🌱 Big Brothers, Big Sisters Need Male Mentors + Phoenix Arrest

Hello, Phoenix! I'm here in your inbox today to get you caught up on everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly cloudy. High: 67 Low: 53.

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Here are the top three stories today in Phoenix:

1. Big Brothers, Big Sisters Central AZ is seeking male mentors. According to the organization, 163 of the 200 Valley kids looking for mentors are boys. No special skills are required to be a mentor; however, those interested must undergo an application process along with a background check and training. Mentors must be able to commit to hanging out two to four times per month; resources are provided for activities. (ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix)
2. Two people — including one person in Phoenix — have been arrested in connection to the disappearance of a missing Oklahoma child. Ivon Adams, 36, was arrested near 67th Avenue and Camelback around 5:00 p.m. on Thursday in connection to the disappearance of four-year-old Athena Brownfield. According to a news release from the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, Adams is currently being held at the Maricopa County jail pending extradition to Oklahoma. Alysia Adams, 31, was previously arrested on two counts of child neglect, according to a statement from the bureau. (AZ Family)
3. Later this year, 10-time Grammy Award nominee Eric Church will be headed to Phoenix as part of his 2023 tour. The country star's "The Outsiders Revival Tour" will stop at the Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre (formerly Ak-Chin Pavilion) on Sep. 16 with guests Jelly Roll and Paul Cauthen. Tickets go on sale on Jan. 20 at 10:00 a.m. (KTAR.com)

Today in and around Phoenix:

• Crochet Sleeping Mats For Folks Sleeping Outdoors Using Plastic Grocery Bags, At Humanist Society Of Greater Phoenix, Mesa (10:00 AM)
• Story Time Ages 0-5 years old, At North Valley Regional Library (11:00 AM)
• HoriZen Festival 2023, At Pemberton PHX (2:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Phoenix Police Department has joined the 30 x 30 initiative by pledging to increase the number of women recruits in the department to 30 percent by 2030! Women currently make up just over 14 percent of the department's sworn staff, which is two percent above the national average. (Phoenix Police Department via Facebook)
• Both Chowder and Miss Tsunami at the Arizona Humane Society have been patiently waiting for a home, keeping their paws crossed that someone special will come along. If you are interested in fostering or adopting these cuties, click the link. (Arizona Humane Society via Facebook)
• The Phoenix Fire Department conducted two mountain rescues on Thursday off of Piestewa Peak, requiring a big-wheel operation and a flight by the Phoenix Police Firebird 10. (Phoenix Fire Department via Facebook)
• Here's what to expect at Shaq's Big Chicken restaurant, which is coming to metro Phoenix. (Subscription: The Arizona Republic)

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Events:

• Online discussion with Glendale divorce attorneys (January 15)
• Estate Planning Webinar (January 17)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar (January 17)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (January 19)
• Estate Planning Seminar at Mustang Library (January 19)
• Crossing Over with Psychic Medium John Edward (Live)! (January 22)
• Online discussion about divorce and lawyers in Mesa (January 24)
• Le Creuset Factory to Table (February 2)
• Zedd Headlines the 2023 TAO X Maxim Big Game Experience - Catch Me If You Can (February 11)
• 2023 Maxim Party (February 11)
• Add your event

You're officially in the loop for today. See you all Monday morning for another update!

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners. She is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, where she earned degrees in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, drinking tea, or practicing film photography.