Tuesday, March 3, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1865, the federal government established the Colorado River Indian Reservation. This undated photo shows the agency headquarters in Parker.

Big announcement: We’re launching The California Flyover on April 1st! We’ve had our eyes on The Golden State for a long time, and we’re excited to add it to The Flyover family. Don’t miss the first edition; click here to sign up!

Scam artists are stealing billions of dollars from Americans every year, and we want to ensure that Flyover readers are not prime targets! On today’s The Flyover Podcast, host Ayla Brown walks through the most common schemes, plus the FBI’s best advice for staying alert before your money is gone. Tune in here!

Today’s sponsor, Incogni, helps protect you from scam calls, phishing, and identity theft by removing your personal data from data brokers and continuously monitoring and deleting it as new threats emerge.

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.

Driverless Freight Rolls Into State

Driverless semi-trucks will begin hauling freight along a 1,000-mile corridor between Phoenix and Fort Worth as Aurora Innovation expands its autonomous operations.

Company officials say the continuously operating trucks can nearly halve delivery times, unlike human drivers who are limited to 11-hour shifts with 10-hour rest breaks. The company plans to operate more than 200 driverless trucks nationwide by the end of the year.

Ahead of the Arizona rollout, the company’s fleet logged more than 250,000 driverless miles since its launch in Texas last year, with zero crashes attributed to its self-driving system.

The expansion is drawing mixed reactions, with some fleet owners touting lower costs and faster delivery, while veteran truckers question safety and warn of job losses.

Plan Targets Low Reading Scores

A new statewide literacy plan seeks to improve Arizona’s lagging reading rates, with only 39% of third graders currently testing at a proficient level.

Led by Read On Arizona, the plan sets a goal of reaching 72% proficiency by 2030, in line with a state benchmark set by the Center for the Future of Arizona.

The plan focuses on more literacy coaches, proven classroom instruction, stronger teacher training, and expanded early learning access to move the needle.

Reading rates improved briefly after steep pandemic-era declines, but recent test results show progress has slowed, with chronic absenteeism and lingering learning gaps weighing on student performance.

Iran’s World Cup Visit Uncertain

Iran’s World Cup training plans in Tucson face uncertainty amid a joint U.S.–Israel military operation against the country.

The soccer team is slated to begin training in June at Kino Sports Complex, which was designated by FIFA in December 2024 as a potential World Cup team base camp due to its elite facilities and West Coast proximity. Iran selected the site late last month.

Now, with Iran’s participation in doubt and travel restrictions complicating logistics, Tucson officials await word on whether the Iran team—or a replacement—will train at the site this summer.

Flying together with our sponsor

Unknown Number Calling? It’s Not Random

The BBC caught scam-call workers on hidden cameras as they laughed at the people they were tricking. One worker bragged about making $250k from victims. The disturbing truth? Scammers don’t pick phone numbers at random. They buy your data from brokers.

Once your data is out there, it’s not just calls. It’s phishing, impersonation, and identity theft. That’s why we recommend Incogni: They delete your info from the web, monitor and follow up automatically, and continue to erase data as new risks appear.

Try Incogni here and get 55% off your subscription with code FLYOVER

➤ Oro Valley: Dozens of veterans gathered at the Arizona Heroes Memorial to mark 35 years since Operation Desert Storm and honor the lives lost in the Gulf War. (Watch)

➤ Pima County: More than a month into the search for Nancy Guthrie, local authorities have assigned the case to a multi-agency task force with expanded federal involvement. (Watch)

➤ San Tan Valley: Seven town council hopefuls are working to collect the required 1,000 signatures ahead of the March 23 deadline for the July 2026 primary. (See Candidates)

➤ Santa Cruz County: The Patagonia Town Council and county supervisors will meet Wednesday to consider a community investment agreement with mining company South32. (Details)

➤ Pinetop-Lakeside: New Town Manager Kristi Salskov outlined priorities of reliable services, stronger operations, and open communication in a letter to the community. (See Letter)

➤ Gila River: The 2026 Ostrich Festival will begin March 13 at Rawhide Western Town & Event Center, headlined by Kansas, Jo Dee Messina, Vanilla Ice, and others. (More)

➤ Arizona men’s basketball remained ranked No. 2 in the latest AP poll, trailing Duke. (See Full Poll)

➤ The Arizona Cardinals will likely release quarterback Kyler Murray, barring a last-minute trade, according to a league reporter. (More)

➤ Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Nolan Arenado said he will play for Puerto Rico in this year’s World Baseball Classic to honor his mother’s heritage. He played on the U.S. team in the prior two tournaments. (More)

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➤ Coffee Lovers Can’t Stop Talking About Javvy—Now 50% Off With Free Gift. Javvy isn’t just coffee—it’s protein-powered fuel for healthier mornings. With 10g whey protein, zero sugar, and gut-friendly ingredients, it’s 50% off today and comes with a free gift. Don’t miss out. (LEARN MORE)

➤ A Zipps Sports Grill hiring manager plans to plead guilty in an identity theft case connected to the hiring of illegal immigrants, facing possible prison time and his own deportation. (More)

➤ BNSF Railway started grading work on part of its planned $3.2 billion logistics park in Wittmann, as county officials await a revised development plan. (More)

➤ Construction is underway on the Marketplace at Tres Rios, a Fry’s-anchored shopping center planned for 28 acres in Avondale. (Photos)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ TIBO is the revolutionary titanium cutting board that keeps your family safe by eliminating harmful bacteria and microplastics while keeping knives razor-sharp. With dual surfaces, built-in sharpener, garlic grater and easy cleanup, it’s the last cutting board you’ll ever need! (SHOP NOW)

Flying together with our sponsor

Delete your personal data

Spam starts with your personal data being sold. Data brokers are profiting from your home address, SSN, phone number, and other personal information that doesn’t belong to them. Incogni scrubs your personal info from the web. Simple as. It takes 3 minutes to set up, tackles 420+ data brokers and people-search sites, and there’s a 30-day money back guarantee. Protect your data, your time, and your sanity. Get Incogni today and never look back.

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➤ The Southern Arizona Nurse Honor Guard dedicated a memorial bench at Brandi Fenton Memorial Park to honor fallen nurses and provide a place for reflection. (Watch)

➤ Voting opened for the Champions of Change Awards, giving the public a say in which nonprofit and nonprofit leaders receive a share of a $10,000 grant. (Vote)

➤ Diana Upp won the 2026 Sedona Quilters Hall of Fame Award for her quilt “Octopus Nursery,” now on display at the Sedona Arts Center. (Photo)

Flying together with our sponsor

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