🌱 Phoenix Children's Hospital Insurance Changes + Free Adoptions

Hey, Phoenix. I'm here in your inbox per usual to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny. High: 81 Low: 59.

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Here are the top three stories in Phoenix today:

1. Phoenix Children's Hospital has informed families that they may stop accepting UnitedHealthcare insurance by Jun. 1 if a new agreement is not reached. This news has caused panic for parents with children suffering from long-term illnesses. The hospital has stated that UnitedHealthcare Community Plan in Arizona (Medicaid) members are not affected by this negotiation; they will remain in-network through a separate agreement, according to Catherine Farrell with UHC. (FOX 10 News Phoenix)
2. The Arizona Humane Society is currently offering free pet adoptions until May 15 due to overcrowding issues at the shelter. The society revealed that it receives nearly 100 sick or injured pets per day, while only 30 are getting adopted each day. The shelter currently has more than 1,000 animals in its care, including those in Foster Hero homes. (ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix)
3. Waymo, the autonomous vehicle company with 24/7 self-driving taxis, is expanding its metro Phoenix ride-hailing service. According to a press release, Waymo One doubled its area of operation and is now available in over 180 square miles, covering parts of Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Mesa, as well as most of Chandler and Tempe. Valley maps now encompass destinations including Old Town Scottsdale, Scottsdale Fashion Square, the Tempe campus of Arizona State University, and Phoenix's Desert Botanical Garden. (KTAR.com)

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Today in and around Phoenix:

• Cinco de Mayo At Mavrix, Scottsdale (11:00 AM)
• Cinco de Mayo Celebration At Kitsune Brewing Company (12:00 PM)
• Electric Lotus - Yoga Rave At Sutra Studios (6:00 PM)
• Ballet Arizona Presents "All Balanchine" At Symphony Hall (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• In nearby Scottsdale, high-end restaurants Etta and Maple & Ash were fined for adding fees to customer bills without disclosing them. (ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix)
• A new study has found that Phoenix and Glendale rank among the highest in the nation for seasonal allergies. (Daily Independent)
• The Phoenix Water Services Department needs you! Phoenix Water will be hiring utility tech trainees and water services technicians at a hiring event on Friday, May 12, at Desert West Community Center. Click here to apply. (City of Phoenix Water Services Department via Facebook)

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That's it for today! See you tomorrow morning for 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.