Your trusted source for local Phoenix, AZ news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Metro Phoenix will host multiple fireworks displays for the Fourth of July in 2025, starting on July 3 at 6 PM local time. The events will culminate in a grand finale early on July 4, featuring fireworks in cities like Scottsdale, Tempe, and Fountain Hills. Residents and visitors can enjoy a variety of concerts and festivities leading up to the displays.
The Dragon Bravo Fire, ignited by a lightning strike, escalated rapidly at the Grand Canyon's North Rim, destroying numerous structures, including the Grand Canyon Lodge. Lawmakers have demanded an investigation into the National Park Service's management of the fire, which initially appeared manageable but was exacerbated by high winds.
Phoenix police rescued a severely malnourished newborn found next to her deceased mother in May 2025. The child's Tucson family initiated a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral expenses and reunite the baby with her 7-year-old brother. The baby is expected to make a full recovery after being hospitalized.
A family of 11, including six children, required rescue from a closed hiking trail in Phoenix due to extreme heat conditions. The Holbert Trail was closed for safety, but the family ignored warning signs and faced heat exhaustion, prompting a multiagency response. Officials expressed disappointment over the incident, emphasizing the importance of adhering to safety regulations.
Three Phoenix restaurants received 13 health code violations during the week of June 16, primarily for issues related to food storage and sanitation. Maricopa County health inspectors conducted inspections at over 1,530 food-serving facilities, with 375 earning "A" ratings.
Jared Gray, 25, was arrested in Georgia for the 2023 murder of Mercedes Vega, with his fingerprint found on a cup in the vehicle where her body was discovered. Sencere Hayes, 22, was previously arrested in connection with the case, having left his fingerprint on a bloody grocery bag inside Vega's car. Both face first-degree murder charges, with additional charges against Hayes.
Arizona school districts have varying start dates for the 2025-26 school year, with Chandler Unified returning on July 16 and others starting in early August. Some districts have yet to confirm their specific dates. This information will be updated as more details emerge.
A Phoenix man faces 16 counts of animal cruelty after performing unlicensed surgeries on dogs in his garage. Police rescued 16 dogs from inhumane conditions at Edgar Glover's home, where they found evidence of surgeries and inadequate care. Glover charged $400 for the procedures, which left one dog in visible pain.
A federal judge approved the U.S. government's request to force-feed Iranian asylum seeker Mehrad Asadi Eidivand, who is on a hunger strike in ICE detention in Arizona. Eidivand's attorney plans to challenge his detention, citing his fear for his life as a Christian in Iran. His health has deteriorated, leading to a diagnosis of acute kidney injury during his first hunger strike.
U.S. Route 191 in eastern Arizona, known as the "Morenci 500," has experienced a surge in dangerous driving incidents, prompting local law enforcement to enhance patrols and enforce a zero-tolerance policy for speeding. In 2024, the highway recorded nearly 60 non-injury collisions and 35 injuries, highlighting the urgent need for improved safety measures. Sheriff Eric Ellison emphasizes that reckless driving has become a key issue in his campaign.