🌱 Phoenix Trooper Shot, Suspect Dead + Paddleboarding For Charity

Good morning, neighbors. It's me, Miranda Fraraccio, your host of the Phoenix Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with everything you need to know about what's happening in town these days.

But first, today's weather:

Plenty of sun. High: 102 Low: 74.

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Here are the top three stories today in Phoenix:

1. On Monday in Phoenix, an Arizona Department of Public Safety trooper was shot by a suspect, who was later found dead. The incident occurred near 21st Avenue and Thomas Road, after which the suspect fled in a vehicle. The trooper sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was hospitalized. The suspect's vehicle was located near 35th Avenue and Holly Street, where the driver exchanged gunfire with officers. The pursuit ended with a crash near 36th and Virginia Avenues, resulting in the death of the unidentified suspect. (FOX 10 News Phoenix)
2. A new study by CommercialSearch ranked Phoenix as the 13th best city for the gig economy in the United States, placing third among Western U.S. locations. The city received high scores for its significant increase in non-employer establishments over five years and its affordable co-working spaces, offering flexible work options for gig workers. Despite a strong job market and low unemployment rates, the gig workforce continues to grow, making the location an important factor in maximizing gig work opportunities. (Arizona Big Media)
3. Steven Leavitt, a Phoenix man, has embarked on a unique mission to raise funds for students with autism by paddleboarding around the U.S. Over a span of 68 days, Leavitt will navigate various lakes, rivers, and bays, starting at Tempe Town Lake on his 68th birthday, as part of the "SUP 68 For Autism" campaign. His goal is to support the Gentry Foundation for Autism and provide scholarships to a minimum of 68 families who cannot afford evaluations for autism spectrum disorders. (Arizona's Family)

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Today in Phoenix:

Tuesday, June 20

• Blast - Barre At Sutra Studios (6:00 PM)
• Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night At Thunderbird Lounge (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Did you know the Arizona Humane Society’s Working Cats Program offers an environmentally-safe alternative to poisonous pest controls? Learn how to hire a working cat here. (Arizona Humane Society via Facebook)
• The City of Phoenix Public Works Department was able to fill 192 brand-new backpacks with school supplies for all the kids at Arthur M. Hamilton Elementary using funds from a recent employee golf tournament! Additionally, enough money was available to buy classroom supplies for the 2023-2024 school year. (City of Phoenix Public Works Department via Facebook)
• The City of Phoenix Water Services Department shared some quick and easy water conservation tips, available here. (City of Phoenix Water Services Department via Facebook)

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Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll be in your inbox 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.