🌱 Phoenix FD Response Time Rises + Affordable Connectivity Program

Good morning, neighbors. It's me, Miranda Fraraccio, your host of the Phoenix Daily — here to impart everything that's fit to print about what's happening in town. Here goes.

First, today's weather:

An afternoon thunderstorm. High: 103 Low: 85.

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Here are the top three stories today in Phoenix:

1. The Phoenix Fire Department reports that its response times have increased. The 80 percent increase is reportedly due to the Valley's exploding population coupled with a lack of adequate resources. The call time has increased from five minutes to nearly nine minutes over the last 10 years. (KTAR.com)
2. A new campaign meant to raise awareness of the Affordable Connectivity Program targets lower-income Phoenix families. The program is meant to provide financial assistance for qualifying families to access the internet. The federal discount can reduce internet bills by up to $30 each month. To qualify, a family must be at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty line. To learn more, click here. (Daily Independent)
3. Phoenix is joining other various communities from around the country in celebrating "Never Give Up Day" on Aug. 18. The day is meant to focus on a determinate mindset and resilience. The city hopes that organizations use the celebration as a springboard for awareness-raising activities. (Newswires)

Today in Phoenix:

• Musical Demonstration With Yamaha Music At Children's Museum Of Phoenix (9:15 AM)
• Historic Tour of the Orpheum Theatre At Orpheum Theatre Phoenix (12:00 PM)
• Guitarras Latinas At CB Live (3:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Are you in the market for a new best friend? Here's a list of adoption-ready pets in the Phoenix area searching for a forever home. (Phoenix Patch)
• The Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee is hosting a Water Drive through Sep. 15. The drive will be benefiting the St. Vincent de Paul and the Human Services Campus. Click to learn how to donate. (City of Phoenix, AZ USA via Facebook)
• If you're looking for a new local job, check out this list of Phoenix area employers hiring for a variety of open positions. Get the details for these part-time, full-time, and seasonal positions. (Phoenix Patch)

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Events:

• Online Webinar with experts for divorce lawyer services in Mesa (August 22)
• Estate Planning Seminar (August 22)
• Online Webinar with experts for family law attorneys in Glendale (August 28)
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Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll see you soon.

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a born and raised Rhode Islander, now living in New York. She works as a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and is a graduate of The University of Rhode Island, where she earned a degree in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, drinking tea, or photographing her neighborhood as a street photographer.