Friday, January 16, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1988, the St. Louis Cardinals announced their move to Phoenix, the latest relocation for the NFL’s oldest continuously run franchise.

Weather watch: Arizona will stay warm and dry through the weekend as a strong high-pressure system keeps temperatures above normal and conditions breezy.

Today’s sponsor is FemiCore, a women’s health solution featuring a short, doctor-backed bladder restoration technique that supports bladder control and confidence without traditional exercises.

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.

AZ Lags as Overdose Deaths Drop

Arizona is one of five states that didn’t see a drop in drug overdose deaths last year, according to preliminary data from the Centers for Disease Control.

Overdose deaths increased in Arizona, New Mexico, Kansas, and Hawaii, while North Dakota’s total remained flat, although reporting delays could lead to revisions.

Nationally, overdose deaths fell for a second straight year in 2025. Preliminary data estimates about 73,000 U.S. deaths, down from 80,000 in 2024 and 110,000 in 2023, based on the yearly reporting period ending in August.

Experts cite naloxone access, Chinese fentanyl regulations, and U.S. border enforcement as likely contributors.

State Eyes Cap on Investor Homes

A bipartisan group of state lawmakers proposed to limit the number of single-family homes institutional investors can own in Arizona.

President Trump recently called for a similar measure nationwide, calling on Congress to restrict large investors from buying homes. Critics are skeptical that it would ease housing costs.

The Arizona proposal would cap each corporate or institutional entity at 50 homes and prevent bulk purchases. In Maricopa County, about 26% of homes are owned by investors or out-of-state buyers.

“Arizona homes should be owned by Arizona families, not treated like financial instruments by distant corporations,” said state Rep. Nick Kupper, R-Surprise.

UA Vies for Defense Contract

The University of Arizona is partnering with defense contractor Precise Systems to compete for up to $151 billion in Golden Dome missile defense contracts under the U.S. Missile Defense Agency’s 10-year SHIELD program.

The initiative aims to create a multi-layer system capable of detecting and intercepting missiles, aligning with the university’s emphasis on national security research.

The collaboration includes other firms and startups with a presence in Arizona, along with UA Venture Capital and Tech Launch Arizona.

Officials say the project would boost national defense, connect industry and academia, and support regional economic growth.

Flying together with our sponsor

Millions of women experience bladder leaks, urgency, or discomfort. Recent scientific research is uncovering a new piece of the puzzle: the urinary microbiome.

Recent medical studies have found that the balance of bacteria in the urinary system is closely linked to bladder symptoms and overall comfort. When helpful bacteria are out of balance, it may contribute to irritation, sensitivity, and leaks.

That’s why many women are now exploring microbiome-focused support.

FemiCore is a daily supplement formulated with targeted probiotics and plant-based ingredients designed to support urinary balance and bladder comfort. It’s not a medication, but it offers a science-based way to support bladder health as part of a wellness routine.

To learn how this emerging research works, watch the free educational video below.

Watch the free video.

➤ Phoenix: The Cartwright School Board voted 3-2 to return to a five-day week after years on a post-COVID four-day schedule, citing academic benefits and smoother high school transitions. (Watch)

➤ Statewide: State buildings flew flags at half-staff Wednesday to honor former state Attorney General Mark Brnovich, who died of a heart attack. (More)

➤ Chino Valley: The school district built 10 tiny homes to help recruit and retain teachers in the area. (Watch)

➤ Gilbert: A police pilot program uses drones to track suspects, de-escalate incidents, and gather information at emergency scenes while keeping officers safer. (Watch)

➤ Pinal County: Sheriff’s deputies airlifted a lost 19-year-old hiker to safety from the Picketpost Trailhead. (Watch)

➤ Tucson: Authorities and family continue to search for Tucson High School dance teacher Elizabeth Breck, seven years after she disappeared from an area treatment center. (Watch)

➤ No. 1 Arizona men’s basketball fended off an upset bid to defeat Arizona State 89-82. The Wildcats remain one of three undefeated teams in the country. (More)

➤ A new arena football league set to launch in April will feature the Arizona Juggernauts, a team based at Arizona State’s Mullett Arena in Tempe. (More)

➤ The New York Giants hired former Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh, ending any possibility the Arizona Cardinals could hire him. (More)

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➤ Taiwan announced plans to invest up to $250 billion in U.S. chipmaking, bolstering semiconductor manufacturing in Arizona and signaling possible additional expansion by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (More)

➤ Israeli officials said the country is exploring defense industry investments in Arizona and suggested that its defense minister may visit next month. (More)

➤ Cochise County’s jobless rate rose to 5.2% in November 2025 after losing 200 jobs, mostly in government positions. (More)

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Researchers are discovering that bladder health isn’t just about muscles—it’s also about bacteria.

Studies show the urinary microbiome plays an important role in comfort and urgency. When that balance is off, leaks and irritation may follow.

FemiCore is designed to support this balance with carefully selected probiotics and botanicals that promote urinary health.

Learn about the science behind it and how women are using it as part of their daily routine.

➤ Video footage captured a train striking a semi-truck in Maricopa County, just seconds after the driver jumped to safety. (Watch)

➤ The Pima County Sheriff’s Department arrested former Green Valley golf club manager Edward Bittle, 51, for allegedly defrauding the club of nearly $80,000. (More)

➤ Free digital literacy courses are now available at Cochise County libraries to support residents in navigating computers, software, and online services. (More)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Plastic surgeons across the U.S. are surprised by a natural alternative to Ozempic that’s helping thousands lose weight while supporting healthy blood sugar—without injections, high costs, or common side effects like nausea. Some claim Big Pharma isn’t happy. Watch the short video to see how this inexpensive solution works while it’s still available.