TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1913, Tucson officials posted reminders of the 10 mph speed limit in the business district. This circa 1917 photo shows the downtown business district on Congress Street.

With temperatures climbing, health officials offered tips on dealing with some of Arizona’s heat-loving venomous creatures. Plus, scientists may have discovered a link between heat and aging, which we look at more closely in Top Stories.

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Heat’s Effect on Aging Studied

A study published in Science Advances suggests prolonged exposure to the state’s extreme heat may accelerate aging.

Researchers analyzed blood samples from more than 3,600 adults aged 56 and older, finding that people in hotter regions exhibited biological ages up to 14 months older than those in cooler areas. The effect is comparable to the impact of smoking.

The more immediate health risks are well known, including heat stroke, fainting, and dehydration. It’s estimated extreme heat has killed more than 21,000 Americans since 1999.

To protect yourself, experts recommend staying hydrated, seeking air-conditioned environments, and implementing community-wide heat mitigation strategies.

Mesa to Merge With Republic Airways

Republic Airways and Phoenix-based Mesa Air Group agreed to merge in an all-stock transaction.

The combined regional airline company, to be named Republic Airways Holdings Inc., will operate about 310 Embraer 170/175 aircraft, offering more than 1,250 daily departures. Currently, Republic primarily serves the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.

Republic shareholders will own 88% of the new company, while Mesa shareholders will hold between 6% and 12%, contingent upon pre-closing criteria.

Shares of Mesa Air Group surged more than 50% in trading on Monday.

YouTuber Arrested for Tribal Island Visit

YouTube video maker Mykhailo Polyakov, 24, of Scottsdale, was arrested in India for allegedly trespassing on North Sentinel Island, home of the isolated Sentinelese tribe.

Polyakov landed on the off-limits island on March 29 and recorded himself leaving a can of Diet Coke and a coconut as offerings before departing.

Two days later, he was arrested after local fishermen reported his activities to Indian authorities. He faces up to five years in prison and a fine.

In 2018, an American missionary was killed by the Sentinelese after venturing onto the island.

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➤ Bullhead City: One suspect was killed and another remained on the run after a stolen mail truck led to an attempted escape by boat and an officer-involved shooting. (Watch)

➤ Globe: A local resident who is a San Carlos Apache Tribe member handed out flyers to truckers to spread the word about the murder of 14-year-old Emily Pike. (Watch)

➤ Superior: More than 450 desert pupfish were returned to their home in Ayer Lake after being temporarily removed for a repair project. (More)

➤ Phoenix: A local man was found guilty of carrying out a hoax bomb threat that targeted a Christian church in California. (More)

➤ Yavapai County: The Prescott Valley Police Department will host a Dump the Drugs event on April 26 to dispose of expired or unwanted prescription medications. (Details)

➤ Tucson: The 33rd Arizona International Film Festival runs until April 13, featuring 107 films from 21 different countries. (Details)

➤ The Phoenix Suns’ playoff hopes took a hit when they fell 112-98 to the Knicks on Sunday. (More)

➤ Arizona Diamondbacks ace Corbin Burnes was shaky in the team’s 5-4 loss to Washington. (More)

➤ Adia Barnes was named Southern Methodist University’s women’s basketball coach after nine seasons at Arizona, where she led the Wildcats to the national championship game four years ago. (More)

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➤ Intel and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. tentatively agreed to form a joint venture to operate Intel’s chip factories in Arizona and other parts of the nation. (Details)

➤ Target will host a grand opening on Sunday for its store in Surprise’s Prasada Village shopping area. (Details)

➤ Scottsdale’s old-fashioned Taco Bell, which features cantina-style architecture, will close. The restaurant opened in the 1960s. (Watch)

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➤ A couple got married at the Phoenix Kidney Walk this past weekend. After becoming engaged, the groom learned he was a match and offered the bride one of his kidneys. (Watch)

➤ An abandoned dog that was the focus of a viral video was adopted by a Surprise police officer. (Watch)

➤ Visitors can take cockpit tours and flight experience rides on one of two remaining airworthy Superfortress aircraft when the B-29 DOC History Restored Tour visits Phoenix-Goodyear Airport later this month. (Photos)

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