🌱 Horse Therapy Program Faces Closure + Woman Steals Ambulance

Morning, neighbors! It's me, Miranda Fraraccio, your host of the Daily. Follow along for the most important things going on these days in town.

But first, today's weather:

An afternoon shower or two. High: 60 Low: 47.

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Here are the top three stories today in Phoenix:

1. A popular horse therapy program in nearby Scottsdale will close due to a lack of funding. Hunkapi was originally created to help first responders struggling with PTSD. The 10-acre farm uses equine therapy for PTSD, addictions, ADHD, autism, and other diagnoses. For those interested in donating to save the program, visit the Hunkapi website. (FOX 10 News Phoenix)
2. A woman is in jail after allegedly stealing an ambulance from a west Phoenix hospital on Sunday morning. Officers received a call around 1 a.m. that an ambulance had been stolen from Banner Estrella Medical Center. Then, 28-year-old Alejandra DeJesus Rocha was found driving it around town. Police have not released her motive for the theft. (12news.com KPNX)
3. On Saturday night, Crosswalk Church hosted a 5K run in honor of the late Camelback High School track and field coach David Denogean. The money raised benefitted Phoenix Rescue Mission, an organization Denogean was passionate about. The day after Thanksgiving, a man shot Denogean while walking his dog. The murderer is still at large, and police ask anyone with information to call in. (ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix)

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Today in Phoenix:

• Vinyasa Yoga At Arizona Biltmore (9:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Take advantage of your chance to win a jackpot! You could win 50 percent of the Arizona Humane Society's raffle jackpot and help the Phoenix community's most vulnerable pets with the other half! There are two days left to cash in on the 50/50 raffle. (Arizona Humane Society via Facebook)
• The First Five Years area at Burton Barr Central Library is glowing with exciting new interactive displays for children. Bring the little ones to explore hands-on literacy learning and a rainbow of board book selections for even the youngest readers to enjoy. Come and see for yourself! (Phoenix Public Library via Facebook)
• The City of Phoenix Water Services Department is hiring a Water Meter Reader! This position reads and records water meter readings along an assigned route that initiate billings for our customers. If you can work independently while out on a designated route and are a team player, this role is for you! Apply here by Feb. 8. (City of Phoenix Water Services Department via Facebook)

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Events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Delighted Every Week (January 31)
• JW Marriott Desert Ridge Open (February 1)
• Le Creuset Factory to Table (February 2)
• Artists of Scottsdale Ranch - Free Art Show, Sale and Silent Auction (February 4)
• Petting Zoo Parking Lot Party! (February 4)
• Zedd Headlines the 2023 TAO X Maxim Big Game Party - Catch Me If You Can (February 11)
• 2023 Maxim Party (February 11)
• Add your event

That's it for today! I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with a new 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.