🌱 Electric Cars Burn Hotter + Astronaut Candidate From Gilbert

Hey, Phoenix! Let's get you all caught up to start this Wednesday off on an informed note. Here are the most important things going on around town today.

First, today's weather:

Mostly cloudy. High: 70 Low: 50.

Here are the top stories in Phoenix today:

1. With more electric cars on the road than ever before, Phoenix firefighters are seeing more electric car fires, and they're using different tactics to fight them. Fires in electric cars can burn hotter and longer than fires in traditional gasoline-fueled cars. Firefighters also must pay attention to whether harmful chemicals are in the water running off the cars to prevent those chemicals from contaminating the local water system. (12 News)
2. The city of Phoenix has put a pause on its COVID-19 vaccine mandate for employees. Phoenix announced the change Tuesday after a federal judge in Georgia put a temporary hold on the federal mandate that required all employees of federal contractors to be vaccinated. Under the mandate, Phoenix employees would have been required to be fully vaccinated by Jan. 18. (Phoenix Patch)
3. One of the 10 people chosen out of more than 12,000 applicants to be in NASA's next astronaut candidate class is a graduate of Gilbert High School. Christina Burch grew up in Gilbert and graduated from University of Arizona before moving on to eventually earning a doctorate in biological engineering from MIT. She'll begin her two years of training with the rest of the candidates in January at Johnson Space Center in Houston. (Phoenix Patch)
4. If you saw a huge cloud of black smoke west of downtown Phoenix yesterday afternoon, that was a junkyard fire near 27th Avenue and Buckeye Road. Phoenix firefighters put out the blaze that engulfed several vehicles and other debris. (ABC 15)

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Today in Phoenix:

• Rated "D" — Hike in the Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area. (8 a.m.)
• Working with a Diverse Team — Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits. (Noon)
• Valley Young Professionals: Holiday Wrapping Room supporting UMOM. (5 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Arizona Humane Society: "Knight is showing off his best agility moves in hopes of finding a home for the holidays! If you want a running buddy or someone to help you get a head start on your New Year's resolutions, this is the dog for you! Knight is an active 1-year-old Labrador Retriever mix who loves to run and play!" (Facebook)
• Water - Use It Wisely: "Wayne on the Shelf was spotted in the laundry room with a special tip to help you get on the nice list next time you wash your clothes🧺💧." (Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Wednesday. See you all tomorrow morning for another update! If you're feeling these newsletters, consider inviting some of your friends and neighbors to read along. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Caitlin Sievers

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Phoenix Daily? You can reach me at caitlin.sievers@patch.com.