Phoenix, Tempe at odds over whether 1994 agreement allows residential development in proposed entertainment district

TEMPE – As the battle over the proposed Tempe entertainment district is being weighed by voters in a special election, the city of Phoenix, Sky Harbor International Airport, the city of Tempe and the Arizona Coyotes are embroiled in a legal feud over flight noise and residential development.


Phoenix nonprofit addresses need for children’s respite, hospice care

PHOENIX – One of three pediatric hospice homes in the United States, Ryan House provides respite, palliative and hospice care to children with chronic illnesses. The nonprofit addresses how to meet the needs of these children in a space with few solutions.

Jude Wentland plays with his mom, Madison Wentland, outside their home. (Photo by Lauren Kobley/Cronkite News)

Phoenix residents could see water bill increases coming soon

PHOENIX – The city of Phoenix is considering increases to its water rates in response to the ongoing drought and rising costs of labor, electricity and chemicals used to treat water and wastewater. Other Valley cities say their drought plans have not yet progressed to charging users more.


Arizona’s ‘super season’ gives state financial shot of adrenaline

PHOENIX – A May report from Arizona's Common Sense Institute showed that 6.4% of the state’s total economy comes from the sports and tourism sector. With the Super Bowl and many other major sporting events in town in 2023, Arizona saw plenty of positive economic benefits.

Spectators sit behind home plate at Camelback Ranch and watch a baseball game.

Arizona tribal gaming contributions up 20% over last year, nearing $2 billion mark since 2004

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Gaming announced its contributions to the Arizona community, which are up 20% from last year. Close to $2 billion has been contributed to educational, emergency and other Arizona funds.

Arizona is home to 24 Class III casinos, which contribute a percentage of their gross gaming revenue to the state, cities towns and counties. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

As questions surround Tempe entertainment district, studies predict impact ahead of May vote

TEMPE – As the registration deadline closed for voters on Monday, questions still loom over the Tempe Entertainment District’s potential benefits and drawbacks but two studies could provide some answers.

The deadline for residents to register for a May vote on the Arizona Coyotes' new arena and entertainment district in Tempe passed Monday. (Photo courtesy of the Arizona Coyotes)

Houston’s Final Four success foreshadows potential economic boost for Arizona in 2024

HOUSTON – On the heels of the 2023 Final Four in Houston, the next stop for the tournament is in Arizona. The Valley of the Sun previously held the Final Four in 2017 and brought in near-record numbers.

For the first time since 2017, the Valley will host the Final Four next year at State Farm Stadium on April 6 and April 8. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)

Arizona Coyotes’ developer threatens to sue Phoenix for ‘interference’ in Tempe arena, entertainment district

PHOENIX – The Arizona Coyotes' development arm filed a notice of claim against Phoenix in response to a lawsuit filed by the city last week. Bluebird Development claims that the city’s suit breaks an agreement that Phoenix would not object to the development of an entertainment district that would include a new home for the hockey franchise.

The Arizona Coyotes' proposed arena in Tempe would feature a 16,000-seat arena, practice rink, apartments, two hotels, a restaurant row and a theater. The Coyotes’ development arm announced its intent to file a claim for damages against the city of Phoenix over the city’s opposition to the project. (Rendering courtesy of Arizona Coyotes)

Arizona Gives Day collects donations to benefit over 1,000 nonprofits

PHOENIX – Amid rising inflation rates and costs, Arizona Gives Day raises funds for over 1,000 nonprofits statewide. Inflation is not only affecting the nonprofits but donors, too.

Arizona Helping Hands is one of the nonprofits participating in this year’s Arizona Gives Day. The organization provides children in foster care with the things they need to thrive, whether it’s a new bed, diapers, clothes, toys, school supplies or basic necessities. (Photo courtesy of Arizona Helping Hands)

Phoenix community market creates space to support women entrepreneurs

PHOENIX - Heart and Soil People's Garden works to provide fresh produce for the south Phoenix community. The garden hosts monthly markets to support entrepreneurs, mostly women of color, and their businesses.

Kaila LePage picks an onion from the produce at the Heart and Soil People’s Garden in Phoenix on March 18, 2023. (Photo by Lauren Kobley/Cronkite News)

Gas guzzler: Gas prices jump in Arizona to $4+ and rising

PHOENIX – Gas prices have been steadily increasing in Arizona since March. AAA’s gas prices markers show the average price per gallon in Arizona on Monday was 79 cents higher than the national average.

Gas prices in Arizona averaged $4.295 per gallon of regular Monday, higher than the average in the U.S., according to AAA. (Photo by Sierra Alvarez/Cronkite News)

‘I thought he was going to be with us forever’: Housing programs aim to close the gap for people with autism

PHOENIX – A report from the Greater Phoenix Housing Market Analysis shows the lack of attention given to people with autism or who are neurodivergent makes it difficult for them to get out of poverty.

First Place opened a residential building in 2018 for adults with autism and Down syndrome or who are neurodivergent as a response to the lack of housing for neurodiverse populations. (Photo by Hayden Cilley/Cronkite News)