Burned Husky Recovers + Beloved Downtown Ambassador Dies

Happy Thursday, neighbors! Let's get this day started off right. Here's what's happening around Phoenix.

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First, today's weather:

Partly cloudy throughout the day. High: 101, low: 78.

Here are the top stories in Phoenix today:

1. Hera the husky is a very good girl and she would very much love to go home with you. Hera has undergone a physical and mental transformation since Arizona Humane Society rescued her in early July. She was underweight and covered in burns. Now she's recovered and is looking for a forever home. (Phoenix Patch)
2. A beloved member of the Downtown Phoenix Ambassadors program, Hans Hughes, died Tuesday, several weeks after a drunk driver struck him as he rode his bicycle. Hughes had undergone several surgeries and seemed to be on the road to recovery until his condition began to rapidly decline over the weekend. (ABC15 Arizona)
3. Wildlife officials have increased an award to $5,000 to anyone who provides information on the poaching of a bighorn sheep July 10 in the Buckeye Hills. One official called the illegal killing of the mature desert bighorn sheep ram a "horrible waste of the state's most precious resource." (KTAR.com)
4. Approximately 1,000 low-income Phoenix families will receive $1,000 monthly payments for the next year in a plan approved Tuesday by the Phoenix City Council. Phoenix's version of a universal basic income program is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, the latest federal COVID-19 relief bill. (Phoenix New Times)
5. Three of the top five school districts in the state are located in the Valley, according to newly released rankings by Niche. The No. 1 district in the state is Heritage Academy, a small public charter school based in Mesa. (Phoenix Patch)

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Today in Phoenix:

• Advocates deliver thousands of signatures and photo petition to Sen. Mark Kelly. (10:30 a.m.)
• Advocates deliver thousands of signatures and photo petition to Sen. Kyrsten Sinema. (11:30 a.m.)
• Ollie's Book Buddies Zoom Story Time. (1:30 p.m.)
• Free Walk-in COVID-19 Vaccination Pop-Up. (3:30 p.m.)
• Arizona Water: Scarce and Precious — Arizona Rivers in Peril. (6:30 p.m.)

Phoenix Patch Notebook

• Arizona Humane Society: "Charlee (formerly known as Cleo) hit the jackpot when she was adopted by the Canales family. Not only does she love having a big yard to run and play in, she also gets to go swimming with her new human brothers and sisters!" (Facebook)
• City of Phoenix: "As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, check out the artistry of Daniel Martin Diaz. His insatiable curiosity to explore the mysteries of life and science can be seen every time you fly in and out of Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport." (Facebook)
• City of Phoenix: "Deadline extended until Friday, Sept. 24. If you know someone, including youth, who has made an impact on the quality of life of #PHX residents, please nominate them for an award. Details about the MLK Awards Program are in the #PHXNewsroom: http://ow.ly/2ZkZ50FP8S8." (Facebook)
• Phoenix Public Library: "Explore Afghan Voices on Kanopy! In light of recent events, Kanopy has curated a collection of films that deal with the tenuous situation in Afghanistan. Free with your Phoenix Public Library card. Try it out!" (Facebook)

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You're all caught up for today! I'll see you soon. If you're enjoying these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to follow along. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Caitlin Sievers

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