Arizona hits news as U.S. power and water debates swirl; state eyes how to meet surging demand while facing wildfires and heat. Quick bio: largest public power utility hub in the West.
A broad early-season heat surge has been breaking daily temperature records across the eastern US and parts of Russia while the UK and Australia are seeing rapid swings between cold snaps, warm spells and heavy rain. Philadelphia has shifted 57 schools to remote learning because many buildings have inadequate air conditioning; heat advisories and cooling centres have been opened elsewhere.
A coalition of 14 states and Pennsylvania's governor has filed a lawsuit against HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., challenging recent changes to US vaccine policies, including the removal of several childhood vaccines and the replacement of expert advisory members. The case raises concerns over public health and scientific integrity.
Savannah Guthrie's mother, Nancy Guthrie, was abducted from her Tucson home over a month ago. Despite a $1 million reward and ongoing investigations, her whereabouts remain unknown. Guthrie has taken leave from NBC's 'Today' to support her family and aid the search.
Camp East Montana on Fort Bliss has been shut until at least March 20 due to a measles outbreak and safety concerns. The detention center, opened last August, faces controversy over conditions, deaths, and plans for possible closure, with internal documents indicating a contract termination. DHS denies decisions have been made.
Ivan Miller, 22, from Iowa, has been charged with three counts of aggravated murder after killing three women in Utah for their cars and credit cards. The killings occurred near Capitol Reef National Park, with Miller arrested in Colorado after a multi-state chase. Authorities say the murders were committed for convenience, with no known connection to the victims.
Uber has launched a nationwide feature allowing women riders and drivers to match with female counterparts, amid ongoing legal challenges. The move aims to enhance safety but faces lawsuits claiming discrimination against men. The feature is also available in other countries and has been piloted in select US cities.
Most Americans prefer to make daylight saving time permanent, but political and logistical hurdles remain. Experts warn that the time change disrupts sleep and increases health risks, with some states adopting bills to switch to permanent standard time. Congress' approval is still pending.
Phoenix Suns player Dillon Brooks was arrested early Friday morning in Scottsdale after a traffic stop. He was released shortly after, amid ongoing investigations. Brooks is currently recovering from a hand injury and has not played since February 21. The Suns issued a brief statement, and further details are pending.
The FBI subpoenaed Arizona's Senate for records related to the 2020 election audit in Maricopa County. Arizona officials confirmed they handed over the records amid ongoing investigations into election irregularities, despite multiple audits finding no evidence of widespread fraud. The move aligns with federal efforts in Georgia and Arizona to scrutinize the 2020 results.
Recent weather patterns show a sharp contrast across the US, with record-breaking heat in the Southwest and Arctic cold in the Midwest and East. The West experienced early heatwaves, while polar vortex systems brought snow and freezing temperatures to northern and eastern states, indicating increasing climate variability.
The 2026 allergy report ranks Boise as the worst city for pollen allergies, driven by climate change and weather patterns. Early spring symptoms are affecting many, with Western cities experiencing longer, more intense pollen seasons due to warmer temperatures and drought. Experts advise early treatment and lifestyle adjustments.
The NCAA men's and women's basketball tournaments have seen a rapid decline in perfect brackets due to numerous upsets. Less than 1,500 perfect entries remain out of over 26 million, with major surprises like 12-seed High Point defeating Wisconsin. The unpredictability highlights the tournament's difficulty and the astronomical odds of perfect predictions.
Multiple sources report sexual misconduct allegations against Cesar Chavez, co-founder of the United Farm Workers. The union and foundation have canceled events honoring him, amid claims involving abuse of women and minors. The story highlights a complex legacy as public sentiment shifts.
The Los Angeles Dodgers aim for a third consecutive World Series title, with key players like Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto managing workloads after spring training. The team faces high expectations, with Ohtani returning from injury and Yamamoto remaining crucial for postseason success.
Multiple sources reveal that civil rights icon Cesar Chavez sexually abused young girls during his leadership of the farmworker movement. The allegations, reported by The New York Times and others, include accounts from Dolores Huerta and victims, prompting calls to remove Chavez's memorials and reevaluate his legacy. Biden and Newsom have yet to comment.
A persistent heatwave has caused record-breaking temperatures across the US West, with California and Arizona experiencing highs over 100°F in March. Climate scientists confirm this is virtually impossible without climate change. Long-term forecasts predict hotter conditions through June, with little respite expected.
Nancy Guthrie, 84, disappeared from her Tucson home on February 1. Authorities believe she was abducted, with security footage showing a masked man at her door. The family offers a $1 million reward and urges the community to review key dates and footage. The case remains unsolved after seven weeks.
A large-scale heat dome is causing unprecedented temperatures across the US, with record-breaking highs in multiple states. The heat is expected to persist into early April, driven by climate change and atmospheric patterns, impacting millions and setting new climate records.
Mexican officials are threatening legal action over conditions in US detention centers following the deaths of three detainees, including a man with health issues in California and a cancer patient in Minnesota. The incidents highlight concerns over medical care and detention policies.
Arizona lawmakers are advancing a bill to rename Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza as the Wesley Bolin and Charlie Kirk Freedom Plaza, and to authorize memorials for Kirk and Bolles. The bill faces veto considerations from Governor Hobbs amid political debates over honoring controversial figures.
The NCAA Tournament has attracted its highest TV audience since 1993, with an average of 10.3 million viewers across four networks, up 9% from last year. The Elite Eight game between UConn and Duke peaked at nearly 19 million viewers. Despite fewer upsets, interest remains high.
Christina Marie Plante, who vanished in 1994 in Arizona, has been located alive after decades. Her disappearance was initially considered suspicious, but advances in technology have helped confirm her identity. Authorities have not released further details about her current life or circumstances.
UConn secured its spot in the NCAA Final Four with a 71-62 victory over Illinois. Braylon Mullins hit a clutch 3-pointer late in the game, leading the Huskies. Tarris Reed Jr. contributed a double-double, and Illinois's Keaton Wagler scored 20 points. UConn now prepares for a semifinal matchup.
Nancy Guthrie, 84, has been missing since February 1 after her Tucson home was broken into. Despite a large-scale investigation, including DNA evidence and ransom notes, there are no signs of her. Her family has offered a $1 million reward, and authorities believe she was abducted or kidnapped. Savannah Guthrie has returned to NBC's Today show amid ongoing uncertainty.
Voters in Phoenix elected two renewable energy advocates to the Salt River Project board, creating an 8-to-6 majority for clean energy supporters. Incumbents backed by construction and data center interests retain key leadership roles. The utility plans to double its capacity in ten years, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
U.S. District Judge Michael Liburdi blocked Arizona's criminal case against Kalshi, a prediction market operator, citing federal law's authority over state gambling laws. The ruling supports the CFTC's stance on federal regulation of prediction markets, delaying criminal proceedings scheduled for Monday, and signals ongoing legal battles over regulation and legality.
NFL coach Mike Vrabel has been involved in a controversy after photos of him with reporter Dianna Russini at a Sedona resort were published. Vrabel has continued his coaching duties, while Russini has resigned from The Athletic following an internal investigation. The NFL confirms it is not investigating Vrabel's conduct as of today, April 23, 2026.
A federal jury in Charlotte has awarded a plaintiff $5,000 in a sexual assault lawsuit against Uber. The case is part of a broader wave of lawsuits across the US, with Uber planning to appeal. The verdict highlights ongoing safety concerns and legal debates over liability for driver misconduct.
Letitia James has filed lawsuits against Coinbase and Gemini in Manhattan, alleging their prediction markets operate illegally without licensing. The lawsuits aim to stop these platforms from operating in New York until they obtain proper licenses. The companies argue their prediction markets are federally regulated, but the state maintains they are illegal gambling exposing young users.
San Diego County's seawater desalination plant has operated at about one-third capacity since opening, prompting the water authority to explore interstate sales of Colorado River water rights as drought reduces flow into basin reservoirs and heightens scarcity across the West.
Measles outbreaks have ended in parts of the U.S. after a surge in vaccination efforts, but national numbers remain high and vaccination coverage has not reached the 95% threshold. Authorities warn the elimination status remains at risk amid rising cases and policy shifts affecting vaccine confidence.
The Patriots coach has announced he is seeking counseling and will miss Day 3 of the NFL Draft as questions swirl over his relationship with Dianna Russini. The NFL says it is not investigating at this time, and the team expresses support while Vrabel emphasizes family and self-improvement.
Several wildfires are burning across Georgia and the Southeast, with containment improving in Brantley County while others persist; authorities warn the battles will extend for days as drought and wind drive spread.
The Lewis & Clark Regional Water System and related projects are expanding water capacity along the Missouri River. The base system now delivers 44 million gallons daily to 20 communities, with two expansions under way and a separate pipeline project to support growth in the Black Hills region. Together, the initiatives could cost tens of billions and serve hundreds of thousands more residents over the next 40–50 years.
The Western Cape and surrounding regions are facing a continued severe weather event with multiple Orange Warning levels for disruptive rainfall, possible floods, and damaging winds. Schools have already closed and transport services paused as much of the country tracks an advancing cut-off low and associated heavy rain through Tuesday.
Three deaths have been reported from hantavirus linked to the MV Hondius; several states are monitoring residents who recently disembarked the ship. Health officials say the immediate public risk remains very low as investigations continue and evacuations are underway.
A Scottsdale Circle K is suing the Arizona Lottery and a former employee after an overprint left one ticket among a batch that could win a prize. State rules say overprinted tickets remain retailer property; a May 15 ruling could set precedent on misprinted or abandoned tickets.
The Arizona Department of Corrections has carried out the death sentence of Leroy Dean McGill, 63, at the Arizona State Prison Complex in Florence. McGill was convicted of the 2002 murder and arson attack on Charles Perez and Nova Banta. He received lethal injection after a lengthy legal process that culminated in the Arizona Supreme Court denying a request to postpone the execution.