Good morning, Tucson.

On Tuesday, local nonprofit Mending Souls prepared thousands of handmade gifts from donated fabrics in the back room of a Speedway and Craycroft thrift store.

The crafted items soon went to nursing homes, hospitals, and the police station to spread holiday warmth across Tucson.

Gospel Rescue Mission launched Operation Rescue from the Cold on Dec.

1 to provide shelter, hot showers, laundry, and nutritious meals for people facing homelessness. The facility operates daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in Tucson + offers dry clothing, day beds, and other vital services.

Local groups are set to provide free and discounted food boxes, produce giveaways and pet food for Tucson residents facing budget challenges throughout December.

Events include a drive-thru produce giveaway Friday, Dec. 5 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church and additional food distributions and pet supply events statewide through Dec. 21.

South Tucson firefighters report a rise in warming fires started in vacant lots and along sidewalks as colder temperatures set in this season, noting that crews stock warming blankets + advise residents to call 911 when they spot a fire to help people stay warm and prevent further risks.

TPCH is recruiting over 500 volunteers for the 2026 Point-in-Time Count on Jan.

28 in Pima County to survey unsheltered homelessness. Volunteers will register online and get training before the early morning shift (approximately 6 to 11 a.m.).

Crews responded to a structure fire on Tucson's westside (off Curtis Road near Ruthrauff Road and La Cholla Boulevard) and had the blaze under control within five minutes while one resident was evaluated and displaced.

The Downtown Parade of Lights will return to downtown Tucson on Friday, Dec.

6 with a festival in Armory Park starting at 4 p.m. and a parade beginning at 6:30 p.m. from 17th Street and Fourth Avenue—featuring over 50 local groups and food trucks.

Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium will mark its 50th anniversary on Dec.

13 with a free community day at 1601 East University Blvd on the UA campus. Guests will see planetarium shows, science exhibits, interactive demos, and a preview of the Mysteries of the Cosmos exhibit coming in spring.

UniSource Energy Services removed a temporary surcharge (to reflect recovered fuel costs) from Santa Cruz County accounts this week, saving customers about $19 on their residential electric bills.

University of Arizona researchers confirmed Wednesday they spotted a new jaguar (Cinco) in Southern Arizona, one of five big cats to cross from Mexico in 15 years; experts say the sighting underscores the need to keep open habitat corridors as border barriers threaten wildlife.

Pima County launched new climate action plans by submitting its Comprehensive Climate Action Plan on Nov.

26 with Tucson and the Tohono O’odham Nation and approving CAPCO on Dec. 2, which aims to cut county emissions by 60% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050 — residents can track details on the PimaCAN! Climate Action Now website.

The Arizona Corporation Commission voted four to one on Wednesday evening to approve an agreement letting Tucson Electric Power supply electricity to the new Project Blue data center complex in Tucson.

Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva introduced the Save Oak Flat from Foreign Mining Act today to repeal a 2014 land swap that gave 2,422 acres of a sacred Arizona site to a foreign firm.

The bill protects Tribal sovereignty and would stop plans that threaten water supply and the environment.

The Tucson Fire Department has issued holiday decorating safety tips to help residents prevent fire hazards during the festive season.

They advise careful use of lights and candles to keep homes safe.

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.

Wednesday Team Trivia Night

7-9 p.m. — Pueblo Vida Brewing Company — Free entry — Test your knowledge and compete for gift card prizes in a fun downtown setting.

Blue Dream Trio featuring Chelsee Hicks

10:30 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. — The Century Room — $10-$15 + Dice fees — Enjoy a late-night jazz session with Chelsee Hicks and holiday classics.

Tucson's Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl

4-9 p.m. — Sky Bar Tucson — $15 online ticket — Explore Tucson's nightlife with a fun pub crawl featuring games and prizes.

Rich Hinman vs Adam Levy: An Afternoon of Guitar

4:30-6 p.m. — The Century Room — $20-$30 + DICE fees — Experience the soulful interplay of guitar heavyweights Rich Hinman and Adam Levy in a jazz-infused instrumental performance.

Tucson Speed Dating Event for Singles Ages 35-45

7-9 p.m. — Aloft Tucson University — Cost varies — Meet up to 12 potential matches and discover your next success story in love.

Candlelight: Christmas Special

6:30-8:30 p.m. — La Rosa — Ticket prices vary — Experience a magical evening of festive music under the glow of candlelight featuring 'The Nutcracker' and other holiday classics.