Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1908, President Theodore Roosevelt established the Coconino National Forest by merging surrounding forest reserves.

A dust storm with 60 mph winds reduced visibility in Tucson while strong winds fueled the Oak Ridge Fire ahead of rainstorms expected around the state this week.

We think of The Arizona Flyover as more than a news publication—it’s a family. And if you’re reading this, you’re a part of it.

Every morning, we show up in your inbox hoping to offer a grounded, honest start to the day. And we are grateful that you start your day with us.

This week, one of our own—David, our Editor-in-Chief and the second-longest serving member of The Arizona Flyover team—underwent surgery. He’s currently in the hospital recovering.

We’d love to welcome him back with a wave of encouragement from the people he serves every day: you.

If you’d like to send David a get-well note, just reply to this email. We’ll make sure he sees every message. Let’s fill his inbox with support from across The Arizona Flyover family.

We’re sponsored today by a Flyover favorite, the Sonic Glow Toothbrush.

Don’t feel like reading the national edition of The Flyover? Tune in to The Flyover Podcast! New episodes drop daily. Watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, all in under 15 minutes.

State Voters To Get Say on Cartels

The state Legislature approved a question for November’s statewide ballot asking Arizona voters to decide whether to apply a state-level terrorist designation to drug cartels.

If passed, the measure would also require Arizona’s homeland security department to “do everything within its authority” to address threats posed by cartels.

Placing the question on the ballot did not require the approval of Gov. Katie Hobbs, who in 2023 vetoed a bill on the same issue.

In February, the Trump administration designated eight Latin American criminal organizations as foreign terrorist organizations.

Idaho Gunman Attended Phoenix Area School

The man accused of fatally shooting two firefighters after starting a fire near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, reportedly attended high school in the Phoenix area.

Wess Roley, 20, is listed on a sports data website as a former student of Phoenix Preparatory Academy. The site also states he was a member of the school’s class of 2024.

Role killed himself after the attacks, and an investigation continues into his motive. His grandfather told police he looked up to firefighters and dreamed of joining their ranks.

Heat-Sick Kids on Trails in Focus

Child advocates said parents who bring children on hikes in extreme heat should be charged with neglect or abuse, similar to citations issued for leaving a child in a hot car.

Child advocate Anika Robinson cited the recent rescue of heat-sickened children during a family hike on a Phoenix trail that was marked as closed due to extreme heat.

Phoenix officials said the city can issue citations but emphasized its primary focus is on the health and safety of hikers.

In Tucson on Sunday, seven hikers, including a 15-month-old, were rescued from Sabino Canyon during a heat-related emergency.

Flying together with our sponsor

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➤ Coconino County: Two swimmers found a live grenade at Lake Mary after the device was revealed when water levels dropped. Police safely detonated the grenade at the scene. (More)

➤ Gilbert: A man was indicted in his wife’s death after hospice staff spotted suspicious bruising on her arms after she died. (More)

➤ Phoenix: Former interim police chief Michael Sullivan was sworn in Monday as chief of the U.S. Capitol Police. (Watch)

➤ Winslow: A suspect is in custody for allegedly firing a gun at a community swimming pool this past weekend. Nobody was injured. (Details)

➤ Tucson: A local family seeks custody of a newborn girl found beside her deceased mother last month in a Phoenix apartment. (Watch)

➤ North Phoenix: A construction worker was in serious condition after he suffered broken bones while working at a TSMC plant in north Phoenix. (More)

➤ Arizona basketball will bring back its vintage cactus logo to Lute & Bobbi Olson Court. The logo was last displayed during the 2008-09 season. (Photo)

➤ An Arizona Diamondbacks fan was ejected on Monday night after interfering with a would-be home run by a San Francisco player. (Watch)

➤ Phoenix Mercury forward Satou Sabally was selected as a WNBA All-Star starter. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: MLB | Soccer | WNBA | Tennis

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Fire up the flavor this 4th of July with Flip Fork Pro! This double-sided grilling tool makes flipping burgers, ribs, and veggies fast, easy, and mess-free. Perfect for backyard BBQs and holiday cookouts, it’s the ultimate upgrade for your grill game. Celebrate with sizzle—grab yours today!

➤ More than 30 women were named on AZ Big Media’s 2025 list of the most influential women in Arizona business. (List)

➤ Novel Ice Cream in Phoenix was named the top-rated ice cream shop in the U.S. by Yelp, earning an average of 4.9 stars from more than 1,000 reviews. (More)

➤ Delivering Dreams Arizona hosted a grand opening of a thrift boutique in central Phoenix. (Watch)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Beat the summer heat with CoolWave Air! This compact, portable AC cools your space in minutes—no installation, no hassle. Perfect for bedrooms, offices, or on-the-go relief, it’s your personal escape from sweltering temps. Stay cool, comfortable, and refreshed all season long. Order now before the heatwave hits!

Flying together with our sponsor

Upgrade your smile with the Sonic Glow Toothbrush—designed to whiten teeth, remove plaque, and promote healthier gums using advanced sonic technology. This sleek electric toothbrush makes brushing effortless and effective. Get yours now and enjoy a brighter, cleaner smile with every use. Limited-time offer—order today!

➤ Singer Post Malone left a generous tip at an Arizona bar, enough to cover the monthly bills of the 15 employees working that night. (Photo)

➤ Phoenix Valley: Three Brophy College Prep students offer free CPR lessons through their Life Savers Phoenix program. (Watch)

➤ A highway trooper was injured while using his car to stop a wrong-way driver on Saturday night. The suspect was arrested on suspicion of aggravated DUI and other crimes. (Photos)

Flying together with our sponsor

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