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🌱 Patch AM: How Phoenix’s CES trip could bring new jobs and investment home

And check out New Year's Eve Celebration with Champagne Toast on the Phoenix Patch calendar

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Wednesday December 31st Patch AM
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Cheers Phoenix! We’re back, helping you stay up to date with what’s happening. Let's take on the day together! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How Phoenix’s CES trip could bring new jobs and investment home
  • When will Phoenix Zoo visitors finally see the new male lion?
  • Which big-name artists are headlining the WM Phoenix Open’s Birds Nest?

Also on today's calendar: Dave & Buster's Family New Years Event Party! and 8 more events.

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

Today's riddle: I think I’ll wear only one boot today. 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Wednesday: Turning cloudy, with a high of 69 and low of 56 degrees.
  • Thursday: Cloudy with showers, temps: high: 69, low: 56.
  • Friday: Variable cloudiness, with a high of 70 and low of 53 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Delegation of Phoenix officials, companies heading to CES (ktar.com) — Phoenix city officials and several local tech companies are heading to CES in Las Vegas next week to showcase the city’s growing innovation sector and attract investment back home. Mayor Kate Gallego, Vice Mayor Ann O’Brien, and Phoenix’s economic development team say the trip aims to support quality local jobs, advanced manufacturing, and global partnerships that benefit Phoenix residents.
   

2. Phoenix Zoo welcomes 3-year-old male lion from Chicago (ktar.com) — A new 3-year-old male lion named Pilipili has arrived at the Phoenix Zoo from Chicago and is settling in behind the scenes before meeting the resident lionesses. His arrival follows a big year for the zoo’s lion pride, including the first cubs born since 1976, the loss of their father to cancer, and the cubs’ recent move to Zoo Miami.
   

3. WM Phoenix Open: Birds Nest construction officially underway (fox10phoenix.com) — Construction is underway on the Coors Light Birds Nest, the massive concert tent that anchors nightlife at the WM Phoenix Open, a signature event for Phoenix-area sports fans. Crews started building just before Christmas for four nights of concerts Feb. 4–7, featuring artists from country to hip-hop and EDM alongside the Feb. 2–8 golf tournament.
   

4. Police report reveals Rebekah Baptiste reported abuse months before death (azfamily.com) — Phoenix readers are learning more about how a 10-year-old girl repeatedly sought help, including at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, months before she was fatally injured, according to a newly released police report. The case has prompted a Department of Child Safety review and a bipartisan Child Abuse Task Force at the state capitol, with reforms planned for the 2026 legislative session.
   

5. Phoenix-area law enforcement targeting underage drinking during Fiesta Bowl (azfamily.com) — If you’re heading to the Fiesta Bowl, expect a heavy law-enforcement presence targeting underage drinking and fake IDs, with special concern about increasingly sophisticated fakes in Phoenix. State liquor agents and Glendale police will use both uniformed and plainclothes officers in and around State Farm Stadium, after recent stings in Tempe and rising citation numbers in Phoenix.
   

📸 Around Phoenix

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🗓 Events Nearby

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Missing elderly man.
    Please help. My wife's father has gone missing. His name is Andre. He was last seen today 12/28/25 at approximately 430pm at 7th Ave and Northern. He… (Nextdoor Glendale to Northern/7th Ave to Central)
  • Found mama Rottweiler dog and her female puppy last night December 28, around 11:30pm near Hatcher rd and 15th ave (we pulled into the parking lot of the closed humane society to get them off the street).
    Mama is very gentle, docile, and obedient. Puppy is friendly. They look well fed. There was also a male orange/white Australian Shepard, most likely… (Nextdoor Saddle Rock Hills)
  • Unifi Aviation, LLC posted a job opening for Prospect Baggage Handler (UA) - PHX in Phoenix. Apply here.
  • Village Clubs posted a job opening for Winter Break Fitness Camp Counselor 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 heard there’s only a 50 percent chance of snow.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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