🌱 Rittenhouse Gets Standing Ovation + 'Taco Santa' Gives Back

Get on up, Phoenix! It's Wednesday, so let's get you started with everything you need to know going on in town today.

First, today's weather:

Mostly cloudy. High: 71 Low: 57.

Here are the three top stories today in Phoenix:

1. Kyle Rittenhouse received a standing ovation in Phoenix on Monday from attendees of Turning Point USA's conservative conference. Rittenhouse took part in a discussion about the fatal shootings he committed during a night of protests and rioting in Kenosha, Wisconsin, in August 2020. Rittenhouse was acquitted of all charges last month for the three shootings, resulting in two deaths, that happened during a protest of a police shooting of a Black man that left the man partially paralyzed. (Associated Press)
2. If you're not feeling a big gathering this year, or you just don't want to cook for your family and friends, a variety of Phoenix area eateries are ready to do the work for you. From pricey fine dining to fast food, we've got the run-down on restaurants that plan to be open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We recommend making reservations or checking with the restaurant before you go since low staffing across the industry could impact open hours. (Phoenix Patch)
3. A man one reporter is calling "Taco Santa" started serving free tacos at the peaks of popular hiking trails across the Valley at the start of December and plans to keep going through Valentine's Day. He started his special version of taco Tuesday last year as a way to give back to the hiking community during the pandemic, in the spirit of the holidays. (12 News)

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Today in Phoenix:

• Readers Roundtable: Reading Recommendations Book Group, Foothills Branch Library, 19055 N. 57th Ave., Glendale. (1 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• If you're flying to see friends and family this holiday season, make sure you check first so that nothing you pack will get you in trouble with the Transportation Security Administration. (Facebook)
• Children are natural scientists who love learning about the world around them. The Sesame Street in Communities website provides interactive activity ideas that kids can do at home. (Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Wednesday! See you all tomorrow for your next 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.