Friday, January 2, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1965, pit crews readied their dragsters for racing day at the Tucson Dragway.

Calling all auto enthusiasts! Arizona Car Week kicks off Jan. 16 in the Phoenix Valley, featuring the Barrett‑Jackson auction, exotic vehicle showcases, and classic car shows.

Today's edition is a bit shorter as we celebrate the holidays with family. Our regular lineup will return on Monday.

Today's sponsor, FinanceBuzz, is highlighting a simple way Amazon Prime shoppers can earn serious cash back and score a valuable Amazon bonus—just for getting approved, with no extra spending required.

Take The Flyover with you. Busy day? Listen to our daily 15-minute podcast while commuting, cooking, or walking the dog—your Flyover fix, anywhere.

ASU Surpasses $1B in Research

Arizona State University surpassed $1 billion in annual research spending for the first time, placing it among the top 4% of research institutions nationwide.

"We have remained steadfast and determined in our goal to build a new model of a great American research university," ASU President Michael Crow said.

The university's research work spans healthcare, artificial intelligence, and space communications, with funding coming from federal, state, industry, and philanthropic sources.

The university reported $1.003 billion in total research spending for fiscal year 2024, ranking 37th overall and 21st among public universities.

Short-Term Rental Rules Back in Focus

Several state lawmakers renewed their call to let communities limit Airbnbs and other short-term rentals.

Supporters of the push, including state Sen. Mark Finchem, R-Prescott, cite housing and neighborhood concerns.

Opponents, including state Sen. President Warren Petersen, R-Gilbert, say homeowners have the right to rent freely.

A 2016 law signed by then-Gov. Doug Ducey bars cities from broadly banning or restricting rentals, limiting local control over where and how they operate.

Cities such as Sedona have faced challenges under the law, including a recent court ruling that blocked the city from preventing a mobile home park conversion to short-term rentals.

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➤ Statewide: Major road construction and widening projects will begin this year along Loops 101, 202, 303, and the I-10 interchange, impacting motorists. (More)

➤ Bowl game: Arizona State lost to ACC champion Duke 42-39 in the Sun Bowl on Wednesday night in El Paso, Texas. (More)

➤ Statewide: Solera Health, Persefoni, and Lessen are among Arizona's most innovative companies to watch in 2026, according to an industry list. (List)

➤ Statewide: Ahead of the changeover to the new Arizona Business Connect online business filing portal that will launch on Jan. 12, the current eCorp system will shut down at 5 p.m., the Arizona Corporation Commission said. (More)

➤ Safford: Onyx Jiu-Jitsu Checkmat will open Saturday, with a ribbon cutting, classes, and a community open mat. (More)

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