Phoenix hotel evacuated; smoke grenade found in room
UPDATED WITH VIDEO: Thick smoke prompted firefighters to evacuate the Hilton Garden Inn at 19th Avenue and Pinnacle Peak Road. Crews found a smoke grenade and other "interesting items."

Glendale couple snaps photo as truck hits, kills elk
UPDATED WITH VIDEO: The picture illustrates the dangers wildlife can pose on Arizona highways.

WARNING: Images are graphic

Rosa Parks honored on a city of Phoenix bus
Parks given seat of honor in memory of her struggle for equality

World Aids Day events in Arizona
In 2006, 4,929 people in Arizona reported living with AIDS.

Valley families to send holiday greetings to troops
If you have a loved one in the military over the holidays, here's a chance to connect with them.

Dunkin' Donuts offers free parking on Tempe's Mill Avenue
UPDATED WITH VIDEO: Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman is also scheduled to serve coffee and doughnuts to customers.

PD: Maricopa County worker put puppies in trashcan
Phoenix police said Stacy Davis put two of his pug puppies in the trashcan Saturday near Campbell Avenue and 113th Drive, because they had parvo.

Valley emergency officials prefer landlines to cell phones
Cell phones can be difficult for 911 operators to track and locate callers in an emergency.

Scratch pastries?: taste the best of Paris in Old Town Scottsdale
A refreshing way to spend a lunch with fresh, unique food!

Mesa PD: Victim recognizes armed robber as ex-employee
A man was arrested for allegedly robbing a restaurant where he used to work.

Decorating for the holidays? Find useful tips to stay safe
Christmas tree fires reportedly caused an average of 16 deaths, 25 injuries, and $13.1 million in direct property damage annually. Find out how to keep this from happening in your home.

Grocery baggers to compete for top spot in Arizona
Four contestants will compete for $1,000 and a trip to Vegas to compete nationally.

Valley Metro passengers look out: Find changes to your route
Passengers need to be on the lookout in December for changes to regular bus routes. Find those changes here.

Hundreds arrested for DUI in Arizona over the long weekend
Arizona Department of Public Safety officials said the average blood alcohol content of all of those arrested was .145.

Chandler PD release sketch of suspects in home invasion
Police are asking the public for help to identify the men suspected of shooting a man inside the home with his family.

Sky Harbor ranked #1 healthiest airport in the country
INSIDE: What the experts raved about at the Phoenix airport.

Woman arrested for Mesa drunken wreck that injured 9 others
The woman allegedly ran a red light, broadsided an SUV, and both vehicles spun into a white sedan.

1st responders and techonology help make METRO safe
Police and firefighters study training material and ride the light rail to get familiar with the new mass transit system.

Hiker rescued from Piestewa Peak; hurt head and ankle
The rescue effort proved to be challenging due to the terrain combined with how dark it was.

Where to find hot jobs in the Phoenix area right now
UPDATED WITH VIDEO: From healthcare to retail, Phoenix companies are holding job fairs and spending big adverstising dollars to attract top talent.

INSIDE:
THE HOTTEST VALLEY INDUSTRIES
THE PLACES TO APPLY TODAY
NEW JOB FAIRS IN THE VALLEY

More kids are accidentally poisoned during the holidays
Parents are encouraged to pay extra attention to make sure drugs are stored safely and youngsters don't accidentally sample them.

Find new 'unique' gift cards options this season
UPDATED: Valley residents are finding special perks, including free stuff, when they buy gift cards right now.

INSIDE: Where to save cash, search out deals and find some unique gift ideas

Want to work from home? Check out these companies
UPDATED WITH VIDEO: You don't need a car to earn some cash. There are many legitimate companies that offer work-from-home jobs. In a down economy, it's one way to supplement your income.

Mesa FD: Man dies after riding lawnmower into pond
UPDATED WITH VIDEO: Several witnesses told officials that a landscaper fell into a pond at the Viewpoint Golf Course and did not resurface.

Obama picks Napolitano for homeland security secretary
UPDATED VIDEO: President-elect Obama officially announced his Cabinet this morning in Chicago.

INSIDE: ABC15's Steve Irvin is in Chicago. Read his blog

See a doctor in 10 minutes at two Valley ERs
Chandler Regional hospital and Mercy Gilbert hospital are both implementing new guidelines to have patients be seen by a doctor within 10 minutes of walking into the emergency room.

Arizona gas prices to drop to $1.50?
As of Monday night, the state average for regular gasoline in Arizona had dropped to $1.91. According to AAA Arizona, prices will continue to fall even further.

4 young suspects arrested for Valley robberies, assault
UPDATED WITH VIDEO: The suspects range in age from 12 to 19. They were arrested for a brutal assault and robbery, which led detectives to several other crimes tied to the group.

Ahwatukee man loses hearing in right ear after attack
UPDATED WITH VIDEO: "He split my ear open and busted my ear drum," said the victim, describing an intruder who attacked the man with his own gun.

Valley activists working to protest photo radar cameras
UPDATED WITH VIDEO: CameraFRAUD.com hopes to put an initiative on the ballot in 2010 outlawing photo radar in Arizona.

Recreationists urged to help protect Arizona's bald eagles
Outdoor enthusiasts are asked to respect closure areas.

SRP pays Arizona businesses to not use energy
SRP will reportedly save money in the long run because it will not have to buy as much expensive power on the wholesale market or build as many new power plants.

Endangered pronghorn population on the rise in S. Arizona
Six years after horrific drought pared the pronghorn population from nearly 140 to an estimated 21, the number of animals has climbed back to about 124.

A-bomb worker a person of interest in Tucson hit-and-run
A search warrant names William Arthur Wilson, 91, as the man sheriff's deputies said was a person of interest in the hit-and-run collision that injured at least five bike riders.

UA president lowers tuition hike proposal
Robert Shelton originally proposed nearly a $660 tuition hike for resident undergraduates next fall.

Man hit multiple times, killed in Phoenix shooting
Police found the man in a parking lot with multiple gunshot wounds.

10 suspects detained in desert after East Valley chase
Video from Air15 showed officers searching the desert in the dark and apprehending several suspected undocumented immigrants.

Teen sitter arrested for drinking, leaving kids at Mesa home
The mother said she found loud music playing, beer cans scattered on the floor and her two children alone when she came home.

Arizona Senate announces membership for 49th Legislature
Eighteen Republicans and 12 Democrats will serve on a total of 12 committees.

Arizona Republicans react to Gov. Napolitano's appointment
Arizona's Republican Party question whether Gov. Janet Napolitano will continue to fight for her state while in Washington, D.C.

Mesa PD: Man throws drugs, assaults officers during chase
Police arrested a man who allegedly assaulted officers and discarded cocaine while resisting arrest for trespassing.

Snowmaking, Mother Nature not enough for Sunrise ski resort
The initial opening date of December 5 is now pushed back indefinitely for Sunrise Park Resort.

Lost a loved one? How to deal with grief this holiday season
The holidays can be a particularly difficult time because those grieving are unconsciously and consciously reminded of their lost loved one.

Sportscaster Tom Dillon dies in Phoenix
Dillon was the play-by-play announcer for the ASU Sun Devils and Arizona Cardinals football games.

Border Patrol seizes over 2 tons of marijuana over weekend
In one bust alone, the total weight of the marijuana was over 1,700 pounds with a value of $1.4 million.

Alert citizen helps Scottsdale police catch car burglars
A witness saw the crime, called 911, and was able to identify the suspects after arrest.

Report: Falling Phoenix-area home prices set new record
The Valley has not seen a prolonged home-price drop like this in more than two decades.

$1,500 reward offered for info in illegal AZ elk killing
Officials said the elk was shot and left to die on October 25 at the Corner Dam Tank in northern Arizona.

Britney Spears announces stop in Valley during 'Circus' tour
The singer is scheduled for an April stop at Jobing.com in Glendale. Tickets go on sale Saturday, December 6.

Missing horse found after owner issues $10,000 reward
The $10,000 reward that was offered to the person who found the horse was claimed by a rancher who lives in the area. The money will reportedly go to a good cause.

Historic Valley golf course ready to open after renovations
After 8 months of construction, Papago Golf Course will reopen to the public this Saturday, December 8th.

Gunman in Mexico fires on border patrol agents
A gunman working with drug smugglers fired at but missed federal agents Monday after they intercepted two trucks loaded with marijuana on the west side of Douglas.

Report: Valley Hispanics spend big, even in tough economy
By the year 2010, Hispanics will make up one-third of the U.S. buying market.

First crash for Phoenix light rail line; no one seriously hurt
The accident happened when a passenger car driven by a 78-year-old woman ran a red light, according to police.

DPS tickets 40,000 in first months of Arizona photo-radar
New numbers show the cameras have been activated more than 166,000 times.

INSIDE: The highest recorded speed caught by cameras

Tucson woman who locked up son given probation
A Tucson mother who kept her 11-year-old son locked in a stuffy room all summer with only a bucket for a toilet has been sentenced to three years of probation.

Case of 8-year-old renews debate over spanking; is it OK?
According to court documents, the St. Johns boy accused of killing 2 kept a running tally of the number of times his father spanked him. UPDATED WITH VIDEO

You can help Arizona's economy by shopping locally online
UPDATED: A Valley organization says 45 cents of every dollar spent at a mom-and-pop stores goes right back into Arizona, compared to only 13 cents at national retail chains.

Burglars break into dozens of vehicles at ASU
UPDATED WITH VIDEO: Many students returned from Thanksgiving break to find their vehicles vandalized.

Mesa school official criticized for illegal parking
A Mesa Public Schools official apologized after the Special Needs Director argued with a parent after he illegally parked in a handicap spot.

Tom Ridge: Napolitano an "excellent selection"
The nation's first Homeland Security Secretary praises Obama for selecting Governor Janet Napolitano to fill the role.

INSIDE: Hear Tom Ridge's exclusive interview with ABC15 News

Walk to Save Animals sets record in Tempe
The annual walk that helps save the lives of thousands of dogs and cats each year in the Valley recorded its highest attendance and funds raised in the event's history.

Drugs, 'hide-a-can' found during Interstate 17 traffic stop
A 57-year-old driver was arrested on November 26 when a Yavapai County Sheriff's deputy found nearly nine grams of methamphetamine along with a "hide-a-can" with coin size bags used to package and sell drugs.

Gilbert KFC employee arrested for stealing credit card
According to Gilbert police, Melissa Kess and her boyfriend used the stolen credit card to make fraudulent purchases and several Valley businesses.

Save a bundle on toys for your kids: Up to 50% at Toys R Us
INSIDE: A list of toys with discounted prices.

PD: Home invasion suspect hits victim over head with hammer
UPDATED: Three of the suspects have been caught by Phoenix officers. Initially, police searched for a fourth man, but investigators later determined only three men were involved.

Ahwatukee man takes control, patrols his own neighborhood
UPDATED WITH VIDEO: One man is tired of the crime in his neighborhood, so he is hitting the streets to warn neighbors about the growing problem.

Valley Diaper Bank hands out its one millionth diaper
The Diaper Bank's partner agencies need an estimated 1.5 million diapers a year for their clients, and in this economic downturn, many agencies are forecasting even greater needs.

City of Goodyear offers its employees new work options
Goodyear offers trial part-time and shared-position options to current employees in an effort to reduce its budget.

NAU's largest fraternity suspended for hazing
A reported hazing incident on the campus of Northern Arizona University has led the school to suspend the Theta Rho Chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity for violations of the university's Student Code of Conduct.

2 men hit multiple times in central Phoenix shooting
One victim was taken to a hospital; the second refused treatment, and left the scene.

Supervisors OK White Sox move from Tucson
The team will pay a fine for breaking lease

Biosphere 2 near Tucson to become training site for teachers
The center is expected to train at least 300 teachers in its first three years.

It might be hot, but yes, it really can snow in Phoenix
As metro Phoenix continues to expand, it is becoming more and more common to see snowfall in residential areas.

INSIDE: The highest snowfall total ever recorded in Phoenix

Tempe releases list of top 25 stores to shop in for holidays
We've made a list and you can check it twice to find the most sensational seasonal ideas!

3 dogs involved in death of elderly Flagstaff woman?
The woman was found lying in the backyard of a home with the dogs around her. But they may have been trying to help her.

Paying for heavy bags? Faulty scales found at Tucson airport
Scales that failed to accurately weigh luggage at Tucson International Airport have been shut down, according to officials.

PA Governor: Napolitano has no family, perfect for the job
Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell was caught on an open microphone talking about Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano being picked for Homeland Security secretary.

Roommate finds student dead in NAU dorm room
The body of the 18-year-old freshman computer science major was found by a roommate in their dorm room.

Parents urged not to buy violent video games for kids
More than 50 percent of computer and video games are sold during the holiday shopping season.

Nearly $800,000 seized on Arizona roads last month
One seizure netted almost $200,000 alone.

Polygamist leader appeals conviction in Utah Supreme Court
Jeffs was convicted by a St. George jury of two counts of rape as an accomplice in 2007. The charges stemmed from a 2001 marriage between an underage follower and her 19-year-old cousin.

DPS: 2 killed in wrong-way crash on US 60 outside Show Low
A Chevrolet S-10 truck crashed head-on with a Ford Explorer at about 10 a.m., closing the roadway in both directions for over two hours.

Glendale PD find 2 escaped burglary suspects
Jeremiah Ray Weddel and Kera Ann Mays were convicted Monday of armed burglary and assault.

Evacuations ordered at north Phoenix apartments for gas leak
Firefighters evacuated 24 people from 18 apartments, according to officials.

Border fence challenge sent to President-Elect Obama
Elected officials in Texas want President-elect Barack Obama to drop plans to build hundreds of miles of fence along the U.S. border with Mexico.

Two highways in NE Arizona closed for the winter
The highways are expected to open by mid-May.

Mohave County officials warn fake $50 bills being passed
Two bills used at a Kingman-area store had the same serial numbers. Check inside for the numbers you should be on the lookout for.

DPS: 16 bales of marijuana found during Tucson-area stop
The bales weighed a total of 320 pounds, according to an official with the Department of Public Safety.

Meeting about AZ's budget problems could come Monday
Lawmakers looking at governor's latest proposal to fix $1.2 billion revenue deficit.

Scottsdale school to close, but not everyone is happy
School Board members voted to shut down Cheyenne Elementary School to the disatisfaction of one school board member.

Scottsdale motorcyclist dies several days 100+ mph accident
Police believe alcohol was a factor in the November 17 crash. The victim was taken off life support Wednesday.

Woman killed by police during tense standoff in Mesa
As many as five officers fired at the woman after she apparently fired shots toward them.

Report: Two-thirds of AZ teens have sex before they graduate
Health officials are questioning whether school abstinence programs are effective.

House lawyers: Renzi prosecution unconstitutional
The legal staff for the U.S. House of Representatives has challenged the constitutionality of the Justice Department's prosecution of retiring U.S. Rep. Rick Renzi.

Phoenix man charged with murder in death of infant daughter
UPDATED: The girl's dad first told police the 8-month-old slipped and fell while giving her a shower.

Freeway Photo-Radar driving some Valley drivers mad
Freeway photo radar camera's under protest, as one Valley group cries "scam."

Peoria PD urge importance of seatbelts after man's death
According to police, a 23-year-old man was killed when he drove off the road and rolled into an open dirt lot.

Tempe park the first in city for tree program
Valley volunteers will plant 40 donated trees at Mitchell Park on Saturday, December 6.

Mesa house bursts into flames; 4 people displaced
UPDATED WITH VIDEO: A female fire captain reportedly received minor burns to her forehead through her helmet.

Airport scales at Sky Harbor not always accurate
UPDATED WITH VIDEO: Recent tests of scales at Sky Harbor results in 25 violations say the Arizona Department of Weights and Measures.

Tempe man called 'hero' for pulling woman out of house fire
UPDATED: "I'm no hero. No, no way, I just did what anybody else would have done," said the man who rescued his neighbor.

Woman shot while driving on Valley freeway, shooter at large
After she was shot, the victim fell off the off-ramp 21 feet to concrete.

Feds nearing decision in Black Mesa mine permit
Two coal mines in northern Arizona could be merged under one permit in a decision next week.

Budget cuts proposed by Tucson city manager
The budget has grown so bad that City Manager Mike Hein told City Council he will no longer give budget estimates based on the budget that was approved in June.

Morphine overdose killed Fort Huachuca soldier
Authorities are trying to figure out who provided the drug to Pfc. Eli Baker who was found dead inside the medical barracks.

Environmentalists want new wolf recovery plan
They say the 26-year-old plan outdated and is in need of revision.

Crash kills El Mirage woman on Thanksgiving; suspect jailed
The suspect fled on foot after running a stop sign and smashing into another vehicle, according to police.

Man accused of killing teen in Mesa crash pleads not guilty
The driver has been placed on immigration hold and Mesa police believe he may have been drunk during the crash. During his arrest, he told police that he has been in the country illegally for 14 years.

Police, firefighter jobs at risk in Phoenix budget cuts
Mayor Phil Gordon claims 1,000 of the city's 14,000 jobs have been cut through job freezes and attrition, but even that may not be enough.

ASU's A mountain tagged with U of A pride before big game
Air 15 captured the result of a long-standing tradition on Thursday.

More people in Valley taking shot at bartending careers
In a tumbling economy, bartending schools are seeing a spike in students.

INSIDE: Why bartending is lucrative right now

Official: Driver runs red light, hits bus carrying 39 kids
Avondale Fire officials said two people from a silver car were transported to a local hospital, including an infant.

Phoenix PD: 4 arrested, 1 bitten by dog after burglaries
The suspects were all teens, according to police. UPDATED WITH VIDEO:

University tuition hikes OK'd; how much will they go up?
Current ASU and NAU students will see much smaller increases because they are part of a guaranteed-tuition plan that UA doesn't offer.

State hires workers to speed Arizona unemployment claims
Some laid off workers are waiting nearly a month to receive their first unemployment insurance check.

Scottsdale PD: Suspicious letter found, businesses evacuated
The letter was delivered to a Scottsdale Jewish center, according to police.

Law enforcement agencies blamed for horrific Valley death
Scottsdale's Alex Ahmed was killed when the car he was driving in was rammed by a bank robbery suspect fleeing police. UPDATED WITH VIDEO:

Valley restaurant owner faces 20 years for tax evasion
Brian Roehrich pleaded guilty to federal income tax evasion in connection with several high-profile businesses.

INSIDE: The well-known businesses owned by the suspect

Common household item sparks fire in Mesa home
Firefighters have pointers on how to stay safe as you decorate this holiday season. UPDATED WITH VIDEO:

YCSO: Cottonwood woman claims fake carjacking to avoid DUI
Deputies said Jennifer Bremner crashed her car while she was drunk, and reported a fictitious carjacking to avoid arrest.

DPS: Glendale man arrested after vandalizing speed camera
INSIDE: The weapon the man used to take down the camera.

Border Patrol trying to train thousands of new recruits
The Bush administration is expected to formally announce the successful doubling of the Border Patrol.

Nearly 59 pounds of cocaine seized in raid; 3 Arizonans arrested
A drug enforcement unit has seized nearly $4.3 million worth of cocaine at an El Paso, Texas house and arrested three Arizonans and one Texan.

Valley locksmith: Business is good in bad economy
UPDATED WITH VIDEO: People are worried the slumping economy may prompt an increase in property crime over time, according to a Mesa locksmith company owner.

Conflict of interest in case against Don Stapley?
UPDATED: A retired judge, who spoke out against County Attorney Andrew Thomas, has been brought in to hear the criminal case against Maricopa County Supervisor Don Stapley.

3 teens struck by vehicle in Glendale; girl critically hurt
UPDATED WITH VIDEO:  Two 15-year-old boys and a 16-year-old girl were struck at the intersection of 57th and Peoria avenues.  The girl is reportedly in critical condition.

Tucson City Council to consider water fee hikes
Fees would only apply to people getting new water service.

59 pounds of cocaine seized in El Paso; 3 AZ men jailed
The cocaine was valued at more than $4 million dollars.