Jill Ryan

Gage Skidmore/ CC BY 2.0 Arizona state Rep. Justin Heap in 2023. Sitting before Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs is a bill that could vastly expand Arizona's castle doctrine.

A bill introduced in the U.S. House this week would set aside an additional $2 billion to address affordable housing in Phoenix and other fast-growing metro areas around the country.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has awarded nearly $55 million in additional border-related funds to two Arizona counties and two organizations.

Billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott recently awarded million-dollar grants to more than 300 groups across the country that help people with the greatest need.

Phoenix is implementing its annual open-fire ban in the city’s desert parks and mountain preserves starting May 1.City officials say the ban also applies to smoking and charcoal fires.They say propane or gas grills may be used, but only in established picnic areas.The ban does not apply to the city's flatland parks.Maricopa County’s open fire ban also goes into effect May 1.

Phoenix has had its first 100 degree day, reaching that mark for the first time in 2024 on Sunday.

Flagstaff has been leasing farmable land in its Urban Farm Incubator program since 2018. Now that program is expanding, with the goal of promoting sustainable farm practices in an urban setting.

Arizona Snowbowl Arizona Snowbowl opened for the season on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023.

Arizona continues to have some of the worst per-pupil education spending in the country.Data recently released by the U.S. Census Bureau shows the state spends, on average, about $10,000 per student — while the national average exceeds $15,000.

Jimmy Jenkins/KJZZ The Gilbert Police Department The Gilbert Town Council unanimously voted to approve a request for $2.3 million in contingency funds after the police department went over budget.