Good morning, Maricopa.

The Arizona Department of Transportation reported over 121,000 car accidents last year, with about 1,200 fatal incidents—a 6% drop from 2023 that mostly occurred on local urban roads with many speed- and alcohol-related crashes.

Crashes involving bicyclists and pedestrians reached a five-year high, even though their fatality rate stayed steady.

Maricopa County Sheriff's Office deputies shot and killed a hit-and-run suspect—who was armed with a bladed weapon and refused to drop it—near Avenida Del Yaqui and Calle Guadalupe in Guadalupe after he was involved in a collision on US 60 and made suicidal statements.

On Sunday, a 25-year-old burglary suspect was shot dead by a Phoenix homeowner near 7th and Northern avenues after the homeowner called 911 to report the intruder, and police said the case is under review by the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.

Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office deputies fatally shot a hit-and-run suspect armed with a bladed weapon early Monday in Guadalupe after the suspect's aunt reported his suicidal statements and refusal to drop the weapon—he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Arizona Literacy Plan 2030 will use proven strategies—teacher training, family engagement and more literacy coaches—to raise third-grade reading proficiency from 39% to 72% in five years.

Read On Arizona planned the initiative after a lengthy review of successful programs at schools like O.C. Johnson Elementary and will focus on reaching struggling schools with high absenteeism.

Coyotes are common in our neighborhoods and can be shot legally with a hunting license under rules like keeping a quarter-mile away from occupied homes — you risk breaking the law if you feed them or let them get too comfortable.

Urban wildlife specialist Darren Julian advised residents to remove attractants and use noise to scare coyotes away and protect pets.

Arizona had one of its driest years on record and experts say the upcoming monsoon will ease wildfire risks and modestly boost reservoir levels — it will not end the long-term drought affecting much of the state.

Officials warned that even above-normal rains will offer only short-term relief as water shortages persist.