🌱 Phoenix's Cinco De Mayo Festival + City Shelter Services Extended

Good morning, Phoenix. I'm here in your inbox today to get you up to speed on everything you need to know about what's going on around town.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and not as warm. High: 79 Low: 58.

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Here are the top three stories today in Phoenix:

1. This weekend, Phoenix's annual Cinco De Mayo Festival returns to celebrate its 30th year. The celebration, the largest and longest-running festival in Arizona, will take place downtown on May 7 from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and will include live music, ballet folklorico, a car show, activities for kids, and traditional food and drinks. General admission is $5 before 5:00 p.m., and $10 after that, with free entry for children under 10 years old. (Arizona's Family)
2. Maricopa County has extended its agreement with the city of Phoenix to provide temporary shelter services to homeless individuals through January 2025. The extension of the heat relief station, located at 28th and Washington streets, is funded by the county's American Rescue Plan Act allotment and costs $6.7 million. The shelter, which provides meals, shower facilities, and substance use and mental health services, can accommodate up to 200 people and also allows for pets belonging to the shelter's residents. (KTAR.com)
3. A family from Phoenix, whose home was destroyed during a shootout between police and a suspect in May 2022, is seeking financial help and reimbursement from the city's Risk Management fund. Although Brian and Justina Williamson had homeowners and car insurance, the costs associated with storing things, chemical remediation, the loss of home value, and other expenses mean they are asking the city for $2.9 million. The couple says the months-long silence from the city and the "insulting" settlement offer has felt like the "biggest sucker punch in the world." (ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix)

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Today in Phoenix:

• Star Wars Day with Special Brews, At Kitsune Brewing Co. (3:00 PM)
• Express Employment Professionals Hosts Job Fair, At Homeless Engagement Lift Partnership (HELP) (3:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• If you like to fish, this list features 30+ must-visit spots to go fishing around the Phoenix area. (ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix)
• Do you have an opinion on the proposed water rate increases in Phoenix? Here's how you can weigh in. (Arizona's Family)
• Instead of getting away, why not have a summer staycation? Find some of the best hotel deals in Phoenix and Scottsdale to plan your summer staycation at the link. (The Arizona Republic)
• The Phoenix-based company ElectraTect is creating a marijuana Breathalyzer to detect recent consumption of THC — the major psychoactive component in marijuana. (Arizona Big Media)

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Featured events:

• Murder at the Magic Show II (May 5)
• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Fresh Perks Every Week (May 9)
• Free Zoom Meeting about female divorce lawyer in Mesa, AZ (May 15)
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You're officially in the loop 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.