🌱 County Seeks New Animal Control Director + Woman Killed On Freeway

Good morning, friends! It's me, Miranda Fraraccio, your host of the Phoenix Daily. Here's all the local news you need to know right now.

But first, today's weather:

Times of clouds and sun. High: 64 Low: 39.

Here are the top three stories today in Phoenix:

1. Maricopa County is seeking a new director for the county animal shelters since the current director has vacated the position. Michael Mendel had served as animal care and control department director since March. In November, the county confirmed Mendel had been placed on leave. Although officials did not comment on the reason for Mendel's leave, employees and volunteers alleged he was unable to perform his job and was a bully to others. (KTAR.com)
2. An unnamed victim is recovering in the hospital after being shot on Monday morning. Phoenix police found the man with a gunshot would and were told that suspects had forced themselves into the home. The man's injuries were described as life-threatening. Police are currently investigating this incident. (ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix)
3. On Monday morning, a woman was killed in what authorities are calling a hit-and-run at a West Valley freeway exit. The 33-year-old Peoria woman’s body was found near Peoria Avenue. Investigators are looking for a 2010-2014 Dodge Challenger with damage to its grill. (KTAR.com)

Today in Phoenix:

• Desert Farm Lights At 14629 W. Peoria Ave. (5:00 PM)
• Rudolph The Red-nosed Reindeer At Herberger Theater Center (5:00 PM)
• Do Better Comedy Open Mic Mondays At Nu Towne Saloon (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Looking for a new job or trying to make a career change? There are currently multiple full-time openings in and around Phoenix. Available openings include customer service, software, and sales. (Phoenix Patch)
• You don’t have to go far to find a new furry friend. The Arizona Boston Terrier Rescue has one-year-old Gonzo, with one blue eye and one brown, available. Click the link to see all the pets available. (Phoenix Patch)
• Santa will be at ZooLights until Dec. 23. He will be waiting in an inflatable igloo among the decorated trees. (citysuntimes)

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You're officially in the loop for today. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a born and raised Rhode Islander, now living in New York. She works as a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and is a graduate of The University of Rhode Island, where she earned a degree in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, drinking tea, or photographing her neighborhood as a street photographer.