Friday, January 9, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1912, Arizona tax assessors convened in Douglas and fixed the taxable value of burros at $5 each after lengthy discussion.

Speaking of local wildlife, don't miss today's Trivia question connecting one of the state's desert dwellers to a modern weight-loss medicine.

If you've struggled with stubborn nail fungus that just won't clear up, today's sponsor, FungaBeam, offers a simple, at-home solution using breakthrough laser technology.

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.

Flu Cases Rising

Flu cases in Arizona are rising, with a 35% increase in the last week of 2025 and nearly 6,900 reported so far this season, according to the state Department of Health Services.

The surge is being driven by subclade K, a highly contagious mutation of influenza A that partially evades protection from this year’s vaccine, health officials said.

Flu activity at the end of December was categorized as high in Arizona and most other states, with only a few states reporting moderate to low levels. You can see a nationwide map here.

Health experts say the season has not yet peaked and recommend standard precautions, such as hand hygiene and avoiding crowded spaces.

City of Phoenix Trails in Home Sales

The city of Phoenix trailed other Valley communities in the growth rate of 2025 home sales, with 9,990 homes sold, a less than 1% rise over the previous year.

Paradise Valley led the region with a 25.5% rise to 330 sales, followed by Goodyear (25%, 2,100 sales), Tonopah (24.6%, 147 sales), and Waddell (24.1%, 437 sales).

The Phoenix area's housing market is expected to remain stable in 2026, analysts say.

Michelin Guide Adds Arizona to Menu

Arizona's dining scene is drawing global attention as the Michelin Guide expands into the Southwest, with anonymous inspectors already visiting restaurants across the state.

The publication's planned Southwest regional guide that will cover Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah is set to reveal its recommendations later this year.

Beyond culinary recognition, a Michelin recommendation can boost a restaurant's revenue 15% to 25% and attract more tourists to the surrounding region, analysts say.

The Michelin Guide is owned by the French tire company Michelin, which has been rating restaurants for more than a century.

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➤ Superior: Federal records show pilots in the area were alerted to the presence of a slackline in Telegraph Canyon last month, a week before a helicopter crash last Friday that killed four. (More)

➤ Phoenix: A crowd gathered outside the federal immigration office to protest after a woman in Minnesota was fatally shot while allegedly driving toward an agent during an enforcement operation. (Watch)

➤ Santa Cruz County: Residents raised water safety concerns after tests found elevated levels of the toxic heavy metal antimony near a proposed Hermosa mine. Project officials said state-reviewed water quality measures are in place. (Watch)

➤ Show Low: Kilaya Williamson, 21, was arrested in connection with the October truck-motorcycle crash that killed Timber Mesa firefighter Glen Collins. (Watch)

➤ Strawberry: A new report details the Dec. 30 technical rope rescue at Waterwheel Second Crossing, where a team aided a person whose head injury required air transport. (Photo)

➤ Willcox: A suspected pipe bomb found on the 500 block of West Patte Road was confirmed as a live improvised explosive device and safely dismantled Tuesday evening. An investigation continues. (More)

➤ Arizona men's basketball beat Kansas State 101-76, the team's 10th consecutive game beating an opponent by 18 or more points. The Wildcats are 15-0 and off to the best start since the 2013-14 season. (More)

➤ The Arizona Cardinals were ranked as the least desirable head coaching position in the NFL by Pro Football Network's Jaco Infante, citing uncertainty around Kyler Murray's status with the team as a major roadblock. (More)

➤ Arizona State landed a commitment from wide receiver Reed Harris, ranked as the No. 4 receiver in the transfer portal after hauling in nearly 700 yards and five touchdowns last year at Boston College. (More)

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➤ Avelo Airlines will end its immigrant deportation flights out of Mesa Gateway Airport on Jan. 27, citing a lack of consistent revenue and a restructuring of its U.S. operations. (Watch)

➤ A new Safeway will open today in Queen Creek, with a 9 a.m. ribbon-cutting, community grant presentations, and free grocery bags for the first 200 shoppers. (More)

➤ Barista Del Barrio opened its second Tucson location this weekend inside Borderlands Brewery near the University of Arizona. (Watch)

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➤ Video footage shows a Waymo self-driving car traveling on light rail tracks in south Phoenix, with police reporting no disruption and the car gone before they arrived. (Watch)

➤ An E. coli outbreak linked to animal contact at an Arizona fair has prompted state lawmakers to consider legislation requiring hand-washing stations, warning signs, and supervision at petting zoos. (Watch)

➤ Pima County closed the road to Mt. Lemmon on Wednesday after the first snowfall of 2026, restricting access to local residents and staff. (Photo)

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