Arizona has become one of the nation’s biggest data center hubs — the so‑called “Silicon Desert.” Cheap land, excess power, and generous tax breaks helped draw in some of the world’s largest tech companies. But now, as AI drives explosive demand for computing power, communities are fighting back. In this episode of the Arizona’s Family Investigates podcast, we unpack how Arizona wound up with roughly 160 data centers, why state leaders are pausing key tax incentives, and what Attorney General Kris Mayes wants to do next. 

Reporters Amy Cutler and Zach Prelutsky break down how four Valley police departments exposed officer misuse of Flock license plate reader cameras, sparking contract cancellations, Tempe campus privacy concerns, and sweeping policy changes from the tech giant.

A yearlong war between Maricopa County's Board of Supervisors and Recorder Justin Heap just ended in a deal — but not before lawsuits, a stolen scanner, and an Arizona Supreme Court showdown. With $15 million on the line and the election before us, is this really over?

As Arizona and six other states remain locked in negotiations over future Colorado River water cuts, communities across the Valley are preparing in very different ways. Arizona gets 36% of its overall water supply from the river, but local reliance varies widely — from about 90% in Cave Creek, to 70% in Scottsdale, to 40% in Phoenix.

Surveillance video shows a top aide to Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap removing a ballot scanner during the Tempe election and loading it into a personal vehicle. The incident cost taxpayers $70,000 and triggered a criminal investigation. Arizona's Family Investigates obtained internal reports revealing what happened and how officials responded.

A man broke into the Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office on May 21, disturbing 11 body bags and inappropriately touching four bodies. Authorities identified the suspect as Fenris Lu, who admitted to the crime. In an exclusive interview, a friend who traveled from Washington State describes Lu's history of addiction and mental health struggles. We break down how the break-in happened, what investigators found, and the charges Lu now faces.

ICE is increasingly using Mesa Gateway Airport as a deportation hub as it tries to carry out President Trump's aggressive immigration crackdown. Arizona's Family Investigates took a closer look at whose on those flights as some in Congress push for more accountability.

A policy change is making easier for polluters to apply and be granted exemptions under the Clean Air Act.

Arizona's Family Investigates looks at the battle over regulation of prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket. A legal battle is brewing pitting the State of Arizona against the markets and even the federal government.

A Marine from Glendale is accused of stealing missile systems and millions of rounds of ammo from his base in California and bringing them back here to sell. We take a closer look at Andrew Amarilla's case, what happened, and why it took so long to stop.