Tucson
Today
Thursday, January 8th, 2026
Good morning, Tucson. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 8th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Facing cold weather, The Salvation Army Tucson will open its Warming Hearts and Souls emergency shelter when temperatures drop to 35 degrees (or 40 with rain) from Nov. 15 through Mar. 31. Guests can check in at the Hospitality House, 1002 N. Main Ave, for meals, showers, and clothing. KVOA
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Barista Del Barrio opened a second location inside Borderlands Brewery Sam Hughes near the University over the weekend after long customer requests. The shop operates Wed-Fri 7 a.m. to noon and Sat-Sun 8 a.m. to noon and plans events (sip and paint sessions) to extend its menu. KGUN 9
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ On Wednesday morning, TMC Health unveiled a 10-foot bronze sculpture named Triumphant outside the Marshall Conference Center. Created by Tucson artist Shirley Wagner, the statue marks the 2,400th artwork added to its Healing Arts Program. KVOA
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Tucson Unified School District said half its students open-enroll and families should complete enrollment applications by Friday to secure their spot. KOLD News 13
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Tucson residents can attend a free FoodCycle Program workshop to learn composting basics, pick up a countertop compost bucket, and get drop-off information to convert scraps into soil (reducing methane emissions). The city initiative promotes food waste reduction and healthy desert soil. City of Tucson
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ City of Tucson is hiring more 911-311 dispatchers to reduce wait times and support first responders as staffing remains below ideal levels; the center met response benchmarks with 71% of calls answered within 20 seconds last year. New applicants must complete training with starting pay of $19.97 per hour. KGUN 9
- ➤ Oro Valley is holding a Zoom meeting on Jan. 15 at 5:30 p.m. to gather input on its OV Trails Connect 90% Master Plan Draft; residents can review the plan online and share feedback (Zoom ID: 835-0870-6713, passcode: 725703). KVOA
- ➤ Pima County crews are monitoring flood sensors placed across the area, including near Reid Park, to alert residents of rising water levels and flood risks. The Flood Control District maintains the devices around the clock (data updates every few seconds) to ensure timely warnings. KVOA
- ➤ Marana Town Council voted 6-0 Tuesday night to rezone twin 300-acre parcels for the future Project Blue data center campus. The approval sets conditions for infrastructure upgrades (including new roads, water, and electrical connections) and could support 4,200 construction jobs over 10 years. Tucson Sentinel
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Scientists discovered that a protein in Gila monster venom helped create drugs like Ozempic that lower blood sugar and reduce appetite — a breakthrough treatment for diabetes. The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum says the iconic reptiles remind us to protect our desert wildlife. KOLD News 13
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Top-ranked Arizona beat Kansas State 101-76 on Wednesday night at the McKale Center with Brayden Burries scoring 28 and Motiejus Krivas adding 25. The team will travel to TCU Saturday before hosting Arizona State next Wednesday, improving to a 15-0 record. KOLD News 13
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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.
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Asphalt Astronaut Concert
7-11 p.m. — Vertigo Wines — Check for entry details — Enjoy live music from Tucson's acclaimed singer-songwriter Asphalt Astronaut.
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P.O.P - The Paul Opocensky Project
10 AM – 2 PM — St. Philip's Plaza Market — Free entry — Experience soulful live music by singer-songwriter Paul Opocensky in a vibrant market setting.
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Paint with Pigs Fundraiser
2-4 p.m. — Ironwood Pig Sanctuary — $45 — Enjoy a unique painting experience alongside friendly pig rescues while supporting a good cause.
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Terell Stafford with the Century Jazz Orchestra
6:30-9:30 p.m. — The Century Room — $35-$50 tickets — Experience the vibrant sounds of jazz as Terell Stafford celebrates 60 years of Monday nights at the Village Vanguard.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.
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