AZ Man Faces Terrorism Charge after Online Threats

A 25-year-old Surprise man was arrested Thursday on a felony terrorism charge after authorities say he posted Snapchat threats warning of a “massive explosion” in the Phoenix area.

The FBI alerted Surprise police Wednesday after Snapchat flagged alarming posts. Earlier images reportedly showed Nathan Meese masked with a handgun, prompting an investigation.

Detectives traced Meese’s phone to his apartment, where officers detained him and his mother without incident and seized three cellphones and a handgun resembling the one pictured online.

Meese reportedly told investigators he sought attention and never intended harm. Bond was set at $30,000, with a court date of Sept. 3.

Court Declines to Ban Judges’ Use of AI

The Arizona Supreme Court has denied a petition to bar judges from using artificial intelligence, choosing instead to continue a supervised testing phase.

The rejected proposal—“Rule 135” filed in January—would have imposed a moratorium on generative AI for core judicial work through 2029. Judges may still use approved tools to reduce backlogs and improve access to justice.

The court affirmed that judicial decision-making remains “a fundamentally human function,” barring AI from writing rulings or deciding cases.

A steering committee on AI and the courts will recommend further standards, with its next report due March 1, 2027.

2 Mexican Gray Wolves Ordered for Removal

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has authorized removing two Mexican gray wolves in the Southwest after reported livestock killings.

Redacted orders don’t disclose locations but note another wolf was killed in the same area in May, providing only temporary relief. One current order permits lethal removal.

Conservationists call removals a short-term fix that can destabilize packs, urging stronger prevention programs. Ranchers counter that repeated livestock losses impose real financial strain on their operations.

Roughly 319 wolves now live in Arizona and New Mexico following decades of reintroduction efforts.

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➤ Pima County: Tucson Sector Border Patrol agents stopped a human-smuggling attempt involving two SUVs and 17 suspects near Newfield, south of San Miguel. Officials said the vehicles entered through a remote area, refusing to stop, and then led agents on a chase before being caught. Border Patrol posted video of the incident on its X page. (More)

➤ Lake Havasu City: Police arrested a man accused of throwing two cocaine packages from his vehicle during a pursuit; authorities estimated their value at about $200,000. (Learn More)

➤ Benson: Lightning struck a power pole serving Kartchner Caverns, setting the pole on fire and causing a power outage in the surrounding area. Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative crews responded to extinguish the fire, replace the damaged pole, and restore power. (Watch Report)

➤ Phoenix: Laura Owens, the woman facing criminal charges after she falsely claimed to be pregnant with twins fathered by former “Bachelor” star Clayton Echard, pleaded guilty to four felony counts after prosecutors accused her of using a fake pregnancy scheme to maintain relationships with multiple men. (More)

➤ Also Phoenix: Police arrested a 24-year-old woman accused of stealing a running ambulance near Talking Stick Amphitheatre and crashing it after officers said she was driving under the influence. (Watch Report)

➤ Mount Trumbull: Two hikers were rescued from the Mount Trumbull Wilderness after one collapsed from dehydration; the other hiker managed to send an SOS text to his son despite a cellular dead zone, alerting emergency crews and enabling a successful rescue. (More)

➤ Nogales: Customs and Border Protection officers seized a large amount of guns, ammunition, and drugs hidden inside juice boxes during an enforcement operation this week, authorities said. (More)

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➤ Arizona State quarterback Cutter Boley has been named as the team’s starter after an extended three-way battle with Mikey Keene and Jake Fette. Boley will make his team debut on Sept. 5 against Morgan State. (More)

➤ Arizona Cardinals pass rusher BJ Ojulari was a standout in the team’s preseason finale against the Green Bay Packers, tallying 1.5 sacks as he looks to secure a spot on the team ahead of the roster cutdown deadline at 6 p.m. today. (More)

➤ Arizona Diamondbacks star pitcher Corbin Burnes made a rehab appearance at Triple-A Reno yesterday. Burnes is expected to return to join the MLB club in early September. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NFL | MLB | NCAAF | Soccer | WNBA | Golf | NASCAR | IndyCar | LLWS

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➤ People are calling THIS the easiest fat-loss hack they’ve ever tried… What if adding 1 simple ingredient could help melt belly fat… Thousands are trying it and seeing shocking results within just days… (More)

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Explore the History Behind Revelation

From Patmos to the ancient churches of Asia Minor, Times of Fire offers a fascinating look at the people, places, and events behind one of the Bible’s most discussed books.

If biblical history, archaeology, or the Book of Revelation interests you, this is worth a watch. RevelationMedia is offering the documentary for free at the link below.

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➤ Desert Tails Shelter, a dog rescue based in Scottsdale, says rising pet abandonments have pushed its shelter to maximum capacity while limited funding strains operations and resources for additional animals. Shelter officials urge struggling owners to work with local rescues instead of abandoning pets in dangerous conditions. (Watch Report)

➤ A pregnant Mesa woman says a Veyo driver chased a hit-and-run suspect while she remained inside the vehicle, recording much of the incident and asking to get out of the car. (Watch Video)

➤ Extreme heat is affecting Arizona wildlife, with state officials saying animals are adjusting their behavior and routines to cope with rising temperatures and heat-related conditions. Similar to humans, wildlife behavior changes may include staying out of the sun, seeking water, and limiting activity to early morning or evening hours. (Watch Report)

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The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes, straight from the heart of the country. 

➤ Forecasters can’t agree whether fall will bring sweaters, storms, or lingering summer heat. (Hear More)

➤ Thieves pulled off a massive beer run involving 1,600 cases. (Listen Now)

➤ A veteran’s final words captured a life filled with family, laughter, and adventure. (Podcast Available)

Chasing water in the desert:

Have you ever adopted a pet from a shelter/rescue?

1. Yes
2. No

Yesterday’s Results:

Do you think students without legal immigration status should be given in-state tuition at public Arizona colleges?

1. No: 85%
2. No opinion: 8%
3. Yes: 7%

What is the elevation at the summit of Mount Trumbull?

Show me the answer