🌱 Phoenix Homeless Population Increase + Dogs Stolen From Rental Home

Hello all. It's me, Miranda Fraraccio, your host of the Phoenix Patch newsletter — here to explain all the most important things happening in town.

But first, today's weather:

Plenty of sunshine. High: 99 Low: 69.

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Here are the top three stories today in Phoenix:

1. Despite the City of Phoenix's cleanup efforts, the number of homeless people has increased. According to Phoenix officials, indoor shelter is available for residents who volunteer to accept it. Although some individuals have accepted the offers and are making progress toward finding employment and permanent housing, the homeless encampment population in the Zone has grown, leading to a lawsuit filed against the city by the Fund for Empowerment. Phoenix intends to continue the cleanups while seeking compliance with a Superior Court Judge's order. (ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix)
2. Banner Health and the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix are joining forces to address the physician shortage in Arizona by increasing residency and fellowship positions. By expanding its Graduate Medical Education programs, the partnership plans to add 229 additional positions by 2027, resulting in a more than 60 percent increase in specialty-trained physicians. This collaboration aims to retain highly trained medical professionals within the state and improve access to primary care, while also introducing new programs in various specialties to meet the growing healthcare needs of Arizona's communities. (The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix)
3. A Florida couple's vacation in Arizona turned into a heartbreaking ordeal when their dogs were allegedly stolen from their temporary rental home near 12th Street and Dunlap Avenue. Travis Hutchinson and Shirly Viera are desperately seeking information and have put up posters in the neighborhood, offering a $3,000 cash reward for the safe return of their beloved pets. The couple emphasized that their animals are irreplaceable and are determined to stay in the state until they are reunited with them, despite the mounting financial burden. (ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix)

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Today in Phoenix:

Friday, June 23

• Rhythmic Nights Featuring DJ Miss Mix At Revolu Modern Taqueria + Bar (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Good news, commuters! Gas prices in Arizona have dropped significantly, going down by over 50 cents in the past month. (Arizona's Family)
• Wednesday was "Bring Your Child To Work Day" and the children of the Phoenix Fire Department had a great time spraying the fire hose, touring the inside of a fire truck, trying on turnouts, and getting fire department tattoos. Click the link to watch a video from the event! (Phoenix Fire Department via Facebook)
• The City of Phoenix Public Works Department offered thanks to all the residents who recycle right! If you're curious about what's recyclable, download this master list to learn more. (City of Phoenix Public Works Department via Facebook)
• Phoenix-based Grimaldi's Pizzeria commemorated the 20-year anniversary of its Scottsdale eatery by launching a web-based game called "Ready, Set, Dough!" Developed in collaboration with Mega Cats Studios, the game immerses players in the Grimaldi's experience, challenging them to deliver pizzas to customers within a time limit while earning tips. (ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix)

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• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Delighted Every Week (June 27)
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You're officially in the loop for today! I'll see you around.

— 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.