Rat Rescue Attempt + Entire Massage Board Replaced

Hey, people of Phoenix! It's me again, Caitlin Sievers, your host of the Phoenix Daily.

First, today's weather:

Clear throughout the day. High: 86 Low: 70.

Here are the top stories today in Phoenix:

1. The state suspended the teaching credentials of a former Carl Hayden Community High School teacher, nine months after police accused him of sexual misconduct with a student. Stephen Escudero won't be eligible to teach in Arizona until the State Board of Education reviews the allegations and takes a vote on his certification. (12news)
2. An attempt to rescue domesticated rats being exterminated due to a hoarding situation in Peoria didn't go as planned for the Arizona Humane Society. Rescuers were only able to save one rat and were not allowed on the property. The humane society says that domesticated rats make great pets. (Phoenix Patch)
3. New building projects and renovations are happening all over the booming city of Phoenix. They range from a 6,500-square-foot restaurant and retail addition to the Park Central development in the heart of the city to huge industrial parks along the 303 Loop. Here's a list of 32 projects to look out for from the Arizona chapter of the Commercial Real Estate Development Association. (AZ Big Media)
4. The entire board that licenses massage therapists and investigate complaints against them was fired and replaced, after an Arizona Republic investigation of sexual abuse within the industry found that the board didn't adequately investigate all complaints or take action against offending massage therapists. (KJZZ)

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Today in Phoenix:

• Unemployment: Know Your Options - Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits. (12 p.m.)
• Bringing Energy Choice to Arizona webinar. (12 p.m.)
• Valley Young Professionals: Volunteering at St. Mary’s Food Bank. (1:30 p.m.)
• Revealing History – A Look at Community Through Arizona’s Historical Newspapers. (2 p.m.)
• Reaching for the Stars! NASA Astronaut Jessica Meir to answer questions from Arizona girls.(4 p.m.)

Phoenix Patch Notebook

• Phoenix Police Department: "HAPPY 7th BIRTHDAY AND RETIREMENT SOLDIER! Soldier is a Labrador Retriever and has been with PPD for six years. He is celebrating his birthday today and retirement this week! He enjoys training with the bomb squad and other explosive detection K9s. When he is off, he likes to swim in the pool and play with his family." (Facebook)
• Arizona Humane Society: "Lend a paw to these Hurricane Ida survivors! After surviving Hurricane Ida, and a 22-hour trip to Arizona, Bruno, Frisp and Greg's luck hit the skids. These three pups were unfortunately diagnosed with heartworm disease. It's an all-too-common problem for dogs in the South where pesky mosquitoes spread it to unsuspecting pets. Now Bruno, Frisp, and Greg are all looking for Foster Heroes who will open their home and allow them to recover and get some much-deserved TLC." (Facebook)
• City of Phoenix Water Services Department: "Fall is officially here! As you start to think about sprucing up your landscape, keep these 10 easy tips in mind to have a sustainable garden in the desert." (Facebook)

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Events:

• Social Security Seminar (Oct. 5)
• Taxes in Retirement Webinar (Oct. 5)
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Alrighty, you're all good for today. I'll see you soon! If you're feeling these newsletters, consider bringing some of your friends and neighbors on board. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Caitlin Sievers

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