🌱 Palm Recognition Tech In Phoenix + School Resource Officer Shortage

Morning, friends! It's me, Miranda Fraraccio, your host of the Phoenix Patch newsletter — here to explain everything that's fit to print about what's happening in town.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and hot. High: 111 Low: 89.

Here are the top three stories in Phoenix today:

1. Palm recognition technology called Amazon One is allowing customers to make payments using their hands at Whole Foods stores in Phoenix. Tech expert Burton Kelso believes biometrics like palm recognition are the future of payment methods, emphasizing the security and convenience they offer. While some customers appreciate the speed and convenience, others find the idea unsettling, raising concerns about privacy and the potential for misuse. While larger establishments like Panera, airports, and stadiums are adopting this technology, smaller businesses may be slower to make the transition due to existing investments in traditional payment systems. (FOX 10 News Phoenix)
2. As the City of Phoenix faces a shortage of officers, schools are exploring alternative options for school resource officers (SROs) to ensure student safety. Councilwoman Ann O'Brien highlighted the city's significant officer shortage, leaving them unable to provide an SRO to every school that requests one. While some schools had existing contracts for SROs, several others received funding from the Arizona Department of Education but remain unfilled due to staffing shortages. The City Council is now considering solutions such as hiring retired officers or utilizing individuals with military training, as well as providing grants for school safety officers (SSOs) to support schools in ensuring student security. (ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix)
3. This weekend in metro Phoenix, three fortunate lottery tickets were sold, resulting in wins exceeding $1 million. One of the tickets, purchased at an Albertsons store, won a $1 million jackpot in The Pick's Saturday drawing. Another ticket, sold at Last Stop Travel Center near the Nevada border, secured a $50,000 win in the Powerball drawing. Additionally, a Mega Millions ticket bought at a Quiktrip in Phoenix won $30,000 in the Friday drawing. (The Arizona Republic)

🏘️ Looking to differentiate yourself from other real estate agents in Phoenix? Partner with the Phoenix Patch and gain access to a targeted, engaged audience through our premium newsletter sponsorships. Click here to learn more.

Today in Phoenix:

Wednesday, July 12

• Summer Sweat With Radi8 Hot Yoga At 21001 N Tatum Blvd (5:00 PM)
• Soap Making At North Valley Regional Library (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• An Alice in Wonderland-style cocktail experience is coming to Phoenix! The Alice Cocktail Experience pop-up bar will be open from Aug. 10-31 on West Adams Street in Phoenix at an undisclosed location. Tickets are available here. (KTAR.com)
• If your trash bin is in need of a facelift, the City of Phoenix Public Works Department will provide a new one free of charge! Click here to schedule a container swap. (City of Phoenix Public Works Department via Facebook)
• Today (Jul. 12) at 10:00 a.m., the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport will be hosting a free dementia-friendly air travel workshop. To register, email skyharbor@phoenix.gov. (City of Phoenix, AZ USA via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Prime Day Is Happening Now — Shop & Save! (July 12)
• Taxes in Retirement Seminar at Glendale Adult Center (July 18)
• Add your event

You're officially in the loop for today. I'll catch up with you bright and early 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.