MONDAY, APRIL 14, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1952, Tucson gained access to view four television channels. This photo shows a closed-circuit TV at the University of Arizona in 1958.

As temperatures reached record highs over the weekend, video footage captured an elephant at the Phoenix Zoo doing its best to keep cool. Meanwhile, a recreation area closed temporarily due to the heat’s dangerous effects. See more in Top Stories.

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Deadly Heat Forces Trail Closures

One hiker died and 33 others required rescuing amid extreme heat, leading to the temporary weekend closure of two hiking trails in the Lake Mead National Recreation Area.

Authorities closed the Arizona Hot Springs Trail and Goldstrike Trail, saying many hikers were not adequately prepared as the temperature approached 100 degrees.

Last week, one hiker died of a suspected heat-related illness while five others in the same group were evacuated by helicopter for heat distress.

The next day, 28 adults and students on a school hike were rescued. A school official denied allegations that the group wasn’t prepared.

Gabby Petito’s Father Aids Search

Joe Petito and David Robinson, the fathers of Gabby Petito and Daniel Robinson, are teaming to renew attention on Daniel’s disappearance from a Buckeye work site in 2021. Watch.

Gabby Petito’s disappearance drew national attention after she went missing and was found murdered in Wyoming. The fathers first met at an event in Phoenix.

On Saturday, Joe Petito was one of about 50 volunteers who took part in Robinson’s ongoing search for his son. Buckeye police and the Arizona Rangers helped.

“I’m his father, so I’m gonna be here always to make sure that I’m continuing to fight, and advocating for him,” David Robinson said.

Lawmakers Seek to Bypass Voters

The state House advanced a bill that would keep Scottsdale voters from rejecting a deal to build a global headquarters for tech company Axon. Watch.

The proposed 2026 public referendum would block development of the $1.2 billion project, including 1,900 apartments and condos near the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.

Critics of the House bill say the measure would undercut local control, while supporters argue the project is too important to delay.

The House bill still must gain the approval of the state Senate and Gov. Katie Hobbs, who has not weighed in on the issue.

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➤ Tucson: Two paratroopers were injured at Hi Corbett Field after suffering hard landings during a pre-game military appreciation ceremony on Saturday. (Watch)

➤ Phoenix: Twelve people were displaced from their homes after two separate house fires over the weekend. (More)

➤ Somerton: The Yuma school district voted unanimously to fire a Somerton cheerleading coach who allowed a male student to change in the girls’ locker room. (Watch)

➤ Ash Fork: A former firefighter was sentenced to five years in prison for arson after starting four structure fires and four wildfires. (Watch)

➤ Tempe: Arizona state superintendent Tom Horne notified the Kyrene School District that the district will lose more than $1 million in funding for adopting a policy that “further embeds diversity, equity, and inclusion language.” (More)

➤ Prescott: Construction is scheduled to restart today on a road widening and improvement project along a two-mile segment of State Route 69. (Details)

➤ The Arizona Diamondbacks rallied for five runs in the bottom of the ninth inning for a 5-4 walk-off win over Milwaukee on Saturday. (Watch)

➤ Patrick Peterson will visit Tempe today to announce his retirement. The cornerback spent 10 years with the Arizona Cardinals, making eight straight Pro Bowls from 2011-2018. (More)

➤ The Phoenix Suns snapped an eight-game losing streak with their win over San Antonio. (More)

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➤ Luxury electric vehicle company Lucid Group will acquire select facilities and assets formerly belonging to Arizona-based Nikola Corporation, which went bankrupt. (Details)

➤ Home Depot will move forward with plans to build a store in Buckeye after spending $7.7 million for 11.14 acres at the Buckeye Commons shopping center. (More)

➤ Phoenix City Council approved an agreement with Denver-based Aardex Corp. to restore the historic Gilbert-Pratt building in downtown Phoenix. (More)

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➤ Goodyear police released an artificial intelligence-generated photo of a suspect in the April 4 attempted kidnapping of a 14-year-old girl outside an elementary school. (Watch)

➤ Maricopa County unveiled an interactive map designed to relay real-time information about natural disasters, serious crimes, and other events. (Map)

➤ Pinal County invites residents to take part in Dark Sky Lights Out on April 21. Participants are asked to turn off all lights between 8:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. to enjoy the night sky. (Details)

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