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Nancy Guthrie case fuels true crime frenzy

Experts warn viral speculation could harm the investigation.

News

The disappearance of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="84-year-old Nancy Guthrie" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/02/02/savannah-guthrie-mother-missing-investigation" data-vars-content-id="fbdaecf3-e881-4ecb-bad9-53fa78ef2c6a" data-vars-headline="Nancy Guthrie case fuels true crime frenzy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/02/02/savannah-guthrie-mother-missing-investigation" target="_self">84-year-old Nancy Guthrie</a>, the mother of prominent NBC journalist Savannah Guthrie, has turned Tucson into America&#x27;s latest true crime obsession.The big picture: True crime — the nonfiction portrayal of real criminal activity — has exploded in popularity in recent decades in the form of social media streams, podcasts, TV series, news programming and more.

Feds "cannot delay action" on Colorado River

Federal officials appear likely to mandate new Colorado River guidelines after key missed deadline.

The seven Colorado River basin states missed a key <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="federal deadline to reach a new water usage agreement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/02/03/katie-hobbs-colorado-river-agreement-upper-basin-burgum-meeting" data-vars-content-id="415790b4-b7f7-4b27-a9d0-83320aaa4cf3" data-vars-headline="Feds &quot;cannot delay action&quot; on Colorado River" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/02/03/katie-hobbs-colorado-river-agreement-upper-basin-burgum-meeting" target="_self">federal deadline to reach a new water usage agreement</a>, and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is now likely to impose a solution of its own.Why it matters: The Central Arizona Project (CAP), which transports water from the Colorado River to the interior of the state, is likely to see serious cuts as the feds seek to manage the basin through a &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="megadrought" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/06/04/arizona-drought-water-cutbacks" data-vars-content-id="415790b4-b7f7-4b27-a9d0-83320aaa4cf3" data-vars-headline="Feds &quot;cannot delay action&quot; on Colorado River" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/06/04/arizona-drought-water-cutbacks" target="_self">megadrought</a>&quot; that&#x27;s persisted for more than 20 years.

Water worries are top of mind for Arizonans, poll shows

An annual poll on conservation in the West shows Arizonans are deeply concerned about water.

Water is a major concern across the American West and nowhere more so than in Arizona, according to a new poll.Why it matters: The numbers from the annual <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Conservation in the West poll" data-vars-click-url="https://www.coloradocollege.edu/other/stateoftherockies/conservationinthewest/2026.html" data-vars-content-id="62a19f6d-a299-4a1d-9d3f-01105db3d0db" data-vars-headline="Water worries are top of mind for Arizonans, poll shows" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.coloradocollege.edu/other/stateoftherockies/conservationinthewest/2026.html" target="_blank">Conservation in the West poll</a> suggest conservation isn&#x27;t a niche issue — it&#x27;s political bedrock in eight Southwest and Rocky Mountain states.

How AI helps prevent falls at Arizona senior living facilities

A radar-based AI device reduced falls from 20 to three per month at one Mesa facility.

Two years ago, a handful of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="assisted living facilities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2024/05/22/arizona-aging-senior-citizens" data-vars-content-id="e2b8f78b-982f-49bd-84da-dac2ce9d9e31" data-vars-headline="How AI helps prevent falls at Arizona senior living facilities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2024/05/22/arizona-aging-senior-citizens" target="_self">assisted living facilities</a> in metro Phoenix added a new member to the team to help reduce resident falls. His name is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Paul" data-vars-click-url="https://helpany.com/" data-vars-content-id="e2b8f78b-982f-49bd-84da-dac2ce9d9e31" data-vars-headline="How AI helps prevent falls at Arizona senior living facilities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://helpany.com/" target="_blank">Paul</a>, and he&#x27;s an AI-powered motion detector.Why it matters: Falls are among the most serious health risks for senior citizens, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="peer-reviewed" data-vars-click-url="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7093636/#CR6" data-vars-content-id="e2b8f78b-982f-49bd-84da-dac2ce9d9e31" data-vars-headline="How AI helps prevent falls at Arizona senior living facilities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7093636/#CR6" target="_blank">peer-reviewed</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="medical research" data-vars-click-url="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12645780/" data-vars-content-id="e2b8f78b-982f-49bd-84da-dac2ce9d9e31" data-vars-headline="How AI helps prevent falls at Arizona senior living facilities" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12645780/" target="_blank">medical research</a>.

Phoenix braces for another warm December

Phoenix could hit 80° this week as winter heat trends continue.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Climate change" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/08/01/heat-streaks-arizona-climate-change" data-vars-content-id="b2c35441-9cf7-4380-b96e-f6b05b791fe2" data-vars-headline="Phoenix braces for another warm December" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/08/01/heat-streaks-arizona-climate-change" target="_self">Climate change</a> has raised winter temperatures nationally and in Phoenix over the past half-century, and this month is shaping up to be <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="particularly warm" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2022/08/16/metro-phoenix-temperatures-2035-report-shows" data-vars-content-id="b2c35441-9cf7-4380-b96e-f6b05b791fe2" data-vars-headline="Phoenix braces for another warm December" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2022/08/16/metro-phoenix-temperatures-2035-report-shows" target="_self">particularly warm</a>, according to weather outlooks.Why it matters: Widespread heat across northern Arizona and the Rocky Mountain region affects water supplies tied to annual snowmelt.

Mosquito season lingers in Phoenix after warm, wet fall

Late rain and warm temps are fueling a longer, itchier season in the Valley.

Warm weather and rain have kept our <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="least-favorite summertime pests" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2023/08/24/mosquitoes-phoenix-desert-arizona" data-vars-content-id="7276515e-3326-4e97-bda0-e055c47d0d35" data-vars-headline="Mosquito season lingers in Phoenix after warm, wet fall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2023/08/24/mosquitoes-phoenix-desert-arizona" target="_self">least-favorite summertime pests</a> active for longer than usual — and our <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mosquito season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2024/06/28/mosquito-season-longer-west-nile-dengue" data-vars-content-id="7276515e-3326-4e97-bda0-e055c47d0d35" data-vars-headline="Mosquito season lingers in Phoenix after warm, wet fall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2024/06/28/mosquito-season-longer-west-nile-dengue" target="_self">mosquito season</a> may get worse before it gets better.Why it matters: In addition to being annoying and itch-inducing, mosquitoes can carry diseases like West Nile Virus that can cause serious illness or death.

Phoenix sees one of wettest Octobers after weekend storms

Nearly 70% of Phoenix's yearly rainfall fell in just 45 days.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="storm system" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/10/us-southwest-us-rain-flood-threats-storms" data-vars-content-id="6524be87-3c72-4db7-a819-2239b0dda671" data-vars-headline="Phoenix sees one of wettest Octobers after weekend storms" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/10/us-southwest-us-rain-flood-threats-storms" target="_self">storm system</a> that blanketed the Valley over the weekend has made this month the third-wettest October on record, according to the National Weather Service. And we&#x27;re only halfway through.The big picture: The remnants of two tropical systems from the East Coast collided with a low-pressure system from the West Coast, resulting in five days of thunderstorms across metro Phoenix, local NWS meteorologist Gabriel Lorejo told Axios.

Wildfire smoke could kill hundreds more Arizonans each year

A new study warns wildfire smoke could kill hundreds more Arizonans annually.

Without protective measures, wildfire smoke could cause tens of thousands more deaths annually across the U.S. by midcentury — and hundreds more in Arizona, a new study warns.Why it matters: The grim findings are among the strongest evidence yet of the harmful effects of climate change, the study&#x27;s authors say.

APS seeks 14% rate hike; Mayes calls it 'outrageous'

Attorney General Kris Mayes is challenging APS' proposal to raise electricity rates.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="APS" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/08/07/aps-reverses-2050-clean-energy-zero-carbon-goal" data-vars-content-id="5fa729ad-e67a-4142-9fe8-32b22d7365fd" data-vars-headline="APS seeks 14% rate hike; Mayes calls it &#x27;outrageous&#x27;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/08/07/aps-reverses-2050-clean-energy-zero-carbon-goal" target="_self">APS</a>, the state&#x27;s largest utility provider, is seeking a 14% rate hike that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Attorney General Kris Mayes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/02/19/arizona-ag-kris-mayes-lawsuits-against-trump-administration" data-vars-content-id="5fa729ad-e67a-4142-9fe8-32b22d7365fd" data-vars-headline="APS seeks 14% rate hike; Mayes calls it &#x27;outrageous&#x27;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/02/19/arizona-ag-kris-mayes-lawsuits-against-trump-administration" target="_self">Attorney General Kris Mayes</a> is calling &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="outrageous" data-vars-click-url="https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-granted-intervention-oppose-outrageous-aps-rate-hike-request" data-vars-content-id="5fa729ad-e67a-4142-9fe8-32b22d7365fd" data-vars-headline="APS seeks 14% rate hike; Mayes calls it &#x27;outrageous&#x27;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-granted-intervention-oppose-outrageous-aps-rate-hike-request" target="_blank">outrageous</a>.&quot;Why it matters: The typical residential customer would pay an additional $20 per month for electricity if the increase is approved, according to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="utility company" data-vars-click-url="https://www.aps.com/en/About/Our-Company/Newsroom/Articles/APS_Requests_Rate_Adjustment_to_Support_Reliable_Service_for_Customers" data-vars-content-id="5fa729ad-e67a-4142-9fe8-32b22d7365fd" data-vars-headline="APS seeks 14% rate hike; Mayes calls it &#x27;outrageous&#x27;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.aps.com/en/About/Our-Company/Newsroom/Articles/APS_Requests_Rate_Adjustment_to_Support_Reliable_Service_for_Customers" target="_blank">utility company</a>.

Solo electric vehicle drivers will soon lose HOV lane access

These drivers will be stuck in slow lanes during weekday morning and evening rush hours.

Solo <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="electric vehicle" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2023/04/25/electric-vehicles-registrations-phoenix-arizona" data-vars-content-id="35fcf891-e4b3-4f7d-9351-10341ec124fc" data-vars-headline="Solo electric vehicle drivers will soon lose HOV lane access" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2023/04/25/electric-vehicles-registrations-phoenix-arizona" target="_self">electric vehicle</a> drivers in a dozen states, including Arizona, will no longer be allowed to use the HOV lanes during peak traffic hours starting Oct. 1.Why it matters: Unrestricted access to highway carpool lanes is a big motivator for commuters to switch to electric or hybrid vehicles.

Phoenix's summer weather is lasting longer and getting hotter

Summer temperatures are lasting an extra eight days on average in Phoenix.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Summer temperatures" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/28/summers-warmer-climate-change" data-vars-content-id="4cfe4650-0b56-41d9-984e-8ca82564b006" data-vars-headline="Phoenix&#x27;s summer weather is lasting longer and getting hotter" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/28/summers-warmer-climate-change" target="_self">Summer temperatures</a> are hanging around longer in the Valley and nationwide compared with in the early 1970s, a new analysis finds, as<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" climate change" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/energy-climate/climate-change" data-vars-content-id="4cfe4650-0b56-41d9-984e-8ca82564b006" data-vars-headline="Phoenix&#x27;s summer weather is lasting longer and getting hotter" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/energy-climate/climate-change" target="_self"> climate change</a> affects the four seasons.Why it matters: Temperatures staying high for longer periods can increase cooling demand (and cost) and prolong the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="risk of heat-related illnesses" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/03/10/phoenix-heat-deaths-2024-decrease-homelessness" data-vars-content-id="4cfe4650-0b56-41d9-984e-8ca82564b006" data-vars-headline="Phoenix&#x27;s summer weather is lasting longer and getting hotter" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/03/10/phoenix-heat-deaths-2024-decrease-homelessness" target="_self">risk of heat-related illnesses</a>.

Phoenix sees jump in annual heat streaks

Since 1970, Phoenix, Tucson and Yuma have averaged three additional heat streaks per year.

Phoenix and other Arizona cities have seen an increase in heat streaks in recent few decades.The big picture: Many U.S. cities now have more heat streaks on average each year compared to 1970, a new analysis finds.

Arizona flash floods are relatively rare, but there's still a risk

Arizona has had 59 flash flood warnings so far in 2025.

Storms sweeping through the U.S. this summer have dumped intense rain on cities nationwide, leaving towns <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="flood-ravaged" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/07/15/texas-hill-country-memorializes-flood-victims" data-vars-content-id="038eb396-1778-43cb-b375-0f037c4c976f" data-vars-headline="Arizona flash floods are relatively rare, but there&#x27;s still a risk" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/austin/2025/07/15/texas-hill-country-memorializes-flood-victims" target="_self">flood-ravaged</a> and forcing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rescues" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/15/rainfall-flooding-new-york-jersey-texas" data-vars-content-id="038eb396-1778-43cb-b375-0f037c4c976f" data-vars-headline="Arizona flash floods are relatively rare, but there&#x27;s still a risk" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/15/rainfall-flooding-new-york-jersey-texas" target="_self">rescues</a>.Zoom in: While the risk of such floods in Arizona is relatively small, it&#x27;s not nonexistent.

12 years later: Remembering the Granite Mountain Hotshots

The Yarnell Hill Fire took the lives of 19 members of the elite squad.

Twelve years ago, 19 wildland firefighters perished while battling the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Yarnell Hill Fire" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2024/01/24/firefighting-history-hall-of-flame-museum" data-vars-content-id="b2bfde96-0a01-4120-9662-91c8ff45b872" data-vars-headline="12 years later: Remembering the Granite Mountain Hotshots" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2024/01/24/firefighting-history-hall-of-flame-museum" target="_self">Yarnell Hill Fire</a> outside of Prescott in northern Arizona.The big picture: It was the largest loss of life among U.S. firefighters since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Climate 🌿

Phoenix braces for another warm December

Mosquito season lingers in Phoenix after warm, wet fall

Phoenix sees one of wettest Octobers after weekend storms

Wildfire smoke could kill hundreds more Arizonans each year

APS seeks 14% rate hike; Mayes calls it 'outrageous'