Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How a new I-10 project could change your Phoenix commute

Be sure to catch Arizona National Livestock Show on the Phoenix Patch calendar

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Friday December 26th Patch AM
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Good morning Phoenix! Your connection to what's happening around town is here. Take a sip of coffee and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How a new I-10 project could change your Phoenix commute
  • How long can you safely keep that real Christmas tree?
  • How one Phoenix leader is reshaping Arizona’s engineering community connections

Also on today's calendar: Arizona National Livestock Show and 9 more events.

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

Today's riddle: What did the clock say when it ran out of batteries? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Friday: Mostly cloudy, with a high of 71 and low of 55 degrees.
  • Saturday: Mostly cloudy, temps: high: 69, low: 49.
  • Sunday: Partly sunny, with a high of 68 and low of 41 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Years-long I-10 project in West Valley scheduled to start soon (12news.com) — If you drive I-10 or Loop 101 near the West Valley, expect major construction starting spring 2026 as ADOT launches a years-long project to ease crashes and congestion. Crews will add an elevated HOV bridge, widen both freeways, and build a new ramp to 91st Avenue, changes driven in part by rapid growth in Tolleson, Avondale, and Phoenix.
   

2. Throw away real trees quickly after Christmas to avoid blazes, Phoenix Fire says (kjzz.org) — Phoenix Fire is urging residents with real Christmas trees to keep them away from fireplaces and candles and to get rid of them soon after the holiday, especially once they feel dry. The department highlights how quickly neglected trees can become a fire hazard and notes Phoenix-area drop-off options like the Deer Valley site for safe disposal. They also warn that dirty chimneys and unattended candles add to holiday fire risks.
   

3. Why Chris Bridges chose to lead ACEC Arizona over retirement (azbigmedia.com) — Phoenix engineers and firms may recognize Chris Bridges, who now leads ACEC Arizona and regularly coordinates with the City of Phoenix and ADOT on training and policy. After moving to Greater Phoenix for transportation roles in Gilbert and Goodyear, he’s using that experience to grow member benefits, networking and the long-running Arizona Conference on Roads and Streets.
   

4. Arizona first responders sacrifice their holiday to protect yours (azfamily.com) — Across Phoenix and the Valley, police officers and firefighters spent Christmas on duty to keep neighborhoods safe, even as most residents relaxed at home. A Paradise Valley officer and Phoenix Fire captain describe missing family time, leaning on coworkers, and bringing relatives into fire stations to keep spirits up. They’re asking the community to remember these sacrifices during holiday celebrations.
   

5. Former Democratic lawmaker Leezah Sun announces independent bid for governor (azfamily.com) — Phoenix readers will see another familiar name in the 2026 governor’s race, as former Democratic lawmaker and current Tolleson Union High School District board member Leezah Sun has launched an independent campaign. Announcing from Phoenix via Instagram, she’s pledging to lower costs, protect public schools, and focus on working-class Arizonans despite past ethics controversies.
   

📸 Around Phoenix

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • VFW Warns Phoenix Veterans – Don’t Leave Benefits Money on the Table —Michelle Cheesman Read on Patch
  • Sam's Club posted a job opening for Baker and Packager Associate in Phoenix. Apply here.
  • ABM Industries posted a job opening for Floater Warehouse Cleaner - Days 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 guess I’m out of time.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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