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A brush fire erupted in Tucson on July 9th, forcing the shutdown of Interstate 10 in both directions—creating major traffic chaos and safety concerns as flames threatened the roadway and visibility. Authorities scrambled to contain the blaze amid dry conditions, leaving drivers stranded and residents anxious. With no clear reopening timeline, this wildfire serves as a stark reminder of nature’s un...

The Nogales border crossing is getting a major upgrade—here’s why it matters and how you can weigh in. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/8308...

Pima Animal Care Center overcame a serious canine distemper outbreak that sidelined parts of the shelter, but thanks to swift action and expert praise, everything’s back open — including the adoption center — and they’re urgently seeking new homes for hundreds of dogs and cats still waiting. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: a...

Phoenix’s sweltering heat isn’t slowing down—here’s how to chill your wallet: swap your AC filter monthly, pick a mid-range MERV for balance, upgrade to an Energy Star roof, schedule pro maintenance, and switch to budget billing to dodge those sky-high summer bills. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is...

Wally Funk, the fearless trailblazer who shattered glass ceilings in aviation and space, has passed away at 87 — but her legacy soars on. A pioneer of the 1961 “Women in Space Program,” she trained for the stars yet never flew — until 2021, when at 82, she blasted into space aboard Blue Origin, becoming the oldest woman ever to leave Earth’s atmosphere. From FAA inspector to NTSB investigator, she...

Three people caught on camera stealing blue sealant from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool face misdemeanor charges for destruction of property — one even confessed and had the material in hand. All pleaded not guilty, but a judge ordered them to stay away from the site; if convicted, they could face up to $1,000 fines and six months in jail. A stark reminder: even small acts can carry big cons...

A five-year-old boy in Pineville, North Carolina, died after suffering severe blunt force trauma in his apartment, prompting police to arrest his 31-year-old father, Jehaaz-Akil Khaliq Echoles, on first-degree murder charges. The mother, present during the incident, is cooperating as authorities investigate — including securing warrants for the home and vehicles — while noting a prior call involvi...

Arizona’s primaries are heating up with high-stakes battles across the state, setting the stage for a wild general election. GOP governor’s race sees Andy Biggs (Trump-backed, pro-tax cuts) leading over David Schweikert (pro-business deregulation), while attorney general contenders Warren Petersen and Rodney Glassman clash over experience. In education, incumbent Tom Horne faces Kimberly Yee over...

Cochise County deputies are getting high-tech iris scanners that instantly identify suspects by scanning their eyes—pulling from a national database of five million names. Sheriff Mark Dannels says this cutting-edge tech, faster and more reliable than fingerprints, is vital for border security, helping officers combat sophisticated criminal networks and protect citizens without relying on ID. List...

Gas Leak Forces Shelter-in-Place Near School | Tucson News

Five fraternities at the University of Arizona are now on probation, including Phi Delta Theta and Sigma Phi Epsilon, after serious violations like hazing and alcohol abuse that endangered students. With strict oversight and mandatory workshops until May 2027, the university is sending a clear message: accountability and student safety are non-negotiable. This follows a pattern of disciplinary act...

Monsoon season means more than rain—it means pests are on the move. Flies, mosquitoes, termites, spiders, scorpions, ants, cockroaches, and even rats are all drawn to the humidity and flooding, seeking shelter and food. Seal gaps, eliminate standing water, clean gutters, and store food properly to keep them out. Spotting one pest? There may be more. For persistent issues, call a pro. Prevention is...

Firefighters Save Pets in Tucson Blaze | Tucson News

Brian Cole, accused of planting pipe bombs near Capitol riot sites, now faces a February 2027 trial after a judge rejected his bid to dismiss charges using Trump pardons — a major setback for his defense. With potential decades behind bars and no arrest until last December, the case is heating up as both sides gear up for a long legal battle. His next court date is September — and the countdown to...

Arizona is blazing a trail in construction by empowering women—nearly 16% of its workforce is now female, a historic leap fueled by booming growth and a shift in mindset. Companies are realizing women can tackle any job on-site, not just in offices, and are embracing diverse perspectives that bring creativity and innovation to projects. Organizations like NAWIC are stepping in with hands-on camps...

Pulte Homes just snagged 115 acres in Northwest Tucson for $5.3M to build a new neighborhood of 101 homes, complete with premium amenities and open space—though exact details on timing and pricing are still under wraps. Meanwhile, Tucson’s real estate scene is heating up: Basom Arizona Ventures bought a 289-unit apartment complex for $45.5M, Tucson Window and Door secured 29,600 sq ft of commercia...

DNA testing of thousands of old sexual assault kits in Pima County is reigniting cold cases, leading to over a hundred alleged serial offenders—14 already arrested and convicted—with more on the way. Despite decades passing, investigators and advocates are pushing forward, traveling far to deliver life-changing news to survivors, turning evidence into justice and hope. Listen in comfort: Get a dis...

Get ready to shake it off at Tucson’s “Chari-Tease” — a burlesque night for good that’s part dance class, part dazzling show, and all heart. Hosted by burlesque pro Mallory Stallings, this July 9th event kicks off with an accessible hour-long class, then explodes into a sultry, playful performance at The Rock. Take the class and you can even strut your stuff on stage. For just $15 (or whatever you...

A former church treasurer, Latrise Seward, is facing serious accusations of stealing over $400,000 from Mechanicsville United Methodist Church between 2018 and late 2025—using her access to bank accounts to make unauthorized personal purchases. Seward reportedly admitted to the theft, shattering community trust in a place of worship. She’s currently in custody as authorities continue their investi...

Thirty-nine-year-old Mario Juan has pleaded guilty to abusive sexual contact with a child under twelve, an incident that occurred in 2015 while he was employed at the Head Start Program in Sells. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Arizona announced the guilty plea, with sentencing scheduled for October 8th, potentially carrying life in prison and heavy fines. The FBI’s Tucson office, alongside the Toho...

Tucson’s Riton Optics was shattered by masked thieves on June 21st, who stole nearly $40,000 in tactical gear—including scopes, compressors, and test firearms—caught on camera by the store’s own security. The footage helped cops nab 46-year-old James Myers, a repeat offender tied to a similar break-in three years ago. Staff say this isn’t an isolated incident, with local businesses banding togethe...

Three senators, including Mark Kelly, unveil the Aging with Artificial Intelligence Act — a bipartisan bill to study how AI affects older adults and caregivers. Focused on combating loneliness and supporting independence, the legislation tasks the National Academies with researching AI’s impact on daily life, communication, and care — while also examining risks like scams, fraud, and over-reliance...

Former UA basketball star Kerr Kriisa is facing federal wire fraud charges alleging he swindled over $2 million by impersonating people—including his own mother—via texts and emails, even threatening victims with violence and offering to sell his organs to repay debts. The case has ballooned into a sprawling investigation, with prosecutors sealing 15,000 documents spanning 50,000 pages, hinting at...

An 18-month-old boy nearly drowned at a Super Bowl party in Gilbert, Arizona, and was declared dead by Dr. A. Toosi at Mercy Gilbert Medical Center — but signs of life persisted, including a pulse and chest movement, even as the doctor insisted he was doing his job. Hours later, the child was found alive and flown to Phoenix Children’s Hospital, now requiring lifelong care. The family plans to sue...

Arizona’s primary election is live—vote by mail must arrive by 7 PM on July 21, early in-person voting ends July 17. New tools like Arizona.vote help track your ballot. Independents can still vote by choosing a party’s ballot at the polls. Provisional ballots (if your name’s not on the roster) are still counted—just take a few extra days for verification. Bring a valid ID to vote in person, and si...