FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1886, well-known Tucson photographer Albert Buehman was born. He was the son of Henry Buehman, one of Arizona’s earliest pioneer photographers. Here’s a portrait of Albert circa 1910.

In today’s Et Cetera section, we share a viral video of a dog’s excitement as it sees its new backyard for the first time. If that tugs at your heartstrings, here’s a look at 20 dogs in the Phoenix Valley up for adoption.

We’re sponsored today by Sam’s Club, offering a special deal on new memberships for The Flyover readers.

Lower Gas Prices Focus of Fuel Blend Bill

A legislative proposal that would allow Maricopa County to expand its fuel blend options would likely reduce gas prices while aligning the county with common U.S. practice, supporters say.

Maricopa County is the only municipality in the country abiding by federal ozone standards that restrict which type of fuel blends gas stations can offer to the public—and the limitations come with a higher price tag.

State Senate President Pro Tempore T.J. Shope said the state is being unfairly penalized for “impossible ozone standards.“ Some state Democratic leaders opposing the legislation say it would pose added environmental risk without lowering prices.

Arizona gas prices are among the highest in the country at $3.33 per gallon, and in Maricopa County, that average is about 20 cents higher.

State Senate Gets Out of Traffic Ticket Vote

A bill aimed at ending state lawmakers’ immunity from traffic violations failed to advance at the state Capitol. Watch the report.

State Rep. Quang Nguyen, R-Prescott Valley, proposed the measure after multiple lawmakers recently claimed immunity during traffic stops, a privilege meant to prevent police from intimidating elected officials.

The bill passed the state House with bipartisan support before going to the state Senate, where it was assigned to a committee chaired by state Sen. Kevin Payne, R-Peoria. From there, the bill stalled.

While Nguyen’s proposal is shelved, Gov. Katie Hobbs maintains lawmakers are not immune from criminal speeding, citing a 2018 executive order from then Gov. Doug Ducey.

Missouri Schools Want Arizona Teachers

Missouri-based Hazelwood School District promises higher pay, better retirement benefits, and lower cost of living in a campaign recently launched to recruit Arizona teachers. Watch the report.

The timing of the Missouri school district’s outreach, which includes a series of job fairs, coincides with news that the Phoenix Elementary School District would close two schools and lay off at least 65 staff members.

“We want to come in and we want to assist those teachers because we need teachers,” said Keith Bausman, assistant superintendent for Hazelwood and an Arizona State University graduate.

The Missouri district seeks to fill 100 to 150 teaching positions across all grade levels, offering salaries from $47,000 to $95,000.

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➤ The state Supreme Court sided with an insurance company in denying a firefighter’s claim after he was diagnosed with brain cancer. (Watch)

➤ Sahuarita: Former town employee Joe Marti and Mikey’s Concrete owner Mike Felix face charges following an investigation into an alleged kickback scheme on construction projects. (Details)

➤ Tucson: Suresh Garimella was met with protests after he was officially named president of the University of Arizona. (Watch)

➤ Legislative District 9: The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors appointed former school board member Kiana Sears as the district’s new state senator after Eva Burch resigned this month. (Watch)

➤ Statewide: The transportation department warned of a text message scam telling people they have unpaid toll fees. (Watch)

➤ Yuma: The mayor said a new housing bill will take away local control and community input for housing regulations. (More)

➤ The Arizona Wildcats were eliminated from the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, losing 100-93 to No. 1 Duke on Thursday night. (Game Recap)

➤ Arizona State basketball player Joson Sanon announced he will transfer to St. John’s University. (More)

➤ Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery will undergo season-ending ligament surgery. (More)

➤ Name, image, and likeness is a trending topic in college sports these days. Make sure you’re keeping up with the latest at NIL Wire.

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➤ Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky said she is “ready to work” with Axon as the billion-dollar tech company considers building a 70-acre campus near Hayden Road and the Loop 101. (Watch)

➤ Developer TerraWest Communities paid $10 million in cash for 210 acres in Surprise to create a master-planned community with 1,000 homes. (Details)

➤ Tucson landmark Arizona Inn is up for sale, and its owners are looking for a buyer who recognizes the hotel’s historic significance. (More)

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Beat rising costs with a membership designed to save more.

Sam’s Club is offering a $45 discount on a Plus Membership, now just $65 (regularly $110), along with a free 16” pizza to kick off the savings, now through March 31st.

Plus Members enjoy free delivery, early shopping hours, and the ability to skip checkout lines with Scan & Go.

With low prices on name brands and exclusive Member’s Mark products, Sam’s Club helps members get more for their money — especially when prices are rising everywhere else.

➤ A viral TikTok video shows an Arizona dog’s reaction to seeing a yard after its owner moved into a house from an apartment. (Watch)

➤ A Phoenix family reunited with the first responders who saved their baby’s life after he was found unconscious in a hot tub. (Watch)

➤ A group of Arizona businesses purchased 1,200 boxes of Girl Scout cookies from a 6-year-old and donated them to St. Vincent de Paul to help the needy. (Watch)

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