Good morning, Maricopa.

The Arizona Humane Society reported it is taking in about 80 pets daily and has reached 28,000 for the year—the highest in over a decade.

The organization urges Maricopa residents to adopt, foster, or donate to help ease capacity issues during the busy summer months.

Arizona’s 2027 Teacher of the Year candidate returns to teaching after a major health setback + shares her lessons and plans to inspire local classrooms as school leaders highlight her resilience and commitment to improving education in the community.

On Monday, Aug. 17, a webcam at Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area captured barn owls laying a rare second clutch of eggs, an unusual event since only about 10% clutch twice (a sign of strong hunting conditions).

Viewers may soon watch for hatchlings if the weather helps the eggs survive.

On Saturday, Lake Powell hit its record low after dropping over 20 feet since January, edging 30 feet from stopping turbine power generation + sparking concerns over water and electricity supplies for nearby communities that depend on the Colorado River.

City leaders are planning new rules for data centers (to lower energy and water use) after public opposition grew over higher power costs.

Mayor Gallego signed a pact with 40 cities to help make sure new facilities protect local interests.

Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte did not show up Monday at Fenway Park and was placed on the restricted list (he was replaced by Jose Fernandez) just minutes before game time.

Phoenix Mercury fans cheered as WNBA star Diana Taurasi was inducted into the Ring of Honor on Sunday at halftime during the game against Portland Fire.

The event celebrated her two decades of record-setting play and lasting community impact (including a 45-second standing ovation).