Arizona faces a severe youth literacy crisis, with only 41% of third graders reading at grade level, due to resource shortages and a teacher deficit. The nonprofit Read Better Be Better received a $1.5 million grant to tackle this issue.

Former President Jimmy Carter has passed away at 100. Leaders across the U.S., including from Arizona, have expressed their respects for Carter's service and humanitarian efforts.

An Arizona lottery player won $1 million by matching five white balls in the Mega Millions draw, the Arizona Lottery disclosed, with further details on the ticket sale location pending.

The City of Glendale reminds residents to celebrate New Year's Eve safely by following local fireworks laws, only using legal fireworks, and considering attending public displays for safety.

Tolleson's annual Tree Recycling Program runs from January 2-17, 2025, for residents to dispose of Christmas trees sustainably. Trees can be dropped off at the Field Operations Yard for repurposing.

The article discusses the 18% rise in U.S. homelessness, with over 771,000 affected. Factors include housing crises and systemic racism. Arizona's homelessness increased by 3.5%, with vulnerable families and the elderly being significantly impacted.

The Itty Bitty Open is a free golf event for kids on January 18, 2025, featuring lessons from PGA and LPGA pros, fun games, and a best-dressed contest. Registration required by January 8.

Mackenzie Ambrose was promoted to Detention Support Specialist at the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office, after previously serving as a records technician and Detention Officer.

Pima County's Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department celebrates the 20th anniversary of its grease collection initiative to combat sewer clogs and promote recycling into biodiesel.

The City of Goodyear offers post-holiday tree disposal through curbside collection or drop-off at Sunbelt Rentals, urging residents to remove decorations for smooth recycling.

An anonymous donor gave a half-ounce gold coin worth $1,310 to a Salvation Army kettle in Phoenix, boosting their holiday fundraising amidst lower donations this year.

El Mirage alters trash collection dates during holidays and encourages online services for utilities while physical offices close from Dec 25, 2024, to Jan 1, 2025. Urgent inquiries can be made to on-call staff.

Phoenix provides a free composting service for live Christmas trees and greenery to prevent fire hazards and reduce landfill waste, with drop-off available at city parks and transfer stations from December 26 to January 7.