Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Will $15M in “community” money sway Project Blue’s future?

And check out Legion of Mario on the Tucson Patch calendar

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Thursday December 11th Patch AM
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Good morning Tucson! Your connection to what's happening around town is here. Take a sip of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • Will $15M in “community” money sway Project Blue’s future?
  • How free rocket labs are changing science class for Tucson teens
  • Why your library holds might take longer in Pima County now

Also on today's calendar: Spanish Heritage Sourdough Bread Workshop and 9 more events.

Find out what's happening in Tucsonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Today's riddle: What did one tuna say to the other after getting caught stealing files from work? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Find out what's happening in Tucsonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather forecast:

  • Thursday: Plenty of sunshine, with a high of 79 and low of 49 degrees.
  • Friday: Plenty of sunshine, temps: high: 78, low: 52.
  • Saturday: Mostly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 78 and low of 51 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Project Blue developers offering $5M in scholarships plus other funds; Pima Supes asked to OK deal (tucsonsentinel.com) — Developers of the massive Project Blue data center near Tucson are offering $15 million in scholarships and community donations as Pima County supervisors prepare to vote Dec. 16 on a key agreement tied to a Christmas Eve land sale. The project hinges on power from Tucson Electric Power after the Tucson City Council rejected annexation and water service, and could bring thousands of construction jobs plus about 180 permanent positions if it proceeds.
   

2. Free program brings hands-on science to the classroom (kold.com) — Tucson students are getting a free boost in science learning through hands-on virtual labs from the nonprofit Engineering Tomorrow, after data showed only one in five test proficient in the subject. Catalina Foothills High teens recently built balloon rockets, heard from an astronaut, and explored engineering careers, with organizers aiming especially to reach underrepresented local students.
   

3. Pima County libraries adapt after major book distributor shuts down (kgun9.com) — Pima County Public Library is overhauling how it orders and processes books after longtime distributor Baker & Taylor announced it will shut down in January 2026, causing some delays for Tucson-area readers. Staff from renovating branches are pitching in as librarians build new workflows and vendor relationships, and they’re asking local patrons mainly for patience while they keep materials moving onto shelves.
   

4. Joining the assembly line: Governor Katie Hobbs visits food bank in Tucson (kgun9.com) — Governor Katie Hobbs rolled up her sleeves in Tucson, joining volunteers at the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona to help pack more than 150 food boxes. During her visit she spoke about her own experience with food insecurity, concerns over SNAP cuts, and urged Tucson residents to seek help if needed or donate if they can.
   

5. Dubberly family marks 20 years of giving to Tucson kids (kvoa.com) — A longtime Tucson family tradition quietly reached a big milestone today, as the Dubberlys marked 20 years of donating toys to local kids through Toys for Tots near Broadway and Houghton. They say the effort is only possible because of the community’s generosity and hope their example inspires more Tucson families to give back this season.
   

📸 Around Tucson

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Tucson

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

    Friday December 12
  • Legion of Mario
    Union Public House, 4340 N Campbell Ave Ste 100, Tucson
    6:00 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

📣 Tucson Shout Outs!

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Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

 

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Update: Pet Reunited
    A dog who went missing in Tucson, AZ, has been safely reunited with their family after 2 hours, 25 minutes. Message from Finder: Sweet guy. I've got… (Nextdoor Santa Rita Park)
  • Please help!
    My pup ran out of the door this morning and I wasn’t able to find him. Lost him around the Speedway/Houghton area. About 5 LBS with a green and… (Nextdoor El Gheko)
  • Equity Lifestyle Properties, Inc. posted a job opening for Housekeeper in Tucson. Apply here.
  • Ascend Staffing posted a job opening for Housekeeping EVS 1st Shift in Tucson. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Tucson here.

Ok Tucson! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I could get canned for this!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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