Good morning, Maricopa.

A recent study—by Simmrin Law Group—found that Arizona ranks third nationally with more than four intersection crashes per 100,000 residents, nearly 50% above the national average.

The study urges drivers to stay alert and officials to improve traffic signals, lighting and street signs.

Texas woman Jackie Marie Peters admitted she was part of a plot that stole $2.5M from taxpayers served by an Arizona CPA firm and was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison on March 31st—she opened bank accounts to move tax refunds and COVID-19 relief money to buy Bitcoin at the direction of an online partner.

Insurance company Ovid’s survey (which polled over 2,400 Americans) found that the saguaro cactus emoji best represents Arizona even though the state has no official emoji; the cactus is an icon of the Sonoran Desert and a symbol of local heritage.

Country Thunder Arizona 2025 kicks off a four-day country festival at Canyon Moon Ranch near Florence on Thursday, April 10, with headliners Riley Green, Keith Urban, Hardy and Bailey Zimmerman scheduled to perform through Sunday, April 13.

Local artists will also perform on the Copperhead stage with intimate songwriter showcases behind the food court — adding a mix of main stage acts and local talent.

Arizona recycles more than half its wastewater — the second-highest rate among Colorado River basin states — according to a UCLA study, and the state will launch new projects at wastewater treatment plants and invest in advanced treatment facilities to boost reuse as it grows.

This effort comes as local water supplies face increasing pressure from ongoing growth.

NOAA has already cut one in ten workers and now plans to reduce another 10% — these cuts may slow the launch of weather balloons and delay warnings for dust storms, heavy rain and wildfires in Arizona.

Local experts warn that less precise forecasts could put residents at risk as summer weather intensifies.