🌱 Local Teacher Among Extraordinary Educators + Space2Inspire Weekend

Hi all. I'm back in your inbox this morning with your new copy of the Phoenix Daily. Let's get this Wednesday started off right, with a quick guide to everything you need to know about what's happening these days in town.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny. High: 66 Low: 40.

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Here are the top three stories today in Phoenix:

1. A local Valley teacher was among 30 in the nation to be named in the Curriculum Associates' 2023 Class of Extraordinary Educators. Cassie Kelcher, a fourth-grade teacher at Riverbend Prep in nearby Laveen, received the recognition and will have the opportunity to network with peers worldwide and collaborate with them throughout the year. "As an educator, we never stop this calling through the growth and practice to excel in our crafts and to continuously mold and shape the minds of each and every student who walks through our doors every day," Kelcher said. (12news.com KPNX)
2. Arizona State University is hosting a Space2Inspire weekend featuring astronauts, space-themed art, and fun events for people of all ages. The event will feature various headliners, including a SpaceX astronaut who’s the first Black woman to pilot a spacecraft and the first Black person to paint in space, ASU alum Sian Proctor, and author, sculptor, and the first Black American astronaut candidate Ed Dwight. Both kids and adults are welcome to submit "space art" which will be on display via the Sun Devil Stadium’s jumbotron during the event. Space2Inspire will take place at Sun Devil Stadium from Feb. 17 to 19. (Arizona's Family)
3. This fall, Cirque du Soleil’s Corteo will be coming to Phoenix. Residents will have the opportunity to see the artistic gymnastic performance at one of seven shows that are taking place at the Footprint Center. Performances will run from Sep. 13 through 17. General ticket sales begin on Feb. 7 at 10:00 a.m. here. (ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix)

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Today in Phoenix:

• Tatum Shea Noodles & Company Opening At 4902 E Shea Blvd. (10:30 AM)
• Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night At Verdura (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• New restaurants are opening in metro Phoenix in 2023! Click the link to learn more about the many restaurants opening and to view photos of their offerings. (Subscription: The Arizona Republic)
• Fall Out Boy has announced a Phoenix date — Jun. 30 — as part of their 2023 tour. (Subscription: The Arizona Republic)
• The Phoenix Police Department is working around the clock to keep you safe as the Super Bowl LVII makes its way to Arizona! (Phoenix Police Department via Facebook)

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Events:

• 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)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (February 6)
• Estate Planning Webinar on February 7th & 8th (February 7)
• 2023 Maxim Party (February 11)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday! I'll see you soon.

— 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.