Community News
Sunday, May 3, 2026 · Apache County
Hobbs Signs Ag-to-Urban Bill to Conserve 10M Acre-Feet in Arizona
Gov. Katie Hobbs approved Senate Bill 1611, launching a voluntary program letting farmers in Phoenix and Pinal County sell water rights to developers for efficient urban growth. The bipartisan deal promises to save nearly 10 million acre-feet of water amid Arizona's drought crisis. This marks the biggest groundwater conservation push since the 1980 Groundwater Management Act.
Chandler Cracks Down on Drink Spiking with New Misdemeanor Ordinance
Chandler's City Council unanimously passed a groundbreaking ordinance criminalizing the unconsented spiking of food and drinks, aiming to bolster safety in East Valley nightlife. Effective May 24, the class 1 misdemeanor targets acts falling short of state felony thresholds. Local leaders say it restores public trust in bars and restaurants amid rising tampering concerns.
Sunday, May 3, 2026
El Mirage mourns 17-year-old Ashtin Evans at neighborhood vigil
Family and friends gathered near Thunderbird Road in El Mirage to remember Ashtin Evans, a 17-year-old killed in the neighborhood where he grew up. The vigil comes as police continue their active investigation into the shooting death.
Sunday, May 3, 2026
Buckeye Brush Fire Contained at 275 Acres Near River Bottom
Firefighters battled a stubborn brush fire in Buckeye's river bottom that scorched 275 acres before containment on Saturday. No homes were lost and no injuries reported, but Highway 85 shut down temporarily amid heavy smoke. The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management now leads mopping-up efforts.
Sunday, May 3, 2026