Your trusted source for local Phoenix, AZ news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
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.
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.
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.
ICE rescinded Rep. Yassamin Ansari's request to visit three sick detainees at Eloy Detention Center, citing invalid paperwork. Ansari aimed to address concerns regarding inadequate medical care for detainees, including serious health issues like leukemia and kidney infections.
The Trump administration released $110 million in federal education grants for Arizona after bipartisan pressure from congressional Democrats and Republicans. The funding, crucial for public schools, had been frozen, affecting hiring and educational programs just weeks before the new school year. Arizona officials hailed the release as a victory for students and educators.
Rep. Greg Stanton faced denial of entry to the Eloy Detention Center, marking the second instance this month where Arizona lawmakers were blocked from oversight visits. Stanton argued that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) violated federal law by refusing access, as Congress members can conduct unannounced visits under a law signed by President Biden. The incident underscores ongoing tensions between lawmakers and ICE regarding access amid stricter regulations during Trump's administration.
Arizonans may witness a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch from California this weekend, scheduled for liftoff at 8:55 p.m. PT on July 26. The launch will deliver 24 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit, potentially visible across Arizona if conditions are favorable. Residents are advised to check for updates due to possible launch delays from weather or technical issues.
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.