Thursday, April 9, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1869, Anson Safford was commissioned as Arizona Territory governor, later helping to curb lawlessness and establish the region’s school system.

Historic Route 66 turns 100 this year, marking a century of the iconic highway that shaped Arizona tourism and roadside culture. Learn more about its history and impact here.

Twenty-one months ago, Tucker Carlson told America that President Trump surviving an assassination attempt was “divine intervention.” Today, he’s calling Trump’s latest post “vile on every level.” Trump’s response? “I like dealing with smart people, not fools.” This isn’t a subtle disagreement. This is open warfare between two of the most influential voices in conservative media and politics. In today’s Flyover Podcast, CEO Cole Strehlow walks through exactly what happened, what they’ve said, and how we got here. Listen here.

Today’s sponsor, FinanceBuzz, is highlighting the Citi Double Cash Card and other incredible offers, featuring insane cards charging 0% interest into 2027 and welcome bonuses of up to $200.

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.

GOP Leader Seeks Obstruction Probe

Arizona Senate President Warren Petersen called for a federal investigation into state Attorney General Kris Mayes and Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, accusing them of interfering in the U.S. Justice Department’s 2020 election probe.

Mayes and Fontes dismissed Petersen’s charge as political.

Petersen accuses Mayes and Fontes of making misleading statements about whether compliance with a federal subpoena seeking the state’s 2020 election data was required. Petersen complied with a subpoena he received for data.

Lawmakers Weigh in on Ceasefire

Arizona elected officials offered mixed reactions to a two-week Iran ceasefire announced by President Trump.

U.S. Rep. David Schweikert, R-Fountain Hills, described the ceasefire as a potential off-ramp from a dangerous situation.

U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Phoenix, said he was relieved for U.S. troops, while U.S. Rep. Yassamin Ansari, D-Phoenix, condemned Trump’s rhetoric and called for accountability.

Airlines Hike Baggage Fees

Arizona travelers flying with Southwest and Delta will see higher checked bag fees, with first bags rising from $35 to $45 and second bags from $45 to $55.

The changes go into effect for flights booked this week and follow hikes by United and JetBlue, with the airlines citing rising fuel costs and industry pressures.

Experts say more increases could follow and advise packing light, prepaying for checked bags where allowed, and using credit card airline discounts.

In other air travel news, Southwest will soon limit passengers to one portable battery charger amid growing concerns over lithium battery fire risks.

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➤ Pima County: County supervisors demanded Sheriff Chris Nanos answer questions about his discipline record and broader department issues within 10 days or face actions to possibly remove him from office. (Watch)

➤ Phoenix: Friends and colleagues mourned longtime civil rights attorney, Democratic Party leader, and Nash Jazz Club founder Herb Ely, who died at 92. (Watch)

➤ Flagstaff: A Northern Arizona University student pleaded not guilty to a felony hazing charge tied to a fraternity event where an 18-year-old died of alcohol poisoning. (Watch)

➤ Statewide: The state attorney general’s office seeks to recover $972,000 in legal costs from Kroger and Albertsons after helping block their merger in 2024. (More)

➤ Gilbert: An audit of 7 million transactions over six years found no major water meter reading issues despite high bills, with anomalies found in fewer than 3% of cases. (Watch)

➤ Prescott: An out-of-state student was arrested after allegedly starting a wildfire by burning cottonwood seeds on Tuesday. (Photos)

➤ Arizona State is experimenting with periodically playing veteran defensive end Clayton Smith at wide receiver. (More)

➤ Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Carlos Santana was placed on the 10-day injured list with a muscle strain. (More)

➤ The Phoenix Suns didn’t play a tribute video for Kevin Durant in his first game back in Phoenix since last summer’s trade, breaking from their usual practice. (More)

➤ Meanwhile, Durant said he holds little attachment to the Suns, telling reporters he wasn’t with the team long enough to feel like he left a mark. (More)

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➤ Government reports show Arizona’s nonfarm payroll employment dipped in January and population growth slowed last year in some areas, while Maricopa and Pinal counties remain among the nation’s fastest-growing. (More)

➤ Tempe Tavern continues to push back against efforts to revoke its liquor license, with its attorney claiming the bar is being unfairly targeted after regulators cited multiple violations. (Watch)

➤ A developer won approval for a 273-acre mixed-use project in Casa Grande after revising plans to emphasize commercial and light industrial uses over housing or a data center. (More)

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➤ Yuma residents report a surge in flies tied to warm spring temperatures. Officials are still searching for the source after initial testing ruled out a suspected site. (Watch)

➤ Authorities warned of heavy traffic and plan stepped-up DUI enforcement as the Country Thunder Arizona musical festival returns today, featuring Brooks & Dunn, Zach Top, and other artists. (Watch)

➤ Arizona Tech Week is bringing leaders together in Maricopa to discuss power, water, and infrastructure needs as communities prepare for continued growth. (More)

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