🌱 Pay Raises For Phoenix Police + 'State Of The Air' Report Ranking

Hello, everybody! I'm back with your fresh edition of the Phoenix Patch newsletter, fresh off the presses. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening in the community today.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny. High: 85 Low: 61.

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Here are the top three stories in Phoenix today:

1. The City of Phoenix and its police union have reached a tentative agreement on a new contract that includes significant pay raises for city police officers. The agreement, which still requires approval from the City Council on May 3, includes a 2.16 percent increase in base wage, a one-time payout equal to 5 percent of annual salary, and additional pay for night shifts and on-call days. The contract lasts for one year and includes some changes to disciplinary policy but no major policy revisions. (Phoenix New Times)
2. Phoenix has been ranked as the fifth most polluted city in the US for ozone pollution in the American Lung Association's 2023 "State of the Air" report, which graded air quality across the country. Maricopa County received an "F" grade for both ozone and short-term particle pollution. The report also highlighted the disproportionate impact of air pollution on communities of color, with over 64 million people of color living in areas with unhealthy air quality. (Queen Creek Sun Times)
3. A woman was left in critical condition after a road rage incident in North Phoenix on Tuesday. The incident involved a man in an SUV and a juvenile male in a truck driving south on 51st Avenue, "in a road-rage type incident," according to witnesses. The man in the SUV lost control of his vehicle and collided with the woman's car, pushing it into a third car. Three other adults were also hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, and police are investigating the incident but have not made any arrests yet. (ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix)

From our sponsor:

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Today in and around Phoenix:

• Concerts on the Avenue, At 16701 E Ave of the Fountains in Fountain Hills (6:00 PM)
• J.White & Friends Concert Series featuring Paula Atherton, At Phoenix Shrine Auditorium (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Have you heard the news? The sports bar chain Twin Peaks opened its fifth Valley location in north Phoenix earlier this week. The new spot is located next to the Deer Valley Town Center near the Loop 101 Agua Fria Freeway and Interstate 17. (KTAR.com)
• Got the munchies? Here are the best places to eat in Phoenix to satisfy your cravings. (Phoenix New Times)
• Cinco de Mayo will be here before you know it! This link provides everything you need to know about the 30th annual Phoenix Cinco de Mayo Festival. (The Arizona Republic)

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Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll catch up with you bright and early 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.