THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1922, Tucson residents woke up to a rare sight: a 7-inch blanket of snow. A photo taken that morning shows the University of Arizona’s Main Gate Square.

Speaking of snow, the Snowbowl Ski Resort recently reported one of the deepest snow depths in the nation, and more is expected as a winter storm is forecast.

Below, we follow up on Monday’s story about artificial intelligence-aided wildfire detection cameras with others about AI’s emergence in the courts and classrooms.

Expect an email later today from us on behalf of our partners at Mode Mobile, featuring an exciting milestone update and details on how you can still invest at $0.26/share before their next big move.

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Community Struggles After Wells Run Dry

As Arizona continues a legal battle over water rights, the Granite Mountain Estates community north of Prescott continues its struggle with water shortages, including dry wells.

The Granite Mountain Water Company, which serves almost 160 customers, has been working to address the water shortages and uncertain supply by hauling water from Prescott and storing it in tanks.

The result has been higher costs and an ongoing search for productive wells. A water company spokesman said one of the wells that used to pump 120 gallons per minute now pumps only 18 gallons per minute.

A report earlier this year detailed similar problems in Salome.

State Supreme Court Adds AI Avatars as ‘Spokespeople’

Two artificial intelligence-generated avatars that serve as court “spokespeople” are the latest additions to the Arizona Supreme Court’s efforts to improve public communication. Watch the report.

Named Daniel and Victoria, the lifelike, digitally produced AI avatars will serve as the hosts for 90-second video clips explaining court case proceedings.

The avatars’ reports will air on azcourts.gov.

Chief Justice Ann Timmer said she hopes the technology will help the public better understand complex legal processes while boosting transparency. More AI reporters could be added in the future, she said.

Travel ID Deadline Approaches

Arizona residents have until May 7 to obtain a new Arizona Travel ID if they want to board airplanes within the U.S. Watch the report.

Called a Real ID, the card looks like a driver’s license and includes an embedded gold star that indicates the cardholder has passed strict federal security checks.

After the May 7 deadline, airport security will only accept the Arizona Travel ID, a U.S. passport, or other federally approved ID. For international travel, the rules are unchanged, with a valid passport or equivalent required.

The card costs $25 and is available as an identification card or driver’s license. To obtain the card, residents must provide a birth certificate or passport, a social security number, and two documents showing residency.

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➤ Gold Canyon: An overnight fire at the Renaissance Festival is not expected to affect weekend festivities. (See Video)

➤ Tucson: Voters rejected Proposition 414, which would have added a half-cent sales tax to fund public safety and housing. (See Video)

➤ Marana: A witness told police the two pilots involved in a fatal mid-air crash in February were yelling at each other before colliding. (See Video)

➤ Phoenix Valley: Several school districts have started using an artificial intelligence program that helps tutor students. (See Video)

➤ Tempe: First responders rescued a construction worker struck by a falling wall. (See Video)

➤ Bisbee: Authorities warned residents about a scam where callers demanded a ransom after claiming to have kidnapped loved ones. (More)

➤ Yavapai County: Officials say drivers should not depend on GPS to identify detour routes during snowstorms after several motorists became trapped. (More)

➤ The Phoenix Suns reportedly want at least three first-round picks and a young player in any trade involving Kevin Durant. (More)

➤ Arizona State men’s basketball coach Bobby Hurley is expected to return next season despite the team’s second-to-last finish in the Big 12. (More)

➤ The Arizona Cardinals will likely sign Jacoby Brissett as a backup to quarterback Kyler Murray. (More)

➤ As March Madness draws near, sign up for the NIL Wire for timely reporting on sports stories related to college athletes’ endorsement and sponsorship deals.

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➤ Tucson’s historic Teatro Carmen entered the second phase of its preservation project, which will focus on the interior of the building. (See Video)

➤ The Flagstaff City Council approved an updated development agreement for Mill Town, a commercial and residential site plan first presented in 2013. (More)

➤ An Oscar Mayer Wienermobile will make appearances starting tomorrow in the Phoenix Valley, where the famous hot dog-themed bus will hand out wiener whistles. (See Photo)

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➤ Social media personality Wrecker Rick pulled 30 trapped drivers to safety during historic winter storms along Interstate 40. (See Video)

➤ A baby elephant named Meru celebrated its first birthday this week at Reid Park Zoo with a giant rainbow popsicle made of layers of frozen fruits and vegetables. (See Photos)

➤ The Arizona State Card Show will feature hundreds of dealer tables offering sports memorabilia, Pokemon cards, comics, and more. Current and former MLB players, including Luis Gonzalez, will sign autographs. (More)

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