Climate change is significantly impacting the global coffee market, threatening the livelihoods of small-scale farmers in highland tropical regions. Rising temperatures could reduce suitable coffee-growing areas by 50%, posing risks to national economies in countries like Mexico, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Brazil, India, and Madagascar. Experts suggest that sustainable farming methods, such as vertical farming, hydroponic systems, and rewilding, could help mitigate these effects. However, these methods are costly and may not be feasible for small-scale farmers. The development of climate-resilient coffee seed varieties and new irrigation technologies are also being explored. The article highlights the need for immediate adaptations to ensure the future of coffee farming.

Four-year-old Audrey Hughes from Gilbert, Arizona, celebrated her final chemotherapy treatment at Cardon Children's Medical Center in Mesa after a yearlong battle with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of cancer. Diagnosed at age 3, Audrey underwent surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Despite the challenges, including the possibility of losing the ability to walk, Audrey remained positive and is now tumor-free according to an April scan. Her family, Ira and Melissa Hughes, have been by her side throughout the journey, which they have documented on a blog. The hospital staff, who have grown fond of Audrey's playful spirit, celebrated her last treatment with her. Audrey will continue to have follow-up scans every three months, with a significant scan on August 25 to determine if the cancer has been entirely removed.

California Connections Academy North Bay, an online public school, celebrated the graduation of over 20 high school seniors at a ceremony in Stockton. The event featured speeches from Ripon Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Ziggy Robeson and student speaker Lily Eiselt. Salutatorian Nathan Faber, who graduated a year early, plans to attend Sacramento City College. The school serves students across several counties and offers a rigorous curriculum, including AP courses and various extracurricular activities. Enrollment for the next school year is currently open.

Phoenix police were investigating a robbery in the 3700 block of East Fillmore Street early Tuesday morning. A man reported injuries, and the robbers fled the area, according to Officer James Holmes, Phoenix police spokesman.

The northwest Valley of metro Phoenix experienced rainfall on Thursday after days of dry weather, with about an inch of rain falling near Sun City West within an hour. The Arizona Department of Transportation reported storm clouds forming, and the National Weather Service issued a flood advisory for parts of Maricopa County, including Surprise and Beardsley, expiring at 7:30 p.m. Temperatures are expected to rise over the weekend, bringing hot and dry conditions.

Mikel Martin, 25, has been arrested for allegedly committing murder and arson at a Tempe apartment following a Craigslist meetup. Martin is accused of dousing an unconscious Martin Valenzuela with alcohol, setting the room on fire, and blocking the exit. Valenzuela, 27, was rescued but succumbed to his injuries. Police tracked Martin through stolen items sold to pawn shops. Martin faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder and arson. He has a prior criminal record, including child abuse and theft convictions.

Four rescued baby owls, nurtured by Liberty Wildlife and the Arizona Game and Fish Department, were successfully released into the wild at Robbins Butte Wildlife Area. The owls, initially found after their mother was shot, were raised by a foster mother owl named Maggie. The release event was marked by favorable weather conditions and the presence of volunteers and officials who had cared for the owls. The program, which has been ongoing for years, has seen significant success in rehabilitating and releasing birds back into their natural habitat.

A Gilbert man, Roberto Padilla, fell asleep at the wheel and crashed his vehicle into the side of a train in Pinal County. The incident occurred on Arizona Farms Road, where safety arms and flashing lights were active. Padilla attempted to brake but was too late, resulting in his truck spinning into a railroad control box and his ejection from the vehicle. He was transported to a local emergency room, and no one on the train was injured. Padilla will be cited for the collision.

Two detention officers at the Pinal County Sheriff's Adult Detention Center were injured during an assault by inmates Ismael Martinez and Fabian Mendivil. The attack occurred during a routine security check. One officer sustained a broken ankle and nose, while the other had injuries to his hands and wrists. Both inmates now face felony charges of aggravated assault and are in segregated custody. Martinez was treated for a head injury sustained during the arrest.

A Phoenix mother, Natalie Russell, is charged with first-degree murder and child abuse after her 22-month-old daughter, Adalynn Russell, died from toxic levels of methadone and methamphetamines. The mother allegedly gave her daughter methamphetamines to counteract methadone the toddler had consumed. The child received no medical attention until found unresponsive the next day. Adalynn's siblings were placed under the care of the Arizona Department of Child Safety.

As schools in Tempe, Arizona, resume classes, the Tempe Police Department is increasing patrols to enforce traffic laws and ensure pedestrian safety in school zones. The department's safety campaign, in partnership with local schools, aims to raise awareness among parents, students, and the community about responsible driving and pedestrian behavior. Fines for violations such as jaywalking and speeding in school zones are highlighted, and safety tips for drivers, children, and teens are provided.

Chalice Renee Zeitner, 31, was found guilty of multiple fraud-related charges, including theft, money laundering, and identity theft, for defrauding veterans' organizations. Zeitner falsely claimed to be a Marine Corps veteran and used her fabricated status to scam Veterans Hope and Armed Forces Racing out of tens of thousands of dollars. She also accrued over $25,000 in credit-card debt using stolen personal information. Zeitner had previously been convicted of fraud for faking a cancer diagnosis to obtain a state-funded abortion in 2010. Sentencing for both cases is scheduled for August and September.

Monsoon weather conditions could either aid or hinder efforts to control the Point Fire burning in Coconino National Forest near Sedona. There is a 38 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, which could bring both rain and lightning. Favorable weather and helicopter water drops have helped limit the fire's growth, which is now 30 percent contained after burning 191 acres. Ground crews are working to prevent the fire from spreading into larger areas, though rugged terrain poses challenges. The fire, caused by lightning on June 20, has led to the closure of Munds Mountain Trail and Jack Canyon Trail.

Phoenix fire crews rescued four hikers from Camelback Mountain and Piestewa Peak due to heat-related illnesses. A woman, a 12-year-old boy, and a man were flown off Camelback Mountain, while a 33-year-old man was assisted down Piestewa Peak. The hikers were evaluated, and one signed a refusal for further treatment.

Thandika Taweh Singleton pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and solicitation to commit possession of marijuana for sale in connection with the 2010 killing of Chandler police officer Carlos Ledesma during a drug deal. Singleton's sentencing is scheduled for August 22. The incident involved a reverse drug sting operation by Chandler police, resulting in multiple arrests and the death of Detective Ledesma. Other suspects, including Darnell Reuna Jackson, John Howard Webber, Jerry Wayne Cockhearn Jr., Eldridge Auzzele Gittens, Christopher Paul Gonzales, Corey Royalty, and Anthony Jerome Wright, were also arrested and faced various charges.

Two toddlers were rescued from hot cars in separate incidents in Avondale. In the first case, a 2-year-old boy was freed by Avondale police after being locked in a car for about five minutes and was released to his parents. In the second incident, a 3-year-old boy was taken to Phoenix Children's Hospital in stable condition after being locked in a car for about 20 minutes. The boy's father had waited for AAA before calling 911. Both rescues involved breaking the car windows to free the children.

Haley Villalobos, a 16-year-old student, is motivated to join law enforcement despite recent police shootings and public animosity. She attends the Goodyear Teen Police Academy, which aims to build community trust through hands-on experiences. School Resource Officer Don Host emphasizes the importance of positive relationships between police and youth. Alex Bobian, another participant, aspires to be a K-9 unit officer and hopes to foster peace and understanding about law enforcement's role.

A 17-year-old hiker from Tempe died and two other teens were injured after a lightning strike on Humphreys Peak. The Coconino County Sheriff's Office received a distress call around 12:50 p.m. Emergency personnel reached the hikers by 4 p.m., and the injured were hospitalized by 5:30 p.m. The deceased was identified as Wade Young, a Corona Del Sol grad. The National Weather Service issued safety advice for lightning storms, emphasizing that no outdoor area is safe during such events.

An unknown odor from a burned-out condenser in a drinking fountain led to the evacuation of Gilbert Municipal Court, sending four people to hospitals and causing nausea and headaches in six individuals. The court was evacuated around 3:30 p.m. and reopened by 4 p.m. after hazmat crews cleared the area.

Higher humidity and rain have slowed the growth of the Fuller Fire on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, which has tripled in size since Friday. The fire, ignited by lightning on June 29, has grown to over 13,685 acres and remains zero percent contained. Firefighting crews are conducting burnout operations to prevent the fire from spreading into critical areas. Authorities highlight the ecological benefits of the fire, which is burning through areas that haven't seen fire in decades. Light smoke from the fire may spread to nearby regions, and several trails and roads remain closed.

A home in southwest Mesa, Arizona, was destroyed by a fire caused by a lightning strike. The occupants, a couple and their three dogs, safely evacuated. The Mesa Fire and Medical Department responded, with assistance from Tempe, Chandler, and Gilbert fire departments, and had the fire under control in 45 minutes. No injuries were reported, and the couple received assistance. Mesa Fire provided safety tips following the incident.

Glendale police reported that Wanda Jolene Cuzick, an 86-year-old woman with advanced dementia, heart disease, and hypertension, who had been missing for several hours, was found safe. She was last seen at a Walmart on 83rd Avenue wearing a purple shirt and white pants. Surveillance footage showed her entering a white, two-door sedan. She was located after 5:30 p.m.

The Surprise Police Department is seeking public assistance in locating Wyatt McClure, a 16-year-old runaway. McClure is described as 5'8", approximately 145 pounds, with blonde hair and brown eyes. His last known attire includes a black T-shirt, Nike shorts, and red Converse shoes.

A lightning-caused wildfire on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon has grown to 11,382 acres and is burning out of control. Hundreds of firefighters are working to contain the blaze, which has led to the closure of several hiking trails and roads. The fire's spread is being managed using natural features and roads, with efforts focused on protecting resources while allowing the fire to spread naturally where safe. Light to moderate smoke is expected to affect nearby areas, including Page, Kayenta, and parts of the Navajo Reservation.

A 70-year-old woman named Linda Schleizer, who suffers from severe Alzheimer's disease, has been reported missing near Ash Fork. She was last seen outside her home on Saturday afternoon. The Coconino County Sheriff's Office, along with other local agencies, is conducting a search for her. Schleizer is described as 5-foot-6, 108 pounds, with brown hair and hazel eyes, and was last seen wearing a burnt orange shirt, purple shorts, gray Skechers tennis shoes, and prescription glasses. She tends to withdraw or have panic attacks when stressed and will not respond to her name when called.

Over 500 firefighters are combating a 5,940-acre wildfire on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon National Park, which started from a lightning strike two weeks prior. The fire has prompted closures of Cape Royal and Point Imperial roads, but the North Rim lodge, visitor center, and campground remain open. The fire's expansion, fueled by hot, dry winds and low humidity, has led to firefighter withdrawals and requests for reinforcements. The fire, which began on July 29, is burning through an area previously affected by the 2000 Outlet Fire and is currently zero percent contained. Smoke from the fire has caused a health alert in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and is visible from various locations including Kanab, Utah, and Marble Canyon, Arizona. Efforts are focused on containing the fire to specific boundaries, and several trails and roads are closed, while some areas remain open.

A crash blocked westbound lanes on Interstate 40 at Milepost 90 between Kingman and Seligman, causing delays expected to continue through Sunday morning. Traffic is being diverted to the shoulder, with delays ranging from 60 to 90 minutes. Eastbound lanes remain open.

A new website, theveteransdirectory.org, created by a Phoenix non-profit, offers resources and connections to community services and programs for Arizona veterans and their families. The site aims to ease the transition from military to civilian life by providing information on jobs, classes, financial, legal, real estate, community service, and health resources. The project, led by Danita Rios, was inspired by a Vietnam War Marine veteran and launched in May after four years of preparation. The Kemper and Ethel Marley Foundation, along with private contributors, provided financial assistance.

A 3-year-old boy was rescued from a pool at a Casa Grande residence and revived after being unresponsive. The incident occurred around 1:32 p.m. on Thursday, and the child was initially treated by firefighters before being taken to Banner Casa Grande Regional Medical Center. After regaining a pulse and breathing, he was transported to Phoenix Children's Hospital for further evaluation.

The Phoenix Police Department released a new sketch of the serial street shooter based on new information. The shooter has been linked to six deaths in the Maryvale area and additional shootings in Phoenix. Authorities, including the FBI and U.S. Marshals, are involved in the investigation. A reward of $30,000 is offered for information leading to an arrest. Victims include Krystal Annette White, Diego Verdugo-Sanchez, Horacio De Jesus Pena, Manuel Castro Garcia, Angela Linner, Stefanie Ellis, and her daughter Maleah Ellis.

The Phoenix Police Department released a new sketch of the serial street shooter based on new information. The shooter has been linked to six deaths in the Maryvale area and additional shootings in Phoenix. Authorities, including the FBI and U.S. Marshals, are involved in the investigation. A reward of $30,000 is offered for information leading to an arrest.

The Phoenix Police Department released a new sketch of the suspected serial street shooter, created after new information emerged. The shooter has been linked to six deaths in the Maryvale area and additional shootings in Phoenix. Authorities, including the FBI and ATF, are involved in the investigation. A reward of $30,000 is offered for information leading to an arrest.

Phoenix police responded to a shooting at a trailer park near 32nd Street and McDowell Road. A man in his 20s was shot in the right arm during an altercation and suffered a non-life-threatening injury. The shooter fled the scene in a maroon-colored vehicle with two other occupants. Police are investigating the incident and trying to determine the relationship between the victim and the shooter.

Mahin Atif Khan, an 18-year-old from Tucson, pleaded not guilty to state terrorism charges in Maricopa County Superior Court. He faces two felony terrorism-related charges and a felony charge of manufacturing, possessing, or selling a prohibited weapon. The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force arrested Khan on July 1 after intercepting his communications about potential targets, including an Air Force recruitment center. Khan's next court appearance is scheduled for July 19, with a bond hearing set for September 19.

Skeletal remains found by a rancher in northern Arizona may be linked to a 2013 Glendale murder involving Jacob Lee Medina, a person of interest in the case. The remains, discovered along with clothing, boots, a pack, and a handgun, were found south of State Route 89A. A work shirt in the pack connected the remains to the 2013 murder of Fernando 'Frankie' Portilla. Medina, last seen on April 17, 2013, was reported missing shortly after Portilla's death. Authorities had previously found an abandoned truck linked to the murder investigation in the same area.

A bike-riding armed robber held up a Peoria AM/PM convenience store early Saturday. The man, described as 35 to 45 years old, pointed a gun at the clerk, demanded the register money, and fled with the cash on a bicycle. He was wearing black Chuck Taylor Converse shoes, khaki pants, a white long-sleeve shirt under a black T-shirt, and his face was covered with a black bandanna. Peoria police are seeking information from the public.

Four-year-old Audrey Hughes from Gilbert, after a yearlong battle with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare form of cancer, is going home tumor-free. Diagnosed at age 3 with cancer in her brain and spine, she underwent surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Despite the severity of her condition, Audrey maintained a positive and playful attitude. Her final chemotherapy treatment was celebrated at Cardon Children's Medical Center in Mesa, with nurses dressing up and clapping in celebration. Audrey's parents, Ira and Melissa Hughes, expressed relief and hope for their daughter's future. Follow-up scans will continue every three months, with a significant scan scheduled for August 25 to determine if the cancer has been entirely removed.

E. coli levels at Butcher Jones Beach have returned to normal ranges after previously testing positive for high levels of the bacteria. Weekly water-quality tests confirmed the bacteria levels are now within recommended limits, according to Tonto National Forest spokeswoman Carrie Templin. The advisory signs placed at the beach have been removed, though the advisory did not apply to other nearby water recreation areas. The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office had closed access to the area over the Fourth of July weekend due to capacity.

Despite a significant increase in traffic stops over the July Fourth weekend, DUI arrests in Arizona remained nearly the same as the previous year, with 488 arrests compared to 486 last year. The Arizona Governor's Office of Highway Safety reported a rise in citations for various traffic violations, including aggressive driving and seat-belt violations. The increase in traffic stops of sober designated drivers suggests growing responsible driver awareness, potentially influenced by the popularity of ride services like Uber and Lyft.

Two bodies were discovered in a south Scottsdale apartment following a welfare check by Scottsdale police. The deaths are being treated as suspicious, but authorities do not believe there is any threat to the community. The identities and details of the deceased have not been disclosed, and detectives are investigating the scene.

Mahin Atif Khan, an 18-year-old from Tucson, was arrested by the FBI for seeking a pressure-cooker bomb recipe and weapons, and discussing potential targets, including an Air Force recruitment center. Court documents reveal Khan's communications with a member of Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and his intentions to carry out terrorist activities. The FBI and Arizona Attorney General's Office confirmed no additional suspects or current threats. Khan's next court appearance is scheduled for July 12.

William Nelson, 58, was arrested on suspicion of intent to commit murder, aggravated assault, and assault on law enforcement officers after allegedly shooting at his ex-wife's car. He was held without bond after being released from a Flagstaff hospital. The incident occurred on State Route 169, and Nelson was apprehended by deputies on State Route 260. The deputy who shot Nelson was placed on administrative leave.

Glendale police arrested three teens in connection with the shooting death of 18-year-old Phoenix resident Brenner 'Justin' Anderson during a drug robbery. The suspects, Salem Ornelas, Talmontrai Taylor, and a 17-year-old girl, were apprehended after investigators used social media and surveillance to identify and locate them. Anderson was shot during a planned marijuana sale and later died in the hospital. The suspects were booked at Maricopa County jail and Durango Juvenile Court.

Phoenix Fire Department used the 'Big Wheel' to rescue an uninjured but disoriented woman from South Mountain's Ridgeline Trail. The woman exhibited symptoms of heat illness. A bystander who assisted in locating the woman was also evaluated.

The U.S. 60 lanes near Bell Road have reopened following a head-on collision involving a minivan and a Jeep. The incident, reported around 9:36 a.m., resulted in the victims being transported for medical attention with no life-threatening injuries. Both directions of the U.S. 60 at milepost 143 were temporarily closed, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

A man, William Nelson, was shot by Yavapai County deputies after he fired at his estranged wife's vehicle and then confronted officers with a handgun. The incident occurred late Saturday night, and Nelson was subsequently taken to Flagstaff Medical Center with a non-life-threatening injury. The Yavapai County Sheriff's Office is investigating the case.

Several swimming holes in the Tonto National Forest, which had been closed due to capacity issues, have reopened. The Butcher Jones area was found to have high levels of E. coli bacteria, prompting the placement of advisory signs for swimmers. The signs will remain until E. coli levels meet the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality standards.

A silver alert for Farrell Lester, a 61-year-old Mesa man suffering from anxiety, depression, and fear, was cancelled. Lester, last seen near Thomas and Recker roads in Mesa, had been missing since Saturday morning. He is described as a 5'11" male, weighing about 155 lbs., with white hair, a white mustache, and brown eyes. Lester, who has lost significant weight recently, is known to walk into the desert area behind a fire station to alleviate pain. He can become confused but knows his name and is afraid of police.

The Scottsdale Police Department cancelled a silver alert for 76-year-old Carol Harris, who has advanced Alzheimer's, after locating her near 48th Street and Osborn Road on Sunday morning. She was transported to a hospital for evaluation. Harris, who has a history of wandering, was last seen on Saturday afternoon and was found without cash, credit cards, or a cell phone. The police provided a description and noted her tendency to wander, often by bus, and her family mentioned she would not remember her home address.

A man was shot in a fight with four others in Maryvale late Thursday, near the site of a vigil held earlier for five people recently slain in the community. The victim sustained a non-life-threatening injury. The suspects fled but three were apprehended by police, while one remains at large. The investigation is ongoing.

Brenner 'Justin' Anderson, 18, died from injuries sustained in a shooting at a Glendale apartment complex. The incident occurred late Wednesday night, and Anderson was driven to the hospital by a friend. Glendale police are investigating but have not identified suspects. They are seeking community assistance and encourage anyone with information to contact them or Silent Witness.

A South Phoenix man, Jose Miramon Moreno, was arrested for setting multiple fires inside and outside his residence using a propane blowtorch and gasoline. Neighbors alerted Phoenix police, leading to Moreno's arrest on suspicion of two counts of arson. Moreno admitted to using methamphetamines and setting the fires while under the influence. His bond was set at $25,000, with his next court date scheduled for July 8.

Horizon High School in Phoenix held a memorial service for Marrio Golden Jr., a recent graduate and football player who died from an acute asthma attack. The school is also mourning the recent deaths of Joe Smith in a car accident and Maya Schulder while hiking in Israel. The service included emotional tributes from coaches, students, and a letter from Marrio's father, highlighting Marrio's character and the impact of the losses on the community.

Salomon Diaz, a Snowflake resident, faces charges of first-degree murder and aggravated assault following a fatal shooting outside Holbrook courthouse. The incident, linked to a child-custody dispute, resulted in the deaths of Ashley Utley and Sherry Quintero-Davenport, and the injury of Angela Chambers. A $2 million bond was set for Diaz, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for July 8. The Navajo County Attorney's Office is handling the case, while the Department of Child Safety has taken custody of the children involved.

A man was found shot in his vehicle in central Phoenix early Thursday. Phoenix police discovered the victim near Roosevelt and 16th streets. The man, who was uncooperative with officers, was transported to a hospital for treatment of a non-life-threatening injury.

A custody battle in Holbrook led to a tragic shooting outside Navajo County Superior Court, resulting in the deaths of Ashley Utley and Sherry Quintero-Davenport, and the injury of Angela Chambers. Salomon Diaz, the paternal grandfather of the children involved, was arrested on suspicion of second-degree murder and aggravated assault. The incident prompted a swift response from multiple law enforcement agencies, and the Navajo County Homicide Task Force is continuing the investigation.

A 4-year-old girl in northeast Phoenix died after falling into a pool during a family party. Phoenix fire crews found her unconscious and transported her to Phoenix Children's Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The adults present were unaware she had left the house and entered the pool area. An investigation is ongoing.

A 55-year-old woman was found floating in a pool at a north Phoenix home and appears to have accidentally drowned. Neighbors attempted CPR, and Phoenix firefighters continued life-saving efforts but were unsuccessful. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

A Chandler man, Bradley David Cooper, was sentenced to 24 years in prison for sexual conduct with a minor and attempted molestation of a child. The sentencing, delivered by Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Warren Granville, also includes lifetime probation upon release. Cooper had driven a 14-year-old boy from Massachusetts to Chandler, engaging in sexual contact during the journey. The victim, now 16, described ongoing trauma and difficulties since the incident. Cooper expressed regret and accepted responsibility for his actions in court.

A large house in Laveen, Phoenix, was declared a 'total loss' after a first-alarm fire early Tuesday morning. Over 50 firefighters battled the blaze, which caused significant damage to the 3,700-square-foot house. Neighbors, believing the homeowners were away, alerted relatives who attempted to extinguish the fire before firefighters arrived. The fire, which caused the roof to collapse, is under investigation. No injuries were reported.

A woman in her 60s died at the scene of a T-bone collision early Monday at 19th Avenue and Pinnacle Peak Road in Phoenix. The crash involved a pickup and a sedan and occurred around 4:30 a.m. A man in his 50s was transported to a trauma center in serious but stable condition. The intersection was closed through the morning rush hour for investigation.

One westbound lane on Interstate 40 near the State Route 95 junction in western Arizona was reopened after a semitruck wreck closed the roadway early Monday. The crash occurred at Milepost 16.4, about 10 miles east of SR 95. There is no estimate for when the other westbound lanes will reopen. Eastbound I-40 remains open. Drivers are advised to delay travel or use alternate routes. The Arizona Department of Public Safety is handling the crash investigation.

The Peaks Fire, caused by lightning, has grown to 427 acres in the Four Peaks wilderness area, northeast of Apache Junction. The fire, which started on June 20, remains 0 percent contained and poses a danger to firefighters due to the steep, rugged terrain. Efforts are focused on monitoring the fire and protecting forest resources. Smoke may be visible from nearby areas, and several forest roads and trails have been closed. The fire's growth potential is rated low to moderate, but dry thunderstorms and stronger winds could increase activity.

Maricopa County animal shelter faces a $2 million budget shortfall, resulting in layoffs and restructuring. Eleven employees were laid off as part of cost-cutting measures. The shelter, which operates on revenue from licenses and enforcement fees, has been using its surplus for years and now faces financial pressure. The resignation of Assistant County Manager Rodrigo Silva, who oversaw shelter operations, has been linked to the budget issues. Animal rescue groups and volunteers have criticized the shelter's management, pointing to past medical mistakes and inadequate care. The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors had previously created a task force to recommend improvements.

A lightning-caused fire in the Four Peaks wilderness area has expanded to 40 acres since Monday night. Due to the remote location, steep terrain, and excessive heat, fire managers opted not to send crews into the area, instead monitoring the fire from the air and allowing it to move into accessible areas for fire line construction. Several trails and a section of road in the Tonto National Forest have been closed as a precaution, though there are no immediate threats to property.

Broadway Road west of Mill Avenue in Tempe was closed following a crash near Roosevelt Street. A vehicle failed to yield to oncoming traffic while turning into a private drive, resulting in a collision with a conversion van. Both drivers were hospitalized, with the turning vehicle's driver in critical condition and the van's driver sustaining non-life-threatening injuries. The road was closed for investigation.

A woman, Renee Tagliafero, was arrested and booked into the Yuma County Detention Center on suspicion of a hoax involving a suspicious backpack placed outside the Yuma Police Department. The backpack, found to contain non-threatening items, led to the evacuation of the building and the involvement of the Yuma County Sheriff's Department bomb squad. The Yuma Police Department is offering up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest in the ongoing investigation.

A suspicious package found outside the Yuma Police Department building on Thursday morning was determined not to pose a threat. The building was evacuated, but all emergency and non-emergency services have since returned to normal operations. Yuma police Sgt. Lori Franklin confirmed the situation in a statement.

DNA evidence led to the arrest of Thomas Daniel, a 27-year-old Quartzsite man, in connection with the 2012 death of Linda Garrett. Daniel was charged with first-degree murder and arson after a state grand jury indictment. Garrett, a longtime resident of Quartzsite, was found dead from stab wounds following a trailer fire. Daniel is being held in La Paz County jail on a $500,000 bond.

Crews responded to a blaze early Wednesday morning at an apparently abandoned house near 16th Street and Broadway Road in south Phoenix. Neighbors reported flames on the second floor, prompting crews to withdraw due to untenable conditions. The fire was extinguished and is under investigation, according to Phoenix Fire Department spokeswoman Capt. Reda Bigler.

An armed customer exchanged fire with a robber who held up two Phoenix convenience stores, injuring two clerks and the customer. The robber, wearing a red bandanna and armed with a handgun, first targeted a 7-Eleven and then a Circle K. All victims sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to local hospitals. Police are investigating the incidents.

Arizona law-enforcement officials made 44 arrests as part of Operation Broken Heart, a national initiative targeting child-sexual-exploitation offenders. The Arizona Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, led by the Phoenix Police Department, focused on suspects involved in child pornography and online enticement of children. Nationally, the operation resulted in approximately 1,370 arrests and included over 3,000 federal, state, and local law-enforcement agencies, which also conducted numerous Internet safety education programs.

A mulch fire on privately owned land near Surprise, Arizona, reported early Wednesday morning, may take several days to extinguish. The fire, located at 8800 N. Dysart Road, involves piles of decomposing debris. Fire crews from multiple departments, including Rural-Metro, El Mirage, Peoria, Luke Air Force Base, and Buckeye Valley, are responding. County air-quality officials are also on the scene. The cause of the fire is unknown, but spontaneous combustion is a possibility.

Highly trained explosives-detecting K-9 units are patrolling Valley Metro public transit and Phoenix events as part of a collaborative effort between the Phoenix Police Department, Transit Security Administration, Phoenix Transit Department, and Valley Metro. The initiative aims to deter bombing incidents and enhance public safety. The K-9s, owned by TSA and handled by Phoenix police officers, have received extensive training. Public response to the K-9 units has been overwhelmingly positive.

A 73-year-old former day-care worker, Lawrence Joseph Amaral, pleaded guilty to charges of sexual exploitation of a minor and amended sexual exploitation of a minor. He faces up to 10 years in prison and lifetime probation. Amaral was arrested in 2014 after child pornography was found on his home computer. He and his wife had worked at a day-care center in Glendale for over five years. Amaral admitted to his behavior and expressed a desire for help.

A wildfire, named the Peaks Fire, started around 8 p.m. on Monday in the Four Peaks wilderness area, about 30 miles north of Apache Junction. The cause of the fire is unknown, and it has covered an estimated two acres. Firefighters are facing challenges accessing the fire due to the rough and rocky terrain, with the fire continuing to burn on Tuesday near Browns Peak, according to Carrie Templin, a spokeswoman for the Bureau of Land Management.

Wind and weather conditions are exacerbating the Cedar Fire, which has consumed 14,000 acres on its southern perimeter. The fire, located on the Fort Apache Reservation, is now 20 percent contained, down from 40 percent over the weekend. Authorities expect the fire to grow by 2,500 acres daily over the next three days due to unstable air conditions, potential thunderstorms, increased humidity, and changing wind patterns. The fire has consumed a total of 35,877 acres, with 850 firefighters battling the blaze. Pre-evacuation notices remain in effect for Cedar Creek and other nearby communities.

Ismael Ochoa, 31, was arrested on suspicion of eight counts of animal cruelty after a neighbor's attempt to save a dying dog failed. Investigators found one dead dog and three others suffering from heat exhaustion on his property. Several live and dead chickens were also found without water or shelter. Ochoa, who had three outstanding warrants, was released on his own recognizance and is scheduled to appear in court on July 5.

A high-pollution advisory has been issued for metro Phoenix by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) due to expected ground ozone levels exceeding federal health standards. The advisory highlights the primary causes of particulate matter pollution, including gas-powered gardening equipment, construction activities, and wood fires. ADEQ advises limiting outdoor activities, especially for vulnerable groups, and recommends using public transit, carpooling, and refueling vehicles during cooler hours. Ground-level ozone, created through chemical reactions involving nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons, can irritate the respiratory system and exacerbate conditions like asthma.

Octavia Rogers, a Phoenix mother, pleaded not guilty to charges of premeditated first-degree murder for the deaths of her three sons, aged 8, 5, and 2 months, found stabbed in their home. Rogers, who was hospitalized with self-inflicted wounds, was indicted by a Maricopa County grand jury. Her family, expressing support, emphasized her love for her children. The case is ongoing, with Rogers scheduled to return to court in August.

A Starbucks in Peoria was robbed at gunpoint early in the morning. The suspect, described as a tall male wearing a trench coat and face cover, stole an unknown amount of money and fled on foot. No injuries were reported, and the police are investigating the incident.

A crash in south Tempe on Sunday night resulted in a woman sustaining life-threatening injuries and the male driver being arrested. The incident occurred around 10 p.m. when a white Dodge truck veered off Warner Road, hitting a tree and a block wall. The female passenger was ejected from the vehicle, while the driver fled the scene but was later apprehended. The driver faces felony hit-and-run charges, with DUI charges pending blood test results.

Isaiah McClure, 25, was arrested by Phoenix police on a charge of first-degree murder following a double shooting that resulted in the death of a man and critical injury of a woman. The incident occurred during an altercation near 55th and West Clarendon avenues. The male victim was pronounced dead at the scene, while the female victim was hospitalized in serious but stable condition. The victims' names have not been released pending notification of next-of-kin.