Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How much have Phoenix rents really dropped this year?

And check out International John Violinist coming to The Herberger Theater Center Stage West on Sun. January 4, 20 on the Phoenix Patch…

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Hello again Phoenix! We’re bringing you the latest town highlights. Don’t miss out, keep going! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How much have Phoenix rents really dropped this year?
  • What will happen to Phoenix’s soon-to-be-empty school campuses?
  • Phoenix honors the life and service of Captain Luke Moran

Also on today's calendar: International John Violinist coming to The Herberger Theater Center Stage West on Sun. January 4, 20 and 7 more events.

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

Today's riddle: Last night I had a dream. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Saturday: Sunny, nice and warm, with a high of 77 and low of 51 degrees.
  • Sunday: Sunshine and a few clouds, temps: high: 79, low: 54.
  • Monday: Sunny to partly cloudy, with a high of 80 and low of 57 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. WATCH: New report shows rental prices drop in Phoenix, across most US markets (abc15.com) — Phoenix renters are seeing some relief, with a new Zumper report showing average rents in the city down about 2.6% this year and the broader Valley down 6.3%. One-bedroom units now average $1,448, while nearby Mesa and Glendale are seeing even steeper drops. The report also highlights renters’ economic worries and shifting views on homeownership.
   

2. What could happen to the school buildings Arizona districts are voting to close (azfamily.com) — Several Phoenix-area school districts, including Phoenix Elementary, Kyrene, and Scottsdale Unified, are closing a total of eight campuses because of low enrollment and budget shortfalls, leaving big questions about the future of those buildings. Neighbors near sites like Heard and Pima elementaries are split between wanting a say in redevelopment and simply not wanting vacant properties, while districts weigh limited legal options for reuse or sale.
   

3. Phoenix Fire Department Mourns the Loss of Fire Captain Luke Moran (phoenix.gov) — Phoenix’s fire community is grieving after the sudden December 10 passing of Fire Captain Luke Moran, a respected leader remembered for integrity, mentorship, and steady service. A memorial was held Thursday at Scottsdale Bible Church, and the department is prioritizing support for his three children, family, and colleagues as they cope with this loss.
   

4. Phoenix Serial Killer Gets Death Penalty for Six 2017 Murders (arizonadailyindependent.com) — A Phoenix jury has sentenced Cleophus Cooksey Jr. to death for six of eight murders committed in Phoenix and Glendale over three weeks in 2017, with the remaining two death-penalty decisions unresolved. Prosecutors say DNA, ballistics, and stolen property tied the killings together, and the case now goes to an automatic appeal before the Arizona Supreme Court.
   

5. Professional Santas in Arizona see surge in bookings through social media (azfamily.com) — Phoenix families are driving a record-breaking season for local professional Santas, who say social media bookings have replaced old-school ads and filled their calendars across the Valley. Performers describe soaring rates around Christmas, intensive training, and urge Phoenix parents to check background screenings and insurance before inviting Santa into their homes.
   

📸 Around Phoenix

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Phoenix

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation Donates $100,000 to Arizona Food Bank Network —Justin Liggin Read on Patch
  • Tempe Diablos Urge Nonprofits to Apply for Annual Grants Before December 31 Deadline —Chris Fahrendorf Read on Patch
  • Sun City Veteran Honored by VFW for Helping Afghans Interpreters Reach Safety, Rebuild Lives —Michelle Cheesman Read on Patch
  • Fiesta Sports Foundation Unveils Resource Room at Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley in Apache Junction —Justin Liggin Read on Patch
  • The Manitowoc Company, Inc. posted a job opening for Material Handler in Phoenix. Apply here.
  • ABM Industries posted a job opening for Janitorial Cleaner in Phoenix. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Phoenix here.

Ok Phoenix! 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 dreamed I was swimming in a pool of orange soda, but it was just a Fanta-sea.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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