🌱 Fully Autonomous Semi-Truck Trip + 'Friends' Comes To Phoenix

Hey, neighbors! Caitlin Sievers here with the latest edition of the Phoenix Daily.

First, today's weather:

Cloudy, brief showers; cool. High: 59 Low: 52.

Here are the top three stories in Phoenix today:

1. A semi-truck completed a fully autonomous trip from a rail yard in Tucson to a distribution center in Phoenix earlier this month. There was no human on board and no human intervention during the entire 80-mile trip. The truck's motorcade included a lead vehicle that scouted ahead for obstacles and a trailing vehicle to intervene in case something went wrong, as well as several unmarked police cars. (Associated Press)
2. A "Friends" themed tour is set to stop in Phoenix in 2022. The FRIENDS Experience allows visitors to experience sets from the popular show, like Monica's kitchen, Central Perk and the fountain from the show's iconic opening credits. (ABC15 Arizona)
3. Pets spooked by early New Year's celebration fireworks are already filling up local shelters. Be sure to take some extra care through the holiday weekend to keep your pet safe at home instead of running scared. Even dogs who aren't usually escape artists might run from your yard if scared by loud noises. (Phoenix Patch)

Today's Phoenix Daily is brought to you in part by Safelite AutoGlass®, a Patch Brand Partner. No matter how safely you drive, there's always a chance your car's glass can be damaged. Here are five reasons why Safelite is the best choice for your auto glass repair and replacement needs in Arizona.

From my notebook:

• The Phoenix Fire Department is advising that it's time to get that dry Christmas tree out of your house where it could start a fire. The National Fire Protection Agency reports that on average, 160 home fires are started in a Christmas tree each year. (Facebook)
• The Phoenix Public Library is inviting you and the teens and tweens in your life to browse and enjoy its list of Best YA Books of 2021 and to share your favorite reads of the year. (Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Our World Energy — (Visit website)
• Phoenix Online Media — (Visit Website)
• Add your business here

Events:

• Ring In the New Year With 15 Percent Off Beautiful Blooms From FTD! (Dec. 31)
• Social Security Seminar (Jan. 3)
• Estate Planning Webinar (Jan. 4)
• Taxes In Retirement Webinar (Jan. 4)
• Real Estate Seminar (Jan. 4)
• Mike Massé in Concert: Epic Acoustic Classic Rock (Jan. 29)
• Add your event

For sale:

• Custom Fisher Rig Large Single Speed $900 OBO (Details)
• Add your item

Loving the Phoenix Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved:

• Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe
• Get your local business listed in front of readers
• Send me a news tip or suggestion at caitlin.sievers@patch.com

Alrighty, you're all good for today. See you all tomorrow morning for another update!

— Caitlin Sievers

About me: I'm a passionate writer and photographer who worked as a reporter and editor for various publications in the Midwest before landing in Phoenix. I have seven roommates. Four of them are cats. Contact me at caitlin.sievers@patch.com with story ideas and feedback.