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.
Federal and state cases have exposed irregular grand-jury contacts and contested prosecutorial conduct this week. Arizona’s fake-elector matter has been ordered back to a grand jury by the state supreme court; U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros has released a statement about unusual contact with a Chicago grand jury; and other prosecutions and trials are facing delays and judicial rebukes.
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.
Record‑level and near‑record May temperatures have been reported across multiple regions this week — parts of England and Russia have hit unusually high temps while the eastern US has recorded low‑90s — even as eastern Australia is facing a major rain band. Forecasts show brief, intense heat will give way to fronts or rain in most places; Australia is also seeing El Niño odds rise for winter.
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.
Leroy Dean McGill has been executed by lethal injection in Florence, Arizona, for the July 2002 arson murder of Charles Perez and the attack on his girlfriend Nova Banta. McGill’s last meal included onion rings, bread and butter, chocolate cake and a green salad, and he has told witnesses, “I’m going home soon.” Three more executions are planned this week in Tennessee, Florida.
Federal authorities have seized more than 300 gold bars, about $2 million in cash and dozens of luxury watches from a former CIA official amid an embezzlement probe. Investigators say the suspect claimed work-related expenses and alleged Navy Reserve service, with charges including theft of public funds.
The Supreme Court has lifted a lower court injunction, allowing Alabama to use a court-drawn map with a majority-Black district deficit for August primaries. The decision reflects a wider national push by Republicans to redraw districts amid a shifting Voting Rights Act landscape, with Alabama joining a chorus of Southern states pursuing mid-decade redistricting ahead of the 2028 elections.
The California vote count is under scrutiny as mail-in ballots keep the tally slow, while other states advance. California officials say delays stem from signature checks, handling a high volume of mail ballots, and staffing gaps, sparking cross‑party criticism and concerns about misinformation.
Arizona’s San Carlos Lake has been closed indefinitely after drought conditions and water releases from the Coolidge Dam caused a mass fish kill, affecting about all fish. Officials warn health risks and prohibit fishing, harvesting, or possessing fish until further notice.
The Department of Defense has revised its religious-denomination list after a backlash over omitting the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from the Christian category. The Pentagon has removed the Christian prefix from 21 other traditions and said the overhaul aims to simplify chaplain support. Lawmakers from Utah have pressed for a correction, while LDS leaders say the government should respect the faith as Christian.
The US has blocked Iranian supporters from securing tickets for Iran’s World Cup group-stage matches in the US, despite FFIRI’s prior allocation. FIFA is urged to uphold neutrality and regulations as Iran questions interference from non-sporting factors. Tehran notes visa hurdles and base‑camp moves amid rising tensions.