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Arizona Transportation Board approves plan to improve highways

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Arizona Transportation Board approves plan to improve highways


PHOENIX — The Arizona Transportation Board has approved a five-year transportation facilities construction program plan that will run from 2025-29.

The program will bring pavement and bridge improvements and expand several highways across the state, according to a press release.

The $8.2 billion program puts importance on improving highway pavement and bridge infrastructure throughout greater Arizona that includes areas outside of Maricopa and Pima Counties.

The plan provides more than $2.5 billion for these improvements during the next five years. This amounts to an average investment of $500 million per year to preserve, rehabilitate and replace pavement and bridges, according to a release.

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The program provides $800 million over five years for projects that improve highway safety, efficiency and functionality, such as intersection improvements, smart technology, freight mobility and signs, signals and lighting.

Which highways will see improvement?

The plan will allocate $780 million for projects that widen highways or improve interchanges across the state, including:

  • Improving the US 93 between Wickenburg and I-40 in Kingman, including expanding three segments of the highway from two to four lanes. The US 93 improvements include the widening project near Wickenburg, along with new projects near Cane Springs, Vista Royale and Big Jim Wash.

  • Widening the two-lane section of State Route 260 in the Lion Springs area between Payson and Heber-Overgaard. This will complete a four-lane divided highway along the SR 260 corridor.

  • Constructing a new I-40 interchange at Rancho Santa Fe Parkway in Kingman.

In Maricopa County, the program will provide $2 billion in construction projects in conjunction with the Maricopa Association of Governments. Those projects include:

  • Widening Interstate 10 between Phoenix and Casa Grande. The I-10 Wild Horse Pass Corridor will have four projects, including the construction of the I-10 Bridges over the Gila River that began this spring.

  • Extending Loop 303 between Van Buren Street and Maricopa County 85.

  • Providing new HOV ramp connections between I-10 and Loop 101.

  • Reconstructing the intersection of Grand Avenue, 35th Avenue and Indian School Road to separate traffic.

In Pima County, in coordination with the Pima Association of Governments, the program includes $849 million toward:

  • Improvements to I-10: Kino to Country Club, which includes building a new interchange at I-10 and Country Club Road, reconstructing the interchange at Kino Parkway and widening I-10 in the area.

  • Reconstructing the I-19 interchange at Irvington Road.

The program also includes $57 million for airport projects throughout Arizona, according to the release.

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More information on the program is online.

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Drowning happens in seconds, Arizona safety experts warn as triple-digit temperatures arrive this week 

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Drowning happens in seconds, Arizona safety experts warn as triple-digit temperatures arrive this week 


GILBERT, AZ — As temperatures climb across Arizona, safety experts and parents say so does the risk around water.

“You brought them here for a reason, and you want them to keep safe at all times, and it’s the most precious things you have. Why, why would you not pay attention to them?” Ernesto Agüero said.

Agüero’s warning comes as families across the Valley head to pools and splash pads to beat the heat.

Experts say drowning can happen silently and within seconds.

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“Drowning is silent. A lot of times it goes unnoticed, but it just takes seconds,” Jay Arthur, president of the Drowning Prevention Coalition of Arizona, said.

The Drowning Prevention Coalition of Arizona says while child drowning deaths are down compared to recent years, the danger is far from over as summer begins. It comes as the Drowning Prevention Coalition of Arizona (DPCA) hosted its annual “Tapping Into Water Safety” event. The event brought together organizations like the Salt River Project (SRP) and the Phoenix Fire Department.

“You have to watch the kids with your eyes. Eye-to-eye contact is critical. You can’t be on your phone. You can’t be talking to your friend,” Arthur said.

Advocates say one of the biggest misconceptions is thinking you’ll hear someone struggling in the water. Instead, they say prevention starts before a child even gets near the pool.

“Always appoint a water watcher when you have a group of people around water, and that would be an adult that’s responsible for watching the water and they’re not on their phone,” Tanya Hughes, SRP Community Activation Strategist, said.

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Families say the reminders are especially important heading into another Arizona summer.

“You want them to be safe. You want them to know how to behave when they’re in the water,” Agüero said.

Experts say designated water watchers, pool barriers and swim lessons can make the difference. They also warn that distractions like phones or conversations can quickly become dangerous.

“Seconds matter; it is really important because a child can drown in just a matter of seconds,” Arthur said.

With more families potentially spending time in the water this weekend, advocates say now is the time to prepare.

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“We’re telling you, we’re trying to stop this from happening,” Arthur said.





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Where to watch New York Mets vs Arizona Diamondbacks: TV channel, start time, streaming for May 9

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Where to watch New York Mets vs Arizona Diamondbacks: TV channel, start time, streaming for May 9


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Baseball is back and finding what channel your favorite team is playing on has become a little bit more confusing since MLB announced plans to produce and distribute broadcasts for nearly a third of the league.

We’re here to help. Here’s everything you need to know Saturday as the New York Mets visit the Arizona Diamondbacks.

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See USA TODAY’s sortable MLB schedule to filter by team or division.

What time is New York Mets vs Arizona Diamondbacks?

First pitch between the Arizona Diamondbacks and New York Mets is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. (ET) on Saturday, May 9.

How to watch New York Mets vs Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday

All times Eastern and accurate as of Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 6:32 a.m.

  • Matchup: NYM at ARI
  • Date: Saturday, May 9
  • Time: 7:15 p.m. (ET)
  • Venue: Chase Field
  • Location: Phoenix, Arizona
  • TV: FOX
  • Streaming: MLB.TV on Fubo

Watch MLB all season long with Fubo

MLB regional blackout restrictions apply

MLB scores, results

MLB scores for May 9 games are available on usatoday.com . Here’s how to access today’s results:

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See scores, results for all of today’s games.



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Arizona alum Mike Schmitz named GM of Dallas Mavericks

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Arizona alum Mike Schmitz named GM of Dallas Mavericks


The Dallas Mavericks are turning to an Arizona alum to take over their franchise. The Mavericks on Friday announced the hiring of Mike Schmitz as general manager ahead of next month’s NBA Draft. Schmitz spent the last four seasons on the Portland Trail Blazers staff after serving as a draft analyst for ESPN. Schmitz attended […]



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