Good morning, Maricopa.

Local groups are hosting holiday drives to collect toys and food for families in need.

Donations can be dropped off at the CPLC Community Center until Dec. 19 (and at United Food Bank’s Food and Toy Drive in Mesa on Dec. 13).

Maricopa consumers are advised to verify shipping notices and social media offers during the holiday shopping season as scammers use AI-built stores, QR code traps, and voice cloning to mislead buyers.

Rural Metro customers in Maricopa are facing billing errors after the company switched to a new customer management system; the provider is notifying affected clients + will waive related late fees while ensuring emergency services remain available.

Gov. Katie Hobbs ordered state buildings to lower flags from sunrise to sunset today in honor of Pearl Harbor, marking the 84th anniversary of the Dec.

7 attack while inviting local groups to join the tribute.

Forest officials in Mesa have banned equestrian access along the Lower Salt River starting Dec.

6 due to signs of a virus in horses; the restriction will remain until March 6, 2026 while other recreational activities stay open.

Fromm Family Foods has recalled 300 cases of Bonnihill Farms BeefiBowls dog food sold in Maricopa and other states after plastic fragments were found, according to the company notice.

Pet owners are advised to stop feeding the product and return or discard it to avoid potential illness in pets.

Arizona State will play in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl on Dec.

31 against a TBD ACC team + Arizona will take part in the Holiday Bowl in San Diego on Jan. 2, with final bowl matchups announced at 10:00 a.m. MST on ESPN today.

The Phoenix Suns lost 117-98 to the Houston Rockets on Dec.

5 at Toyota Center as the Rockets’ big runs overwhelmed them and key players including Devin Booker were sidelined; Phoenix will continue its road trip on Dec. 8 at the Timberwolves.

Basha beat Chandler 34-7 on Dec.

6 at Mountain America Stadium as its defense forced three turnovers to build a 17-0 lead and secure its second Open state football title in four years.

Casteel High School won the 6A state championship by defeating Centennial 42-27 at Mountain America Stadium on Saturday, Dec.

6. Junior quarterback Tee Smith led with five touchdowns — including a trick play that sealed the win — and coach Joe Bushman celebrated his first season as leader.