Amber Alert canceled; Kehlani Rogers found safe, Noriega in custody.
Amber Alert canceled after Kehlani Rogers found safe; Marina Noriega in custody, Avondale police say
Avondale Police Department says Kehlani Rogers has been found safe and in good health, and Marina Noriega has been taken into custody. Investigators worked through the night, following up on multiple tips. Earlier this morning, a community member reported a possible sighting near 27th Avenue and Indian School Road in Phoenix. Phoenix Police responded and located Kehlani Rogers and Marina Noriega.
Kehlani Rogers is in good health and is not believed to have been harmed during the incident. Marina Noriega is in the custody of Avondale Police detectives and will be booked into the Maricopa County Jail on charges related to the incident.
The Amber Alert for Kehlani Rogers has been canceled. Authorities thanked their media partners, the community, and local, state, and federal law enforcement partners for their assistance in achieving a safe resolution.
Correction: The suspect’s name is Marina Noriega, not Mariana as previously reported.
Avondale Police Department also issued a Community Alert related to today’s Amber Alert. Information indicates the suspect and victim may be in Maricopa after being spotted there earlier today. If you see these individuals, please call 911. MPD is assisting Avondale PD in their investigation, but Avondale PD remains the lead agency on the case. All media inquiries should be directed to Avondale PD.
| Feb 22, 2026 at 12:26 AM | Police |
Buck
39700 West Civic Center Plaza Maricopa, AZ 85138
https://www.facebook.com/755945356348438/posts/1294398899169745
Maricopa County leaders respond to recorder over in-person voting
Maricopa County Chair Kate Brophy McGee and Vice Chair Debbie Lesko released a joint statement criticizing County Recorder Justin Heap’s handling of in-person early voting, saying the board unanimously gave him authority, offered to assist with more than 160 voting centers but cannot force acceptance, called his response to their letter misleading and disappointing, and said they expect a formal early voting proposal from Heap while they plan for Election Day.
| Feb 26, 2026 at 8:35 PM | Gov |
Maricopa County to host 2026 Reverse Vendor Expo
Maricopa County will host its 2026 Reverse Vendor Expo on March 26 from 9 a.m. to noon at the MCDOT Procurement Distribution Warehouse in Phoenix, offering vendors a chance to meet decision makers from more than 30 county departments; registration is free and more information is available from Lisa Bernhardt.
| Feb 26, 2026 at 3:01 PM | Gov |
Maricopa County Board Sets Deadline for In-Person Early Voting
Maricopa County's Board of Supervisors gave County Recorder Heap a Feb. 27 deadline to say whether he will partner with the Elections Department to provide in-person early voting in 2026, saying the decision could affect voters, candidates and ballot measures and urging collaboration to ensure a broad, 27-day early voting period for the July primary, with a Friday response deadline and a warning that, if he does not respond, the board will assume he can manage it without their help.
| Feb 24, 2026 at 5:35 PM | Gov |
Maricopa County spotlights 'Love the Unloved' vultures
Maricopa County is promoting its "Love the Unloved" campaign to spotlight turkey vultures, praising their bald heads, a six-foot wingspan and crucial ecological role as cleanup crews, and inviting residents to the March 13 All Vulture's Eve event on the pedestrian bridge off U.S. 60 in Wickenburg where hundreds roost.
| Feb 23, 2026 at 5:04 PM | Gov |
Muffin Adopted After Canine Stars Show
Chandler, Ariz.—The Chandler Center for the Arts says Canine Stars highlighted pet adoption during Saturday's show, and Muffin was adopted by a local family after months at the shelter, with thanks to Maricopa County Animal Care & Control.
| Feb 23, 2026 at 1:02 PM | Community |
Eight Buckeyes earn Winter Olympic medals for three countries
Eight Buckeyes from three countries earned medals at the Winter Olympics and will go home with hardware, the university said, calling the medal ceremony a Buckeye reunion.
| Feb 23, 2026 at 12:42 PM | University |
OSU research powers Buckeyes on national, Olympic stages
Columbus, Ohio — Ohio State University says cutting-edge research powers the Buckeyes’ performance on national and Olympic stages, with real-time data, light therapy and advanced recovery tools helping tailor training, prevent overtraining and give athletes a competitive edge.
| Feb 20, 2026 at 7:14 PM | University |
Chandler Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show Sold Out; Adoptions Offered
CHANDLER, Ariz. — The Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show at the Chandler Center for the Arts on Feb. 21 is sold out, with organizers partnering with Maricopa County Animal Care & Control to offer ticket holders a pre-show meet-and-greet with adoptable dogs from 2 to 3 p.m. and the option to take a dog home the same day after the performance.
| Feb 19, 2026 at 6:30 PM | Community |
Ohio State Says Preparation Leads to Breakthroughs, Worldwide Impact
The Ohio State University says preparation is paying off in meaningful ways, with Buckeyes making breakthroughs, boosting the economy and creating impact at home and around the world.
| Feb 19, 2026 at 3:08 PM | University |