Arizona Lawmaker Cecilia Velasquez Indicted for Food-Stamp Fraud

A state grand jury has indicted Arizona Democratic lawmaker Cecilia “Ceci” Velasquez for allegedly ripping off the federal food-stamp program. Unsealed on Wednesday but signed on May 23, the indictment charges Velasquez, 42, with one felony count each of fraudulent schemes and practices, unlawful use of food stamps, and theft…

Congressman Says Legal Weed Would Help Minorities and Enrich Arizona’s Economy

Arizona Congressman Ruben Gallego declared his support for an anticipated marijuana-legalization initiative on Monday, saying it would help minorities and the economy. The 36-year-old Iraq War veteran and Democrat who represents Arizona’s Seventh Congressional District has supported legalization for years. As a member of the state House of Representatives in…

10 Ways Arizona’s Scorching Summer Heat Can Kill You

Once again, Arizona’s searing summer sun has turned deadly.  Over this past weekend, record-breaking heat across the state claimed the lives of at least four hikers. On Sunday, temperatures reached 118 degrees, melting Phoenix’s previous record for the date (115 degrees, set in 1968), and making Sunday the fifth-hottest day on record…

Donald Trump’s Rally in Phoenix Was Kind of a Bust

You know what they say: Fourth time’s…a bust? Donald Trump’s rally on Saturday at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Phoenix was perhaps most notable for being nothing special. With promises of protesters and biker-gang militias patrolling the parking lot, the afternoon event seemed poised to become yet another headline-grabbing Arizona…

Liquid Asset: Bottling Water in Phoenix Actually Makes Sense

Cady Gokey understands the concerns some people have about bottled-water plants in drought-stricken Phoenix. But she also knows what people want: a cool drink of bottled water. As president of Sedona Bottling Company, the 28-year-old oversees a small water factory in a nondescript West Phoenix industrial park. The 20-year-old company…

Pro-Pot Campaign Unveils Father’s Day-Themed Billboard

A group that wants to legalize marijuana in Arizona unveiled a Father’s Day-themed billboard on Thursday that urges regulation in order to keep cannabis out of kids’ hands. “Please, card my son,” reads the digital billboard on the southwest corner of Seventh and Lincoln streets. “Regulate the sale of marijuana…

Arizona Storm Chasers Gear Up for Monsoon Season

The North American Monsoon is officially upon us. For the next three months, Arizona will be prone to heavy downpours, flash floods, dust storms, dry lightning, perhaps even a tornado or two. While most residents will witness the weather from the relative safety of their homes, a handful of Arizona…

Feds Charge Phoenix Cop for Starting Wildfire with Tracer Rounds

Federal authorities have charged a Phoenix police officer and his cousin for setting off a wildfire near the ghost town of Cleator while target shooting with tracer ammunition. Tom Sario, who has worked as a Phoenix officer for nine years, “is currently working on a non-enforcement position,” says Sergeant Jonathan…