As Costa Rica welcomes record-breaking number of tourists, the country is battling rising crime
SAN JOSÈ, Costa Rica — In 2023 Costa Rica’s tourism industry attracted 2.5 million visitors, a figure that’s steadily been on the rise due to the country’s welcoming nature and high level of safety. This reputation is now being threatened by a growing cartel presence and an expanding consumer market for illegal drugs.
Phoenix District 5 Council member Betty Guardado running for reelection with strong union support
District 5 Councilwoman Betty Guardado is running for reelection after a first-term focused on reducing crime, generating better job opportunities and community engagement. Backed by unions, she seeks to uplift working families.
Migrant experts: Trump’s debate claim that ‘millions’ of criminals, mental patients have flooded U.S. under Biden doesn’t hold up
WASHINGTON – During the CNN debate Thursday, former President Donald Trump repeated a debunked claim that “millions” of migrants who are criminals or mental patients have flooded the country during Joe Biden’s presidency. There’s no evidence of that, experts say.
Arizona Republicans tout legislation aimed at cracking down on organized retail crime
PHOENIX – Arizona House Speaker Ben Toma and others touted House Bill 2435, which aims to crack down on organized retail crime. The legislation, which heads to the House Judiciary committee Wednesday, would change current sentencing ranges.
Crime survivors rally at state Capitol to demand better trauma care
PHOENIX - Crime survivors and their families from across Arizona gathered at the state Capitol Monday, calling on lawmakers to fund trauma recovery centers that offer therapy and social services.
Student gumshoes at GCU collaborate with Phoenix police to create shoeprint database
PHOENIX – Grand Canyon University forensic science students and the Phoenix Police Crime Lab are building a local shoeprint database to assist investigators in identifying shoe impressions left at crime scenes.
Gilbert Fire and Rescue’s best arson investigator is a 4-year-old Lab named Zeta
GILBERT – Gilbert Fire and Rescue’s arson dog, Zeta, is their best investigator of suspicious fires. The 4-year-old Labrador can quickly and precisely locate accelerants, saving the fire department time and money.
U.S. Senate: Venture capitalist Blake Masters dislikes the country’s direction
Blake Masters says he’s running for the Senate because he disagrees with the way politicians have been running the country. He says his policies are aimed at creating an Arizona where he feels comfortable raising his sons.
To shore up dwindling ranks, police departments hire more civilian investigators
PHOENIX – Police departments – including Baltimore, Phoenix and Mesa – have hired more civilian investigators to “make sure crimes get hands-on attention” as departments face staffing shortfalls.
Growers turn to innovative solutions to curb rising beehive thefts
KINGSBURG, Calif. – Over a third of the country's vegetables and two-thirds of its fruits and nuts are grown in California, and many crops depend on bees to produce food. Honeybees routinely are transported farm-to-farm to do their job of pollination. But this year alone, 1,169 beehives have been reported stolen or vandalized in California.
Pima County works to reduce overrepresentation of Native Americans in its jails
PHOENIX – Native Americans are overrepresented in Pima County jails, often held before their trial or for nonviolent offenses. Community leaders are implementing programs to combat the trend, including pre-trial behavioral health diversions and warrant resolution.
Arizona hate crimes hit their highest level since 9/11, and it’s likely an undercount
PHOENIX – The 282 hate crimes reported in Arizona in 2020 were the most since 2001, when hate crimes spiked in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, the FBI says.
