Tucson
Today
Friday, December 19th, 2025
Good morning, Tucson. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 19th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Vietnam veteran Darrell Lee Arelt, who served as a 2nd Lieutenant, will be honored with a funeral on Tuesday, Dec. 23 at noon at Arizona Veterans' Memorial Cemetery (15950 N. Luckett Road in Marana) as a call on Reddit invites local residents to attend. KGUN 9
- ➤ Seven students from Painted Sky Elementary School organized a donation drive that collected over 400 items including blankets, warm clothing, and food for Tucson’s Ward Three Warming Center before dropping off the items on Thursday morning (their effort boosted local support). KGUN 9
- ➤ Reid Park Zoo welcomed Chocolate the capybara today after she arrived from Montgomery Zoo; the shy resident, over a year and a half old, shares her habitat with black-necked swans and a crested screamer (the zoo plans to bring her a companion soon). KVOA
- ➤ German Shepherd pup Hazel was rescued on Monday near Golf Links Road and Harrison Road after being trapped under a car and is now in a new home after minor treatment for scrapes (rescued by the Tucson Fire Department and adopted from Pima Animal Care Center). KVOA
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Shake Shack officials confirmed a third location will open at Casas Adobes Plaza at 633 W. Ina Rd in 2026. The new site will serve the city’s northwest side and complement the chain’s two existing locations. KGUN 9
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ The Tucson toy train museum was named a top destination by a national magazine, confirming its appeal for families and train enthusiasts. The recognition highlights its longstanding local significance. KOLD News 13
- ➤ Liza Womack (mother of late rapper Lil Peep) started a petition to halt demolition plans for The Rock, a local music venue that the owner plans to replace with a five-story apartment building; the petition, with tens of thousands of signatures, honors her son's memorial and community heritage. KVOA
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Pima County Board of Supervisors approved $838,390 in grants to support short-term emergency resources for urgent community needs including food, housing, utility help, transportation and legal services. The rolled-over funds are available immediately to help local organizations. KVOA
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The Arizona Department of Health Services is voluntarily recalling certain marijuana products after a failed Spinosad pesticide test during a routine inspection at Kaycha Labs. Consumers should safely dispose of the items and contact their dispensary for guidance. KVOA
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Pima Community College men’s basketball team (11-0, 4-0 in ACCAC) won its 11th straight game on Wednesday by defeating Scottsdale Community College 84-80. Mason Hunt scored 29 points and key free throws sealed the close game ahead of Pima’s matchup on Dec. 29. Tucson Sentinel
- ➤ On Dec. 18, the Arizona Wildcats overwhelmed Bellarmine 105-59 in Tucson, finishing their pre-conference schedule at 9-2 + showing strong performance. Arizona Daily Star
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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.
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Sinne Eeg and Josh Nelson Live Concert
6:30-8 p.m. — The Century Room — $25-$35 + DICE fees — Experience the captivating jazz artistry of Danish vocalist Sinne Eeg alongside acclaimed pianist Josh Nelson.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.
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