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🌱 Patch AM: How the new I-17 lane could shorten your north Phoenix commute

Also, don't miss International John Violinist coming to The Herberger Theater Center Stage West on Sun. January 4, 20 on the Phoenix…

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Good day Phoenix! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How the new I-17 lane could shorten your north Phoenix commute
  • Could a new Phoenix rule criminalize basic medical help in parks?
  • How Phoenix’s new 911 AI could change your next call

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.

📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around Phoenix? Post it to Phoenix photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️

Today's riddle: Can February March? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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

Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Mostly sunny and warm, with a high of 77 and low of 49 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Mostly sunny and warm, temps: high: 77, low: 49.
  • Thursday: Mostly sunny, nice and warm, with a high of 78 and low of 51 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. New Lane Opens on I-17 to Ease North Phoenix Traffic (signalsaz.com) — North Phoenix drivers using northbound I-17 to reach Loop 303 and Sonoran Desert Drive now have a second exit lane aimed at easing rush-hour backups. The $1.3 million project is an early piece of Proposition 479’s metro Phoenix transportation upgrades, with larger interchange improvements and Loop 303 widening set to start next year.
   

2. Phoenix may ban handing out drug-testing kits in city parks (phoenixnewtimes.com) — Phoenix leaders are set to vote Dec. 17 on an ordinance that could criminalize handing out drug-testing kits, clean needles, and even basic medical or harm-reduction supplies in city parks. Public health and civil rights advocates warn it may chill HIV testing, mobile clinics, and LGBTQ-focused outreach, while city-run programs would be exempt, raising questions about how consistently care will be available across Phoenix.
   

3. Phoenix 911 dispatchers now use AI to handle non-emergency calls (abc15.com) — If you call Phoenix’s 911 non-emergency line now, an AI system will answer first, quickly routing routine issues so human dispatchers can focus on life-threatening emergencies. Launched in August, the change aims to cut long wait times and now also offers a clear option to connect callers with behavioral health professionals alongside police or fire when needed.
   

4. The Hazel Hare Center for Plant Science, Phase II, Phoenix (e-architect.com) — A major expansion at the Desert Botanical Garden’s Hazel Hare Center for Plant Science in Phoenix adds three highly specialized buildings to support horticulture work, exhibits, and rare desert plants. The new Ahearn Horticulture Center, RAF Exhibit Gallery, and automated Shade Pavilion emphasize sustainability, Passive House design, and advanced climate controls to better protect and showcase the Garden’s global plant collection.
   

5. Giant 40-foot tall inflatable Santa stolen from Phoenix tree lot (azfamily.com) — A longtime Phoenix Christmas landmark is missing after thieves stole a 40-foot inflatable Santa from Kraemer's Tree Lots near 39th Avenue and Bethany Home Road. Neighbors and the family-owned business are sharing security footage and memories of the 35-year-old decoration while Phoenix police investigate who took the massive, well-known holiday icon.
   

📸 Around Phoenix

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Phoenix

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Downtown Chandler BBQ Festival Fires Up March 7 and 8 —Christina Caldwell Read on Patch
  • Workshop Pilates to Make East Valley Debut with New Studio at Northside at SanTan Village —Christina Caldwell Read on Patch
  • Marriott International posted a job opening for Night Auditor and Hotel Operations in Phoenix. Apply here.
  • US Government Jobs posted a job opening for Chief Nurse_Sterile Processing Service 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 don't know, but April May!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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