FRIDAY, APRIL 18, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1924, Chiricahua National Monument was established. This undated photo shows some of the formations that gave the park its nickname, Wonderland of Rocks.

Looking for something fun to do on Easter? We've got you covered. Here's a statewide list of events including egg hunts, brunches, and spring festivals. Enjoy!

We're sponsored today by World Concern. If you're looking for a unique and thoughtful gift idea for Easter, check out their ads in today's edition.

Pandemic Fraud Prosecutions Ongoing

A state-by-state report shows 900 convictions and the recovery of $1.8 billion tied to fraudulent pandemic unemployment benefit claims in Arizona. Watch the coverage.

Still, nearly $4 billion in errant payments remain unrecovered, making up most of the estimated $5.8 billion in fraudulent claims in the state.

Officials say they'll keep pursuing recovery efforts in what some are terming the "crime of the century," carried out using identity theft and bogus claims.

Arizona's recovery rate of about 30% is higher than some other states, including some that have recouped less than 10% of the funds.

Hikers Attacked by Bee Swarm

Three hikers were attacked by hundreds of bees on the Paloma Community Park Trail in Peoria and forced to flee nearly a mile to safety as the bees gave chase.

One of the hikers is allergic to bee stings and was administered an EpiPen treatment after escaping the swarm. The other two hikers also received emergency care, with all three now OK.

Wildlife experts say Africanized bees are common this time of year and are highly defensive. In the event of an encounter, run away while protecting your face and eyes, safety experts say. See more safety tips.

100+ Tortoises Up for Adoption

The Arizona Game and Fish Department will offer more than 100 desert tortoises for adoption as the reptiles wake from brumation.

Officials say most of the tortoises were abandoned or surrendered due to illegal breeding and can't be released back into the wild because of disease risks.

Adopters must live in Arizona, as the animals are state-protected and can't be removed. Adopters also must build a burrow to protect the animal against extreme temperatures and provide a plant-based diet.

Tortoises are considered lifelong companions, as they can live up to 100 years. For more information on adoption and care, click here.

Flying together with our sponsor

Need a Last-Minute Easter Gift? Look No Further than Goats.

You've heard about chocolate bunnies and plastic eggs—but have you ever thought about giving the gift of a goat this Easter? Make a generous gift through World Concern's Global Gift Guide where the gift of a goat, chickens, clean water, or education can dramatically change a family's life.

We've made a list of items that kids and families in some of the most remote and overlooked parts of the world desperately need. We're offering the opportunity for you to give an Easter gift that brings new life to those in need just like Jesus did for you and me.

We're calling it our Global Gift Guide, and you can even give a gift in honor of someone you love and let them know they had a part in changing a life.

Give a Goat

➤ Tempe: Impact Church will host its annual Easter Sunday celebration at Arizona State University's Mullett Arena. (Video)

➤ Maricopa County: The prosecution rested its case against "Doomsday Mom" Lori Daybell, who is charged with conspiracy to commit murder. (Video)

➤ Statewide: Lanternflies and their eggs have been found in Arizona. The invasive species is known to damage plants, fruits, and trees. (Video)

➤ Tucson: Skeletal remains found on "A" Mountain in late March have been identified as belonging to the same woman whose partial remains were found in the area in December 2023. (Details)

➤ Chino Valley: Local singer Drew Ryn survived another round of cuts on American Idol to compete for a spot in the top 20. (More)

➤ Yuma: Former Division I track athlete Mia Corners returned to her hometown to coach at Kofa High School. (Photos)

➤ The Arizona Diamondbacks hit four home runs in a 6-2 win over Miami. (More)

➤ Phoenix Suns guard Kevin Durant may seek a trade to the Houston Rockets this offseason. (More)

➤ Arizona State redshirt freshman cornerback Plas Johnson will miss the entire 2025 season after tearing his ACL. (More)

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➤ Step into comfort with Barestep's barefoot shoes—now 50% off for a limited time! Designed with orthopedists, these ultra-light, flexible shoes relieve foot pain, improve posture, and boost circulation. Experience natural movement and long-term foot health. Don't miss this exclusive offer—your feet will thank you!

➤ Several grocery and retail stores will close for Easter, while others will remain open or operate with adjusted hours. (List)

➤ XNRGY opened its $300 million heating and air conditioning system manufacturing facility in Mesa, marking the Canadian company's first location in the U.S. (More)

➤ A cobalt processing plant in Tacna will create 1,200 construction jobs and 60 permanent positions. Construction begins at the end of the year. (Video)

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➤ Be prepared for any emergency with the Lone Survivalist Medical Go-Bag! This lightweight, weatherproof kit combines essential medical supplies and survival gear in one portable package. Designed for real-world crises—accidents, disasters, or everyday emergencies—it ensures you're ready when every second counts. Limited stock—act now!

Flying together with our sponsor

Easter reminds us that through Christ, all things are made new—and together, we can bring that renewal to families in desperate need.

You can follow His example today: the Easter Global Gift Guide is filled with opportunities to share His love in tangible, life-changing ways.

Here are some items that can change the whole world for a family in need:

• Goat: Provides nutritious milk and an income from the goat's offspring to feed the family and send the children to school. Also includes training in animal care and vaccinations.

• Solar Audio Bible: Gives families who can't read the ability to hear God's Word in their own language. Recharged in the sun.

• Clean Water: Clean water solutions for families and villages that are at risk because of lack of drinking water.

• More options

➤ A caught-on-camera event in Tucson shows an owl dive bombing a raccoon, possibly as revenge after the raccoon broke into the owl's house. (Video)

➤ From cozy cafes to upscale restaurants, some of the state's most popular brunch spots will open for Easter. (List)

➤ An interactive map shows scorpion hot spots across the Phoenix Valley and allows website visitors to report sightings. (Map)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Drive Bright™ night driving glasses are engineered to enhance nighttime visibility and reduce glare from oncoming headlights. Featuring polarized lenses with advanced GlareCut™ technology, they filter out harsh light, improving contrast and clarity in low-light conditions. Compatible with prescription glasses, Drive Bright™ provides a practical solution for safer night driving.