Good morning, Maricopa.

At her Arizona trial on Thursday, Lori Vallow Daybell’s brother testified that he believed she was behind the fatal shooting of her estranged husband in Phoenix in 2019.

Sen. Mark Kelly introduced a bipartisan bill to permanently remove the engine knowledge test required for school bus drivers so that more new drivers can get licensed faster amid a nationwide shortage that has forced Arizona school districts to adjust routes and extend wait times for students. School districts are also raising driver pay and hosting hiring events to attract applicants while trained mechanics handle bus maintenance.

A study by Upgraded Points shows that Maricopa residents received an average tax refund of $3,277—slightly above Arizona’s overall average of $3,179—based on 2022 tax data.

The report details refund differences by county, with Santa Cruz and Navajo counties receiving the highest averages and Coconino County the lowest.

Maricopa officials are proposing a half-cent sales tax to fund safety improvements on SR 347 after the road recorded more than 100 injuries per year since 2018.

The tax is expected to bridge a funding gap for stalled projects and will be discussed by City Council on May 6 — Councilmember Vincent Manfredi supports the proposal.

Travelers in Maricopa must secure a Real ID before May 7 to board domestic flights because TSA will subject those without the compliant Arizona Travel ID to extra screening.

The Real ID—also known as the Arizona Travel ID—requires proof of birth, address, and Social Security number and involves an online application followed by an in-person visit to an MVD office.

Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham secured his 10th recruit in the 2026 class when three-star edge rusher Julian Hugo committed on April 10 from Steele High School—boosting ASU's recruiting class to 14 overall and 2nd in the Big 12.

The pledge from Texas comes as the program builds momentum after last season's unexpected Big 12 championship.

Mother's Day Paint & Brunch Festival

11 AM – 2 PM — Central Arizona College — Early Bird Tickets $3+ — Celebrate Mother's Day with brunch, paint, and family-friendly activities.