🌱 Child Hit By Police Cruiser In Phoenix + Arrests In COVID-19 Scheme

Hi all. It's me, Miranda Fraraccio, your host of the Phoenix Patch newsletter. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening locally.

But first, today's weather:

Partly to mostly sunny. High: 97 Low: 71.

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Here are the top three stories today in Phoenix:

1. On Wednesday evening, a child ended up in the hospital after being hit by a police cruiser in Phoenix. Officers had just finished a call and were turning near 11th Avenue and Yuma Road when they noticed a young girl trying to get their attention from a home's front yard. Unfortunately, while waving at the girl, they failed to notice another child in the road, resulting in a collision that left the child in critical condition. Specific details about the child, such as age and gender, have not been disclosed, and a section of 11th Avenue was closed between Pima and Yuma streets. (Arizona's Family)
2. Six individuals from Arizona, Washington, and Texas — including the scheme leader, 29-year-old Paradise Williams of Phoenix— have been arrested for their alleged involvement in a fraudulent scheme that aimed to obtain millions of dollars in COVID-19 aid intended for renters, according to federal prosecutors. The accused filed numerous fraudulent applications seeking over $6.8 million in government assistance, ultimately receiving more than $3.3 million. The funds were purportedly spent on luxury items like vacations, cars, jewelry, and plastic surgery, with wire fraud and money laundering charges being brought against the perpetrators. (12news.com KPNX)
3. In preparation for the 2024 election, the Arizona Capitol has installed fences to enhance security measures for lawmakers, following a surge in death threats and harassment targeting local and state offices since the previous presidential election. Lawmakers aim to increase their safety without creating an unwelcoming atmosphere for the public, as they faced difficulties managing large crowds and threats. The project, funded by taxpayers and executed by Mesa's Kinella Construction, incorporates aesthetically pleasing concrete columns and tall metal bars that match the existing stone walls of the buildings, providing both security and a visually cohesive appearance. (Arizona's Family)

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Today in Phoenix:

Friday, June 9

• The Real Estate Summit Across Borders At Sheraton Phoenix Downtown (8:00 AM)
• Rhythmic Nights Featuring DJ P-Phunk At Revolu (Uptown) Modern Taqueria + Bar (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• This Saturday, Jun. 11, the Arizona Wedding Show will return for its 30th year with more than 200 Arizona vendors to create a one-stop shop for the big day! The event will take place at the Phoenix Convention Center from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. To learn more about the event and buy tickets, click here. (citysuntimes)
• Phoenix is getting a new donut shop! Yonutz will be opening a "one-of-a-kind" doughnut shop offering delicacies such as the "smashed" doughnuts at its first Arizona location at Desert Ridge. (The Arizona Republic)
• The Phoenix Police Department is warning Phoenix residents against tethering unsheltered animals in the dangerous heat — an unlawful and deadly practice. To report any tied-up unsheltered animals, police urge residents to contact the Arizona Humane Society at (602) 997-7585 or the Phoenix Police Department at (602) 262-6151. (Phoenix Police Department via Facebook)

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You're officially in the loop for today! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with another 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.