Local Study: Mask Mandates Work + 1-Acre Site Sells for $2.43M

Welcome back, Phoenix! It's Saturday, so let's get you started with everything you need to know going on in town today.

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First, today's weather:

Partly cloudy throughout the day. High: 92, low: 76.

Here are the top stories in Phoenix today:

1. The audit of Maricopa County's 2020 General Election confirmed the official election results, and actually found that President Joe Biden beat Donald Trump by a slightly larger margin than the official tally. It also found no evidence of fraud. The audit report was presented to the state Senate in a lengthy presentation Friday afternoon. (Arizona Mirror)
2. A new study that looked at 1,000 schools in Maricopa and Pima counties from July through the end of August found that schools without mask mandates were more than three times more likely to have school-based outbreaks of COVID-19. (Phoenix Patch)
3. A 1-acre site in Midtown Phoenix sold for $2.43 million to a developer hoping to add it to an adjoining parcel of land to create a mixed-use property with 144 apartments as well as commercial space. The site is on the City of Phoenix Grand Canalscape Program, a multi-use recreational trail system that runs along the Grand Canal. (AZ Big Media)
4. The Phoenix bridal shop, Azteca Bridal, began catering to quinceañeras many years ago when a family member of the owner wanted to mark the Latin-American coming-of-age celebration with a party. It has since expanded and offers a quinceañera boutique for girls looking to celebrate their 15th birthdays in style. (12news.com KPNX)
5. Maricopa County Attorney Allister Adel was back to work Monday after spending three weeks in rehab for alcohol abuse, anxiety and an eating disorder. Adel said she's continuing outpatient treatment and is diving back into her work. (AZFamily)

Today in Phoenix:

• Celebrate National Daughters Day with 15 percent off flowers. (9 a.m.)
• Vistancia Farmers Market in Peoria. (8 a .m.-11 a.m.)
• Rio Salado Habitat Restoration — Sierra Club - Grand Canyon Chapter. (8 a.m.)
• Free family mini photo sessions. (9 a.m.)
• Park West launches new farmers market. (9 a.m.)
• Macayo’s Mexican Food Attempts Guinness World Record title. (10 a.m.)

Phoenix Patch Notebook

• Arizona Humane Society: "We are live at AHS’ Campus for Compassion with some of the pups participating in our adoption special! Today through Sunday, Sept. 26, all dogs 50 pounds and older will have 50 percent off their adoption fees." (Facebook)
• Phoenix Police Department: "Distractions such as cell phones or other activities that keep your eyes off the road can result in crashes. Look left, right, then left again before crossing any street to avoid major injuries. #SeeMeAZ" (Facebook)
• City of Phoenix Water Services Department: "Yesterday communities across Arizona recognized our #AZWaterHeroes for providing an essential service that we can’t live without… water! You can always take a moment to #ThankAWaterWorker, because we will always make sure the taps stay stay running with clean, safe water. Most importantly, we will always be #HereForYou!" (Facebook)
• Phoenix Public Library: "Find your fall jams on Freegal! Download and stream your favorite songs 24/7 for free with your Phoenix Public Library card. Browse the latest hits, featured playlists and more." (Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday! I'll see you soon. If you're liking these newsletters, consider bringing some of your friends and neighbors on board. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— 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.

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