Tucson
Today
Friday, June 20th, 2025
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Good morning, Tucson. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 20th of June.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Last Wednesday, Alfredo 'Freddy' Alvarez saw heavy smoke while walking his dog in South Tucson and quickly ran upstairs with a fire extinguisher to stop a burning apartment from spreading the fire—his brave actions kept the blaze contained until first responders arrived and officials later honored him. KGUN 9
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Former Santa Cruz County Treasurer Elizabeth Gutfahr admitted to stealing $38M from taxpayers and will face sentencing on Monday in federal court—she pleaded guilty to embezzlement, money laundering, and tax evasion while the county plans to recover $12M by selling her assets. KVOA
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Today, Tucson hosts a busy city week with live music by Kolby Cooper at Rialto Theatre and an All Right Now Dance Party by Rillito River Band at Gaslight Music Hall, while tomorrow, tribute band Mean Streets and performances by Mary Chapin Carpenter and Brandy Clark will start a series of concerts, tours, art exhibits, and gaming workshops scheduled through June 30. Local venues also offer animal encounters, historical tours, and sensory presentations that promise diverse experiences for residents. Tucson Weekly
- ➤ Today, workers at San Xavier Mission are restoring the Retablo Facade—the most decorated part of the historic church—to fix faded details after years of desert weather. The project, funded by a National Park Service grant and donations, completed its first stabilization phase and will begin phase two later this year. KGUN 9
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Tucson Electric Power is asking for a 14% rate hike that may add about $16 to summer bills to pay for grid investments. The proposal, filed with the Arizona Corporation Commission, is not linked to a recent $3.6 billion data center approval by the Pima County Board of Supervisors & will take effect in September 2026 if approved. Arizona Public Media
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A NASA mission led by University of Arizona researchers is at risk of cancellation due to the 2026 federal budget review, which could halt the $200 million OSIRIS-APEX project—75 million of that would benefit Tucson's economy. The spacecraft is scheduled to rendezvous with asteroid Apophis in 2029, a critical opportunity for research on planetary defense. KGUN 9
- ➤ At its meeting earlier this week in downtown Tucson, the Pima County Board approved a purchase-sale agreement for Project Blue, a data center to be built on a 290-acre site north of the fairgrounds that will offer 2.25 million square feet of space and create 180 full-time jobs. Beale Infrastructure will invest $3.6 billion—its first building potentially operational by 2027—while county officials plan strict monitoring of water use and infrastructure impact. Arizona Public Media
SHOP NEWS
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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Tucson Today.
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Viva Victoria! Benefit Concert featuring Mariachi Cobre
8 p.m. — Casino Del Sol — Cost TBA — Enjoy a vibrant evening of music as Mariachi Cobre celebrates over 50 years of cooperation and cultural showcase.
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The Matrix Movie Potluck Pool Party
12-6 a.m. — 1510 W Liddell Dr, Tucson, AZ — Potluck style — Enjoy a summer pool party while watching The Matrix trilogy under the stars.
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Public Mirror Lab Tours
90 minutes — University of Arizona's Steward Observatory Richard F. Caris Mirror Laboratory — Cost varies — Explore cutting-edge technology behind giant telescope mirrors pushing the boundaries of astronomy.
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Tucson Speed Dating for Singles Ages 21-39
2-4 p.m. — The Outlaw Bar & Grill — Ticket required — Experience a fun and efficient way to meet local singles with engaging pre-dates.
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Richard F. Caris Mirror Lab Tour at University of Arizona
90-minute tour — Steward Observatory — $ — Explore innovative engineering behind the world's largest telescope mirrors.
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Monthly Coloring Day at Pueblo Vida Brewing Company
3-9 p.m. — Pueblo Vida Brewing Company — Free entry — Unwind with coloring and a pint in a relaxed atmosphere.
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Public Mirror Lab Tours
9:00 – 10:30 AM — University of Arizona's Steward Observatory Richard F. Caris Mirror Laboratory — Free entry — Discover cutting-edge optical technology and engineering behind the world's largest telescope mirrors.
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The Gospel According to Grown Folks featuring GMWA Choir
4:30-6 p.m. — The Century Room — $20-$30 + DICE fees — Experience an uplifting concert with Grown Folks and the GMWA Choir showcasing gospel music talent.
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All Day Happy Hour at Pueblo Vida Brewing Company
3-9 p.m. — Pueblo Vida Brewing Company — $5 full pours — Enjoy a refreshing brew with friends during a fantastic happy hour.
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Grupo Arizona with Kevin Ravellette
6:30-10:30 p.m. — The Century Room — $10-$15 + fees — Experience vibrant classical and jazz fusion with a unique Latin twist in a summer residency.
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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Tucson Today.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Nothing in life is to be feared. It is only to be understood.
~ Marie Curie
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