From January to December, city council meetings to family events, Tempe had a year full of surprises and loss. Below are the top 10 most viewed stories of the year from Tempe. 

SRP raises energy rates as some customers voice concerns

In February, Salt River Project announced a 2.4% increase for all residential and commercial customers. East Valley residents from Chandler and Gilbert discussed the increases and how it takes a toll on their annual budget.

Tempe Woman’s Club returns to historic clubhouse

The Tempe Women’s Club returned to the century old clubhouse in Tempe. The change came in May after a series of restoration efforts and being added to the National Historic Registry.

Tempe Police report outlines allegations against Fountain Hills Councilmember Allen Skillicorn

Fountain Hills Town Councilmember Allen Skillicorn faced two charges related to an alleged hit-and-run collision that took place March 4, 2025, in Tempe, according to Tempe Municipal Court records.

The charges include failure to remain at an accident with damage and failure to provide information at an accident scene. Charges were dismmissed in November.

1 dead, another hospitalized in Tempe shooting

A 38-year-old man was shot and died at a Tempe apartment complex in September. A suspect was found with self-inflicted injuries and charged with murder.

Tempe photo radar cameras to go live this spring

In late March, Tempe announced that photo radar cameras would go live to track speeds and drivers running red lights. Lights are spread across the city from Warner Road and McClintock Drive to Curry Road and Scottsdale Road.

Scottsdale PD arrests 7 in Tempe, Mesa burglaries, suspected of link to international operation

Arrests of reported burglaries made in Tempe of seven Columbian nationals linked the group to an international organization called the South American Theft Group. Officials say the group was connected to burglaries in California, Oregon and Washington before coming to Arizona and allegedly stealing from homes in Mesa and Scottsdale.

Tempe to get new shopping center on Warner, Rural

In August, developer Thompson Thrift announced a new development in Tempe slated to open in the second half of 2026. The complex called South Tempe Square will be around 27,000 square feet and hold 10 retail areas.

Tempe municipal golf courses see new life as Shalimar closes its doors

As the Shalimar Golf Course closure brought controversy to the community, Tempe announced improvements to the Ken McDonald Golf Course and Grass Clippings Rolling Hills both finished improvements in 2025.

Couple pleads guilty after Tempe confrontation with ICE

An Iranian couple pled guilty to possession of illegal firearms and threatening to shoot authorities at a Tempe apartment in June. The couple was sentenced in November to time served and at least two years of supervised release. They both served at least five months and had fines waived.

Tempe residents speak out against second-story ADU request

During a March Development Commission Review meeting, residents of the Broadmor neighborhood were concerned about a long time resident’s plans to built a two story accessory dwelling unit and the neighborhood’s privacy concerns. A similar issue was later presented to the Tempe City Council.