Happy Friday, Tucson. In today’s edition: Book supply chain shifts, LightsUp! a festival of illumination, Arizona Women’s Chorus anniversary concert, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

📰 In the news

Developers court wary community: Project Blue’s developer pledges $5 million for scholarships, $10 million in donations and a renewable energy commitment, as Pima supervisors will weigh deal Dec. 16 before a Christmas Eve sale — read the full story.

Renewable promises amid public distrust: Despite Tucson’s water vote and Amazon’s exit, Project Blue looks set to proceed after a 4-1 regulatory approval for TEP power, shifting to air cooling while seeking a new operator — see what’s next for Project Blue.

Book supply chain shifts: After Baker & Taylor reportedly ceased operations last fall, Southern Arizona libraries and bookstores adjust, with Pima County expanding in-house processing and aiming to secure an Ingram deal by January — read how libraries and bookstores adapt.

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.

Identity theft is up 25%: Last year, Americans lost $12.5 billion to ID theft & fraud, and the stories behind those numbers are brutal. My friend just told me his dad’s on his fourth replacement credit card. Other folks have woken up to empty bank accounts or their personal info dumped online after a breach. Aura catches these kinds of attacks early by monitoring for new accounts, weird money movements, leaked data, and other red flags so you’re alerted before things blow up — learn more about it here.

Highlights this week

• Festive lights run with New Balance
• Shop local at Mercado District Holiday Bazaar
• Sip cocoa at Tohono Chul’s Holiday Nights
• Merry-Achi Christmas by Mariachi Sol de México
• This pet insurance plan reimburses up to 90%
• A tiny hearing aid is taking the US by storm

🫶 We got your back

Help make it happen: The Tucson Rodeo is gearing up for its 101st year in February and is recruiting volunteers. Roles span fan support to behind-the-scenes operations. Perks include a meal, barn dance access, and maybe catching some arena action. It’s Tucson’s longest-running community event; apply via the rodeo’s website. Learn how to get involved.

Clear out toxic clutter: Time to clean out that shed. Tucson’s monthly household hazardous waste drop-off is Saturday, Dec. 13, 8 a.m. to noon at Pima Community College’s West Campus. Bring old cleaners, batteries, paint, and up to three boxes for shredding. It’s free for Tucson residents with ID or a utility bill. Nonresidents pay $10. Can’t go? Los Reales landfill accepts HHW Thu-Sat, except city event days. Get all the drop-off details.

Scalp reset, unlocked: Hair that finally feels hydrated. Maple Leaf Hair Co. pairs precise cuts and color with a Japanese-inspired head spa: steam, massage, zen vibes. Family-owned with an easygoing feel, it’s a quick, satisfying self-care tune-up you’ll actually look forward to scheduling.

Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I decided to take Hers’ online quiz. They recommended a Biotin + Minoxidil green-apple gummy for regrowth and overall hair health. The whole thing was surprisingly easy: just verify who you are and a licensed provider signs off. Here’s the quiz if you want to check it out.

Makeup that actually works: My sister and I were talking the other day about how the makeup we used in our 20s… just doesn’t work now that we’re in our 30s and 40s. Laura Geller’s entire makeup line addresses this shift, with formulas that smooth, brighten, and actually stay put. If you’re in the same boat, their curated kits are worth a look.

📆 Around town this weekend

All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

Today

✨ Miniature Stained Glass Workshop with Rafael Acevedo @ The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures | Friday (12/12) at 9:00am – Spend the day crafting a tiny stained-glass masterpiece under the guidance of artist Rafael Acevedo. You’ll learn lead cutting, glazing basics, and all the tricks behind building your design on a plexiglass panel. With two patterns to choose from, you’re guaranteed to leave with something small, stunning, and totally brag-worthy.

🎺 Pima Mariachi: Fall Concert @ Pima West Campus | Friday (12/12) at 7:00pm – Mariachi Azteca de Pima College brings a fall concert of classics and modern twists, blending Son, Ranchera, Huasteca, and Bolero under director Salvador Gallegos. Come for the trumpets, stay for the guitarrón, with tickets at $6, or $5 for students, seniors, military, and groups.

This weekend

🤠 Cowboy Christmas Market @ Taylor Tack & Feed | Saturday (12/13) at 9:00am – Finally, a holiday market that smells like cinnamon and saddle soap. Cowboy Christmas Market is riding in with local makers, bakers, western decor, and treats. Shop gifts, swap or sell tack, and let Santa pose with pups, ponies, or barnyard celebrities; vendors snag $25 spots.

🐾 Photos with Santa Paws @ Dogs-N-Donuts | Saturday (12/13) at 10:00am – Bring your furry sidekick for photos with Santa Paws, a $15 snap that benefits Friends of Pima Animal Care Center. No appointment, first come, first served, just roll up and smile. Nothing says Tucson holidays like a chihuahua in antlers, and you’ll have a perfect holiday photo to show off.

🎶 Arizona Women’s Chorus Presents its 40th Anniversary Concert: Remembrances @ Catalina Foothills High School Auditorium | Saturday (12/13) at 3:00pm – Think you know at least half the lyrics by heart? Arizona Women’s Chorus is celebrating 40 years with 85 voices under Terrie Ashbaugh, serving up classical gems, spirituals, toe-tapping oldies, playful novelties, and a little español. Nostalgia, goosebumps, and an excuse to hum home.

🎨 Docent Art Talk: Not Just a Horse – The Art and Life of Luis Jimenez @ Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block | Sunday (12/14) at 2:00pm – Dive into the bold, electric world of Luis Jimenez, the Chicano Pop artist who used fiberglass, neon, and sheer grit to bring working-class and borderland stories into the spotlight. This docent-led talk unpacks his life, influences, and mission to make art that speaks directly to everyday people. It’s a vibrant slice of Western, Chicano, and Pop Art history—all in one engaging hour.

🎼 True Concord Concert @ Northminster Presbyterian Church | Sunday (12/14) at 3:00pm – Whether you know True Concord by heart or just need a break from errands, this concert delivers luminous choral beauty with organist Kevin Seal turning the room into a cathedral. Think goosebumps, good acoustics, and an audience that truly listens.

🎤 Pima Chorale & College Singers: Fall Concert @ Pima West Campus | Sunday (12/14) at 3:00pm – Give your ears a treat at Pima’s fall concert with the Chorale and College Singers. Big, warm harmonies, an a cappella set, and acoustics that make you forget the grocery list. Tickets are six bucks, five for students, seniors, military, and groups.

Next week

🦋 Butterfly Magic @ Tucson Botanical Gardens | Monday (12/15) at 9:30am – Step into a warm tropical conservatory filled with hundreds of butterflies, lush plants, and blooming orchids at Tucson Botanical Gardens. It’s intentionally humid, unexpectedly calming, and a perfect slow-paced outing—whether for a date, a grandkid adventure, or a quiet reset.

✨ LightsUp! A Festival of Illumination @ Tucson Botanical Gardens | Tuesday (12/16) at 6:00pm – Nothing beats a Tucson winter stroll under a million lights, especially when Tucson Botanical Gardens turns trees into dancers, tin stars into twinkles, and luminarias into chandeliers. Skip the cul-de-sac decorations, bring the family, and soak up Southern Arizona’s favorite holiday tradition.

🎷 Dave Koz & Friends @ Fox Tucson Theatre | Tuesday (12/16) at 7:30pm – Ready to swap mall carols for the good stuff? Dave Koz and Friends bring a jazzy Christmas set with Haley Reinhart, Jonathan Butler, Kayla Waters, and Casey Abrams, smooth, festive, and as cozy as spiked eggnog. Leave the ugly sweater, bring your ears.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 12/13 The Paul Opocensky Project @ St. Philip’s Plaza – 10 am
• 12/13 Bear Down Bear and more @ Groundworks – 7 pm
• 12/14 The Paul Opocensky Project @ Three Canyon – 12 pm
• 12/14 Dmitri Matheny @ La Rosa – 3 pm
• 12/19 Duane Betts @ Fox Tucson Theatre – 7:30 pm
• 12/20 Unscrewed Family Hour @ Unscrewed Theater – 6 pm
• 12/21 Squirrel Nut Zippers @ Fox Tucson Theatre – 7 pm

🏠️ Price is right – Tucson edition

How it works: We’re going to give you some facts about a home for sale, including a picture of the outside, the kitchen, and one additional room. Your job? Guess how much it’s listed for (preferably before you click to find out).

Listed by: Victor J Cabibo (United Real Estate Specialists)

Behind gated entry, nearly 5 desert acres with panoramic mountain and city views set the stage for a Spanish meets midcentury playground. An illuminated circular drive, 3-car garage, and paid-off solar.

Inside, a stainless-granite kitchen, reclining surround-sound theater, and full gym anchor the fun. The upstairs primary adds an office and spa bath with jetted tub and walk-in closet. A private casita includes a kitchenette, bath, bedroom, and sauna. Outside, covered patio, kiva fireplace, outdoor kitchen, pool and spa pair with lighted courts for tennis, hoops, soccer, and sand volleyball, plus room for RVs and horses.

Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →