Good morning, Maricopa.

On Valentine's Day, 14-year-old Apache teen Emily Pike was found dead in the woods after going missing from her group home near Mesa, and hundreds gathered in a candlelight vigil on the reservation to call for answers while investigators have not yet named any suspects—her death has sparked renewed calls for justice in the ongoing movement for missing and murdered Indigenous people.

Maricopa County Parks announced that crews have begun working on phases two and three of the Vulture Mountains Recreation Area project in the far West Valley, adding facilities such as a nature center, picnic sites, trailhead access, parking, and camping areas (with construction expected to finish by Fall 2026 before launching the final phase).

Grand Canyon beat Utah Valley 89-82 with strong plays from Makaih Williams and veterans — overcoming a 19-10 start — to win its third straight WAC title and secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal left the game at halftime Sunday due to left hamstring soreness, with Collin Gillespie taking his place in the second half—Beal had missed his last two games with a left calf injury and his absence may influence the team's performance in their upcoming homestand starting Monday.

A projection for the 2025 men's NCAA Tournament shows the Arizona Wildcats, an at-large pick from the Big 12, may face the Grand Canyon Antelopes—automatic qualifiers after winning the WAC Tournament—in a first-round game set for later this week.

Other projections vary on seeding and matchup dates, leaving fans to await the final bracket reveal.

Wild West Music Fest

2 PM – 10 PM — Copper Sky Regional Park — Visit website for ticket info — Experience three days of music, rides, and food in a festive atmosphere.