Saturday, January 3rd, 2026
Good morning, Tucson. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 3rd of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ During New Year's Eve, fireworks scared dogs and led to Pima Animal Care Center overcrowding—housing more than 400 dogs in 233 kennels instead of the usual 350; officials urge pet owners to check before bringing in lost pets to ease the strain. KVOA
- ➤ A Tucson family was reunited with their 13-year-old stray dog lost since 2021 after Animal Care officials used a microchip to identify her. Owner Carl drove to Phoenix on Dec. 31 (the reunion day) and Georgia wagged her tail warmly on returning home. KVOA
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ A new list highlights notable Southern Az books of 2025 featuring local authors who share stories of regional heritage; the collection includes works like Storied Property and Brothers Of The Gun + titles that capture Tucson’s vibrant literary scene. Tucson Sentinel
- ➤ The Arizona Marching Band performed in the Holiday Bowl Parade on Jan. 2, showing off its spirited routine along Tucson streets. The video capture (shared by local media) highlights a festive display of tradition. KOLD News 13
- ➤ Local choirs in Tucson are uniting to honor singer Juan Cristobal Flores with a memorial concert at Catalina United Methodist Church on Friday, Jan. 16 at 7 p.m. The tribute will feature ensembles he performed with + celebrate his life and music. KGUN 9
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ A weak landspout briefly touched down just west of Tucson near Three Points on New Year's Day, marking the nation's first tornado of 2026. Arizona Daily Star
- ➤ On Jan. 1, a landspout (a tornado that forms without organized storm rotation) touched down near Three Points around 1 p.m. with no known damage, according to NWS Tucson. KVOA
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Tucson Fire Department reported a nearly five percent increase in calls in December compared to November, responding to 8,636 calls that included 7,415 EMS and 1,221 non-EMS incidents. Crews continued handling chest pain, falls, and smoke investigations to keep our community safe. KVOA
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Pima County Health Department reported a measles case and rising flu cases as the new year begins; the hospitalized patient (from Mexico via Santa Cruz County) led Health Director Dr. Theresa Cullen to advise vaccination and wearing masks at the first sign of symptoms. KGUN 9
- ➤ Pima County Health Department reported a measles case after a visitor showed symptoms and noted a significant rise in flu cases, with 412 positive tests by late December. Officials advise residents to ensure vaccinations are current and to monitor for symptoms while hospitals keep beds available. Tucson Sentinel
- ➤ Pima County reported the first measles case since 2019 today in a confirmed patient. Health officials are investigating the case and urging residents to review vaccination records + follow recommended guidelines. KOLD News 13
- ➤ Health officials confirmed the year's first measles case in Pima County on New Year's Eve — the infected person traveled from Mexico through Santa Cruz County. Arizona Daily Star
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ On Wednesday, Pima Community College men’s basketball dominated the Aztec Winter Classic with a 133-53 win as six players reached double figures (Brock Mendoza led with 28 points) to improve their record to 14-0, and they return to ACCAC play today at 4 p.m. against Chandler-Gilbert Community College. Tucson Sentinel
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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.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man.
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