🌱 Clean Zone Policy Blocked + 2 Local Suspects Arrested For Murder

Hey, friends. It's Saturday in Phoenix and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on all the most important things happening in town.

But first, today's weather:

Cool with plenty of sun. High: 59 Low: 36.

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Here are the top three stories today in Phoenix:

1. A judge has temporarily blocked the city of Phoenix from enforcing its "Clean Zone" policy, which had set restrictions on the signs that could be displayed downtown leading up to the Super Bowl. A lawsuit filed by The Goldwater Institute claims the policy violates freedom of speech, as "no criteria was given as to what signs would be acceptable." Since October, any temporary Super Bowl-related signage, including banners, posters, window paintings, and even balloons, had to be submitted to the NFL and the city for approval before being displayed by downtown Phoenix small businesses. A judge will reportedly review the case again if the ordinance is not revised at the next Phoenix City Council meeting. (KJZZ Phoenix)
2. Gary Green, 35, and Randale Thomas, 30, were arrested on Thursday in connection with the death of 19-year-old Leon Greer. On New Year's Day, Greer sustained a gunshot wound to the head and was found outside of a Valley Waffle House. He later died from his injuries in a local hospital. In a search of Green and Thomas' Facebook records, investigators found conversations about the incident suggesting that Greer's murder was allegedly done in retaliation for previous crimes involving the suspects' associates. Both suspects are currently being held at the Maricopa County jail. (12news.com KPNX)
3. The City of Phoenix is seeking the community's feedback on priorities for the new and improved Circle K Park. The south Phoenix park, located near the intersection of South 14th Street and East South Mountain Avenue, is set for a nearly $2.5 million revitalization, and the city wants to know how residents would like that budget to be spent. A committee of residents has worked with the Phoenix's Parks and Recreation Department to develop a master plan that already includes a new playground, a fitness station, sports fields and courts, renovated restrooms, a disc golf course, an amphitheater, a skate plaza, a community space, and more. The city plans to complete the improvements "in segments over time," according to Kay Shepard, a steering committee member. (The Arizona Republic)

Today in Phoenix:

• 33rd Annual Chinese Culture And Cuisine Festival At Steele Indian School Park (9:00 AM)
• The Market At The Brokery (9:00 AM)
• Blood Drive At Uptown Plaza (9:00 AM)
• Lunar New Year Festival At Desert Ridge Marketplace (10:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Ready to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit? Phoenix Chinese Week is hosting its annual Chinese Culture and Cuisine Festival at Steele Indian School Park this weekend. The free event is open to the public and will be happening today and tomorrow from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (12news.com KPNX)
• Phoenix Union has four out of Arizona’s 82 Flinn Scholarship semifinalists: Irais Aguilar Coconi (Trevor Browne), Ariana Delgadillo (Bioscience), Natali Giron Terrazas (Maryvale), and Angela Sanchez (Bioscience). Congratulations to all! (PXU via Twitter)
• These restaurants have recently been inspected by Maricopa County’s Environmental Services Department. Here are the Valley restaurants that did not make the grade this week. (AZ Family)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday off right. I'll see you back in your inbox Monday with a new update!

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners. She is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, where she earned degrees in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, drinking tea, or practicing film photography.