Thursday, December 18th, 2025
Good morning, Tucson. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of December.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Tucson police are investigating hateful flyers found outside Tucson Jewish Community Campus during routine security on Hanukkah; campus security has been increased and officials say there is no ongoing public threat. KVOA
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Unicorn Zebra Tucson will host festive December activations culminating in a New Year's Eve celebration featuring a DJ, overnight stay packages, themed drink specials plus festive decor in its speakeasy-style basement, inviting guests at this downtown boutique hotel to enjoy a full creative holiday experience. Tucson Weekly
- ➤ Ballet Tucson and the Tucson Symphony Orchestra will perform The Nutcracker at Linda Ronstadt Music Hall starting tomorrow, Dec. 19 at 7:00 p.m., with additional shows on Dec. 20 and Dec. 21 featuring young dancers and professionals in their fourth collaboration. KVOA
- ➤ Triumph in Tragedy, a traveling exhibit honoring Holocaust memory, is on display across Arizona with venues in Scottsdale, Prescott, Tucson, Phoenix, and Tempe. The Tucson exhibit runs from late November through August (at the Tucson Jewish Museum and Holocaust Center) and all displays remain open until 2026. Tucson Weekly
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Pima County Board of Supervisors approved the sale of over 400 acres adjacent to Saguaro National Park on Dec. 16, including 240 acres from Tucson Mountain Park and 160 acres acquired in 2009, for $2,964,000; the sale will expand park conservation and support county efforts. KVOA
- ➤ Environmental advocates, including EarthJustice (representing Patagonia Area Resource Alliance), asked a federal judge to rescind four decisions that allowed exploratory drilling in the Patagonia Mountains south of Tucson, arguing that federal studies violated law and overlooked risks to local wildlife and water resources. Tucson Sentinel
- ➤ Water returned to El Rio Preserve in Marana after a remediation project improved the site for visitors. Marana Parks & Recreation thanked community volunteers and partners for their efforts during the restoration. KVOA
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Pima County approved $838,390 in emergency grants on Monday to help 29 local programs deliver food, housing, transportation and legal services to residents in need (using rolled-over funds from last fiscal year). KGUN 9
- ➤ Southern Arizona fire departments are training today with a new GX6100 monitor that detects seven gases to keep communities safe & support coordinated hazmat responses during an annual drill at Avra Valley Fire Station. KGUN 9
- ➤ The Pima County Board of Supervisors approved lease plans for Pima Animal Care Center’s new Animal Restoration Kennels, which will care for animals rescued from hoarding cases. The facility will operate at a Central Pet space at 4000 N. Silverbell Road, fully funded by donations. KGUN 9
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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.
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The Wiz Musical
6-11 Jan — Centennial Hall UA — Ticketed entry — Experience the powerhouse revival of the beloved classic with stunning choreography and a modern twist.
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
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