🌱 Phoenix's Lifeguard Shortage + Trooper-Involved Shooting + Drainage

Hello, everybody! I'm here right on time with your Thursday edition of the Phoenix Patch newsletter, filled with everything you need to know about what's happening locally.

But first, today's weather:

Hot with sunshine. High: 112 Low: 84.

Here are the top three stories today in Phoenix:

1. Despite a $3,000 incentive program and increased lifeguard applications, the city of Phoenix was unable to open more than 18 of its 29 pools this summer due to a shortage of lifeguards and pool managers. This shortage is not unique to Phoenix but reflects a national trend, with approximately one-third of the nation's public pools facing a lifeguard shortfall. The pandemic worsened the situation by causing pool closures, leading to reduced pool hours, fewer swim lessons, and a lack of experienced lifeguards who could become pool managers, ultimately affecting the safe operation of public pools. (ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix)
2. A high-speed pursuit in a stolen Mercedes near downtown Phoenix ended tragically when a man was killed in a trooper-involved shooting. The Arizona Department of Public Safety reported that the suspect, driving at speeds exceeding 100 mph and even going the wrong way on multiple streets, attempted to evade capture. Ultimately, the man exited the vehicle, brandishing a gun, prompting troopers to open fire near 22nd and Jefferson streets, resulting in his death. (Arizona's Family)
3. Arizona DOT has announced the completion of a new $38 million drainage system along the Interstate 17 underpasses in north Phoenix, aimed at reducing flooding. The Maricopa Association of Governments oversaw the construction of the system, which involved the installation of pipelines and storm retention basins near Thunderbird Road. The project, funded primarily by Proposition 400 as part of the Regional Transportation Plan, will replace outdated pump stations installed in 1964 and direct water to retention basins or the Arizona Canal Diversion Channel north of Dunlap Avenue, although caution is still advised during heavy monsoon storms. (KTAR.com)

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Today in Phoenix:

Thursday, July 6

• Vino And Vibes Featuring Live Acoustic Music By Summer Welsh At Trevor's Liquor (7:00 PM)
• Whispa - Bliss Out At Sutra Studios (8:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Nominations for the City of Phoenix's 2023 Disability Awards are open now through Jul. 31. If you know someone — be it an individual, organization, or business —that deserves to be recognized for their dedication and service to people with disabilities, nominate them here or by calling 602-534-1279. (City of Phoenix, AZ USA via Facebook)
• Phoenix Fire Department firefighters, along with Glendale Fire Department, Avondale Fire & Medical, and Tolleson Fire Department, all worked together to extinguish a house fire near 107th Ave & Indian School Rd. Click the link to view photos from the incident. (Phoenix Fire Department via Facebook)
• The City of Phoenix has some great artists coming through this month, including Tori Amos, AJJ, TLC, and more. At the link, view all the upcoming scheduled concerts taking place in the area. (Phoenix New Times)

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