Giada De Laurentiis is turning family recipes into a Scottsdale showcase — lemon favorites, an interactive pasta cart and ticketed spring tastings at Luna by Giada.

A suspicious fire damaged playground equipment at Nevitt Park in South Phoenix; Phoenix police and the fire department’s arson team are investigating and no injuries were reported.

Mesa is mapping a district‑by‑district reinvestment plan that pairs redevelopment with home‑repair and affordable builds while promising to center longtime residents.

A Tempe apparel maker drew backlash after a limited‑drop shirt used derogatory language during Autism Acceptance Month. Families and local providers are calling for the item to be pulled.

Starfish Hospitality Group will open a 5,200‑sq‑ft Starfish Scottsdale in McCormick Ranch on May 5, serving coastal Asian shareables, cocktails and patio seating.

A new analysis puts Phoenix at No. 7 for small‑business support even as commercial bankruptcy filings climb; low taxes and growth are offset by rising risk.

A 12-year-old from Avondale was struck and killed near Lower Buckeye and El Mirage; neighbors left a memorial and the family has scheduled services.

A Tonopah man and registered sex offender was arrested after Yavapai County detectives say he sent explicit messages to a minor. Investigators say child sexual-abuse images were recovered during the probe.

Sunny and dry today with highs near 86°F. Friday may climb near 90°F across the Valley.

Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander scored 37 as the Thunder beat the Suns 120-107 at Paycom Center. Jalen Williams left with a hamstring concern ahead of Game 3.

Mesa’s council signed off on The Den on Rio Salado, a two‑building lodging campus pairing seasonal player housing with a 103‑room Candlewood Suites near Sloan Park.

Darrell Sheets, the ’Gambler’ from A&E’s Storage Wars, was found dead in Lake Havasu City at 67; police say it appears to be a self‑inflicted gunshot and the case is under investigation.

Caliber closed financing for a Steamboat Springs Hyatt Studios and is advancing a Riverwalk site in Scottsdale, with groundbreaks and approvals expected in 2026–2027.