Farms Oppose Groundwater Lawsuit

A coalition of farmers moved to block state Attorney General Kris Mayes’ lawsuit against a Saudi-owned alfalfa farm, saying they fear broader restrictions for all groundwater users.

Mayes sued Fondomonte Arizona last December, claiming the company’s groundwater pumping for its La Paz County farm violates a public nuisance law that protects public health, safety, and infrastructure.

Fondomonte is also challenging Mayes’ lawsuit.

Report: Rents Unaffordable for Many

A report estimates that a minimum-wage employee in Arizona would need to work 77 hours per week to afford an average apartment. 

The calculations are based on the state’s 2024 minimum wage of $14.35 per hour and a median apartment rental cost of $1,430 per month.

In states that follow the federal minimum wage of $7.25, minimum-wage employees would need to work an average of 106 hours per week, the report from real estate website Redfin said.

Housing experts say rent is considered affordable when it costs no more than 30% of monthly income, and they point to the current imbalance as leading more lower-wage workers to opt for roommates or move in with family.

Robots Tend to Indoor Farm’s Crops

An indoor farm in Phoenix uses robots to monitor and harvest its crops.

OnePointOne, the company behind the operation, says its robotics system allows for precise control over the growing environment, aiding the cultivation of various leafy greens like kale, cilantro, and arugula. 

The farm uses LED lighting to activate photosynthesis in plants, while robots track their growth and health before harvesting them. Robotics company AutoStore System collaborated on the project.

The indoor farm’s 1,000-square-meter cube-like structure can produce as many crops as a two-acre field.

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Coconino County: Smoke will be visible as forestry officials allow the lightning-caused Blind Fire in Coconino National Forest to burn through forest fuels as a future fire-prevention strategy. (Details)

➤ Tucson: The police department seized an undisclosed amount of carfentanil, a drug considered 100 times more potent than fentanyl and 10,000 times more potent than morphine. (Watch)

➤ Chandler: Police searched for suspected arsonist Oscar Sanchez, 61, who allegedly set fire to a home with five people inside, all of whom had protective orders against him. One person suffered smoke inhalation. (Watch)

➤ Page: The driver of a sedan died and several people on a tour bus were seriously injured when the sedan crossed the center line and crashed head-on into the bus. (Photo)

➤ Phoenix: Someone stole the Piestewa Peak survey marker, a popular symbol of accomplishment for hikers who reach the summit. (Watch)

➤ Yuma: A Triple Twist lottery ticket bought at a Chevron near 24th Street and Pacific Avenue was a $320,000 winner in Tuesday’s drawing. (Details)

➤ After his ejection from Wednesday’s game, Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo responded by “ejecting” the umpires for what he thought was a bad call. (Watch)

➤ The University of Arizona men’s golf team ended its season at the NCAA Amherst Regional after missing the cut by one shot, finishing in sixth place. (More)

➤ Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant is interested in a possible trade that would send him to the Houston Rockets. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: MLB | NBA | NHL | NCAAB | Soccer | PGA

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Using Ibuprofen? This “Antarctic Discovery” is rewriting pain science. While you rely on medications that merely mask pain, this Antarctic “super nutrient” activates a cellular pathway that extinguishes inflammation at its source. The solution to your inflammation might have been swimming in the ocean all along. (Learn More)

➤ Private jet co-ownership company Jet OUT expanded to Arizona, opening a 3,000-square-foot facility in Scottsdale. (Photos)

➤ Buc-ee’s co-founder Arch Aplin said the company may open more stores in Arizona. He spoke during a groundbreaking event for the state’s first Buc-ee’s in Goodyear, set to open in June 2026. (Watch)

➤ A judge ordered L & L Investments to pay nearly $34 million in restitution and fines for submitting fraudulent Medicaid claims involving sober living homes. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Car insurance costs to hit record highs in 2025. With car insurance premiums projected to hit $2,101 in 2025, overpaying isn’t an option. Switching providers could save you $1,300 yearly–don’t leave it on the table. View Money’s best car insurance list to see if you could save. SEE IF YOU COULD SAVE

Flying together with our sponsor

New Research: Common Brushing Habit Could Be Damaging Your Teeth

A recent study from Kyoto University has revealed a surprising threat to your oral health: a toxic biofilm known as “Dental Rust.”

This bacteria hides deep in the gum line and enamel cracks—and routine brushing may actually push it in further, accelerating tooth decay and gum damage.

Left untreated, it may lead to serious infections.

The good news? A simple, science-backed 30-second Himalayan method is showing powerful results in neutralizing this threat.

Click here to watch the short video and learn how to protect your oral health.

➤ “Doomsday Mom” Lori Vallow Daybell engaged in a verbal spat with the judge overseeing her second Arizona trial over allegations she conspired to have her ex-nephew-in-law killed. (Watch)

➤ Adora Trails residents in South Gilbert reduced the number of open-range cattle coming into the community by building a fence on its southern border. (Details)

➤ The Marana Police Department demonstrated new laser technology that can create 3D renderings of crime and accident scenes, first used to investigate a plane crash in February at Marana Regional Airport. (Watch)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Experience Unmatched Comfort with the Ergo Z Pillow. Say goodbye to restless nights and wake up feeling rejuvenated. The Maas & Bath Ergo Z Pillow is expertly designed to provide optimal support for your head, neck, and shoulders, ensuring a restful sleep in any position.

Should Arizona’s groundwater be used to grow alfalfa for water-poor countries?

1. Yes
2. With limitations
3. No
4. No opinion

Previous Results:

Does your community use reverse traffic lanes?

1. No: 68%
2. Yes: 32%

Who is the state’s largest non-government employer?

Show me the answer