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Minimum wage increases take effect today in Arizona, raising the statewide rate to $15.15 per hour and the Tucson rate to $15.45 per hour due to Prop 206 inflation adjustments. The wage will adjust annually with the Consumer Price Index and federal benchmarks. KGUN 9
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Tucson Federal Credit Union donated $90,000 to Kino School to build a new 336 sqft music classroom — construction will begin in June and finish by August or September to enhance STEAM and music education for local students. Tucson Weekly
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ A rare ocelot was captured on camera in the Santa Rita Mountain region, marking the second recorded sighting since 2013 and 2014 by the University of Arizona Wild Cat Research and Convention Center. KVOA
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A new deadline Feb. 14 may be the last chance for seven states to decide how to share the Colorado River's diminished water. Arizona Department of Water Resources Director Tom Buschatzke warned that without further talks, federal action—triggered by a mid-January meeting in Washington—may impose cuts later. KGUN 9
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Banner Health implemented a mandatory mask requirement at all its locations on Dec. 31. The policy applies across its facilities to keep everyone safe. KOLD News 13
- ➤ Banner Health is requiring all patients, visitors, and staff to wear masks in patient areas today to counter a flu surge from a new H3N2 subvariant (masks available at facility entrances). The mandate covers all Tucson Banner locations, including the University Medical Center on North Campbell Avenue, until further notice. KGUN 9
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Birding for EveryBODY: Agua Caliente Park
8-10 a.m. — Agua Caliente Regional Park — Free registration — Explore the diverse birdlife in an accessible setting perfect for nature enthusiasts.
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The Wiz Musical
6-11 Jan — Centennial Hall UA — Ticketed entry — Experience the powerhouse revival of the beloved classic with stunning choreography and a modern twist.
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Sinne Eeg and Josh Nelson Live Concert
6:30-8 p.m. — The Century Room — $25-$35 + DICE fees — Experience the captivating jazz artistry of Danish vocalist Sinne Eeg alongside acclaimed pianist Josh Nelson.
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Tesoro Live Concert
7:30-9:00 p.m. — La Rosa — Check event page for cost — Experience the vibrant Tesoro live at Tucson's stunning new multi-arts venue.
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Stargazing at Canoa Ranch
6:30-8:30 p.m. — Historic Canoa Ranch — Free but registration required — Experience the wonders of the night sky with telescopes and expert astronomers.
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Iowa Wild at Tucson Roadrunners
7-8:30 p.m. — Tucson Arena — Ticket information available — Experience thrilling AHL hockey as the Roadrunners showcase their talented prospects against the Wild.
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Jazz Jam with Max Goldschmid
6:30-9:30 p.m. — The Century Room — $5-$10 + DICE fees — Enjoy an evening of live jazz with Max Goldschmid and the house band in an informal jam session.
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The Unafraid Storyteller Writing Retreat
Jan 11-15 — 14301 E Speedway Blvd, Tucson, AZ — Registration required — A weeklong retreat fostering authenticity in writing.
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Team Trivia Night at Pueblo Vida Brewing Company
7-9 p.m. — Pueblo Vida Brewing Company — Free entry — Grab your team and enjoy a fun-filled night of trivia and chances to win gift card prizes.
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Leftover Salmon Concert
7:30-9 p.m. — La Rosa — Ticketed event — Experience Colorado’s great purveyors of Americana music in an intimate setting.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
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