I have some bittersweet news—this will be my last newsletter ever hitting reader’s inboxes.

I’ve been with The Copper Courier since 2023, first starting as an intern and then moving full time. It’s a little surreal to think of this change as coming so soon, because this is where I started my professional career.

But, nothing lasts forever, and I’m incredibly grateful to have worked with so many talented journalists and editors over the years. Each and every person at COURIER has improved my work, and truly changed how I view the world. 

I’m so proud of the work I’ve done here as a journalist, and happy I was able to inform so many Arizonans of the things that impact their everyday lives, and spread information to help people to become more civically engaged. 

I’m not leaving Arizona! I love this beautiful state with all my heart. I’m transitioning into a job with the city of Phoenix and AmeriCorps VISTA to start a career in public service. 

But that doesn’t necessarily mean I’ll leave journalism behind forever—it’s more of a “pause” for now, (albeit a long-term pause).

Please continue to read, watch, share, and support the work of my wonderful colleagues at The Copper Courier. They all work incredibly hard to bring you the news in an increasingly more difficult environment to do so.

On Monday, we talked about APS’s new policy around shutting off people’s power for nonpayment.

The policy was originally based on date range—they wouldn’t shut off power due to nonpayment from June to Oct. 15—but it is now based on the temperature outside.

This change stems from a lawsuit over an 82-year-old woman who died in May 2024 after APS disconnected her power on a day that reached 99 degrees. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes secured the change in a $7 million settlement with the utility. 

I asked what you thought of the new policy, and here’s what you said: 

💬 “I’m in favor of no shut off in cases of health issues although I’m sure there are some folks who will take advantage.” — Bruce P.

💬 “Great job Kris Mayes! No more Arizona citizens have to suffer at home in this heat just because they don’t have enough money for their over priced utilities.” — Sil W.

💬 “That just gives people reason to let their bill get higher than think they don’t have to pay it. It should be for the elderly people with infants and young kids people that have medical machines that require electricity.” — Shelley H.

💬 “[Mayes] truly works hard for the people, not the billionaire class.” — Kathy H.

Keep sending in your comments—we’ll post them to the website later today!

Here’s what’s going on around Arizona this weekend—plus a map so you can see where everything is at!

Here’s what’s going on around Arizona this weekend, including music festivals, vintage markets, and more.

Dining out with kids in Phoenix doesn’t have to break the bank—these Valley restaurants offer deals that make family meals a lot more affordable.

Republican Justin Heap is an election skeptic who will be overseeing his first statewide election in Maricopa County.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Alyssa Bickle with stories from Dermont Stevenson and Audrey Lippert, Jill Schildhouse, and USA Today Network via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Brook Bolen.

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