🌱 Agencies Watch For Human Trafficking + Mobile Carrier Preparations

Good morning, everybody. I'm back with your new copy of the Phoenix Patch newsletter. Follow along for everything you need to know about what's going on in town these days.

But first, today's weather:

Nice with periods of sun. High: 75 Low: 46.

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Here are the top three stories today in Phoenix:

1. Although a study has shown no significant evidence to support the belief that human trafficking increases during large sporting events like the Super Bowl, local law enforcement agencies and sex trafficking advocates are closely tracking and raising awareness about human trafficking. The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office began training more than 100 officers months ago on recognizing signs of potential trafficking. It will be keeping a close eye on the streets this weekend, even though the department reports that the number of cases typically won't increase during the sporting event. Advocates recommend that if you suspect someone might be a victim of human trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-88-373-7888. (12news.com KPNX)
2. Multiple mobile carriers, including AT&T and Verizon, have prepared and updated their infrastructure in and around Phoenix to handle the incoming crowds and maintain cell phone service. AT&T said that the company added multiple temporary cell phone towers around the Valley to upgrade their infrastructure inside the State Farm Stadium permanently. Verizon also described installing multiple temporary cell phone towers and other infrastructure around the valley. (Arizona's Family)
3. A twenty-year veteran of the Phoenix Police Department died on Wednesday after years of facing multiple autoimmune diseases. Officer Ben Denham continued working with the police department for years even as he was being treated for the diseases and was able to reach his goal of completing 20 years of service in November 2022. His fellow officers and staff at the police department were present to escort his body, wrapped in an American flag, out of the hospital. (ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix)

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Today in Phoenix:

• Super Bowl Experience Presented By Lowe's At Phoenix Convention Center (Various Times)
• Family Lawn Games At Arizona Biltmore (3:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Here’s some Super Bowl weekend trivia for you: Phoenix ranks 1st in the state for top NFL athlete hometowns, with 72 NFL players and 13 Super Bowl players hailing from our city since the 1966-67 season. Check out more Arizona Super Bowl stats in this new BeenVerified study. (BeenVerified)
• Super Bowl weekend has arrived! Click here and follow @AZSuperBowl to stay up-to-date with the latest information on Super Bowl events around Phoenix. (City of Phoenix, AZ USA via Facebook)
• If you're a Phoenix resident, you can drop off up to 2,000 pounds of waste for free at either one of the city transfer stations! Just bring your water bill and ID for proof of Phoenix residency. (City of Phoenix Public Works Department via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• 2023 Maxim Party (February 11)
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You're all caught up for today. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with a new update!

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners. She is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, where she earned degrees in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, drinking tea, or practicing film photography.