Police Target Distracted Driving

Chandler police reported stopping more than 1,200 drivers—an average of 13 motorists per day—for using phones while driving over the past three months, issuing about 600 tickets and 600 warnings.

The matter hits close to home for the department after police officer Bryant Holmes was killed in a 2014 crash with a distracted driver who ran a red light. 

Statewide last year, distracted driving played a role in more than 8,000 crashes, while more than half of drivers admitted to breaking hands-free laws, which can lead to fines between $75 and $250.

Authorities cautioned motorists to stay focused, saying that taking your eyes off the road for five seconds while driving at 55 mph is like driving the length of a football field while blindfolded.

Phoenix Proposes GPS for Shopping Carts

Phoenix City Council will consider a proposal to require large retailers to equip shopping carts with GPS trackers and locking wheels.

A city contractor reported retrieving more than 7,800 abandoned carts from 460 stores last fiscal year. WinCo, Target, Fry’s, and Walmart stores saw the highest number of carts stolen and abandoned.

The proposed ordinance would direct stores of 50,000 square feet or more to modify their carts and register with the city while undergoing semi-annual reviews.

A council vote could come as early as September.

State Attractive to First-Time Homebuyers

Arizona ranks among the best states for first-time home buyers, with several cities ranked near the top in a national study by WalletHub.

Surprise ranked fourth and Gilbert sixth in the rankings, which compared 300 U.S. cities in areas such as affordability, quality of life, and home appreciation.

Other high-ranking Arizona cities are Chandler (No. 11), Peoria (No. 13), Scottsdale (No. 21), Yuma (No. 27), and Mesa (No. 34). 

Outside of Arizona, Palm Bay, Florida, topped the list, and Boise, Idaho, ranked second. The five lowest-ranked cities are in California. 

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➤ Statewide: State and local law enforcement agencies said they’ll pursue the maximum penalties against anyone caught impersonating a police officer, following several such reports. (More)

➤ Winkelman: A man suspected of child sex crimes was killed in a shooting after he ignored commands by Pinal County sheriff’s deputies and revealed a handgun, the sheriff’s office said. (More)

➤ Scottsdale: More than 160 Native American youth baseball players from eight states competed in the first Native Nations Tournament, with the players also hoping to secure a spot on a Native Nations all-star team that will play in the Babe Ruth World Series in August. (Watch)

➤ Tempe: Sections of Mill Avenue will close for much of the week as crews work to install foundations for a new gateway sign as part of the Downtown Tempe Refresh Project. (Details)

➤ Pima County: The county’s two largest animal shelters received a three-year, $1.9 million grant to expand affordable vet care in hopes of reducing pet disownership. (Watch)

➤ Casa Grande: The $5.8 million Trekell Road project to improve traffic safety is nearly finished after six months of construction between Rodeo and McCartney roads. (More)

➤ Chris Paul signed with the Los Angeles Clippers, ending talk of a possible reunion with the Phoenix Suns. (More)

➤ Arizona native Betsy Mueller completed a months-long run from California to New York to raise money for people with multiple sclerosis. (More)

➤ The Arizona Diamondbacks signed top draft pick Kayson Cunningham to a $4.5 million contract. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: MLB | Soccer | Tour de France

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➤ Arizona Snowbowl in Flagstaff unveiled a new ski simulator and plans to add a rooftop mini golf course in coming weeks. (Watch)

➤ Target and Pet Supplies Plus will open stores this fall at the Vineyard Towne Center in Queen Creek, which is now fully leased. (More)

➤ W.W. Clyde & Company, a civil contracting company that specializes in highways, pipelines, mines, and solar farms, opened a 38,000-square-foot southwest division headquarters in Apache Junction. (More)

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➤ Richard Tillman, brother of late Arizona Cardinals player Pat Tillman, was arrested Sunday after authorities said he intentionally crashed his car into a post office in San Jose, California. (Photo)

➤ Ninth grader Amaira Srivastava was named a top-10 finalist in the national 3M Young Scientist Challenge for her project creating biodegradable cups from fruit peels. (Watch)

➤ A credit union agreed to correct a paperwork error and provide other assistance to help a Mesa woman retrieve her car that was repossessed despite her making all payments on time. (Watch)

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