Azteca Bridal closes its doors after 60 years of family-operated business

PHOENIX – The owners of Azteca Bridal are retiring and selling the property. The downtown Phoenix business, a staple in the bridal and quinceañera industry, remained family-owned for the entirety of its 60-year operation.

Wedding dresses hang from racks at Azteca Bridal in Phoenix on Nov. 21, 2023. (Photo by Sam Volante/Cronkite News)

Arizona Thanksgiving meal cost down 28% as turkey prices decrease

PHOENIX – The average price of a Thanksgiving feast for 10 people this year is down 28%, according to the Arizona Farm Bureau. Arizona consumers faced “historically high” prices for their Thanksgiving meal ingredients in 2022.

U.S. Army Reserve soldiers gather a Thanksgiving luncheon in Fort Meade, Maryland, in this 2017 file photo. This year, the cost of a Thanksgiving dinner has gone down across the nation. (Photo by Master Sgt. Michel Sauret/U.S. Army Reserve)

Holiday travelers expected to hit the road, skies in near-record numbers

WASHINGTON - Experts say this holiday season will be one of the busiest in the last 20 years, with travel surging to pre-pandemic levels and beyond, and they remind travelers to make sure they are prepared before getting to the airport.


Arizona Republican lawmakers announce plan to raise teacher pay

PHOENIX – Arizona Republican lawmakers announced a plan to increase pay for teachers in K-12 public schools, but Democrats and education advocates say it doesn’t go far enough.

Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen, R-Gilbert, is surrounded by Republican lawmakers as he discusses their proposal to increase pay for Arizona K-12 public school teachers. (Photo by Jacob Snelgrove/Cronkite News)

Downtown Phoenix growth, construction, events lead to parking puzzle

PHOENIX – Due to downtown Phoenix population growth and ongoing construction of new housing and other projects, parking is a common complaint.

Construction and developments in downtown Phoenix limit the amount of parking in the area. (Photo by Hunter Fore/Cronkite News)

As Santo Domingo develops, vulnerable people are left behind

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – As the Dominican Republic invests in development and climate resiliency, government projects aimed at improving quality of life and guarding against climate change are having a negative effect on some of the very people they were designed to help.


GCU pushes back against $37.7 million fine over claims it ‘lied’ about costs

WASHINGTON - Grand Canyon University said it "categorically denies" charges by the U.S. Department of Education that the school willfully misled prospective students about the costs of a doctoral degree, leaving those students deeply in debt.


Phoenix businesses, airport, Valley Metro prepare for World Series visitors

PHOENIX – The Arizona Diamondbacks will face the Texas Rangers in the World Series, and Phoenix hotels, restaurants and transportation services are preparing for the influx of visitors. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Valley Metro will use February's Super Bowl and other large events to guide them as they make plans.

The Arizona Diamondbacks will face the Texas Rangers in the World Series, and Phoenix hotels, restaurants and transportation services are preparing for the influx of visitors. (Photo by Hunter Fore/Cronkite News)

Tickets, times and more: How to attend the 2023 World Series

PHOENIX – For the first time since 2001, the Arizona Diamondbacks are returning to the World Series. As ticket prices skyrocket, fans look for way to attend World Series

Arizona Diamondbacks fans wait in a long line at Chase Field to buy last-minute World Series tickets. Ticket prices have doubled since the team advanced Tuesday with a win over the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 7 of the NLCS. (Photo by Hunter Fore/Cronkite News)

High home prices and interest rates contribute to tough market for first-time homebuyers

PHOENIX – Mortgage loan interest rates are hovering around 8% for the first time in decades, and home prices are high, making a home purchase tough for buyers entering the market for the first time.

A home for sale in the Ashby Acres community in Phoenix on Sept. 6, 2023. (Photo by Kevinjonah Paguio/Cronkite News)

Can Arizona lawmakers lower gas prices in the Valley? Not any time soon

PHOENIX – After a shortage of Cleaner Burning Gasoline earlier this year led to increased gas prices in Maricopa County, the Arizona Legislature held a hearing to determine whether Gov. Katie Hobbs’ administration was at fault and to discuss potential alternatives to the boutique gasoline.

Cleaner Burning Gasoline is required in parts of Arizona under a state implementation plan from 1997 to comply with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards and the Clean Air Act. It is only sold in Maricopa County and parts of Pinal and Yavapai Counties. (File photo by Omar Iakub/Cronkite News)

Arizona Republicans tout family tax rebates amid projected $400 million budget shortfall

PHOENIX – Republican legislators defended family tax rebates Monday on the heels of new projections that show Arizona is expecting a $400 million state budget shortfall.

Republican legislators defended family tax rebates Monday on the heels of new projections that show Arizona is expecting a $400 million state budget shortfall. (File photo by Ellen O’Brien/Cronkite News)