Your trusted source for local Phoenix, AZ news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Phoenix experiences average July temperatures while much of the Midwest and East Coast faces a severe heat wave. A high-pressure system traps heat, pushing temperatures toward 100 degrees in cities like Chicago and New York, while Phoenix's high was only 97 degrees on July 20. Meteorologists attribute the cooler weather in Phoenix to low-pressure systems and sparse monsoon moisture.
Lori Vallow Daybell received two life sentences on July 25 for conspiracy to commit murder and attempted murder in Arizona. She was previously convicted for the 2019 murders of her two children and her husband's former wife, and prosecutors argued she plotted her ex-husband's murder for financial gain. The judge emphasized that it would take a divine intervention for her to gain freedom.
Arizona Lottery results for Mega Millions and Pick 3 were announced on July 25, 2025. Players are encouraged to check their tickets for potential winnings from the daily lottery draw games. The results are available through the Arizona Republic.
A hot-air balloon crash in Eloy, Arizona, killed four people, including the pilot, on January 14, 2024. The National Transportation Safety Board reported that pilot error led to the incident, which occurred after eight skydivers had jumped from the balloon. The pilot, Cornelius van der Walt, opened the balloon's rapid deflation valve, resulting in a fatal descent.
Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard and 31st Avenue will close at Loop 101 from July 25 to 28 for construction projects. Drivers should use detour routes and consult az511.gov for real-time traffic updates. No full freeway closures are scheduled in metro Phoenix during this period.
Brady Kiser will not face charges in the drowning death of his 3-year-old son, Trigg, as prosecutors determined there was "no reasonable likelihood of conviction." The decision followed a thorough review of evidence, including surveillance footage from their home. Trigg's death, which occurred on May 18, garnered significant attention due to his mother, social media influencer Emilie Kiser.
Little Rituals in downtown Phoenix won the Best U.S. Hotel Bar award at the 2025 Spirited Awards on July 24, marking a significant achievement after four years as a finalist. Co-owner Aaron DeFeo dedicated the honor to his team and partner Ross Simon, emphasizing the bar's commitment to craft and community.
Mesa park rangers involved in the "Goon Squad" investigation earned significantly higher overtime pay than their peers, with some rangers making up to 19 times more than the median of $567. Seven rangers were placed on leave following allegations of misconduct, including targeting homeless individuals and using racial slurs. Lead Ranger Joshua Amado was arrested for possession of a stolen firearm shortly before resigning.
American Airlines plans to reduce flights between Phoenix and Chicago O'Hare International Airport this summer and fall. The airline's adjustments reflect a finalized schedule made 100 days before flights and include 30 fewer flights in August compared to earlier plans. Industry-wide cuts are attributed to low demand and staffing shortages.
CND Life Sciences seeks Arizona residents to participate in a clinical study examining skin biomarkers to understand neurological aspects of long COVID. The research aims to uncover potential nerve damage in long COVID patients through simple skin biopsies, potentially leading to new treatments. Participants can enroll by visiting the study's website.