Gov. Katie Hobbs questioned why the U.S. government decided to manage the Dragon Bravo fire, which started with a lightning strike, as a “controlled burn” during the height of the summer.

Arizona’s governor is calling for a “comprehensive and independent” investigation after a wildfire in Grand Canyon National Park torched thousands of acres and destroyed dozens of structures, including the iconic Grand Canyon Lodge.

The Dragon Bravo Fire started on July 4 and was managed at first as a controlled burn. Then the wind picked up, and it quickly became uncontrollable.

A program launched by Gov. Katie Hobbs over a year ago has benefited 352,000 families, who are being notified their medical debt is gone.

In 2024, Hobbs announced an initiative to erase $2 billion in medical debt for up to one million Arizonans. Those eligible for debt relief include individuals who earn 400% of the Federal Poverty Level or below and/or individuals who owe at least 5% of their annual income for outstanding bills.

According to the Governor's Office, the charity, having already used $2 million of the governor’s allocation, has erased $429 million in medical bills owed by about 352,000 state residents.