🌱 Rare Mail Carrier Robberies + Zoo Mourns Asian Elephant

Happy Wednesday, Phoenix! Here's everything you need to know about what's happening in Phoenix today.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and pleasant. High: 75 Low: 54.

Here are the top stories today in Phoenix:

1. If you have family or friends traveling to Phoenix or you're headed somewhere yourself, you might want to get tested for COVID-19 first so that you don't spread the virus to loved ones. Here's a list of local testing sites open today, Friday and Saturday. (Phoenix Patch)
2. The United States Postal Inspection Service is asking for the public's help in its investigation of several robberies of mail carriers across the Valley. Carriers were robbed in Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa on four separate occasions. Investigators are still working to determine if the robberies are connected. Robberies of mail carriers are generally rare. (FOX 10 News Phoenix)
3. Phoenix police are seeing an increase in reports of off-road vehicles racing on city streets. This past weekend police received several reports of off-road vehicles doing wheelies and "donuts" on a main stretch of Osborn Road. Phoenix police say that enforcement is difficult and whether a driver is putting themselves or someone else in danger will factor into the decision to pursue them. (ABC15 Arizona)
4. Sheena, a 21-year resident of Phoenix Zoo, died of natural causes Monday. Her keepers and regular visitors alike are mourning the loss of the 50-year-old Asian elephant who formed special bonds with visitors who came to spend time with the Phoenix Zoo elephants as their dying wish. (Phoenix Patch)

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Today in Phoenix:

• Bold Vets — Speed Networking. (8 a.m.)
• 24 Carrots Offers Vegan “PlantsGiving” To Go Menu. (Noon)
• Readers Roundtable: Reading Recommendations Book Group. (1 p.m.)
• Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony. (6 p.m.)
• Thanksgiving Eve Memorial Service and Candlelight Vigil. (7:30 p.m.)

Phoenix Patch Notebook

• Phoenix Police Department: "Thank you to @gotyoursixcomfortandque Food Truck for feeding our Violent Crimes Unit and Crime Lab! Blessed to have community support for all the work done to help the victims of violent crimes." (Facebook)
• Phoenix Fire Department: "Be safe this holiday season! Phoenix firefighters demonstrate a worst-case scenario of what can happen when improperly frying a turkey." (Facebook)
• Arizona Humane Society: "🍗 Toxic Thanksgiving foods for pets: Make sure you know how to keep your pets safe this holiday before you pass the PUP-kin pie! 🍗 The following foods should be kept away from our furry friends this turkey day: 🍴 Turkey or ham due to harmful bones and herbs/seasonings; stuffing, especially with onions, raisins/grapes or mushrooms; raw dough with yeast; dessert, especially those with chocolate and Xylitol." (Facebook)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow with your next update. If you're into these newsletters, consider bringing some more friends and neighbors into the fold. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Caitlin Sievers

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