Good morning, Maricopa.

A Purple Heart veteran in Maricopa was gifted a new home and became the first in his family to own one, marking a historic personal milestone.

A nonpartisan think tank determined that the net cost of Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Accounts is much lower than the governor's claim — which labeled the program as a billion-dollar boondoggle — and its analysis offers a fresh view on state education spending.

As of May 5, the Hazen Fire near Buckeye burned 992 acres and reached 10% containment; firefighters built containment lines & burned vegetation to slow its spread while no evacuations were ordered and air quality stayed healthy on World Asthma Day.

With schools out for summer, state guidelines remind parents that Arizona does not set a minimum age for leaving children home alone.

Experts advise using good judgment based on a child's maturity, safety skills, and ability to call for help in an emergency.

Maricopa-area anglers have five nearby lakes—including Bartlett, Canyon, Lake Pleasant, Roosevelt, and Saguaro—with opportunities to catch bass, trout, and catfish using popular techniques.

Some lakes require a Tonto Forest Recreational Pass for access.

Hamilton High School wide receiver Roye Oliver III reclassified from the class of 2028 to 2027—he commits to USC and will begin his college football career sooner—with his school confirming he is on track to complete the required credits for fall football.

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Kendrick Bourne sparked local buzz by tweeting that the team awaits Aaron Rodgers, fueling speculation as the quarterback has not signed with the Steelers & fans remain eager for his decision.

Mercury players Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper, along with coach Nate Tibbetts and assistant Kristi Toliver, earned votes from 15 WNBA general managers on May 5 in survey rankings ahead of the league's 30th season, and the team will face the Aces on May 9 at 12:30 p.m. on ABC.

Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo met with his five starters last weekend in Chicago to urge them to cut walks and improve their pitching, while injury updates show outfielder Jordan Lawlar may return early June and first baseman Pavin Smith could resume dry swings next week; the team plays the Pirates at Chase Field today at 6:40 p.m.