Good morning, Tucson.

Gospel Rescue Mission held its 37th Annual Thanksgiving Blessings event today by serving about 3,000 meals to community members and offering mobile food and clothing drives with the help of 450 volunteers—Congressman Ciscomani and local families were also present to support the cause.

Chef Erik Olson is heading the free Thanksgiving meal at Salvation Army’s Tucson Hospitality House today from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.—he has prepped 270 pounds of turkey and aims to serve about 800 plates to guests.

A stove fire in a Tucson home was quickly contained by the Fire Department Wednesday morning as a safety measure ahead of Thanksgiving + officials urge residents to watch food closely and keep a fire extinguisher nearby + the incident highlights the risks of holiday kitchen mishaps.

Small businesses across the area are preparing for one of their busiest days as Small Business Saturday will draw record shoppers this weekend—holiday sales are expected to surpass $1 trillion this season.

Local owner Trent Nichols, who recently opened a Marana location of Eden's Echo Country Store, said he hopes strong community support will boost local commerce.

The University of Arizona reported a drop in enrollment to 54,384 this fall from 56,544 last year due to increased visa difficulties for international students and less merit-based aid for out-of-state students.

The school announced a new Early Action process with a Nov. 1 deadline (which replaces rolling admissions) that may further impact future enrollment trends.

The Storm to Shade project on 12th Avenue on Tucson’s southside entered Phase II after crews removed 75% of traffic barricades and finished paving and curb work.

Business owners say construction has hurt safety and sales—one restaurant reported a 25% drop in sales—while officials plan to add native vegetation and an irrigation system and expect completion by February.

Pima County’s Healthy Companions program gives free care to unhoused people and their pets at monthly mobile clinics at the Sullivan Jackson Employment Center since October 2023.

The program offers checkups, family planning, and pet care — work done by several local agencies — to remove barriers to needed health services.

Veterinarians in Oro Valley warn pet owners not to share Thanksgiving leftovers with their pets—foods like garlic, onion, grapes, raisins, and fatty dishes can trigger emergency conditions such as pancreatitis and kidney failure.

They recommend offering small portions of unseasoned white turkey and vegetables as a safer treat.

Arizona offensive coordinator Seth Doege reflected on his time playing for legendary coach Mike Leach during Wildcat Wednesdays.

He explained how Leach's bold coaching style shaped his own approach to the game.

Arizona and Arizona State will face off Friday night in the Territorial Cup with both teams coming in at 8 wins and looking to improve their play.

Coaches say the rivalry—steeped in history and now filled with extra excitement—will push both teams to play their best, adding intensity to the game.

Hockey Showdown: Tucson Roadrunners vs Abbotsford Canucks

3:00 – 4:30 PM — Tucson Arena — Tickets available — Watch the Tucson Roadrunners clash with the Abbotsford Canucks in an exciting ice hockey match.

Hockey Match: Abbotsford Canucks vs Tucson Roadrunners

7-8:30 p.m. — Tucson Arena — Cost info not provided — Catch the action as the Abbotsford Canucks face off against the Tucson Roadrunners in an exciting ice hockey showdown.

Jazz Jam with Max Goldschmid

6:30-9:30 p.m. — The Century Room — $5-$10 + DICE fees — Enjoy an evening of improvisational jazz with local musicians led by Max Goldschmid.

Reece HVAC Equipment Training

3 PM – 12 AM — 8190 E 22nd St, Tucson, AZ — Free entry — Comprehensive training on ductless systems and HVAC equipment for professionals.

Tucson Young Professionals Holiday Mixer

6-8 p.m. — Whiskey Del Bac — $32.90 — Celebrate the season with holiday glam, live music, and a festive costume contest.

Suzy Bogguss: A Swingin’ Little Christmas

7:30-9 p.m. — Fox Tucson Theatre — Ticket prices not specified — Enjoy a night filled with Christmas classics and hits from Suzy Bogguss’ legendary career.

Miracle on 34th Street Musical

Dec 5 - Dec 28, 7 p.m. — Arts Express Theatre — Ticket required — Experience the heartwarming tale of a single mom and her daughter believing in Santa Claus again.

Downtown Parade of Lights Festival

6:30-8:00 p.m. — Armory Park — Free entry — Celebrate the holidays with a dazzling display of lights in downtown Tucson.

SME Arizona Conference 2025

8 a.m. – 5 p.m. — The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa — Registration required — Explore the latest in mining, metallurgy, and geology at this professional conference.

Tucson Speed Dating for Singles Aged 40 to 50

7-9 p.m. — Aloft Tucson University — Entry fee required — Meet potential matches and explore the possibility of love at this engaging speed dating event.