Thursday, February 19, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 2000, the New York Post noted that Arizona U.S. Sen. John McCain's momentum in the GOP presidential primary against George W. Bush faced a major test in South Carolina—a contest Bush won on his way to the presidency.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos pushed back against claims of evidence mishandling and a rift with the FBI in an extended interview about the Nancy Guthrie case. Watch here.

Tune into today's episode of The Flyover Podcast, where Ayla Brown breaks down a new ranking of the best and worst states to retire in. Wondering where Arizona lands? We've got that, plus the key takeaways you won't want to miss. Watch here.

Today's sponsor, Incogni, helps protect your Social Security number and other sensitive personal information by removing it from data brokers and people-search sites, reducing your risk of scams, identity theft, and unwanted exposure online.

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.

Storms Sweep into High Country

Snow and wind gusts of 65 mph and higher swept across northern Arizona on Wednesday, with a storm warning in effect for Flagstaff and the surrounding high country into the evening.

Snow levels fell to about 4,000 feet, with up to a foot of snow or more possible for higher elevations, including Arizona Snowbowl. Blowing snow and low visibility made travel dangerous and could cause scattered power outages.

Schools in the Flagstaff and Williams unified districts canceled classes, and officials urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly along Interstate 17 and Interstate 40.

Forecasters said another storm system later this week could bring additional snow and wind to the high country.

Gilbert Hikes Water Rates Again

The Gilbert Town Council approved a 25% water rate increase in a 4-3 vote Tuesday night, marking the third consecutive year of higher bills for residents.

The vote follows months of packed council meetings and resident complaints over soaring water costs, after a 48% hike in 2024 and another 25% increase last year.

Town officials say the increases are necessary to fund new wells and major upgrades to the North Water Treatment Plant as Gilbert works to reduce reliance on Colorado River water.

Disabled Vets Get Property Tax Break

Gov. Katie Hobbs signed into law a bill exempting disabled veterans in Arizona from paying property taxes on their primary residences.

Bill sponsor state Rep. Michael Carbone, R-Buckeye, called the measure "a very big deal” that will benefit an estimated 16,000 disabled veteran homeowners in the state, saving some as much as $2,500 a year or more.

The measure applies to veterans with a 100% Veterans Affairs service-connected disability and also extends the exemption to surviving spouses.

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➤ Tempe: A bystander's Meta smart glasses recorded the chaotic aftermath of a wrong-way collision as he freed victims and attempted CPR. (Watch Report)

➤ Statewide: State Republicans pressed Gov. Katie Hobbs to pass Medicaid and food stamp reforms, warning that inaction could drive up health costs and trigger federal SNAP penalties. (More)

➤ Tucson: Community leaders reflected on the Rev. Jesse Jackson's decades of civil rights activism and influence following his death at 84. (Watch)

➤ Statewide: GOP lawmakers introduced legislation to ban teacher strikes following late-January sick-outs tied to protests over illegal immigration enforcement. (Watch)

➤ Meanwhile, supporters of a bill requiring federal immigration officers at every 2026 polling site say the measure would bolster election security and ensure uniform enforcement. (Watch)

➤ Ash Fork: Authorities continued searching for Carolyn Legaspi-Cosper, 69, who was last seen Feb. 3 and may have left her West Wood Ranches home on foot. (Photo)

➤ Arizona State men's basketball upset No. 13 Texas Tech 72-67 in Tempe, the team's biggest win of the season. (More)

➤ Arizona forward Koa Peat will be reevaluated next week to determine whether his strained leg muscle is healing properly. (More)

➤ Former Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Tony Clark resigned as the MLB players union's executive director following allegations of misconduct. (More)

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➤ American Airlines, citing increased interest in summer trips to Flagstaff, will use a larger airplane with more than double the seating capacity on flights between Flagstaff and the Dallas-Fort Worth area starting May 21. (More)

➤ Tucson restaurant Mama Louisa's marked its 70th anniversary Tuesday with a 70% dine-in discount and a daylong celebration of family traditions. (Watch)

➤ Gen Z could become the poorest generation since the Great Depression, with housing affordability a key barrier to wealth building, U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego said at an event in the Valley. (More)

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➤ The Neon Sign Park in Casa Grande is bringing vintage neon back to life, showcasing restored 1900s business signs in a free, year-round outdoor display. (See Video)

➤ The Arizona Renaissance Festival continues in Gold Canyon, with a local news outlet previewing its performers and lively historical demonstrations. (Watch Report)

➤ Pima County seeks public input through March 10 on plans for Green Valley's first county-operated dog park at Canoa Preserve Park. (Details)

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