TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1901, the Arizona territorial legislature adopted the saguaro cactus blossom as the region’s official flower. The white and yellow flowers do not develop until a saguaro is 30 to 65 years old, or about 7 feet tall. Read more here.

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7 More Miles of Border Wall Coming

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced plans to construct seven more miles of Arizona border wall.

The project comes as President Trump continues to follow through on his promise of tougher border security, which has reduced illegal border crossings to the lowest number in U.S. history.

To achieve that mark, Trump has utilized the U.S. military on a number of occasions, including recently sending 550 Army troops to Tucson. Watch the report.

The new project will restart construction on the border wall in the Rio Grande Valley. The work is expected to cost $70 million, to be paid from a 2021 Customs and Border Protection fund.

$75K Reward Offered in Emily Pike Murder Case

The San Carlos Apache Tribe is offering a $75,000 reward for information leading to an arrest after 14-year-old tribe member Emily Pike was found murdered more than a month ago. Watch the report.

Initially considered a runaway, Pike was last seen walking near Mesa Drive and McKellips Road in Mesa on Jan. 27. Weeks later, Gila County police discovered her remains more than 100 miles away, northeast of Globe.

Authorities have opened a licensing inquiry into the Mesa group home where Pike was a resident when she went missing.

The case has gained national recognition. In Minnesota, dozens recently gathered to honor her memory and demand justice.

Mom Advocates Kidney Health After Donating

A Phoenix Valley mom who donated a life-saving kidney to her son in 2018 continues to spread awareness this March, which is National Kidney Month.

Lisa Holdaway’s son was diagnosed with kidney disease when he was 14. When the opportunity came to donate, she accepted. Her son, Kendon, is now married and recently finished his first year of medical school.

“It’s a really interesting thing. As a mother, I gave him life once, but I actually was able to give him life again,” she said.

Holdaway said she wants to make others aware of the dangers of chronic kidney disease, often called a “silent killer.”

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➤ Phoenix: Two men were arrested for allegedly hiding hundreds of fentanyl pills in roof shingle packaging. (See Video)

➤ Three Higley Unified School District schools won the Arizona Purple Star School award by advocating for the challenges faced by military families. (More)

➤ Cochise County: Authorities are calling for the installation of security cameras at rest stops following an attack in San Simon last month. The state transportation department has no immediate plans to install them. (Watch)

➤ Yuma: Local high school student Carmen Martinez was named a STEM national champion for creating a biodegradable adhesive bandage. (Watch)

➤ Flagstaff: TIME named Lowell Observatory as one of its “World’s 100 Greatest Places.” (See Details)

➤ Salt River: More than 100 volunteers removed six tons of trash from the preserve this past weekend. (Watch)

➤ Chase Elliot joined some of NASCAR’s biggest names in calling for stricter driver qualification rules after an incident at Phoenix Raceway. (See Details)

➤ The Phoenix Suns lost 107-96 to the Los Angeles Lakers after falling behind by 20 points in the first half. (More)

➤ Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray cites his performance as the reason the current team has yet to win a Super Bowl. (More)

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➤ Several Arizona businesses are celebrating milestone anniversaries in 2025, including Durant’s Restaurant, which has operated for 75 years. (See List)

➤ Forever 21 will close its U.S. stores following its second bankruptcy since 2019. The clothing retailer operates eight stores in Arizona. (More)

➤ Title 9 Sports Grill, Phoenix’s first bar focused on women’s sports, opened last weekend. (See Video)

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➤ Pima County deputies stepped in as official wedding witnesses (and videographers) after a couple’s plan to wed atop Mt. Lemmon was canceled due to snow and road closures. (See Video)

➤ A 12-year-old Phoenix Valley girl, born legally blind due to a rare eye condition, fulfilled her dream of participating in a barrel racing contest. (Watch)

➤ Hundreds of people lined the streets of downtown Tucson for the city’s 37th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival. (See Video)

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