🌱 Blackface Scandal Fallout + Buttigieg Tours Sky Harbor

Happy Saturday, neighbors! Let's get you all caught up on what's happening locally to start today off on an informed note.

First, today's weather:

Cloudy most of the time. High: 79 Low: 56.

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Here are the top stories today in Phoenix:

1. U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg visited Phoenix Friday to discuss President Joe Biden's new $1 trillion infrastructure bill that was just signed into law. Buttigieg stopped at the former Metrocenter Mall, visited the the light rail extension that connects east and west Phoenix, and took a tour of Sky Harbor Airport. (FOX 10 News Phoenix)
2. Most of the members of the internal diversity committee for the Maricopa County Attorney's Office quit this week because of the way County Attorney Allister Adel handled a blackface scandal. Members said that leaders in the office continually delayed and declined to support their efforts. (ABC15 Arizona)
3. Two free Phoenix-area holiday experiences kick off their seasons this weekend. Desert Ridge Marketplace starts its Christmas-season fun at 6 p.m. Saturday with its official tree lighting. Glendale's Downtown in December started its season Friday night. Lights at both locations will stay up throughout the holiday season for your viewing pleasure. (12 News)

Today in Phoenix:

• Healthy Fall Festival & Turkey Giveaway. (7 a.m.)
• Planting Milkweed for Monarch Butterflies in Tonto National Forest. (9 a.m.)
• Chanoyu — Experience the Way of Tea — Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix. (9 a.m.)
• Local Trade Az Early Bird Makers Market. (9 a.m.)
• Indigenous Arts Arizona Festival in Tempe. (10:30 a.m.)

Phoenix Patch Notebook

• Phoenix Fire Department: "Don’t be a statistic! Each year thousands of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians are injured or killed due to Distracted Driving. Major causes include cell phone use, reaching for objects, reading, applying makeup, eating, front and rear passenger distractions. Keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road!" (Facebook)
• City of Phoenix: "$100 grocery gift cards for adults who get fully vaccinated using our #PHX mobile #COVID19 vans. We are still offering no out-of-pocket testing, too! Gift cards available while supplies last. Start here: Phoenix.gov/COVIDTesting" (Facebook)
• City of Phoenix: "Third Street will be closed between Washington and Monroe on Sunday from 7 a.m. to midnight. If you are downtown attending the Suns game or other events, avoid using Third Street." (Facebook)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll see you around! If you're enjoying these newsletters, consider bringing some of your friends and neighbors along for the ride. 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 email me at caitlin.sievers@patch.com.