PHOENIX — From thousands of people gathering for “No Kings” demonstrations to Phoenix experiencing its first 110-degree temperature day of the year, here are some of the top Arizona news stories from June 13-15.
Sights and sounds: ‘No Kings’ protests gather around Valley against Trump, ICE
Thousands of people gathered for “No Kings” demonstrations on Saturday across the country and Arizona, protesting President Donald Trump.
“No Kings is a national day of action and mass mobilization in response to increasing authoritarian excesses and corruption from Trump and his allies,” the organization wrote on an event listing for Saturday’s demonstration at the state capitol in Phoenix.
“We’ve watched as they’ve cracked down on free speech, detained people for their political values, threatened to deport American citizens and defied the courts. They’ve done this all while continuing to serve and enrich their billionaire allies.”
Meanwhile, the Trump administration was planning for an expensive military parade in Washington D.C. in honor of the Army’s 250th anniversary — the motive for the “No Kings” demonstrations — which coincided with his own birthday.
Gabby Giffords reacts to friend killed in Minnesota ‘politically motivated’ shooting
Former U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords spoke out about the “politically motivated” shooting in Minnesota that left former state House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband dead.
“I’m devastated to learn that my friend, Minnesota Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, were killed in last night’s shooting,” Giffords said in a post on X.
Giffords described Hortman as a true public servant and stated the former house speaker dedicated her life to improving Minnesota and making it safer.
The former U.S. representative called Hortman and her husband’s death “a profound loss” for not only those who the two but the entire country.
Phoenix experiences 1st day of 110-plus temperatures, extreme heat in 2025
The city of Phoenix on Saturday endured its first day of 110-degree temperatures this year, according to readings by the National Weather Service.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, which NWS uses for official measurements, reached exactly 110 degrees at around 4:35 p.m.
In 2024, Phoenix saw the most days of 110-degree-plus heat in city history at 70. There were also 143 days of 100-plus temperatures and 21 days in a row of daily heat records from September to October.
4 children, 1 adult hospitalized after hazmat situation at pool in Apache Junction
Four children and one adult were hospitalized midday Saturday following a hazmat situation in Apache Junction, authorities said.
The hazmat situation occurred at a pool near Meridian Road and Radiance Avenue, according to Superstition Fire and Medical District.
Superstition Fire and Medical District and multiple agency partners were dispatched to the hazmat call around 11:51 a.m.
Due to the amount of patients involved, it was upgraded to a second-alarm hazmat, authorities said.
Mother who drove pickup truck through park sentenced to 10 years
A mother who drove a pickup truck through a Peoria park full of children was sentenced to 10 years in prison, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office announced on Saturday.
Brandie Gotch, 31, pleaded guilty to three counts of aggravated assault for the incident that occurred in February 2024.
“This could’ve been a much more tragic situation,” Maricopa County Attorney General Rachel Mitchell said in a release. “Thankfully, the worst injury in this was a sprained ankle and some bad scrapes and bruises.
The post Weekend wrap: Here are the biggest Arizona news stories from June 13-15 appeared first on KTAR.
