🌱 700 Inoperable Fire Hydrants + What To Know About Omicron

Happy Tuesday, people of Phoenix! Here's everything you need to know about what's happening in Phoenix today.

First, today's weather:

Warm with plenty of sun. High: 80 Low: 52.

Here are the top stories today in Phoenix:

1. If you were looking forward to fall weather, this isn't your week. Highs in Phoenix are expected to hover around 80 degrees all week, around 10 degrees above normal for this time of year. If today reaches 80 degrees or hotter, 2021 will set a record for the most days that hit 80 degrees in November. (Phoenix Patch)
2. There are 709 inoperable fire hydrants in Phoenix and 2,000 in need of repair or replacement. If firefighters show up to a fire and the nearest hydrant doesn't work, they have to quickly devise a backup plan. This sometimes means hooking several fire trucks together in a chain to get water from a far-away hydrant to the blaze that workers are trying to extinguish. (KJZZ)
3. More Waymo vehicles are driving around Phoenix, even though the autonomous cars are not yet transporting passengers within the city. Waymo, a ride-hailing service, is already providing rides in Chandler, Mesa, Tempe and Gilbert. But the estimated 300-400 Waymo vehicles driving in Phoenix may be testing or mapping the city for future service. (Phoenix New Times)
4. The new omicron variant of COVID-19 has not been detected in Arizona, but experts are sure it's already circulating in the United States. Here's how to keep yourself and your family safe from the new strain of the disease that's put the world in a global pandemic for almost two years. (Phoenix Patch)

Today's Phoenix Daily is brought to you by our friends at Ring, the home security company. Ring does a lot more than doorbells: check out their full suite of smart home products at Ring.com. And thank you Ring for helping to make local news happen in Phoenix!

Today in Phoenix:

• Ollie's Book Buddies Zoom Story Time. (11:30 a.m.)
• "PSYCHO" The Classics: Film Series at Orpheum Theatre. (6:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• City of Phoenix: "To all those celebrating #Hanukkah ... May the light of the season shine throughout the year!" (Facebook)
• Phoenix Public Library: "Need a little help accessing our eLibrary? 📱 Visit our device advice guide for up-to-date information on devices, operating systems, browsers and more. Keep your electronics running smoothly and access all of our digital content easily (with your current Phoenix Public Library card, of course)." (Facebook)

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You're all caught up for today! See you all tomorrow for your next update. If you're into these newsletters, consider bringing some of your friends and neighbors on board. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Caitlin Sievers

About me: I'm a passionate writer and photographer who worked as a reporter and editor for various publications in the Midwest before landing in Phoenix. I have seven roommates. Four of them are cats. Contact me at caitlin.sievers@patch.com with story ideas and feedback.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Phoenix Daily? I'm all ears. You can contact me at caitlin.sievers@patch.com.