🌱 Rainbow Festival Returns + Missing Tempe Girl + Phoenix Hit-And-Run

Hello again, neighbors. I'm back with your fresh edition of the Phoenix Patch newsletter. Let's get this day started off right, with a quick guide to everything you need to know about what's happening in town.

But first, today's weather:

Nice with plenty of sunshine. High: 68 Low: 42.

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Here are the top three stories today in Phoenix:

1. The Rainbow Festival is returning for its 20th annual celebration in Phoenix, with this year's theme being “Express Yourself.” The state's largest LGBTQ+ event, which is free and family/pet friendly, will return on Apr. 1 and 2 in downtown Phoenix. Saturday's headliner for the event will be renowned drag performer Lady Bunny. The event will take place at The Heritage Square Historic District from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. each night. (ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix)
2. Have you seen this girl? On Tuesday, Tempe police announced they are searching for a missing 14-year-old girl. Amyiah Rodriguez left her high school, McClintock High School, at around 11:30 a.m. without parent permission on Feb. 1 and was last seen on Feb. 2 near Baseline Road and McClintock Drive. She is described as being 5-foot-5-inches tall and weighing roughly 115 pounds with long braids. Please contact Tempe police at 480-350-8311 if you have information. (12news.com KPNX)
3. On Tuesday, a 27-year-old man was struck by two vehicles in downtown Phoenix and killed. At around 4:30 a.m., Isaiah Montez Reid was hit by two cars while crossing the street near 7th and Polk streets, according to the Phoenix Police Department. One of the drivers stayed at the scene and the other fled; police are searching for the driver who did not remain on the scene. (12news.com KPNX)

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Today in and around Phoenix:

• Set In Stone But Not In Meaning: Southwestern Rock Art With Allen Dart, At Fountain Hills Community Center in Fountain Hills (1:00 PM)
• Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night, At Verdura (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The University of Phoenix could wind up with a new owner — the University of Arkansas. (KJZZ)
• Cirque du Soleil is returning with Corteo to the Footprint Center from Sep. 13-17. (Signals AZ)
• Before you head out to one of the many Super Bowl events going on in Phoenix, visit azsuperbowl.com for tips on parking, transportation, and event information. (Phoenix Police Department via Facebook)

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Events:

• Celebrate Game Day with See’s (February 9)
• ZEDD and OFFSET Headline the 2023 TAO X Maxim Big Game Party - Catch Me If You Can (February 11)
• 2023 Maxim Party (February 11)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Wednesday. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners. She is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, where she earned degrees in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, drinking tea, or practicing film photography.