Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How will Kyrene’s school closures reshape classrooms for Tempe families?

Coming up: Arizona National Livestock Show on the Tempe Patch calendar

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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 will Kyrene’s school closures reshape classrooms for Tempe families?
  • Remember when Jimi Hendrix lit up a Tempe gym in 1968?
  • Could ASU’s new “Operation Comeback” wipe out your old balance?

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.

Today's riddle: What did the little needle say to the mother needle when it brought home a failing report card? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Thursday: A brief shower or two, with a high of 73 and low of 54 degrees.
  • Friday: A couple of afternoon showers, temps: high: 71, low: 55.
  • Saturday: Mostly cloudy, with a high of 68 and low of 49 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Kyrene prepares to be smaller (ahwatukee.com) — Kyrene School District has voted to close six campuses, including Manitas and potentially impacting Mariposa Elementary in Tempe, to cope with falling enrollment and funding. District leaders say the move will save about $5.5 million and are now planning new bus routes, schedules, and support for affected students and staff as Tempe families brace for boundary and school changes.
   

2. Remembering the first – and last – Jimi Hendrix Arizona appearances (yourvalley.net) — Nearly 3,000 fans once packed ASU’s Sun Devil Gym in Tempe to see a nervous but electrifying Jimi Hendrix make his Arizona debut in 1968. This look back traces how that Tempe show, a follow-up Tucson gig, and a later Phoenix concert became his only Arizona appearances. It also highlights how the era’s changing attitudes, including flower power, shaped his time here.
   

3. ASU launches initiative to bring back former students to finish degrees (abc15.com) — Tempe-based Arizona State University is rolling out “Operation Comeback,” offering scholarships, debt relief, and dedicated advising to help former ASU students return and finish their degrees starting in 2026. Eligible Arizonans could receive per-credit scholarships, an extra award for those near completion, and even have some unpaid ASU balances cleared, and more than 160 people have already expressed interest.
   

4. Michael Pittman Jr. Gets Candid About Being Perfect In Indianapolis (macon.com) — Tempe fans might remember Michael Pittman Jr. from his standout 2017 USC visit to Sun Devil Stadium before he became a key receiver for the Indianapolis Colts. Now he’s reflecting on his push for perfection as Indianapolis fights for a shaky playoff spot behind veteran quarterback Philip Rivers. He talks candidly about his growth, leadership role, and the pressure of the Colts’ must-win finish.
   

📸 Around Tempe

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • LOST DOG ALERT!
    Have you seen this pet? Oreo was lost on December 22, 2025 and was last seen near Tempe, Arizona If you have information on their location, please… (Nextdoor Mill Ave Baseline Rural)
  • Update: it is one of the neighbors cats here.
    One of the other neighbors brought it in for a few nights thinking it was a stray so now it has attached itself to their apartment when it gets let… (Nextdoor Finisterra)
  • Target posted a job opening for Seasonal: Overnight Inbound (Stocking) (T2176) in Tempe. Apply here.
  • Burlington posted a job opening for Seasonal Retail Stocking Associate - Part Time 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 guess I’m not as sharp as I thought.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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