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A recent PhD graduate and newlywed from the University of Arizona is now in ICE custody after a drunk-driving crash last year — a conviction that’s triggered deportation fears. Arrested in June, she pleaded guilty to reckless driving and disorderly conduct, served a two-week jail term, and now faces potential removal as her visa was revoked in August 2025. Her legal team is fighting to keep her in...

Arizona honors fallen wildland firefighter Nick Hutcherson with a state-wide flag lowering on Saturday, July 11, as Governor Katie Hobbs pays tribute to the 27-year-old Glendale hero who died battling the Knowles Fire in Colorado — alongside two other crewmates. The solemn gesture, from sunrise to sunset, underscores the immense sacrifice of these elite firefighters and invites communities to join...

A former Tucson resident turned Prescott clinical social worker, John Sperry—known as “Lincoln”—was arrested in July after a decades-old sexual assault case resurfaced. The Arizona Department of Child Safety flagged him in 2004 for allegedly assaulting a 14-year-old girl, prompting a Tucson Police investigation that was later closed without explanation. Years later, the victim contacted TPD, reign...

Sun Tran and Teamsters Local 104 are locked in a tense contract standoff, with a strike vote looming this weekend—potentially disrupting commutes across Tucson. After a marathon negotiation that ended June 30, the union has already signaled it’s ready to strike, while Sun Tran pushed its “best and final offer” early July. Safety remains the flashpoint, especially after 19 crimes tied to transit si...

Tucson police just arrested a 65-year-old man, John Sperry, in a shocking cold case from 2004 — the alleged abuser of his 14-year-old foster daughter. After the case went dormant for 22 years, the adult victim stepped forward, reigniting the probe. Investigators dug through old evidence, interviewed new witnesses, and ultimately secured charges for sexual conduct with a minor. Sperry, now living i...

Veterans and seniors in Tucson are getting a major housing lifeline with Habitat for Humanity’s new Casitas on Park development—21 affordable, accessible homes built just for them. Located near VA care, transit, and safety services, this first-of-its-kind project offers zero-interest loans and sweat equity programs to help first-time buyers lock in stability without the rent spiral. With overwhelm...

Allison Thomison, a special education teacher and first-ever Mrs. Arizona American from Cochise County, turned farming grit into pageant glory after last year’s runner-up finish. Now crowned with a mission, she’s spotlighting rural Arizona’s agricultural heart, urging youth to join the farming future, and championing rural women’s resilience through her nonprofit, Control Alt Elite, which supports...

Two years after a fatal crash, the teen driver who struck and killed 25-year-old Devin Firth has finally been charged with reckless manslaughter—following a traffic stop that uncovered an active felony warrant. The arrest marks a long-awaited step toward justice for Devin’s family, as the driver, who stayed at the scene and cooperated with police, now faces serious consequences for what investigat...

A commercial truck driver in Arizona was arrested for DUI after being caught swerving wildly while driving a massive rig, with a whole bottle of red wine poured into a water bottle in the cab. He blew a .227 on a breathalyzer and was found with multiple wine bottles—clearly not just a quick sip. The troopers, who narrowly avoided being hit, say the potential for catastrophe was immense given the t...

A Circle K manager, Robert Gawlitza, is caught in a $12.8 million lottery ticket lawsuit after buying unsold tickets left behind by a customer — one of which won big. Gawlitza claims he followed an unwritten company policy and even checked with his supervisor before purchasing. He turned over the winning ticket, offered to split winnings with the clerk, and had worked there for 20 years. Despite h...

A seven-year-old girl, Paris Williams, died from brutal blunt force injuries in a trailer park after a suspected domestic violence attack involving her mother and boyfriend. Both are now charged with murder-related crimes, with evidence pointing to possible tampering and a chilling 911 call hang-up that left the community reeling. Her teacher called her a “bright light,” and the tragedy has shaken...

A Danbury woman, Dominique Harrison, 28, now faces murder with special circumstances after allegedly dumping her newborn son alive in a dumpster in 2018. Arrested last week following confessions to investigators, Harrison appeared in court as family members wept — prosecutors called the act “depravity hard to grasp.” The infant’s remains were found by Stamford police, leading to the arrest warrant...

A masked man with a knife terrorized a Starbucks parking lot on Veterans Day, kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 21-year-old woman—then forcing her to drive back to the scene before fleeing. Dubois, a veteran who believed he “deserved” her, disabled her phone but her Apple Watch helped track him, leading to the discovery of damning evidence. Convicted on multiple charges including aggravated sex...

Cyclospora outbreak hits 843 across 31 states — Michigan and New York hardest — with 86 hospitalized, no deaths yet. Symptoms: watery diarrhea, cramps, bloating, lasting weeks or months. Likely tied to fresh produce like lettuce. Treatable with antibiotics and hydration. Wash hands and rinse produce thoroughly. If symptoms strike after eating raw veggies, see a doctor fast. Listen in comfort: Get...

A 25-year-old Army Specialist, Sayveon Anderson, has vanished from Fort Bragg for nearly two weeks—last seen missing formation, with no calls or texts since. His mom, Pamela, has been frantically calling his phone, only to hear voicemail, and even searched his apartment with family, finding it empty. Now, the military and local police are urgently searching for him. Sayveon, a new dad-to-be, is se...

A Hawaiian airport pickup turned into a heart-pounding chase when a stranger jumped into a family’s car—while their teenage daughter was still inside. The 25-year-old, Garrett Spencer, bolted through the terminal, but was caught by military police at Hickam Field and later handed over to sheriffs. Now facing multiple serious charges including theft, vehicle hijacking, and trespassing, Spencer’s ac...

The trial dates for two suspects in Erin Jones’ tragic drive-by shooting have been pushed back to June 2027 and July 2028 — not to delay justice, but to ensure Erin’s mother, a grieving parent with a young child, can fully participate in proceedings without childcare stress. This move underscores how victim needs shape legal timelines, blending solemn justice with real-life human realities. Listen...

Arizona’s gaming watchdog just slammed five online gambling sites with cease-and-desist orders—BetOpenly, Bookmaker, Club WPT Online Poker, Kutt Inc., and Raffle Creator—for running illegal operations, enabling underage gambling, and dodging state licenses. The state’s crackdown targets everything from peer-to-peer sports betting to casino games and fantasy sports, with accusations of money launde...

A former Tucson mental health counselor, 33-year-old Xiomar Diaz, has been arrested on federal charges for allegedly producing child sexual abuse material, with multiple victims suspected. Using online aliases, he reportedly communicated with children online — a chilling twist given his past work with youth. Authorities, including Homeland Security Investigations and Tucson PD, seized devices duri...

Santa Cruz County’s Hermosa mining project is moving ahead with a bold new plan: a Community Protections and Benefits Agreement designed to go beyond federal standards, tackling environmental concerns like air, water, and soil while reinvesting mine revenue into local needs like childcare, housing, and job training. Community input is crucial as residents and leaders in Patagonia rally around this...

Artist Kat Swan is turning her brush to rescue dogs, painting portraits of overlooked canines—especially older or long-term shelter pups—to give them a fighting chance at adoption. Each painting follows its new owner for free, and she’s teaming up with local restaurants to showcase the art and spread awareness. Inspired by her love for animals and the heartbreak of losing them, Swan’s passion proj...

Get ready to sweat, socialize, and support students—this Friday night’s back-to-school fundraiser combines pilates, strength training, live DJ, drinks, and local vendors for a vibe that’s inclusive for all fitness levels. Hosted by Studio Fuerza and Upleveled Wellness, every $35 ticket goes 100% to the Sunnyside Foundation to stock 21 school health offices with snacks and water—critical for kids m...

A federal judge has temporarily blocked a controversial Arizona election rule that could have barred or jailed voters for wearing uniforms, calling it dangerously vague and unenforceable. The ruling protects voters—including law enforcement officers—showing up in uniform for the upcoming primary, ensuring they won’t face penalties or exclusion. The judge emphasized that election rules must be clea...

Ward one residents took charge of $200,000 in discretionary funds through the Budget de la Gente program, choosing 20 community projects—each getting $10,000—to transform neighborhoods with art, youth programs, and senior support. From turning vacant lots into art bodegas to funding English classes and daily meals for seniors, these grassroots ideas are sparking real change. With non-profits stepp...

Caitlin Clark’s rookie season has ignited a firestorm across the WNBA — from a throat hit that led to a flagrant foul and one-game suspension for Alyssa Thomas, to death threats targeting the Mercury star, to Congress demanding answers about player safety and potential discrimination. While Clark’s record-breaking stats and skyrocketing popularity have transformed the league’s ratings and attendan...