Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Is your child’s Phoenix-area school on the potential closure list?

Also check out Scottsdale Symphonic Orchestra Presents: A Season of Light on the Phoenix Patch calendar

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Wednesday December 10th Patch AM
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Morning Phoenix! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Is your child’s Phoenix-area school on the potential closure list?
  • Will Phoenix’s own pay-raise plan for lawmakers survive voter skepticism?
  • See what’s new at this year’s Phoenix ZooLights spectacle

Also on today's calendar: Scottsdale Symphonic Orchestra Presents: A Season of Light and 9 more events.

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

Today's riddle: What did the alien say to the puzzle? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Wednesday: Sunny and pleasant, with a high of 76 and low of 49 degrees.
  • Thursday: Sunny, nice and warm, temps: high: 77, low: 51.
  • Friday: Sunny to partly cloudy, with a high of 78 and low of 54 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. More Phoenix area school districts considering school closure: Here's what to know (fox10phoenix.com) — Multiple Phoenix-area school districts are weighing permanent school closures over the next few years, citing falling enrollment, rising costs, and excess building capacity. Boards in districts including Phoenix Elementary, Kyrene, Gilbert, and Scottsdale are scheduling key votes, leaving many parents worried about losing chosen campuses and uncertain where their children will attend school next.
   

2. Arizona legislator proposes pay raise in exchange for stricter term limits (azfamily.com) — A Phoenix-based state representative is pushing a plan to raise Arizona lawmakers’ salaries to $35,000 while tightening term limits to a maximum of 16 years in office. The proposal, which would start in 2027 if approved and then passed by voters in 2026, has sparked debate among legislators and residents over whether better pay should be tied to stricter limits on time in office.
   

3. New experiences and illuminated lanterns debut at ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo (abc15.com) — ZooLights is lighting up the Phoenix Zoo now through January 16, 2026, with new illuminated lanterns, favorite displays, and special drive-through nights. Phoenix families can stroll or cruise through a glowing tunnel, sparkling animal sculptures, and music-synced light shows, with free admission for kids 2 and under and member discounts available.
   

4. Say hello to Phoenix Zoo's new baby giraffe. Yes, she gets the zoomies (azcentral.com) — Phoenix families have a new reason to visit the Phoenix Zoo soon: a playful female Masai giraffe calf, born Nov. 16, is healthy, energetic, and bonding with mom Sunshine behind the scenes. She’ll join the main giraffe exhibit once she’s bigger, and the zoo plans to let the public help choose her name.
   

5. Community rallies to help family of Phoenix pastor hit, killed by a car (azfamily.com) — A beloved pastor was struck and killed while crossing 7th and Missouri in uptown Phoenix, and neighbors are now rallying to support his three children. Friends describe 53-year-old Rodger Loar as a caring community fixture who helped Villa Montessori secure its school building. A GoFundMe has been launched to help his family with expenses.
   

📸 Around Phoenix

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Phoenix

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📣 Phoenix Shout Outs!

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Creating a growth plan for your landscaping business —Max Lancaster Read on Patch
  • Day of Random Compliments.
    On December 13th last year the world lost the purest sweetest soul I had the privilege of spending my life with. My Mom was truly a selfless person… (Nextdoor Utopia Rd and 13th Ave)
  • Hi guys!
    Any of you can point me out to the right direction on where I can take this handsome boy? Back in august me and my husband were feeding the community… (Nextdoor Bethany Square)
  • Chipotle posted a job opening for Crew Member in Phoenix. Apply 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 come in peace. You come in pieces.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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