ABC15.com - Local News Headlines

Arizona Corporation Commission names new chairman
The new chairman said the commission is at the forefront of making Arizona the "solar energy capitol of the country."

US Census opens Phoenix office, hiring thousands in Valley
Applicants are required to take a test before being hired. Pay starts at $11.25 an hour.

PD: Elderly hiker dies while hiking Piestewa Peak
Witnesses said the man was about 300 yards up the mountain when he said he was feeling short of breath and fell down.

3 men indicted on charges from December drop house raid
The men were indicted on charges that include kidnapping, armed robbery, theft by extortion and smuggling.

Roommate to testify against Valley Serial Shooter suspect
Samuel Dieteman, who has pleaded guilty in two killings in the case, was scheduled to testify at the trial of Dale Hausner.

Valley bus and train fare system confuses passengers
The confusion comes when transit users get on the bus they swipe their fare card as they board. However, in the new light rail system there is nothing to swipe.

Vounteer, have fun at P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Marathon
The American Cancer Society is launching a new program in the Phoenix area to coincide with the annual P.F. Chang's Rock 'n' Roll Marathon and Half-Marathon.

2 dead in Cave Creek, investigation leads to mystery
UPDATED WITH VIDEO: Buses to nearby schools were reportedly diverted during a lockdown until the situation was deemed safe.

Passport cards proving popular in border states
The new document will serve as proof of citizenship and identity when a new law goes into effect in June requiring both.

Renzi ends career in Congress under cloud of suspicion
Former republican Representative Rick Renzi was voted out of office in November, amid a federal investigation and indictment on fraud charges.

1 hit during shooting after fight on Tempe’s Mill Avenue
Officers said a bar fight led to the shooting outside a post office branch.

Truck and light rail train collide in Tempe
The collision briefly shut down the rail line Monday afternoon. Police have not yet determined whether the driver of the truck or train was at fault.

Arizona Governor Napolitano talks FEMA with LA senator
Governor Janet Napolitano is starting early on her upcoming job as Homeland Security Secretary by meeting with a Louisiana senator who is outspoken about FEMA reform.

Valley businesses get financial boost from Fiesta Bowl
While thousands of fans were dressed in their team colors, many Glendale businesses were seeing green with game goers spending plenty of cash.

Mesa councilman wants domestic-partner registry
A domestic-partner registry allows unmarried couples the same rights as relatives when it comes to visitations at hospitals, nursing homes, and other health-care facilities.

Commuters flock to Phoenix area's light rail
Riders sat back and relaxed, listened to music or read on their way to work Monday.

Aircraft maintenance center beings to open in Mesa
The first phase of a $14 million aircraft maintenance center at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport in Mesa has been finished.

2 men shot during attempted robbery at Phoenix jewelry shop
The men also used pepper spray on a worker during the incident, according to police.

New plate rule affects dealers, police say it's no big deal
Valley car dealerships are ordering tens of thousands of new license plates. INSIDE: There are 23 shops in the Valley that will inspect your plate and fix it for you...

Fuel leak forces bus riders to evacuate in Phoenix
"They started evacuating the houses, and then our haz mat team came to take readings."

Treasurer: Arizona could go broke next month
The state is spending faster than revenues are coming in and is running out of cash, according to Treasurer Dean Martin.

Scottsdale company could be pulled from NYSE
The company has six months to bring up that average price -- before it gets removed from the exchange.

Glendale PD crackdown on fake Fiesta Bowl merchandise
INSIDE: How can you tell if jerseys, t-shirts, and hats are officially licensed by the NCAA.

Report: Arizona Cardinals coach up for New York Jets job
Boston College coach Jeff Jagodzinski is also reportedly interviewing for the job.

Buy 1 car in the Valley, get a second one for 99 cents
Car dealers in the Phoenix area are offering some rock-bottom prices right now.

ABC15.com - The ABC15 Investigators

Top Investigation of 2008 - AIG Phoenix Conference
While congress was busy doling out your tax dollars to keep AIG afloat, the ABC15 Investigators caught some of the companies top executives holding poolside meetings at a Valley resort.

Two indicted for conflict of interest in Pinal/Gila counties
Two employees of the Pinal/Gila county Long Term Care Department are charged with felonies.

Board votes to strip County Attorney Thomas of legal council
Supervisor Don Stapley was part of the vote, but is being prosecuted on 118 criminal counts.

County Attorney threatens appeals if judge isn't removed
Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas is saying he will appeal if a retired judge is not removed from the high-profile criminal case against Supervisor Don Stapley.

Phoenix doctor under investigation in steroid case publishes book
Dr. Jessee Hagard, the former medical director of Revolution Medical Centers, who is currently under federal investigation has published a book about anabolic steroids.

Congressman calls for hearings after AIG Phoenix conference
The conference at a posh resort came after AIG received more than $85 billion from the federal government as a bailout.

State sues local adoption agency; couples lose thousands
UPDATED WITH VIDEO: Attorney General Terry Goddard says the agency left families without babies and without their money.

Doctor in steroid investigation surrenders medical license
The Valley's Dr. Jesse Haggard and others connected with Revolution Medical Centers remain under investigation.

Judge in Stapley case refuses to step down
An ABC15 investigation uncovered what some are calling a major conflict of interest that has County Attorney Andrew Thomas demanding the judge step down.

Sky Harbor restaurants found with repeat health violations
UPDATED WITH VIDEO: Rodent droppings, filthy equipment, food not held at proper temperatures. Find out what’s happening at your favorite airport restaurant.

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.

Report claims office of Sheriff Arpaio is 'out of control'
"No, I'm not going to read the report because it's garbage," Sheriff Arpaio told ABC15.

What is the best way to keep your Christmas tree fresh?
ABC15 Investigator Joe Ducey puts Christmas tree treatments to the test. INSIDE: How to keep your tree from going up in flames  

Not all of your clothing donation is going to charity
UPDATED WITH VIDEO: A for-profit business is making money on your clothing donations. Why you should pay attention to the bin you’re using to drop off clothes.

Tucson boxer hospitalized after fight in Phoenix
UPDATED WITH VIDEO: A 28-year-old boxer from Tucson remains hospitalized four days after the Phoenix fight.

Stolen cars big business for Phoenix thieves
UPDATED WITH VIDEO: Phoenix has one of the highest rates of stolen cars in the country. Police are busy, and thieves are making it tough by destroying evidence. Valley residents...

AIG to pay out $503 million in deferred executive compensation
The announcement comes one week after an ABC15 investigation showed eight of AIG's top executives holding poolside meetings in Phoenix. INSIDE: SEE THE ORIGINAL ABC15 INVESTIGATION

Congressman calling for hearings on AIG Phoenix conference
UPDATED VIDEO WITH CEO's RESPONSE: An ABC15 investigation has Rep. Elijah Cummings calling for the resignation of AIG's CEO because of a breach of trust.

High gas prices not the only deterrent for some consumers
When a person with disabilities honks his or her car horn at a gas station, by law, an attendant is required to help. But do all Valley stations follow this...

AIG execs at posh Phoenix resort after $85 billion bailout
The insurance and investment company went to significant lengths to hide their event in the Valley.

Not losing weight? Some Valley low-fat claims could be wrong
UPDATED WITH VIDEO:  A class action lawsuit follows a joint ABC15 investigation into calorie and fat claims by some popular restaurants. INSIDE: SEE OUR FULL TEST RESULTS

New reaction to ABC15’s investigation uncovering unsecured soccer goals
ABC15 Investigator Joe Ducey shows you what one city is doing to protect your kids.

54 potentially unsafe soccer goals at Valley schools, parks
Unanchored goals recently led to the death of two Arizona boys. INSIDE: SEARCH OUR DATABASE FOR YOUR SCHOOL OR PARK.

Valley firefighters and police tied to federal steroid probe
UPDATED WITH VIDEO: Several Valley departments were notified their employees are tied to a Valley clinic where steroids were a prescription of choice.

Report: Hate crimes on the rise in Arizona
UPDATED WITH VIDEO: Newly released statistics from the FBI show the increase, especially in race-based crimes. INSIDE: SEARCH THE DATABASE BY CITY

ABC15.com - Local News Headlines

Arizona Corporation Commission names new chairman
The new chairman said the commission is at the forefront of making Arizona the "solar energy capitol of the country."

US Census opens Phoenix office, hiring thousands in Valley
Applicants are required to take a test before being hired. Pay starts at $11.25 an hour.

PD: Elderly hiker dies while hiking Piestewa Peak
Witnesses said the man was about 300 yards up the mountain when he said he was feeling short of breath and fell down.

3 men indicted on charges from December drop house raid
The men were indicted on charges that include kidnapping, armed robbery, theft by extortion and smuggling.

Roommate to testify against Valley Serial Shooter suspect
Samuel Dieteman, who has pleaded guilty in two killings in the case, was scheduled to testify at the trial of Dale Hausner.