🌱 ASU Student Is Miss America + John Doe ID'd After 38 Years

Good morning, neighbors! Caitlin Sievers here with the latest issue of the Phoenix Daily.

First, today's weather:

Sunshine. High: 68 Low: 45.

Here are the top 3 stories in Phoenix today:

1. If you're considering donating to a good cause during the season of giving, here's a helpful list of local organizations in need. You can donate money, supplies or your time to one of Phoenix Community Alliances member nonprofits. With 20 organizations on the list, there's sure to be one that fits your passions. (AZ Big Media)
2. Miss Alaska and an Arizona State University honors student Emma Broyles was crowned Miss America Thursday night in the organization's 100th anniversary competition. Amber Barto, who also competed in the pageant as Miss Arizona, is a 2020 ASU graduate. (KTAR.com)
3. A man experiencing homelessness, who was murdered in South Phoenix, was finally identified last month after 38 years as a "John Doe." The Phoenix Police Department, along with the Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office and DNA Doe Project, identified the victim who was around 50 years old and was killed in a drunken fight, but police are not releasing his name out of respect for his family. (Phoenix New Times)

Today in Phoenix:

• Scottsdazzle — Yuletide Yoga — 3939 N. Drinkwater Boulevard, Scottsdale. (8 a.m.)
• Preschool & Childcare Open House — Lincoln Family YMCA (9:30 a.m.)
• Desert Financial Fiesta Bowl Parade — N. Central Ave. and Montebello Ave., Phoenix. (10 a.m.)
• Old-Time Music Jam — Foothills Branch Library (10:30 a.m.)
• Scottsdazzle — Holly Jolly Painting Parties — 3939 N. Drinkwater Boulevard, Scottsdale. (1 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• If you're in the mood for an over-the-top holiday cocktail, the Downtown Phoenix organization recommends heading downtown where bars and restaurants have decked their halls with thousands of lights. (Facebook)
• If you or your kids are getting too much screen time, Phoenix Public Library stopping by to pick up a print book to read for 20 minutes each day. To make sure you get the book you want, you can place holds on 15 books per card. (Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday! See you all tomorrow morning for your next update.

— Caitlin Sievers

About me: I'm a passionate writer and photographer who worked as a reporter and editor for various publications in the Midwest before landing in Phoenix. I have seven roommates. Four of them are cats. Contact me at caitlin.sievers@patch.com with story ideas and feedback.