Community Corner
🌱 Code:Red Summer Heat Relief Campaign + On-Duty Phoenix Officer Dies
The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Phoenix.

Good morning, everybody. It's me, Miranda Fraraccio, your host of the Phoenix Patch newsletter — here to explain everything you need to know about what's happening locally.
But first, today's weather:
Warm with plenty of sunshine. High: 96 Low: 69.
Find out what's happening in Phoenixfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
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Here are the top three stories in Phoenix today:
- The Phoenix Rescue Mission has launched its 11th annual Code:Red Summer Heat Relief Campaign to protect the homeless population in Phoenix from the potentially fatal triple-digit heat. The nonprofit aims to gather and distribute 1M bottles of water and other resources such as nonperishable food supplies. Monetary donations will be matched up to $150,000 and several municipalities have partnered with the nonprofit to distribute water, toiletries, and case management services to the homeless population in the region. Heat-relief donations are being collected through Aug. 31 and can be dropped off at the Mission’s Donation Warehouse, located at 2515 N. 34th Drive. (ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix)
- On Wednesday night, a Phoenix police officer passed away due to a medical emergency that occurred while on duty, as confirmed by officials. Officer Mark Aker's death did not happen during a call, according to Sgt. Phil Krynsky with Phoenix Police. Investigations are ongoing. (Arizona's Family)
- Halo Top, a popular ice cream company, will launch a free pop-up "un-gym" experience this weekend in Fashion Square, located in nearby Scottsdale. The event offers a 24-minute circuit that replaces traditional workouts with fun activities like riding a mechanical bull, pillow fights, and hanging from a basketball rim. Visitors can enjoy free ice cream after completing the circuit, and the event is open to adults and supervised children. (KTAR.com)
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Today in Phoenix:
- Acoustic Music By Casey Ryan At REVOLU Modern Taqueria + Bar (6:00 PM)
- Future Islands At The Van Buren (8:00 PM)
- 90's Burlesque Show At The Duce (9:30 PM)
- Back To The 80’s Dance Party At Stacy's At Melrose (10:00 PM)
From my notebook:
- Cockroaches in the kitchen and mold growing in sauce bottles were just some of the violations found at Phoenix area restaurants. Click the link to view the Valley restaurants that did not make the grade during inspections by Maricopa County’s Environmental Services Department. (Arizona's Family)
- The Phoenix Police Department is hiring. If you're ready to make a difference in the community, you can apply here. (Phoenix Police Department via Facebook)
- The Arizona Humane Society is warning residents regarding chaining or tethering their dogs outside. This practice is dangerous as dogs can get tangled and trapped without water, and the Valley’s scorching summer temperatures can even make it deadly. (Arizona Humane Society via Facebook)
- On Wednesday, the City of Phoenix and its partners sheltered more than three dozen people through its enhanced engagement around the Human Services Campus. Camping is no longer allowed on 9th Avenue between Washington & Jefferson. Click here to learn more about the city's efforts. (City of Phoenix, AZ USA via Facebook)
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Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning 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.
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