Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How a Phoenix-made test could change Valley Fever diagnosis in 2026

Also, don't miss Crossing Over with Psychic Medium John Edward live in Tempe, AZ! on the Phoenix Patch calendar

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What's up Phoenix! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • How a Phoenix-made test could change Valley Fever diagnosis in 2026
  • Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary says goodbye to beloved otter Chow
  • Which Phoenix shoppers’ tricks could cut your grocery bill in 2026?

Also on today's calendar: Crossing Over with Psychic Medium John Edward live in Tempe, AZ! and 7 more events.

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

Today's riddle: Playing golf is bad for your brain. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Thursday: Cloudy with times of rain, with a high of 67 and low of 57 degrees.
  • Friday: Variable cloudiness, temps: high: 70, low: 53.
  • Saturday: Mostly cloudy, with a high of 73 and low of 54 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. New rapid test for Valley Fever could revolutionize diagnosis in Arizona (abc15.com) — A Phoenix-developed rapid test for Valley Fever could soon let Valley doctors confirm the disease in just ten minutes, speeding treatment and reducing complications. With thousands of Arizona cases each year, this ASU–Mayo Clinic collaboration promises faster answers for Phoenix-area patients living in our dusty desert environment.
   

2. Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary mourns loss of beloved otter Chow (azfamily.com) — Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary is grieving the loss of Chow, a gentle, people‑loving otter who arrived at just four weeks old and became a favorite of staff and visitors. After recent health struggles, Chow died at age 12, leaving a big emotional hole for the Phoenix team and supporters who followed his story. The sanctuary is asking the community for space and understanding as they mourn.
   

3. Smart Shoppers share year-end savings strategies that actually work for you (abc15.com) — Phoenix shoppers following ABC15’s Smart Shopper series share the money-saving tactics that helped them stretch grocery budgets at Valley stores this year, from coupon apps to store-brand swaps. With local economists expecting food prices to edge up in 2026, these Phoenix-tested strategies and price-tracking insights aim to help residents keep everyday costs under control.
   

4. What to expect from Arizona lawmakers in 2026 (abc15.com) — From the state Capitol in Phoenix, lawmakers are kicking off 2026 with more than 200 proposed bills and 11 potential ballot measures that could reshape voting rules, school policies, and traffic enforcement. With Republicans and Gov. Katie Hobbs both emphasizing affordability, residents can expect intense debate over living costs, public safety, and how quickly the Legislature wraps up its work this spring.
   

5. Pittsburgher's Get Around - Roger Humphries, Hugo Cruz, and Passings in 2025 - the Scene on WZUM (wzum.org) — A Pittsburgh-based jazz host shares a holiday stop at downtown Phoenix jazz club The Nash, highlighting its education work and local pianist Beth Lederman. His visit connects Phoenix’s scene with national jazz figures and recent passings, underscoring how the city’s club helps keep those musical legacies alive.
   

📸 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

  • My Fatboy is home!!!
    Some one brought him home right now and I am so grateful!!! Thank you to everyone who commented and Im so happy he is home. Prayer is powerful! (Nextdoor Wesley Terrace)
  • I lost my dog today on 12/30/25.
    She got out from somewhere between 1pm-3pm. In Park Ridge Neighborhood, Last reported seen was around “S 41st St and E Darrow St” She is a black… (Nextdoor Gardens & Park Ridge at S Mtn)
  • Grand Canyon University, Inc. posted a job opening for Porter in Phoenix. Apply here.
  • Unifi Aviation, LLC posted a job opening for Prospect Baggage Handler (UA) - PHX 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 just heard a golfer say he had four strokes on the first hole!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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