Good morning, Maricopa.

Caleidoscopio film contest returns with its third edition focusing on soccer and football themes to highlight cultural links—organized by ASU and the University of Guadalajara.

The contest launched on June 1 and will accept entries until December 15 with a binational jury judging films in February and winners announced on March 4.

Arizona's wide landscapes house over 800 native species such as rattlesnakes, javelinas, and venomous lizards, as well as rare animals like jaguars and ringtails—each well adapted to the state's varied deserts and forests.

Wildlife officials advise residents to keep pets leashed, secure garbage, and avoid feeding wild animals to protect both humans and nature.

ADOT is seeking public input as it prepares an engineering study for State Route 505—a highway corridor 400 feet wide that will connect Apache Junction and Eloy and offer an alternative to I-10 congestion.

ADOT will hold public meetings on August 7 at the Florence preparatory school gym and on August 12 at the Santa Cruz Valley Union preparatory school auditorium while accepting comments until September 8.

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is asking for public comments on a plan to expand water storage at Bartlett Dam as sediment has reduced capacity at Bartlett Lake.

The project will bring more water to local communities—public meetings will be held from July 28 to August 1.

Maricopa County Sheriff Jerry Sheridan said that federal oversight of his office is expected to end soon and that the agency—about 100 deputies short—will be fully staffed in about two years.

He added that a raise in the recent county budget has helped boost deputy morale and improve public perception of MCSO.

Ty Amundsen stepped down as head boys' basketball coach at Millennium to pursue another coaching opportunity—he had missed two Open state tournament games last season after a heart issue.