🌱 Valley Metro Expands + Police Recruits' Salary Increases

Good morning, Phoenix, I'm Miranda Fraraccio and I'll be your new source for all the events, news, and general happenings in your town. Here is everything you need to know today in 5 minutes or less.

Now, today's weather:

An afternoon thunderstorm. High: 100 Low: 84.

👀 Attention local businesses & marketers: Attract more customers in Phoenix by sponsoring this daily newsletter, which gets read by the same people you're trying to reach. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top three stories today in Phoenix:

1. Valley Metro has expanded its network with a new streetcar along Mill Avenue. The expansion is meant to address Phoenix's rising population. From 2010 to 2020, the city increased its population by 18.1 percent. The metro plans to extend its light rail operation by 1.6 miles. (Cronkite News)
2. The Phoenix Police Department reports that it has identified the four individuals that were killed in a stolen car in July. Terry Hill, Sara Anne Loustaunau, Brittish Conception Pena, and Galexy Saunders died during the crash that occurred on 43rd Avenue on Jul. 22. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the department. There is a possible reward for information. (Arizona's Family)
3. The salary increase for Phoenix Police Department recruits has gone into effect. The salary increase has directly led to a rise in department applications. Salaries were increased from $48,000 to $68,661. The increase makes the department the highest-paying law enforcement agency in the state. (KTAR.com)

Today in Phoenix:

• Preschool Developmental Screenings At The Balsz School District (Phoenix) (9:30 AM)
• Oliver Tree At Arizona Financial Theatre (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Phoenix homeowners: Do you know when it is time to replace your HVAC system? Some signs of needing a new HVAC include rising utility bills, unusual smells, and frequent repairs. Click for the full HVAC replacement guide. (KTAR.com)
• The Phoenix area will likely encounter an increase in monsoon activity this week. Click for the full report by the National Weather Service. (The Arizona Republic)
• Here's a helpful list of the latest Phoenix properties to hit the market. Click to view the full list of properties that includes prices, photos, and property dimensions. (Phoenix Patch)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Our World Energy — (Visit website)
• Jensen Family Law in Glendale AZ — (Visit Website)
• Belzona mountain states — (Visit website)
• Boss Babe Break — (Visit website)
• 9 Cent Color Copies — (Visit website)
• Add your business here

Events:

• Taxes in Retirement Webinar (August 11)
• Online Webinar with experts for divorce lawyer services in Mesa (August 22)
• Add your event

Gigs & services:

• 25% OFF - Women’s Wellness Services (Details)
• Add your gig or service

Thanks for following along and staying informed. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a born and raised Rhode Islander, now living in New York. She works as a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and is a graduate of The University of Rhode Island, where she earned a degree in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, drinking tea, or photographing her neighborhood as a street photographer.