Tucson
Today
Tuesday, December 16th, 2025
Good morning, Tucson. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 16th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Pima Animal Care Center will open the Animal Restoration Kennels at Central Pet (2420 N. Jackrabbit Ave.) on January 1 to provide shelter with veterinary care and spaying and neutering for animals rescued from neglect, abuse, and hoarding. Tucson Sentinel
- ➤ The Community Food Bank is calling on local residents to boost donations this holiday season (it raises 60% of its yearly support from Thanksgiving to New Year) as food lines grew by 30% and supplies dropped by 20%. KGUN 9
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ 13 News compiled a list of the top 13 local stories from 2025 to show Tucson residents the events that kept the city talking. The roundup covers stories that repeatedly made headlines (from 13 News) over several weeks. KOLD News 13
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Tucson Federal Credit Union gifted $90K to Kino School on Dec. 15 at its campus on First Avenue — Orange Grove to fund a new music classroom that expands arts education for students benefiting from nontraditional learning. KVOA
- ➤ U of A students presented research on food insecurity and health insurance at a forum held at Habitat for Humanity, revealing new data on poverty in the 29th Street Thrive Zone (based on over 280 interviews). The event included input from Mayor Regina Romero. KVOA
- ➤ Northwest Fire District will donate a 2002 Pierce Enforcer Fire Truck to the JTED Fire Service Program to boost hands-on training; the event will be held on Dec. 18 at 10:30 a.m. at NWFD Fleet Services (7375 Starcommerce Way). KVOA
- ➤ The University of Arizona is launching AZSCI, a project to develop space-based data centers that aim to cut Earth’s environmental impact, receiving $250,000 seed funding from the Big Idea Challenge. The team will analyze key economic and regulatory factors by 2027. KVOA
- ➤ University of Arizona announces a $20M Garcia family donation to fund study abroad scholarships offering up to $7,000 for students with financial need (including first-generation college students and first-time travelers) administered through the Global Center at Park Student Union. The Daily Wildcat
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The National Park Service may add 400 acres to Saguaro National Park West if the Pima County Board of Supervisors votes yes at its meeting Tuesday, Dec. 16; the $3 million sale from Tucson Mountain Park and Andrada property will fund further conservation efforts and improve park management. KOLD News 13
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act ends tonight, and many face premium hikes once its subsidies expire in 17 days. Congress will vote Wednesday on a measure to lower costs while local lawmakers back proposals to extend coverage for 1-year or 3-year terms. KVOA
- ➤ A local blood drive at Beads of Courage in Tucson united community members to donate blood that can save up to three lives per unit. The American Red Cross recorded 33 appointments (including walk-ins) at the event. KVOA
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The University of Arizona women’s basketball team beat Chicago State 89-70 on Monday, Dec. 15 at McKale Center with graduate guard Mickayla Perdue scoring a career-high 34 points (securing their second win in a row). The Wildcats will face Bellarmine in their final non-conference game on Thursday, Dec. 18. The Daily Wildcat
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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.
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The Nutcracker Returns
7-9 p.m. — Flowing Wells High School Auditorium — General Admission tickets available — Experience a modern twist on the classic Nutcracker with new adventures and holiday traditions.
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Late Night with Sounds by Posi
10 PM - 2 AM — Hotel Congress — Free entry — Dance the night away at the Plaza with DJ Posi's evolving beats.
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Bethune-Cookman Wildcats at Arizona Wildcats Basketball
7-9 p.m. — McKale Memorial Center — Enjoy an exciting basketball game between two competing teams.
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Circuitous Beer Release
3-9 p.m. — Pueblo Vida Brewing Company — Cost varies — Experience the intricacies of our new hazy DIPA brimming with berry notes.
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Christmas Brunch Buffet
1:15-7:15 p.m. — Tanque Verde Ranch — Adults $80, Children $40 — Indulge in a festive buffet featuring holiday favorites in the serene Sonoran Desert.
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Calgary Wranglers vs. Tucson Roadrunners
7-8:30 p.m. — Tucson Convention Center — Ticket prices vary — Watch the Tucson Roadrunners cross hockey sticks with the Calgary Wranglers in a thrilling ice hockey matchup.
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Howe Gelb & The Benedictine Players Concert
6:30-8:30 p.m. — La Rosa — Cost info not available — Experience the melodic tunes of Howe Gelb live with The Benedictine Players.
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An Evening with Bruce Hornsby
8:00-9:30 p.m. — Fox Tucson Theatre — Celebrate New Year's Eve with the diverse music of Bruce Hornsby in a 20th Anniversary celebration.
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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.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches but to reveal to him his own.
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Reveal the authorAbout Tucson Today
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