Tucson
Today
Saturday, December 20th, 2025
Good morning, Tucson. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 20th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Habitat for Humanity Tucson held a home dedication Friday morning in its Rodeo subdivision where five Southside families received the keys to their first homes and began a new chapter after years of renting, completing 250 hours of labor to earn affordable, interest-free loans. KGUN 9
- ➤ Darrell Lee Arelt, a Vietnam veteran who served as a second lieutenant, will be laid to rest Tuesday at noon in Marana at the Arizona Veterans' Memorial Cemetery. Local veteran organizations invite the public to attend his farewell. KVOA
- ➤ Today, the City of Tucson and the Arts Foundation for Tucson are launching a 30-month renovation of Tucson House plus other housing sites, including a $383,000 public art initiative aimed at beautifying community spaces — though some residents raised concerns about unmet basic needs. KGUN 9
- ➤ On Dec. 19, Candlelighters provided vital holiday support to Tucson families facing childhood cancer by offering care and resources that helped ease seasonal challenges. KOLD News 13
- ➤ A southside courtroom declared aunt and uncle Erika and David Ramirez as the legal parents of abducted children Luis (13) and Kahmila, officially uniting the family. The emotional event brought together close kin ahead of the holiday season. KVOA
- ➤ The South Tucson Fire Department hosts Christmas toy event today from 10 a.m. to noon at the Marine Corps League (216 E. 29th St.) where children enjoy toys, pizza, and Santa; Southside Picture Day debuts Sunday at Studio Fuerza (5244 S. 12th Ave.) with free film portraits and live music. KGUN 9
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ The proposed Marana data center is now named the Luckett Road North and South Data Centers; town leaders say it will be air-cooled and not use town water, and a rezoning meeting is scheduled for Jan. 6—residents can review details on the new project website. KOLD News 13
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ A University of Arizona team studied microbes on cooled lava in Iceland between 2021 and 2023. Their research found that rainwater boosted growth (a result that may help explain how life could start on other planets, like Mars). KVOA
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The University of Arizona's Data Diversity Lab blends ecology and data science to study biodiversity loss and climate change, creating tools to guide conservation and urban planning. Led by Cristian Román-Palacios, the lab’s work may help desert cities (Tucson included) prepare for future challenges. The Daily Wildcat
- ➤ Construction has officially begun on the Julia Keen Stormwater Park (located in Parkview Park in the Julia Keen neighborhood), and the project will capture stormwater from nearby streets during rainstorms to reduce flooding and offer a welcoming space for residents. KVOA
- ➤ Tucson residents can recycle their Christmas trees at select TreeCycle sites starting Friday, Dec. 26 until Monday, Jan. 19. They must remove all decorations before drop-off (locations and hours vary) to help convert trees into compost and promote sustainability. KVOA
- ➤ A waterline project in Pima County is stirring concern among local residents (neighbors worry that protected plants are being affected) and county officials say they will review its environmental impact. KOLD News 13
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A nonprofit is urging the Oro Valley Town Council to remove cryptocurrency ATMs from Tucson stores and gas stations amid rising scams that cause heavy losses (including a case where a senior lost $700,000, prompting new state law safeguards). KVOA
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Zona Volleyball Club launched Southern Arizona’s first 17,000 sqft volleyball-only center at 3160 E. Transcon Way, featuring four regulation-size courts and high-performance training equipment for more than 330 athletes, with a grand opening scheduled for January (a 30-year dream, director Matt Dyck said). KVOA
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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.
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Tesoro Live Concert
7:30-9:00 p.m. — La Rosa — Check event page for cost — Experience the vibrant Tesoro live at Tucson's stunning new multi-arts venue.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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