Friday, October 24, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1929, the first Helldorado Celebration was held in Tombstone to honor the town’s 50th birthday. This photo shows a parade during the event.

Did you know The Arizona Flyover is fast approaching 70,000 readers? Your love for Arizona’s stories keeps us soaring, and for that we thank you!

If you’ve ever wondered how you could make a real difference in someone’s darkest moment, today’s sponsor, Convoy of Hope, is turning compassion into action when it’s needed most.

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.

Hikers Struck by Lightning

Two hikers were struck by lightning Wednesday on Humphreys Peak near Flagstaff, leading to a challenging rescue in heavy fog and stormy conditions. Both hikers are expected to survive.

Air support was grounded due to the weather, forcing crews to carry the more seriously injured hiker in a rescue basket while the other descended on his own.

The strike launched one of the hikers’ phones about 30 yards, but the other was able to call for help.

The strike underscored the dangers of sudden thunderstorms at Arizona’s highest peak.

Copper Thefts Surge

Copper thefts in the Phoenix area have surged, causing service outages in targeted neighborhoods and businesses, with repairs often costing about $7,000.

Authorities say thieves often disguise themselves as utility workers, using fake uniforms, signs, and cones to avoid detection.

Officials warn that stealing copper wiring is dangerous and could cause deaths from electrocution, fires, accidents, or critical service failures.

CenturyLink and Silent Witness offer rewards of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest.

ASU Medical School Lands $100M Gift

Arizona State University’s new medical school received a $100 million donation from alumnus Dr. John Shufeldt.

The gift from Shufeldt, an entrepreneur and emergency physician who founded NextCare, MeMD, and Tribal Health, will fund scholarships, faculty, an endowed professorship, and a health-tech venture fund.

“We don’t simply need more physicians. What we do need are more physicians who can innovate, who are leaders, who can do it with a high degree of compassion. That’s why I’m so excited about the new school at ASU, because I know that’s what we’ll be teaching,” Shufeldt said.

The medical school—now named the John Shufeldt School of Medicine and Medical Engineering—will enroll its first class of 36 students next fall.

In a separate gift, ASU alumnus Robert Zorich donated $50 million to create the Global Institute for the Future of Energy.

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Your Compassion Comes with a Gift

Imagine a family who’s lost everything—their home, their stability, their hope. In moments like these, a warm meal, clean water, or a safe place to rest can feel like a miracle.

Through Convoy of Hope, you can be part of that miracle. Your donation now will deliver food to hungry children, shelter for families in crisis, and hope where it’s needed most—in the U.S. and around the world.

And as a thank-you for your generous gift, you’ll receive What Really Matters by our founder Hal Donaldson. It’s a powerful book that will inspire and equip you to live with purpose, compassion, and faith in action.

When you give, you’re not just changing someone else’s life—you’re renewing your own sense of what truly matters.

The need is urgent. Hope can’t wait.

Give today—and see how God can use your compassion to transform lives, including your own.

➤ Sahuarita: A multi-agency traffic sweep along I-19 last week led to 122 stops as authorities ramped up safety enforcement targeting speeding, reckless, and impaired drivers. (Photo)

➤ Marana: Christopher Scholtes faces 20 to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder and child abuse in his 2-year-old daughter’s 2024 hot car death. (Watch)

➤ Tempe: A disaster assistance center will stay open from noon to 7 p.m. daily through Saturday, providing victims of a recent microburst with information on debris cleanup, crisis counseling, food donations, and consumer protections. (Watch)

➤ Tucson: Residents near Davis-Monthan Air Force Base may see heightened emergency training activity and gate delays during a two-week November exercise. (More)

➤ Amado: Equine Voices Sanctuary hosts its Mystic’s Masquerade fundraiser on Sunday, featuring a dinner, auctions, and music. Proceeds will go to support and acquire additional land for the horse rescue mission. (Watch)

➤ Pinetop-Lakeside: Interim town manager Rick Miller resigned to support his wife during her health challenges. Town clerk Kristi Salskov will serve as acting manager until the position is filled. (More)

➤ Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson will not play in the team’s game against Houston on Saturday after suffering a hamstring injury last week against Texas Tech. (More)

➤ Arizona basketball coach Tommy Lloyd said there’s a “possibility” the team will redshirt LeBron James’ son, Bryce, to extend his future eligibility. (More)

➤ The Arizona Diamondbacks were nominated for MLB’s Offensive Team of the Year award, with three players—Corbin Carroll, Ketel Marte, and Geraldo Perdomo—also nominated for Silver Slugger awards. (More)

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➤ Want to hit straighter, longer drives instantly? Flightpath Golf Tees are engineered to reduce friction and correct off-center hits—helping you add distance, accuracy, and confidence to every swing. Used by pros and everyday golfers alike, Flightpath helps you play your best game every time you tee off. (SHOP NOW)

➤ Robert Zorich, managing partner of EnCap Investments and an Arizona State alumnus, donated $50 million to help launch the school’s Global Institute for the Future of Energy, focusing on energy education and research. (More)

➤ The federal government designated about 300 acres at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson as available for a future data center development. Unused land at military bases in four other states also received the designation. (Watch)

➤ Golden Oak Barbecue and Taproom opens today in downtown Phoenix, offering globally inspired barbecue, craft beers, and local art. (More)

➤ Construction began on the Oro Valley Marketplace redevelopment, set to feature 320 new apartments, pedestrian improvements, and a park by late 2027. (Watch)

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➤ This tiny Hearing Aid is changing lives—and it’s under $100. Oricle Hearing delivers crystal-clear sound, wireless charging, and all-day battery life—all for under $100. No doctor visits, no hidden fees—just amazing hearing at an unbeatable price. Join over 150,000 satisfied customers and experience better hearing today! (LEARN MORE)

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Be The Reason Hope Arrives

When disaster strikes or hunger threatens, compassion in action can change everything.

Right now, through Convoy of Hope, you can provide food, water, and hope to families in need — while reminding you of the power of love in motion.

With your gift, you’ll also receive What Really Matters by Hal Donaldson—a heartfelt book that encourages you to live with courage, kindness, and purpose in a hurting world.

Every act of giving makes a difference. Every life touched matters.

Give today and let your compassion be the reason someone finds hope again—and rediscover what really matters in your own life.

➤ An interactive map shows Arizona among states with below-average property taxes, while homeowners in the Northeast face the highest bills nationwide. (Map)

➤ Wildlife World Zoo in Litchfield Park now features African wild dogs and the only red-and-white giant flying squirrels in a U.S. public zoo, along with new animal experiences and events. (Photos)

➤ The Villas at Green Valley hosted its third annual Halloween Trunk or Treat, uniting seniors and children for candy, costumes, and community fun. (Watch)

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➤ When disaster strikes, don’t be caught unprepared. The 4Patriots 3-Month Survival Food Kit provides 688 servings of delicious, easy-to-store meals with a 25-year shelf life. Stay self-reliant through storms, blackouts, or emergencies—nutritious peace of mind you can count on when it matters most. Stock up today.