Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How did three Tempe churches become disaster lifelines overnight?

Coming up: The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Tempe, AZ on the Tempe Patch calendar

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Tuesday December 30th Patch AM
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Good day Tempe! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How did three Tempe churches become disaster lifelines overnight?
  • How ASU and lakefront towers are transforming Mill Avenue’s vibe
  • Will Tempe bars soon have mandatory anti-drink spiking test kits?

Also on today's calendar: The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Tempe, AZ and 9 more events.

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

Today's riddle: The world champion tongue twister just got arrested! 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Tuesday: Partly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 75 and low of 55 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Turning cloudy, temps: high: 71, low: 58.
  • Thursday: Mostly cloudy with showers, with a high of 67 and low of 56 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Tempe's community disaster preparedness program had its first big test in 2025 (kjzz.org) — Tempe’s new Resilience Hubs just faced their first real test when an October microburst damaged more than 1,000 structures and displaced over 130 residents. Three local churches quickly stepped up as assistance, cleanup, and backup shelter sites, and the city now plans door-to-door outreach and asset mapping to strengthen neighborhood-based disaster preparedness.
   

2. How ASU, lakefront towers, fine dining are reshaping downtown Tempe (azcentral.com) — Downtown Tempe is rapidly shifting from a student bar district into a 24-hour hub of offices, upscale housing, and fine-dining restaurants closely tied to ASU’s explosive growth. New lakefront office towers, national employers, and high-end spots like Filthy Animal are reshaping Mill Avenue’s skyline, prices, and overall vibe for residents, workers, and students alike.
   

3. Bars in Tempe to be required to have anti-drink spiking devices (kyma.com) — Tempe leaders are considering a January vote that could require local bars to offer or sell anti-drink spiking test kits and covers, aiming to make the city’s nightlife safer. Police data, underreporting concerns, and support from at least one Tempe bar owner are driving the push to give patrons quick tools to check their drinks.
   

4. 2025 Year In Review (azcommerce.com) — Tempe gets a nod in Arizona’s record-setting 2025, with companies like Busch Vacuum Solutions, Cognite, and Quantum Computing Inc. expanding here as part of $34 billion in new statewide investment. The Arizona Commerce Authority highlights semiconductor, AI, and broadband growth, plus new workforce training centers and nearly 28,000 projected jobs that could benefit Tempe residents and the broader Valley economy.
   

📸 Around Tempe

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Tempe

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • My dog PapaDuke ran away Saturday.
    I just got him the day before Christmas. He doesnt have a tag. He was wearing a blue colar and a black t-shirt that said Super Star. He's a chihuahua… (Nextdoor Rural-Geneva)
  • This is my missing border collie named Sparks.
    Please let me know if you see him looking for a party. He was last seen walking on Mill Ave minus the tux & hat. I will pick him up. He has broke… (Nextdoor Date Palm Manor)
  • Tempe Police wants to remind the community that there will be NO New Year’s Eve event at Tempe Beach Park this year. We know this has been a popular... (X: TempePolice)
  • The 2026 GCSECA Annual Meeting and Legislative Roundup is just around the corner, happening January 20-22 in Tempe, Arizona. Stay tuned for an... (X: gcseca)
  • Deloitte posted a job opening for Seasonal Tax Delivery Manager - Global Employer Services in Tempe. Apply here.
  • MasTec Inc. posted a job opening for Accounts Payable Clerk in Tempe. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Tempe here.

Ok Tempe! 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 hear they’re giving him a really tough sentence.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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