Good morning, Maricopa.

USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins stopped Mexican cattle imports after new cases of a cattle parasite were found in Veracruz; this raised cattle prices in Arizona feedlots and hurt ranchers on both sides.

US and Mexican officials are using sterile flies—while teams of vets work to fix the problem.

A RentCafe study shows that rent prices vary among metro Phoenix cities, with Mesa’s average rent at $1,488 and Scottsdale’s at $1,754 plus apartment sizes ranging from 809 to 1,385 square feet.

The Arizona Court of Appeals said on July 17 that Tom Horne does not have the power to choose the language programs for English learners because the State Board of Education makes those decisions—Horne will take his case to the Arizona Supreme Court.

State wildlife officials warn that if you see a desert tortoise during the monsoon season, do not disturb it because capturing or moving the animal is illegal and can harm its health.

They advise leaving the tortoise in its natural habitat and note that residents interested in a pet may inquire about adopting a captive tortoise — wild tortoises should always remain wild.

Attorney General Kris Mayes demanded that Elton Apartment Homes fix its broken air conditioning after a 66-year-old man died and a pregnant tenant was hospitalized in 97-degree heat in Phoenix.

The office’s letter stated that the malfunction began on July 5 and that nearly all units lost AC within five days—landlords must repair AC under state law when heat poses a health risk.

U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego is sponsoring a bill to have FEMA treat extreme heat as a major disaster because heat is the deadliest weather hazard.

The bill will update FEMA's list of qualifying events — adding extreme heat alongside hurricanes or tornadoes — to guide federal aid with clearer criteria.

Three meteor showers will light up Arizona skies in July, and the famous Perseids will run from July 17 until September with their peak set for August 12-13—though a bright 84% full moon may only reveal the brightest meteors.

Viewers should head to a dark sky site and plan to watch between midnight and dawn for the best view.