Friday, March 13, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1997, thousands of Arizonans reported a silent mile-wide V-shaped formation of lights crossing the night sky, now known as the Phoenix Lights.

Did you know The Arizona Flyover is one of nine state editions? Check out the others here, then soar over to Top Stories for our coverage of next-generation aircraft.

Today's sponsor, Goldco, is helping Americans prepare for economic uncertainty with a free Gold & Silver Kit explaining how precious metals like gold and silver have historically helped protect wealth during recessions and periods of inflation.

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.

Air Taxi Planning Takes Off

State Sen. David Farnsworth, R-Mesa, touted Arizona's efforts to prepare for air taxis—aircraft capable of vertical takeoffs and landings to help emergency crews bypass traffic and reach neighborhoods faster.

Beyond emergency services, the Federal Aviation Administration says the technology could usher in a new era of automated aircraft for transporting passengers and cargo.

Last year, the state legislature earmarked $2 million to develop a plan for the emerging technology, part of the broader Advanced Air Mobility infrastructure project.

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and other Valley airports are exploring pilot programs to integrate the technology in the coming years.

Polls: Many GOP Races Wide Open, Biggs Gains

A poll shows several Republican primary races for statewide offices are wide open ahead of the July 21 primary election, with more than 60% of voters undecided in five of the contests.

A separate poll found U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs widening his lead over U.S. Rep. David Schweikert in the GOP primary for governor.

The Noble Predictive Insights surveys found a wide-open race for secretary of state, with state Rep. Alexander Kolodin and former GOP Chair Gina Swoboda each drawing about 16% to 17% support, with about 67% of voters undecided. The state attorney general race is similarly close.

In the Republican primary for state school superintendent, incumbent Tom Horne leads Treasurer Kimberly Yee 31% to 25%, with 44% of voters undecided.

Record March Heat Possible

A stretch of unusually hot weather is expected to hit metro Phoenix over the next week, with temperatures climbing into the 90s by the weekend and possibly reaching 100 degrees by Tuesday.

If Phoenix reaches triple digits, it would mark the metro area's earliest 100-degree day ever recorded, breaking the record of March 26, 1988.

The heat could also impact fans and players at Cactus League spring training games across the Valley, where many contests are played outdoors during the day.

The warm-up, fueled by a strong ridge of high pressure building over the Southwest, comes after a cooler start to the week that brought rain to parts of the Valley and southern Arizona.

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The Next Recession Is Coming. And Experts Warn:
"This Time, You're the Collateral"

You can probably feel it. The markets are shaking. And the data confirms it. A recession isn't just likely, it's inevitable. The cracks in the system aren't just cracks anymore.

They're looking like fractures.

War is raging in the Middle East.
Debt levels are at historic highs.
Wall Street is on edge.
Inflation is still bleeding your purchasing power.

One wrong move and the whole thing could snap. But here's the part many aren't willing to admit. America may not be prepared. The next recession likely won't look like 2008… it could look much worse. Because this time, the average American may be the shock absorber.

Thousands of Americans Are Moving Into Physical Assets

Physical precious metals like gold and silver are real, tangible wealth. They don't depend on Wall Street, Washington, or the job market. Their value has historically risen when confidence in the economy falls. That's why so many people are scrambling to get a hold of Goldco's free Gold & Silver Kit.

Your FREE Gold & Silver Kit from the top precious metals company, Goldco, reveals:

Why gold is often a safe haven during recessions
What makes gold and silver a potentially powerful buffer during economic downturns
The truth about inflation—and how it silently drains your wealth

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>>Claim Your Free Gold & Silver Kit Today<<

➤ Statewide: The state education department flagged $9.1 million in potentially unallowable purchases under the school voucher program, including gaming PCs, sports equipment, and gift cards. (Watch)

➤ Chandler: The city secured $1 million in federal funding to build a drinking water well aimed at reducing reliance on the Colorado River. (Photos)

➤ Statewide: Gov. Katie Hobbs approved $1 million to expand overtime for state troopers, funding up to 14,000 additional patrol hours across state highways. (More)

➤ Sedona: The city is asking residents whether a long-shuttered amphitheater that once hosted stars like Willie Nelson should be revived or replaced with workforce housing. (Watch)

➤ Phoenix: Curtis Finch plans to resign as superintendent of the Deer Valley Unified School District. He recently accused state lawmakers of attacking public education. (More)

➤ Maricopa: Eleven-time Mexican rodeo champion Aldo Garibay is combining decades of experience with drone footage and analytics to train team ropers. (Watch)

➤ Iran's sports minister said the country's national soccer team, which was scheduled to train in Tucson for the FIFA World Cup, will not participate in the tournament. (More)

➤ Arizona State didn't renew basketball coach Bobby Hurley's contract after 11 seasons with the program. He finished his tenure in Tempe with a 185-167 record. (More)

➤ The Minnesota Vikings are viewed as a leading contender for quarterback Kyler Murray, who was released by the Arizona Cardinals this week. (More)

➤ Arizona State baseball beat Arizona 10-4 in their midweek tilt, pushing the Sun Devils to 12-4 on the season. The Wildcats dropped to 6-10. (More)

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➤ Buc-ee's began hiring for its first Arizona store in Goodyear ahead of a planned summer opening, with positions starting at $18 an hour. (More)

➤ The Original Hideout bar in Tucson—once featured on the TV show Bar Rescue—will close Sunday after years of troubles, including two shootings last year. (Details)

➤ Sky Ranch Lodge in Sedona seeks city rezoning approval to add 40 guest rooms and an event space beside its current 94-room lodge. (Photo)

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The next recession is coming, and experts warn: "This Time, You're the Collateral." A recession isn't just likely... It's inevitable. The cracks in the system aren't just cracks anymore.

Debt levels are at historic highs.
Consumer savings are drained.
Wall Street is on edge.
Inflation is still bleeding your purchasing power.

One wrong move and the whole thing could snap. That's why thousands of Americans are turning to physical gold and silver. Your FREE Gold & Silver Kit from the top precious metals company, Goldco, reveals why gold is often a safe haven during recessions and the truth about inflation. Get your Free Guide today.

➤ A Chandler woman's first ride in a Waymo went viral after the self-driving car pulled into traffic and stopped, briefly delaying other drivers before continuing. (Watch)

➤ Arizona fitness expert Chris Powell, known for his TV show Extreme Weight Loss, shared tips on how cancer patients can safely return to exercising. (Watch)

➤ The Hawk Watch Festival in Tubac will take place Saturday and Sunday, with guided bird walks, raptor demonstrations, and views of migrating hawks along the Santa Cruz River Valley. (Details)

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