KJZZ's Stories You Don't Want to Miss

KJZZ's "Policing the Police" series examines the U.S. Department of Justice civil rights investigation of Phoenix by section, as well as the city's efforts to self-impose reforms. When Arizona legislators passed the state budget this year, they changed the way they allocated poverty weight funds to K-12 schools. Coconino County hopes to reach residents who need immediate medical help by using vending machines. Plus the latest metro Phoenix, business, and tribal natural resources news.

Summer 2024 has been Phoenix’s hottest ever. In spite of that, fewer people appear to have died as a result of heat in Maricopa County this year compared to last. A new survey released by the Arizona Department of Education shows many teachers who didn’t return this year, left due to student behavior and discipline issues. The Apache trout, Arizona’s state fish, was removed from the federal endangered species list Wednesday. Plus the latest health, business, metro Phoenix and tribal natural resources news.

A three day court hearing wrapped Wednesday over whether a criminal case against Arizona’s so-called fake electors should be dismissed. Both Presidential candidates want to eliminate taxes on tips—but is it bad policy? A local ordinance passed in Pima County will require county contractors to follow regulations to protect their workers from extreme heat. Plus the latest science, metro Phoenix, and tribal natural resources news.

Phoenix leaders will soon meet behind closed doors to discuss how to respond to the Justice Department’s investigation into the city’s policing practices. The Scottsdale Unified School District has adopted a new policy regarding its booster organizations. Phoenix has set yet another heat record this summer. Plus the latest tribal natural resources, Fronteras Desk, metro Phoenix and politics news.

The Arizona Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that the Republican Legislature’s description of an abortion rights ballot measure does not violate state law. An Apache-led nonprofit that has nearly exhausted its legal options to protect a sacred site from copper mining is traveling across the country on a prayer journey. Some workers at Phoenix’s Sky Harbor Airport say they need more protections from extreme heat. Plus the latest Q&AZ, health, Fronteras Desk and metro Phoenix news.

Two competing ballot measures that will affect wages for tipped workers will be decided in November, despite efforts by backers of one measure to throw the other off the ballot. Customs and Border Protection is expanding the locations in Mexico where migrants can schedule a CBP One appointment along the U.S.-Mexico border. Arizona sent nearly $29 million in funding for low achieving K-12 schools back to the federal government after schools missed deadlines to use the money. Plus the latest metro Phoenix, politics and tribal natural resources news.

Democrats are making efforts to win an important voting bloc in the swing state of Arizona. The union representing asylum officers is backing a federal suit against the Biden administration for its asylum restrictions at the border. Energy Fuels is being accused of breaking a promise to notify stakeholders two weeks in advance before transporting uranium ore through the Navajo Nation. Plus the latest business, health, education, and metro Phoenix news.

A street medicine team is trying a new intervention they hope will reduce the heat-related death toll. As a new academic year starts, some are urging Chandler unified schools to hire student advocates to work with administrators and campus-based police officers. The city of Sedona has fired its housing manager just before an important election to determine the city’s future housing plan. Plus the latest business, metro Phoenix, arts, and health news.

Phoenix is trying to provide chilled water to the public 24/7, part of a pilot program and a larger effort to save lives in Maricopa County. More federal money for PFAS cleanup and other water programs is on its way to the Tucson area. Gov. Katie Hobbs announced a new apprenticeship program on Monday with Intel that will train Arizonans who want to work in the semiconductor industry. Plus the latest business, tribal natural resources, metro Phoenix and business news.

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes’ office has opened an investigation into the Arizona Department of Education over claims it approved school voucher expenses that didn’t comply with state law. In its first phase, Phoenix’s Project REDUCE helped nine restaurants keep more than 30,000 pounds of food waste out of landfills. On Monday, members from Arizona’s congressional delegation introduced legislation before the House and Senate to settle the outstanding water claims of three federally-recognized tribes, including the Navajo Nation. Plus the latest metro Phoenix, Fronteras Desk and politics news.