🌱 Record-Setting Eviction Filings In Phoenix + Shots Fired On I-17

Hello all. It's me, Miranda Fraraccio, your host of the Patch newsletter. Follow along for the most important things happening these days in town.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly sunny and hot. High: 115 Low: 90.

Here are the top three stories in Phoenix today:

1. Metro Phoenix saw the second-highest number of eviction filings in 15 years, with 6,976 filings in June, coming close to the record set in January. Despite the high eviction rates, rents are not decreasing, indicating a lack of relief for renters. However, some rental aid and free legal assistance, such as AZEvictionHelp by the Arizona Bar Foundation, are available to help Valley renters, and a new law seals eviction records in certain cases to improve tenants' chances of finding future housing. (The Arizona Republic)
2. Phoenix police are actively looking for a suspect who allegedly fired multiple shots at a man driving northbound on I-17 near Dunlap Avenue on Thursday. Fortunately, the driver escaped with only minor injuries from debris and was not hit by a bullet. The police have not disclosed any information regarding possible suspects, and it remains uncertain whether the incident was related to road rage. (12news.com KPNX)
3. Phoenix has introduced a "cool pavement" program to address the urban heat island effect, but research shows that while the streets become cooler, people on the pavement may absorb the reflected heat. By absorbing the heat, residents get up to 5.5 degrees hotter. The city acknowledges this tradeoff but believes that the cooler air temperature and energy savings outweigh the concerns. Though the reflectivity of the cool pavement diminishes over time, possibly due to dirt accumulation, the city is working on addressing this issue. Click the link to view the complete report. (Arizona's Family)

The real estate market may be cooling ❄️ but the demand for homes is still high like these summer temps 🔥 Now is the time to reach buyers and sellers in Phoenix with our exclusive newsletter sponsorships and let them know that you're available to help them find their dream home. Click here to learn more.

Today in and around Phoenix:

Friday, July 14

• Maricopa County Home & Landscape Show At State Farm Stadium, Glendale (10:00 AM)
• Valley Sol Series Featuring Tony Exum, Jr At Red Bottomz, Avondale (6:00 PM)
• The Legend Of Georgia McBride At Herberger Theater Center (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• An Amber Alert has been canceled after a 5-day-old baby taken from a Phoenix hospital was found safe. The mother is now in custody. (FOX 10 News Phoenix)
• Tomorrow (Jul. 15), join the Phoenix Fire Department and UnitedHealthcare for a Back To School Health Fair. The event will take take place from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Isaac Middle School. (Phoenix Fire Department via Facebook)
• In nearby Scottsdale, a popular sushi spot, Sushi Roku, is closing its doors after 15 years. The restaurant's last day will be on Jul. 31. (Arizona's Family)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Taxes in Retirement Seminar at Glendale Adult Center (July 18)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Friday! 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.