Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1862, Cochise and the Chiricahua Apache ambushed U.S. troops in Apache Pass. They retreated when soldiers deployed howitzers.

A new dust storm scale was put to the test. See the results in Top Stories. Have you ever been in a storm you would rate a 5? Reply and tell us.

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Alternatives to Mail Voting Remain

Tuesday was the last day to mail back your ballot for the state's July 21 primary election, but other options are still available.

Voters can drop ballots at official drop boxes, vote early in person, or fill out ballots on Election Day. Registered independents must request either a Republican or Democrat ballot to take part in the partisan primary.

Early voting is a popular option in Arizona. Eighty-five percent of ballots were cast early in 2024, with most submitted by mail.

The primary will narrow the fields for governor and other statewide offices ahead of November.

Dust Storm Rates Category 3

Arizona State University researchers classified the dust storm that swept the Valley on Sunday as a Category 3 out of 5 on the area's new dust storm scale.

ASU researchers launched the Phoenix Dust Storm (PHX-DUST) scale in June, aiming to raise awareness of the dangers of dust storms and improve public safety, forecasting, and research.

Another dust storm hit Monday night, along with thunderstorms that knocked out power to nearly 16,000 customers and forced a ground stop at Sky Harbor International Airport. That dust storm's rating was not immediately available.

Sunday's storm stretched from near the Mexican border up through Gila Bend and into Phoenix and Buckeye, packing 39 mph wind gusts and several hours of heavy dust. An ASU professor called it a moderately strong system that the region does not see often.

Seven Make 'Boomtowns' List

Seven Arizona cities rank among the nation's 50 fastest-growing "boomtowns" in a new SmartAsset study that evaluated more than 400 U.S. municipalities.

Buckeye led the Arizona group at No. 13 nationally, followed by Goodyear (No. 15), Surprise (No. 16), Avondale (No. 30), Chandler (No. 35), Glendale (No. 38), and Peoria (No. 45).

The rankings reflect a broader shift in which Valley suburbs, rather than Phoenix, now drive the region's population gains.

The study scored cities on five-year growth in economic output, housing units, and labor force size. Nationally, only Florida and Texas placed more cities on the list.

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➤ Glendale: The Palm Shadows mobile home community was hit hard by Monday's monsoon storm, which knocked out power and left damage across the Valley. (More)

➤ Phoenix: U.S. Marshals rescued an at-risk girl reported missing since March, acting on an anonymous tip. Authorities arrested one man and detained two men on immigration violations. (More)

➤ Mount Lemmon: Short-term rentals face a squeeze as Stage 3 water restrictions cap each property at 2,400 gallons monthly, roughly 80 gallons daily. (More)

➤ Nogales: Federal plans to modernize the Dennis DeConcini Land Port of Entry have grown well beyond what local officials first anticipated, as the U.S. General Services Administration opens public review. (More)

➤ Grand Canyon: Northern Arizona University researchers are studying how last year's Dragon Bravo Fire burn scar is altering water quality at the park's sole drinking source at Roaring Springs. (More)

➤ Statewide: A judge ruled the state treasurer's office need not publicly release line-item records of school voucher purchases, calling retrieval "unduly burdensome." (More)

➤ Scottsdale: The interim director of Scottsdale Water discussed the status of the utility's water development efforts. (More)

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➤ The Arizona Cardinals report to training camp July 22 at State Farm Stadium, among the NFL's earliest starts, with seven open practices for fans beginning July 24. (More)

➤ A trio of Southern Arizona baseball standouts was selected in the 2026 MLB Draft. (More)

➤ High school sophomore Billy Cronin overcame osteosarcoma and an amputation to return to basketball at Canyon del Oro, showing what determination can accomplish. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: World Cup | MLB | WNBA

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➤ Arizona placed No. 14 in CNBC's latest Top States for Business rankings, scoring high on infrastructure and workforce and low on quality of living and business costs. (See List)

➤ Caterpillar's Tucson Proving Ground offered jobs to more than half its interns, reflecting research showing students who complete paid internships are about 30% more likely to receive an offer. (More)

➤ North Scottsdale drivers should expect more traffic as electric-vehicle maker Rivian expands its footprint in the area. (More)

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➤ Tucson chef José Contreras of Amelia's Mexican Kitchen will cook a masa and seafood dinner at New York's James Beard Foundation on Aug. 11. (More)

➤ The Arizona State Fair added an Oct. 24 show featuring hip-hop legends Public Enemy to its 2026 Coliseum Concert Series. (More)

➤ The Escape Game will open its first Arizona location in Gilbert on July 31, offering five cinematic escape rooms. (More)

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The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes. Clicking the links will take you directly to these stories:

➤ Hearing specialists say once hearing fades, it's gone for good, making a few simple habits the only way to protect it. (See Habits)

➤ Newly released records show a former special counsel's team accessed texts from dozens of lawmakers in both parties, drawing constitutional accusations. (Hear Episode)

➤ A state just cleared the way for seniors in assisted living to raise a glass together, no liquor license required. (Listen Now)