Your trusted source for local Phoenix, AZ news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Arizona Lottery players can participate in multiple draw games, including Powerball and Mega Millions, with recent jackpots reaching historic levels. Funds generated from these games support higher education and various state services. Winners can claim prizes at designated lottery offices or through the mail.
A toddler sustained non-life-threatening injuries from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in west Phoenix. The child's father, Oscar Guerra, 27, faces felony child abuse charges after leaving a firearm accessible. This incident marks the second accidental shooting of a child in Phoenix in over a month.
River Chunnui, a nonbinary former teacher, settled a gender discrimination lawsuit against the Peoria Unified School District after enduring harassment following an email about International Transgender Day of Visibility. The lawsuit highlighted retaliation and discriminatory actions from district officials, culminating in a public smear campaign. The district affirmed its commitment to education following the settlement.
Metro Phoenix dropped to 94th on RentCafe's ranking of best U.S. cities for renters, down from 72nd last year. Contributing factors include increased living costs, slower job growth, and declining air quality. Despite these issues, the region still features a high percentage of upscale and new apartments.
Kroger has canceled its contract with Ruan Transport Corporation, potentially leaving 130 truck drivers and mechanics at its Tolleson distribution center without jobs. The Teamsters union believes the cancellation is retaliation for their opposition to Kroger's failed merger with Albertsons. Affected employees, some with over 26 years of service, face limited job prospects as Kroger transitions to Swift Transportation.
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.
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.
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.