🌱 Former Patient Gives Back To Phx Children's + Chavez Shooting

Happy Wednesday, people of Phoenix! Here's everything you need to know to get this day started.

First, today's weather:

Plenty of sun. High: 83 Low: 57.

Here are the top stories in Phoenix today:

1. Nico Villanueva, a former patient at Phoenix Children's Hospital, asked his friends to donate toys for his birthday so that he could give them to current patients at the hospital. He hopes that the joy that the kids glean from playing with the toys will help distract them from scary and painful experiences in the hospital. (12news.com KPNX)
2. The Monday shooting at Cesar Chavez High School happened after a 16-year-old boy is accused of selling a gun to a 15-year-old boy in a school bathroom. The younger teen reportedly used fake money to pay for the gun. The older boy was shot after confronting the younger boy after realizing the money was fake, according to police. (Phoenix Patch)
3. Three children who were visiting Phoenix for Thanksgiving were pulled from swimming pools over the weekend. The drowning and near-drownings are a reminder that cooler weather isn't an excuse for decreased vigilance when it comes to keeping a close eye on children around swimming pools, whether at your own home or someone else's. (Arizona's Family)
4. The Phoenix City Council is considering giving $500 to all of its eligible essential workers and $1,500 to those fully vaccinated by Jan. 18 through what it's calling, "premium pay for essential workers during the pandemic." The plan would cost $25-$29 million with funds coming from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. (KJZZ)

Today's Phoenix Daily is brought to you in part by our friends at GoodRx — the best way to save money on your prescriptions. GoodRx helps you locate the lowest prices for medications at local pharmacies, so you're not overpaying. Works for pet medications too! To see how much you can save, go to GoodRx.com.

Today in Phoenix:

• Mercy in the Morning Online Community Breakfast. (9 a.m.)
• Gentle Reads Book Discussion Group — In Person or Via Zoom. (10 a.m.)
• Taxes In Retirement Seminar. (11 a.m.)
• Nutrition Services Job Fair — Washington Elementary School District #6. (11:30 a.m.)
• Do You See What I See? Implicit Bias For Better or Worse with Rory Gilbert. (3 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Arizona Humane Society: "Looking for a cuddle buddy or loveable playmate? These adorable kittens are puuurrr-fect candidates for the job! Right now, AHS has more than 80 friendly felines looking for a home for the holidays." (Facebook)
• Phoenix Public Library: "Come see your favorite graphic novel characters hanging out in the chapter book section of Desert Sage Library! Check out graphic novels in the library or try our eBooks using your Phoenix Public Library card." (Facebook)
• Water - Use It Wisely: "It's 💦 #TipTuesday! Group plants with the same watering needs together to avoid overwatering some while underwatering others." (Facebook)

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Events:

• Social Security Seminar (Dec. 1)
• Year End Tips for Divorce in 2022 — Scottsdale, Arizona Hub ~ No-Cost Webinar (Dec. 1)
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• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (Dec. 3)
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• Social Security Seminar (Dec. 9)
• Ask the Divorce Experts — Scottsdale, Arizona Hub ~ No–Cost Webinar (Dec. 9)
• Divorce Boot Camp — Scottsdale, Arizona Hub ~ No-Cost Webinar (Dec. 15)
• New Year's Eve Pub Crawl — All access pass to 8+ NYE parties! (Dec. 31)
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Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll be in your inbox tomorrow with another update! If you're loving 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? Reach out anytime to caitlin.sievers@patch.com.