Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1882, lawman Morgan Earp was assassinated in Tombstone, igniting Wyatt Earp’s legendary Vendetta Ride alongside Doc Holliday and other allies.

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Today’s sponsor, Incogni, helps protect your privacy by removing your personal data from broker sites that scammers use to target victims with spam calls, phishing, impersonation, and identity theft.

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Passenger Rail to Mexico Studied

Mexico and Arizona officials began early talks on the possible creation of a passenger rail route to connect Tucson and Phoenix with Mexico City.

The project could be incorporated into the proposed Tucson-to-Phoenix passenger rail line, officials said.

The proposed Arizona-Mexico City route would reach speeds up to 125 mph along existing and new track, and use a mix of diesel and electric trains.

Arizona leaders say the project could boost tourism, trade, and cross-border travel.

Prediction Markets Dispute Moves to Courts

The legal battle between prediction market Kalshi and state Attorney General Kris Mayes continues to heat up, with each going to court in a bid to block the other.

Kalshi allows users to trade on real-world events, and Mayes this week filed misdemeanor charges against its operators, accusing them of circumventing state gambling laws.

Last week, Kalshi filed suit in federal court seeking to block any enforcement action by Mayes as an overreach on federally regulated futures markets, a stance supported by the Trump administration.

Arizona is one of several states challenging prediction markets, a legal battle that could ultimately be decided by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Luxury Home Prices Top $11M

Phoenix Valley luxury homes continue to command high prices, with the five most expensive home sales in February each topping $11 million.

The deals included a $20.9 million Paradise Valley estate, a $15.7 million newly built home, and multiple Silverleaf estates between $11 million and $11.5 million.

Among the listings for this month, a $40 million Paradise Valley compound with a bowling alley and parking for 50 cars is among the priciest.

Beyond the Valley, the historic Fort Rock Ranch in Seligman went on the market for $33 million, spanning more than 100,000 acres that include an airstrip.

See a list of the state’s most expensive homes here.

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Unknown Number Calling? It’s Not Random

The BBC caught scam call center 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.

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➤ Bisbee: The owner of Bisbee comedy club Chuckleheads was found dead near Eagle River, Alaska, after authorities sought him in connection with the fatal shooting of his ex-wife’s father. (More)

➤ Arcadia: An early morning outage left around 6,000 residents near Arcadia without power. (Details)

➤ Phoenix: Lottery officials said a winning $6.7 million The Pick ticket was sold at a Phoenix Albertsons near 19th and Northern. (More)

➤ Oak Flat: Apache women made a last-ditch appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court to block copper mining at Oak Flat, while U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the project will help fulfill the Trump administration’s goal for more U.S. mineral production. (More)

➤ Prescott Valley: Officials say an insulation company is going door-to-door with false claims of official inspections and high-pressure sales tactics. (Details)

➤ Payson: Police didn’t find any explosives after an online bomb threat targeted a local Walmart last week. (Watch)

➤ Arizona’s mix of talented freshmen and veterans could make for a winning combination as the school competes for the NCAA men’s basketball championship, according to analysts. (More)

➤ Arizona State men’s basketball is reportedly considering Cal coach Mark Madsen and New Mexico coach Eric Olen as potential options to succeed former coach Bobby Hurley. (More)

➤ The Arizona Cardinals signed linebacker Jack Gibbens and defensive lineman Andrew Billings as they look to improve on last year’s defense. (More)

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➤ Phoenix developer Foundation 8 LLC is converting properties around Metrocenter into apartments as part of a $400 million redevelopment. (More)

➤ Arizona will serve as a testing site for autonomous air taxi flight technology as California-based Joby Aviation joins a federal program. The initial flights will be piloted. (Details)

➤ A 29-acre parcel of land in Florence near Felix and Arizona Farms roads sold for $4.7 million to Entitlements LLC as development accelerates in the Southeast Valley. (Map)

➤ Three years ago, The Flyover launched with 47 readers and a simple idea: deliver the news straight, without the spin. If that mission matters to you, would you make a contribution today to help us keep building it?

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➤ Rattlesnake bites have been more frequent than usual this month in the state, with eight reported, including at least four near Oro Valley. (Watch)

➤ Salt River Tubing in Mesa will reopen April 25, with bookings now being accepted and themed events planned through September. (Details)

➤ Wildlife officials this month released 19 black-footed ferrets into northern Arizona, part of a broader effort to rebuild the species. (Photo)

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➤ Most people rely on books or classes to learn—but what if a simple 7-minute “Brain Song” could help you learn faster, remember more, and think more clearly? Thousands, including many seniors, report sharper memory and focus after listening. Discover how it works in this short video: 7-Minute Brain Song Increases Intelligence.