News

In case you missed any news action this week, we’ve got you covered.Here’s our recap of the most-read news stories of the week:…

Year after year, Arizona’s elected officials continue to amaze us with a never-ending stream of stupidity, hypocrisy, and failure.The year’s been no exception — check out our picks for the 10 worst local political moments of 2013:…

Mayor Phil Gordon, again? Sure, he provided a steady stream of juicy, controversial story fodder during his tenure. He’s got that adorable Mr. Bean thing going for him. And the disheveled look he sports gives off an approachable vibe. During good times in Phoenix — when politicians could convince voters…

Rural/Metro Corporation agrees to pay the federal government $2.8 million to settle allegations that it ripped off Medicare by falsely billing patient transports as emergencies. From 2007 to the end of 2011, says Arizona U.S. Attorney John Leonardo, Rural/Metro’s ambulance divisions including Southwest Ambulance and Tucson’s Kords Ambulance would routinely…

Shannon Smith would be in her late 20s if not for the wrong-headed actions of some jerk who fired his gun into the air. Instead, she was killed by a bullet at age 14 while standing in her front yard. Odds are, the person who fired the gun from about…

No matter how many police reports we read through on a monthly basis, the criminal creativity, stupidity, and craziness never ceases to amaze us.Just when you think you’ve seen it all, there’s always something worse. From the legendary tale of vagina branding, to a B-list celebrity freak-out, to a torn…

There’s been no shortage of protests around Phoenix this year.Although most notable protests in 2013 were on the immigration front, there were a few others that caught our attention, including the protest of an alleged cat-killer, and a march for the right to go topless. Check out our picks for…

Dear Readers: Since it’s the end of the year and the Mexican is on his 18th tamale (made by the mujeres in his family, of course), behold some letters from angry readers (and one fan), along with my answers. Enjoy your champurrado, gracias for a great 2013, and may your…

Nick Chasteen’s covered with menthol-infused oil. His square-jawed face is slathered with Vaseline. A black silk robe with red and yellow trim is cinched at his waist. It’s a Friday night, and the Muay Thai fighter from Phoenix is about to make his professional debut at the Hard Rock Hotel…

In case you’ve missed any of the New Times cover stories this year, we’ve got 10 that you definitely should read.Sorry to the munchies and music departments, but this is the news blog, so our picks are news-related, naturally…

The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office arrested 30 people last week who had thought they were about to have sex with one or two 16-year-old prostitutes. But nearly half of those who called an online ad were stopped cold — or nearly so — after the woman on the phone, who…

If you’re in Phoenix right now (and you celebrate Christmas), we’ve got some reasons why your’re lucky.Check out our 10 reasons why Phoenix is the best place to celebrate Christmas:…