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Good morning, Oro Valley! In today’s edition: Mask mandate amid flu surge, major I-10 and I-19 upgrades, Reptile Ramble, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Health officials urge flu vigilance: Banner Health in Arizona has implemented a mask mandate for patients, visitors, and staff amid a surge in flu-like cases. TMC and Carondelet hospitals have not adopted similar measures — see how hospitals differ.
Understanding current health risks: The Pima County Health Department is investigating a confirmed measles case linked to cross-border travel. Officials report low risk with no known exposure. Arizona has reported 205 cases since June — get facts on risks and spread.
What drivers should know: ADOT will roll out major I-10 and I-19 upgrades in Southern Arizona in 2026, with work underway and new message boards and wrong-way detection between Nogales and Tucson — get all the project details.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Protect your nest egg: Savvy investors are turning to gold amidst today’s inflation, national debt, and market uncertainty for a reason. It holds its value when everything else feels shaky. Case in point: it’s up ~62% since this month last year. If you’re curious about adding it and other precious metals to your portfolio, American Hartford has a super helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free, and definitely worth a read — check it out here.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Enduring literary gems spotlighted: Pima County Public Library recently shared four classic book picks, including One Hundred Years of Solitude and The Devil’s Child by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. The full list is on its website, and the titles are available for purchase along with suggestions for what to read next. Check out the full list.
Burrito fix, upgraded: When your week needs a foil-wrapped morale boost, Seis Kitchen delivers generous, flavor-packed burritos. Think adobo steak, birria, or the saucy El Bandito, all loaded with guac, cabbage, and beans. Ideal for post-errand hunger or an easy dinner that still feels like a win.
Tiny scientist time: Curious little humans can poke, splash, build, and ask a million whys as Children’s Museum Oro Valley at Tohono Chul turns play into low-stress learning. Rotating activities, indoor/outdoor exhibits, and daily story time make it an easy win when energy runs high and screens need a timeout.
Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I discovered Keranique’s hair regrowth system. Everything with them is surprisingly easy: no quizzes, no pills, no choosing between dozens of products. Just grab the kit and follow the instructions. The best part? It’s $75 off right now, you’ll get three free gifts, AND you’ll get your money back if you don’t love the results.
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📆 Around town this weekend
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All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
🐦 Birds and Brunch @ Slendido at Rancho Vistoso | Friday (1/9) at 8:00 AM – Think you can tell a verdin from a finch? Join a guided bird walk at Splendido in Rancho Vistoso, spot songbirds and hummingbirds, dig into behavior and conservation with folks who know, then reward your fieldwork with brunch, because the birds were up first.
🏜 Jubilee in the Desert @ Catalina State Park | Friday (1/9) at 9:00 AM – Round up your trusty two-wheeler and head to Catalina State Park for the 50th anniversary kickoff of Adventure Cycling and Bikecentennial. Expect group rides, hikes, campfire BBQs, and tall-tale swapping with the ’76 crew, plus saguaro-lined paths and more camaraderie than KOMs.
🐍 Reptile Ramble @ Tohono Chul Park | Friday (1/9) at 10:00 AM – Whether you’ve lived here long enough to argue about monsoon start dates or you’re just reptile-curious, Tohono Chul’s Reptile Ramble is a chill stroll with docents and some very photogenic scales. Meet snakes, lizards, and tortoises, learn a bit, then savor the gardens.
🍎 Free Produce Giveaway @ Interfaith Community Services | Saturday (1/10) at 5:30 AM – Interfaith Community Services hosts drive-through produce giveaways at six Tucson spots, open to anyone, no paperwork, no hoops, just trunk space. Volunteers load rescued fruits, veggies, and a few extras, and it will not count against your monthly emergency allotment.
🚗 Cars & Coffee @ Lowe’s Home Improvement | Saturday (1/10) at 7:00 AM – Bring your nostalgia, your coffee order, and your best parking-lot small talk to Tucson’s longest running, largest monthly, free Cars & Coffee, hosted by Obsessions Car Club. Expect gleaming classics, slick modern builds, and plenty of revs without the drama.
🥫 Knight of Columbus Food Drive @ Saint Odilia Catholic Community | Sunday (1/11) at 8:00 AM – The Knights of Columbus are rallying a food drive for Casa Maria, and yes, your pantry purge counts. Drop off shelf-stable goods, or write a check if you prefer efficiency. It is neighbor-helping-neighbor, quietly heroic, and exactly the kind of good this town does best.
🎶 The Limeliters @ Gaslight Music Hall | Sunday (1/11) at 2:00 PM – Folk legends The Limeliters are bringing six decades of harmony, wit, and guitars to remind us why the 60s still hums. With over 25 albums behind them, expect tight vocals, smart storytelling, and songs where you can actually hear the words.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Oro Valley report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 57°F – Low: 33°F – Precip: 77%
A chance of rain showers before 2pm, then showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy. High near 57, with temperatures falling to around 53 in the afternoon. Southwest wind 6 to 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Later: Showers and thunderstorms likely before 11pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 33. West southwest wind 3 to 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.
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Tomorrow – High: 53°F – Low: 32°F – Precip: 1%
Sunny, with a high near 53. Northeast wind 3 to 10 mph. Later: Clear, with a low around 32. Northeast wind 6 to 10 mph.
This house is wild
In Rancho Vistoso, this single-story 4-bed, 2-bath shows vaulted ceilings and a light-filled open plan. A 2023 roof, 2025 water heater, and newly installed dual-zoned HVAC boost efficiency. The split-bedroom layout adds privacy, and there are no interior steps. The kitchen anchors the home with a large island, abundant cabinetry, and easy flow to living and dining. The primary suite includes double vanities, a soaking tub, a walk-in shower, and generous closet space. A three-car garage adds convenience.
Wide streets, lush landscaping, and mountain views shape the community setting. Exceptional privacy amplifies the relaxed pace.
Take a peek inside →
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