🌱 Patch AM: Which ten crime stories defined Scottsdale’s safety concerns in 2025?

Good morning Scottsdale! Your connection to what's happening around town is here. Take a sip of coffee and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• Which ten crime stories defined Scottsdale’s safety concerns in 2025?
• Which massive projects will transform north Scottsdale by 2027?
• Why SWAT shut down a Scottsdale neighborhood Sunday afternoon

Also on today's calendar: iCode Scottsdale Winter Break Camps and 5 more events.

And lastly, we have a post from a neighbor, Buddy M.!

Today's riddle: What two things can you never eat for breakfast? . 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Monday: Sunny and comfortable, with a high of 74 and low of 50 degrees.
• Tuesday: Pleasant with clouds and sun, temps: high: 74, low: 53.
• Wednesday: Turning cloudy, with a high of 72 and low of 56 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Scottsdale's Top 'Law & Order' Stories of 2025 (eastvalleytribune.com) — Scottsdale saw a turbulent 2025 for public safety, from shocking double homicides and a high-profile fraud case to a major ‘crime tourist’ bust and ongoing short-term rental headaches. Residents also got a new permanent police chief, higher officer pay, and continued efforts to tackle nuisance rentals and long-running fugitives, all shaping how safe neighborhoods feel heading into 2026.
   

2. Key Scottsdale developments to watch in 2026, many near Loop 101 (azcentral.com) — Major commercial, residential, and medical projects are reshaping north Scottsdale, especially along Loop 101, with new jobs, housing, and services on the way. From Axon’s controversial headquarters campus to Banner Health’s large medical center and the expanding One Scottsdale district, these developments will influence traffic, housing options, and where residents work, shop, and get care over the next several years.
   

3. Suspect arrested after SWAT situation at Scottsdale home (azfamily.com) — A Scottsdale neighborhood near Thomas Road and 68th Street was briefly shut down Sunday when police and SWAT responded to reports of gunshots inside a home. Officers evacuated nearby residents as a precaution before a 27-year-old man surrendered without injuries reported. Some surrounding property was damaged, and the suspect now faces multiple criminal charges, though his name has not yet been released.
   

4. Huge developments that will reshape metro Phoenix in 2026 (azcentral.com) — Massive construction projects across metro Phoenix in 2026 include a new Arizona Cardinals practice complex planned near Loop 101 and Scottsdale Road, bringing more sports activity close to Scottsdale residents. The roundup also highlights TSMC’s huge north Phoenix expansion, mall redevelopments in Phoenix and Mesa, and long-delayed resort and hotel projects in Paradise Valley and Glendale that could reshape regional jobs, entertainment, and shopping options.
   

5. What Corbin Carroll, Rafi and 15 more Arizonans wish for in 2026 (azcentral.com) — Arizona creatives and community figures share their personal wishes for 2026, from stronger democracy and community support to more empathy and artistic expression. One contributor, hip-hop artist Young MC, highlights his hopes for sharing new music while noting he has called Scottsdale home since 2006. Overall, the piece offers a hopeful, people-centered look at the coming year across the Valley.
   

📸 Around Scottsdale

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Scottsdale

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

Monday December 29

• iCode Scottsdale Winter Break Camps
  iCode Scottsdale , 13910 N Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd , Scottsdale
  9:00 am

Wednesday December 31

• New Years Eve Improv Show
  SD Acting Studio/Acting & Improv , 4425 N Granite Reef Rd , Scottsdale
  7:00 pm

Saturday January 3

• Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market
  3806 N Brown Ave, Scottsdale, AZ, 85251
  8:00 am

Tuesday January 6

• AZPCC Daf Circle - Winter
  AZPCC , 7825 E Gelding Dr Suite 101 , Scottsdale
  6:30 pm

Wednesday January 7

• Scottsdale Sounds
  3839 N Drinkwater Blvd , Scottsdale
  5:00 pm

Thursday January 8

• Make Traditional Sushi With Chef Sarah - Cooking Class by Classpop!
  The Wine Collective of Scottsdale, Wine Store, Wine Tasting & Wine Bar , 4020 N Scottsdale Rd , Scottsdale
  6:00 pm

Saturday January 10

• Old Town Scottsdale Farmers Market
  3806 N Brown Ave, Scottsdale, AZ, 85251
  8:00 am
• Irrigation In The Southwest - Garden Seminar Series
  Town Council Chambers , 33 Easy St , Carefree
  9:30 am

🗓 Events Nearby

Wednesday December 31

• Keelers Steakhouse Announces 6th Annual New Years Eve Gala DEC. 31
  Keeler’s Neighborhood Steakhouse , 7212 Ho Hum Dr , Carefree
  6:00 pm
• Toastmasters- Fountain Hills Club
  Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce , 16837 E Palisades Blvd , Fountain Hills
  6:30 pm

Thursday January 1

• Town Hall Closed for New Years
  Cave Creek Calendar , 37622 N. Cave Creek Rd. , Cave Creek
• 2026 Reading Challenge registration
  Fountain Hills Branch

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Thank you 👏👏👏 to the local businesses for making Scottsdale PatchAM possible:

• Mindsee.it — (646) 663-8317
  Teach your kids they can achieve the impossible!

Click here to show your appreciation! 💚

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• PLEASE HELP!
  Mama Tortilla is the longest resident of one of the worst high kill shelters in the country. She raised three babies that were born in the shelter… (Nextdoor Desert Mountain)
• Can anyone help?
  Milo’s owner can’t keep him and is going to send him to the shelter. Milo is a shy sweet boy who gets along great with other dogs He is house… (Nextdoor Pointe Scottsdale)

• Thanks to the leadership of our City Council majority and City Manager Greg Caton, Scottsdale is catching up on years of neglected road maintenance... (X: BarrySGraham)
• Scottsdale police said the suspect is accused of stealing power tools and selling them online.... (X: 12News)

• Extended Stay America posted a job opening for Housekeeper Part Time-101020 in Scottsdale. Apply here.
• Goodwill Industries of Central and Northern Arizona posted a job opening for Donation Attendant Part Time in Scottsdale. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Scottsdale here.

Ok Scottsdale! 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: Lunch and dinner. (From Norine S.)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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