Community Corner
🌱 Patch AM: How Tempe is rebuilding after storms and blooming again downtown
And check out Arizona National Livestock Show on the Tempe Patch calendar
Good morning Tempe! We're back in your inbox this morning to keep you in the loop with what's happening in and around town. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
- How Tempe is rebuilding after storms and blooming again downtown
- Which Tempe schools are closing as Kyrene shrinks its footprint?
- Which former Tempe editor is behind this big congressional campaign story?
Also on today's calendar: Arizona National Livestock Show and 9 more events.
Find out what's happening in Tempefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Find out what's happening in Tempefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
- Sunday: Mostly sunny and very warm, with a high of 79 and low of 50 degrees.
- Monday: Mostly sunny and very warm, temps: high: 80, low: 56.
- Tuesday: Increasing cloudiness, with a high of 78 and low of 58 degrees.
📰 News we're reading
1. Around Tempe: Week of Dec. 21, 2025 (tempenews.com) — Tempe is channeling $23,000 in storm-relief funds to residents still struggling after October’s damaging microburst, while also ramping up tree replacement and major upgrades at Kiwanis Park’s north end. Residents can look forward to the immersive Tempe Blooms event returning downtown in January and the city’s MLK Diversity Awards breakfast honoring local champions of inclusion. 
2. Kyrene prepares to be smaller (tempenews.com) — Kyrene families in Tempe should prepare for Manitas Elementary to close after this school year and Mariposa Elementary to remain open as the district shrinks its footprint. The Governing Board just approved closing four elementary and two middle schools over two years in Tempe, Ahwatukee and Chandler, aiming to cope with falling enrollment and state funding while promising careful support for affected students and staff.
3. Former Cards kicker opts to run in GOP CD1 primary - Cave Creek / Carefree Independent (yourvalley.net) — Tempe readers may recognize longtime local editor Dan McCarthy, who once worked at the Tempe Daily News and served on boards like Tempe Community Action Agency and Tempe St. Luke’s Hospital. His bio appears alongside coverage of ex-Cardinals kicker Jay Feely shifting his 2026 GOP congressional campaign to Arizona’s more competitive CD1.
4. Traveling Holocaust exhibit brings survivor stories across Arizona (glendalestar.com) — Tempe residents will soon be able to explore a powerful Holocaust exhibit at Tempe History Museum, running from Dec. 17, 2025, through April 2, 2026. Part of a statewide “Triumph in Tragedy” series, it shares survivor stories and artifacts, is free to visit during regular hours, and includes companion talks and educational events into 2026.
5. ‘Tempe Turnaround' takes on new meaning (tempenews.com) — Tempe High football’s dramatic “Tempe Turnaround” under coach Sean Freeman has lifted the Buffaloes from a 16-game losing streak to competitive 4A seasons, even if a playoff berth still narrowly eludes them. With standout seniors graduating and a tougher schedule ahead, returning players and a revamped defense are determined to push Tempe back into the postseason spotlight.
📸 Around Tempe
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
🗓 Upcoming Events in Tempe
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
★ Featured events ★
- Arizona National Livestock Show
Arizona State Fair, 1826 W McDowell Rd, Phoenix
8:00 am - International John Violinist coming to The Herberger Theater Center Stage West on Sun. January 4, 20
Herberger Theater Center, 222 E Monroe St, Phoenix
6:00 pm
Saturday December 27
Sunday January 4
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
- Youth Winter Reading Bingo
Tempe Public Library - Tempe Public Library - - Hot Cocoa Karaoke
Tempe Public Library - Teen Center
2:00 pm - Teen Treats: Oreo Ornaments
Guadalupe Branch at Community Room
4:30 pm - Youth Winter Reading Bingo
Tempe Public Library - Tempe Public Library - - Winter Movie Marathon and Crafts
Tempe Public Library - Teen Center
11:00 am - Youth Winter Reading Bingo
Tempe Public Library - Tempe Public Library - - The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Tempe, AZ
Embassy Suites by Hilton Phoenix Tempe , 4400 S Rural Rd , Tempe
6:00 pm - Puzzle Swap
Tempe Public Library - Desert Willow Program Room
1:00 pm - Youth Winter Reading Bingo
Tempe Public Library - - The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show - Tempe, AZ
Embassy Suites by Hilton Phoenix Tempe , 4400 S Rural Rd , Tempe
7:00 pm
Monday December 22
Tuesday December 23
Wednesday December 24
Saturday December 27
Sunday December 28
Monday December 29
Wednesday December 31
📣 Tempe Shout Outs!
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
💬 Chatter
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
- Well I didn’t expect this.
Thank you so much to everyone that voted for my handyman business. It has been a pleasure and an honor to serve so many wonderful people in our… (Nextdoor Juniper Watson) - Please share & repost to help reunite this lost dog!
Lucy was LOST on December 16, 2025 in Guadalupe, AZ 85283 near Priest And Guadalupe Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to… (Nextdoor Mistwood)
- Whole Foods posted a job opening for Overnight Grocery Team Member (Stocker, Inventory, Receiving) - Part Time in Tempe. Apply here.
- Premium Retail Services posted a job opening for Reset Merchandiser 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 feel lightheaded!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!
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