Ex-News Anchor Gets Prison Time

Former Phoenix television news anchor Stephanie Hockridge was sentenced to 10 years in prison for Paycheck Protection Program fraud tied to her and her husband’s startup company.

In June, a jury determined Hockridge and her husband, Nathan Reis, used their financial tech firm Blueacorn to process hundreds of thousands of fraudulent Covid-era federal loans.

In addition to the prison term, the judge ordered restitution of $64 million while denying both Hockridge’s request for a new trial and a staggered sentence with Reis, who is scheduled for sentencing next month.

Hockridge is expected to report to prison on Dec. 30.

County Reports Fewer Heat Deaths

Heat-related deaths in Maricopa County are down this year despite one of the hottest summers on record.

The county reported 333 confirmed heat deaths, with 152 more still under investigation, in a year when Phoenix experienced its fourth-hottest summer.

Officials credited expanded cooling centers, outreach teams, and partnerships with community groups for helping protect vulnerable residents. 

The deaths mostly involve older men, people with cardiovascular conditions, the homeless, and those using stimulants.

Mario Kart Meets Modern Living

A Mario Kart-themed apartment complex named Rainbow Road will open next week in downtown Phoenix.

The 12-sided, 36-unit building features colorful, angled windows, public art, a fitness area, and a restaurant, with each floor showcasing a different game-inspired palette.

Additional touches include sidewalk graphics, integrated lighting, and geometric patterns that reference the iconic track.

The project’s creative director, Zac Cohen, said the design offers a playful approach to enrich the city’s Arts District.

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➤ Casa Grande: A federal grand jury indicted Everardo Gregorio, 31, for allegedly burning down part of the Khal Chasidim synagogue in March. (Watch)

➤ Statewide: Confirmation of several cases of equine herpesvirus across the state prompted the cancellation of 10 horse shows and events. (Watch)

➤ Phoenix: Vanessa Hickman, a division chief in the state Attorney General’s office, resigned after allegedly selling about $40,000 worth of jewelry mistakenly delivered to her home. (More)

➤ Cave Creek: A group of residents voiced frustration over having to drive long distances to pick up their mail due to the U.S. Postal Service’s year-long delay in replacing broken mailboxes. (Watch)

➤ Show Low: A deputy rescued three people, including one in a wheelchair, after a medical transport van caught fire on State Route 77. (Watch) 

➤ Catalina State Park: A hiker with hypothermia symptoms was airlifted from the park Thursday morning, while two others were escorted out by rescue crews. (Photo)

➤ The Arizona Cardinals lost to Jacksonville 27-24 in overtime on Sunday, despite forcing four turnovers. (More)

➤ Rodney Rogers, a former Phoenix Suns forward and NBA Sixth Man of the Year, died at age 54. He had been paralyzed from the shoulders down since a dirt bike accident in November 2008. (More)

➤ Arizona State running back Raleek Brown rushed for 255 yards—the third-most in school history—as the No. 25 Sun Devils beat Colorado 42-17 on Saturday. (Highlights)

➤ After trailing 17-14 at halftime, Arizona football cruised to a 41-17 win over Baylor, aided by three forced turnovers. (Recap)

➤ A perfect season by Desert View High School in Tucson ended with a 36-28 playoff loss to Canyon View. (Watch)

➤ The NBA fined Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks $35,000 for directing inappropriate language at officials during Friday’s game against Minnesota. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NFL | NBA | NHL | PGA | LPGA | NCAAM | NCAAW | NCAAM Soccer | NCAAW Soccer | Soccer

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➤ Kevin McKenzie, former CEO of Apache Behavioral Health Services, was sentenced to 14 years in prison and ordered to pay $33 million in restitution for embezzlement. (More)

➤ Arizona Snowbowl opened its ski season in Flagstaff a day early after 47 inches of snow in a week, marking one of its best opening days in years. (Watch)

➤ A group of Page residents criticized a proposed $10 billion data center project approved for a feasibility study, citing potential impacts on the landscape, air, and water. (Watch)

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➤ Three-year-old Sterling Baker, nicknamed Popcorn Kid after his appearance on the Phoenix Suns Jumbotron went viral, received special VIP treatment during a subsequent appearance at Friday’s game. (Watch)

➤ Statewide: The state’s No Labels Party will change its name to the Arizona Independent Party. (Watch)

➤ Longtime Tucson cycling figure Ralph Phillips was honored at Saturday’s El Tour de Tucson for decades of contributions that include designing the event’s 102-mile course. (Watch)

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