🌱 Record-Breaking Energy Usage + Bowling For Veterans This Weekend

Hello and happy Tuesday. I'm back in your inbox this warm morning to walk you through everything you need to know about what's happening locally.

But first, today's weather:

Hot with partial sunshine. High: 115 Low: 91.

Here are the top three stories today in Phoenix:

1. Arizona is experiencing an intense heatwave — with Phoenix on its 18th day above 110 degrees yesterday (Jul. 17) — that has resulted in an unprecedented surge in electricity demand, leading to record-breaking energy usage for Arizona Public Service (APS). Over the course of two days, APS customers broke the previous peak energy usage record twice, consuming 7,798 megawatts (MW) of energy on Friday and 8,191 MW on Saturday. The increased electricity usage can be attributed to multiple factors, including high temperatures, humidity, population growth in Arizona, and the adoption of diverse energy sources such as solar, wind, battery storage, and nuclear power from the Palo Verde Generating Station. (Arizona's Family)
2. Tragedy struck twice in Phoenix as the mother of a 3-year-old boy killed in an apartment fire last week has also succumbed to her injuries, according to authorities. The fire, which erupted in a three-story complex near 2nd Avenue and Bell Road on Wednesday, prompted firefighters to swiftly respond to the scene, battling heavy smoke and flames. Despite their efforts to rescue the mother and child, the boy, Maximus Hodges, tragically lost his life, while his mother, 37-year-old Ashley Sutter, fought bravely but ultimately succumbed to her critical injuries the following day. (KTAR.com)
3. The Phoenix Legacy Foundation will host its "Bowling for Veterans" fundraiser on Saturday, Jul. 22, at Let It Roll Bowl & Entertainment Center in Phoenix. The event aims to raise funds for the Southwest Veterans Foundation and the Phoenix Legacy Foundation, supporting local charities through fundraising and volunteer efforts. Attendees can enjoy bowling contests, food, vendor tables, a silent auction, and a raffle, with lane reservations available for $175 (for up to five people) and various sponsorship opportunities. (citysuntimes)

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Today in and around Phoenix:

Tuesday, July 18

• Taxes In Retirement Seminar At Glendale Adult Center, Glendale (11:00 AM)
• Stories & Songs At North Valley Regional Library, Anthem (3:00 PM)
• Geeks Who Drink Trivia Night At Thunderbird Lounge (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Phoenix Emergency Office is warning residents to prepare for monsoon season power outages. At the link, the office shared a list of ways residents can prepare their homes for outages. (KJZZ)
• On Saturday, the Phoenix Center for the Arts announced that the 2023 Phoenix Festival of the Arts is canceled, citing financial challenges. (Phoenix New Times)
• The Phoenix Police Department shared that after being shot in the line of duty, Officer Morgan Bullis is back on patrol! She is excited to be serving her community once again. Click the link to view a video celebrating Officer Bullis' return. (Phoenix Police Department via Facebook)

You're officially in the loop for today. I'll see you soon!

— 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.