Former Arizona CEO Charged With Fraud

Jeffrey Gottfurcht, former CEO of Mesa startup Cyber Dive, faces two federal wire fraud counts for allegedly embezzling at least $1.5 million from the child-safety smartphone company, prosecutors say.

According to court documents, he diverted company funds to buy a Miami home, a Lamborghini, and a diamond ring for a woman identified as an escort, while draining business accounts.

Gottfurcht’s wife, Emily, and Cyber Dive co-founder Derek Jackson reported him to authorities. She is seeking a divorce, and he remains in custody on separate assault allegations.

Jackson, now interim CEO, laid off half the staff and is seeking emergency funding to keep the firm operating. Gottfurcht had no listed attorney.

Driver Killed After Crashing SUV into Home

A man died after driving an SUV into a San Tan Valley home Wednesday evening, where a resident inside opened fire, the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office said.

Deputies responded to the Copper Basin neighborhood, located near Hunt Highway and Copper Mine Road just after 6:30 p.m. to find the vehicle had crashed through the home, injuring an adult man and woman inside.

Relatives identified the driver as Jewell Vaughn, 34, a father of five. A resident shot him after the crash, and he was pronounced dead shortly afterward.

Both injured residents are expected to survive. Investigators have not said whether the crash was intentional, mechanical, or medical. Charges will go to prosecutors for review.

AZ Art Programs Support Youth Mental Health

Two Arizona programs are using creative arts to help young people manage anxiety, depression, grief, and loneliness, offering expression and connection as complements to traditional mental health care.

At Mesa Arts Center, the free LIT Ink program teaches students in grades 5-12 to process trauma and emotions through poetry and storytelling, culminating in a public showcase.

In Tucson, the University of Arizona wrapped its first year of Arizona Arts Rx, “prescribing” museum visits, theater, and hands-on classes to referred students through more than 60 Southern Arizona partner organizations.

Early university results were encouraging: about 80% attended their activities, 70% of participants reported improved well-being, more than 50% reported reduced anxiety, and more than 60% reported lower loneliness scores after engaging with activities.

➤ Prescott Valley: Police said they are enforcing the town’s urban camping ordinance by addressing unauthorized camps on public property and connecting individuals with available community resources and services. (More)

➤ Sierra Vista: A bomb threat prompted authorities to evacuate the Mall at Sierra Vista on Thursday while law enforcement investigated. Officials later cleared the scene and continued examining the incident. (More)

➤ Flagstaff: A 17-year-old track standout Yohanes Van Meerten strengthened his case as Arizona’s fastest high school runner after breaking the state 3,200-meter record and setting a course mark at Mt. SAC. (Details)

➤ San Carlos: The San Carlos Apache Council suspended June 19’s Apache Independence Day celebrations after a fatal shooting involving a teenager on the reservation. Tribal leaders said the decision reflects community mourning and public safety concerns. (More)

➤ Mesa: A Mesa woman was sentenced to prison after prosecutors said she embezzled about $655,000 from the bank branch she managed and used transactions designed to conceal the thefts. (More)

➤ Tucson: The Southern Arizona VA Health Care System will host a free Veteran and Caregiver Resource Fair on June 25, offering support services, social work resources, and educational sessions for attendees. (More)

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➤ Arizona Diamondbacks general manager Mike Hazen said he’s “planning on buying” at the trade deadline as the club entered its weekend series against the Minnesota Twins just half a game out of a wild-card spot. (More)

➤ Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita said this season—his final one in Tucson—is “all or nothing,” calling it his last chance to win the Big 12 and reach the Rose Bowl. (More)

➤ The Phoenix Suns extended qualifying offers to center Mark Williams and guard Koby Brea, positioning both players to become restricted free agents when free agency opens. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: World Cup | MLB | WNBA | Golf

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Exxon Has an Unlikely New Competitor

Energy giants like Exxon have been buying up land in America’s lithium hotspot. Now they’ve got a new neighbor. 

EnergyX has acquired the rights to nearly 50K lithium-rich acres right next door. It’s not just the acres turning heads, either. 

Their tech can recover up to 3X more lithium than traditional methods. They just brought America’s largest lithium facility of its kind online. Now, with backing from the DoE, General Motors, and POSCO, they’re advancing America’s next major lithium supply. 

50K people have already invested. Join them as an EnergyX shareholder by the July 16 investment deadline.

➤ Wildlife advocates raised concerns after bright blue pigeons, reportedly dyed for a gender-reveal event near the Salt River, were spotted in Arizona. Experts warned the coloring could endanger the birds’ health. (See Pigeons)

➤ A Chandler boxing gym is helping clients improve physical fitness and build self-confidence through structured training programs. Participants said the workouts provide both athletic and personal development benefits. (Watch Video)

➤ A Phoenix resident won a $50,000 prize in a Candy Crush competition, organizers said. The victory highlights the growing prominence of competitive mobile gaming and online tournaments. (More)

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The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes, straight from the heart of the country. Clicking the link will take you directly to these stories:

➤ The government quietly changed three retirement rules this past year, and a single Social Security check is the first thing affected. (Hear More)

➤ Authorities say a Mexican mayor staged her own kidnapping to embezzle roughly $2 million in government funds. (Listen Now)

➤ A Michigan plumbing crew on an emergency call found an engagement ring that had been missing for more than a decade. (Podcast Available)

Do you play Candy Crush?

1. Yes
2. No
3. What’s Candy Crush?

Yesterday’s Results:

What would you put in your personal time capsule?

1. Family photos: 32%
2. Handwritten letter: 23%
3. Meaningful Keepsake: 19%
4. Other: 15%
5. Backup of my smartphone: 11%

What Native American village in Arizona is considered the oldest continuously inhabited community in the U.S.?

Show me the answer