Arenas Charged in Poker Probe

Former NBA star Gilbert Arenas, who played at the University of Arizona, was among six people charged with allegedly operating high-stakes poker games at his California mansion.

Arenas posted on social media that he wasn’t involved and “just rented the house.”

He posted a $50,000 bond after pleading not guilty. His trial was set for Sept. 23.

Accused co-conspirator Yevgeni Gershman, a suspected high-ranking member of an Israeli transnational crime group, faces additional charges.

Wildfire Now 10th Largest in State History

The Dragon Bravo Fire now ranks as the 10th largest wildfire in Arizona history, having scorched more than 100,000 acres near the Grand Canyon since July 4. 

The lightning-caused blaze was 9% contained as of early Thursday. You can track the fire here.

Arizona’s largest wildfire since 2021, the fire destroyed the Grand Canyon Lodge in mid-July and now threatens the Kaibab Lodge after surging by 20,000 acres on Tuesday due to dry, windy conditions.

The biggest wildfire in state history was the 2011 Wallow Fire near Alpine, which scorched more than 522,000 acres and produced smoke visible from space.

JCPenney Stores to Stay Open After Sale

More than 100 JCPenney stores, including four in Arizona, will change ownership after a $947 million all-cash deal.

All of the stores will remain open. Three of the four Arizona stores are located in the Phoenix Valley, with the fourth in Yuma. 

The sale of the 119-store portfolio to a Massachusetts-based investor is expected to be finalized in September.

Nationally, JCPenney operates about 650 stores. See the full list of stores sold.

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➤ Marana: New high school Marana Vista Academy will provide students with personalized learning options as educators seek innovative ways to overcome the state’s low test scores and high dropout rates. (Watch)

➤ Maricopa County: Two judges have recused themselves from a decade-old, high-profile murder case due to personal ties with involved parties. (More)

➤ Dewey: A 58-year-old air conditioning technician died from heat exposure after working in an attic that reached 150 degrees. (More)

➤ Grand Canyon: Authorities are seeking information on a missing New Jersey man after his car was found in a South Rim parking lot. (Photo) 

➤ Sierra Vista: Local business and community leaders welcomed students for the new school year at the ninth-annual 100 Men in Suits event. (Photos)

➤ Tombstone: The town on Aug. 8-10 will host a series of tribute events honoring the late Val Kilmer, known for his iconic role as Doc Holliday in the film Tombstone. (Details)

➤ The Arizona Diamondbacks traded star third baseman Eugenio Suarez to the Mariners, receiving three prospects in return. (More)

➤ The Phoenix Suns will play two preseason games in China this October, both against the Brooklyn Nets. (More)

➤ A study found that the University of Arizona football stadium charges some of the highest prices for beer in the country, with two drinks costing fans $27 on average. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: MLB | Soccer | WNBA | PGA | LPGA

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➤ Metro Phoenix’s median home price was down 0.2% in June from a year earlier, to $451,100, continuing a trend of flat or slightly lower prices this year after big gains in 2024. (More)

➤ Land developer Vermaland unveiled plans for a $33 billion, 3,300-acre data center park in Pinal County as Arizona rises to fourth in the nation for data center inventory. (Details)

➤ A 1.5-acre Paradise Valley lot—located in the exclusive 12-estate Silver Sky community near Mummy Mountain—sold for $5 million in less than 48 hours. (Photos)

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➤ Three current and former homeless residents in Glendale filed a lawsuit challenging a 2022 panhandling ban, claiming the ordinance violates First Amendment rights. (Watch)

➤ San Tan Valley nonprofit Manes and Miracles uses equine therapy to help disabled children improve balance, core strength, flexibility, and emotional regulation. (Watch)

➤ University of Arizona student Liam Norris turned a LEGO internship into a full-time job after his How to Train Your Dragon design was approved for production. He starts as a model designer on Sept. 1. (Watch)

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Do panhandling restrictions violate First Amendment rights?

1. Yes
2. No
3. No opinion

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