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🌱 Patch AM: Will Tempe Tavern’s underage-drinking raids lead to criminal charges?

Happening soon: International John Violinist coming to The Herberger Theater Center Stage West on Sun. January 4, 20 on the Tempe Patch…

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Morning Tempe! We've got the scoop on the latest happenings in town. Read on to get looped in. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Will Tempe Tavern’s underage-drinking raids lead to criminal charges?
  • When can you see the Holocaust exhibit at Tempe History Museum?
  • Did a Tempe park rule really spark this high-profile arrest?

Also on today's calendar: International John Violinist coming to The Herberger Theater Center Stage West on Sun. January 4, 20 and 9 more events.

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

Today's riddle: My brother swallowed a box of firecrackers. - Is he all right now? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

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

  • Thursday: Mostly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 75 and low of 47 degrees.
  • Friday: Sunny and very warm, temps: high: 79, low: 53.
  • Saturday: Warm with plenty of sunshine, with a high of 78 and low of 53 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Maricopa County attorney says she's ready to review any Tempe Tavern case (azfamily.com) — Tempe residents may see more fallout from ongoing investigations into Tempe Tavern, where police recently issued nearly 250 underage-drinking citations in one night. The Maricopa County attorney says she hasn’t received a criminal case yet but is ready to review any submittals, while the bar’s owners dispute the numbers and insist they take the law seriously.
   

2. Triumph in Tragedy: Traveling Holocaust exhibit brings survivor stories across Arizona (tucsonweekly.com) — A new Holocaust exhibit series will include a major installation at Tempe History Museum from Dec. 17, 2025, through April 2, 2026, featuring stories of Gerda and Kurt Klein. Part of a five-city Arizona tour, the free exhibits pair survivor and liberator stories with artifacts, talks, and trainings to keep Holocaust memory alive as survivors age and antisemitism rises.
   

3. Her 'Game of Thrones' GIF shut down a city meeting. She 'lost everything' (azcentral.com) — Tempe officials shut down an in-person council meeting and later arrested a Tucson woman over a snarky Game of Thrones GIF about a controversial Tempe park ordinance, but prosecutors declined to file charges. The case, involving Tempe police, councilmembers, and a rule limiting gatherings in Tempe parks, is raising serious questions about free speech, overreach, and how safely residents can criticize city leaders online.
   

4. Adverse ICE impact on Mesa's Asian District feared (themesatribune.com) — Tempe could see economic and cultural spillover if Mesa’s Asian District businesses and customers decide to “hop the fence” to cities they perceive as safer from ICE enforcement. A Mesa resident warned council that the city’s 287(g) partnership with ICE may drive away Asian shoppers, investment, and future projects, potentially redirecting that activity to Tempe and other nearby communities.
   

📸 Around Tempe

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • To those posting about your lost pets ...
    First i really hope they're found and you're reunited with them. Next, I've noticed alot of these posts are missing pics of the pet and location/area… (Nextdoor Rancho Murietta)
  • This might be a long shot but I’m looking for my puppy’s brother.
    I adopted “Gitana” (now named Kiyo) on 11/25/2025. She was apart of a bonded pair with her brother, but he had got adopted the day before (or 2 days… (Nextdoor Escalante)
  • Midas Hospitality posted a job opening for Housekeeping Room Attendant in Tempe. Apply here.
  • Merlin Entertainments Limited posted a job opening for Admissions Shift Lead 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 don’t know. I haven’t heard the last report.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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