Friday, October 16, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1929, Tucsonans saw “icebergs” drifting down the Santa Cruz River—a mystery later traced to an ice wagon driver who left his tailgate down.

The search is on for Sid the Toucan. Details in Around Arizona.

Peptides are getting a lot of attention these days, but knowing where to start isn’t always easy. A few of us here at The Flyover recently tried today’s sponsor, The Pep Report, and were impressed by how simple the process was and how interesting it is to learn more about your own genetics.

State’s Jobless Rate Nears 5%

Arizona’s jobless rate remained at 4.9% for a second month in September, above the national rate of 4.2% despite heavy spending by TSMC and other tech companies.

Republican governor candidate Andy Biggs highlighted the issue in a recent social post, noting that Arizona ranked seventh-highest nationally for jobless rate and 43rd in job growth in August. He and incumbent Gov. Katie Hobbs continue to promote their economic policies on the campaign trail.

In September, non-seasonally adjusted nonfarm employment grew by 23,700 jobs, while the state’s labor force shrank by 10,704 people, leaving it 121,241 below its level a year earlier.

In August, Yuma County reported the state’s highest non-seasonally adjusted jobless rate at 19%. Maricopa County—home to the state’s largest labor force—stood at 4.8%.

TSMC Results Strong; AI Stocks Drop

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. said Thursday it has finished building its second Phoenix chip plant and is now installing equipment ahead of starting production in late 2027.

The announcement came as TSMC reported $46 billion in third-quarter revenue and a 69% jump in net income. Shares fell 2% amid a broader stock selloff in AI-related companies.

TSMC’s new 3-nanometer plant is part of a $265 billion Arizona expansion that includes additional fabs, advanced packaging facilities, and a research center.

Last month, chip packager Amkor announced plans to increase its investment in a Peoria plant to $12 billion.

Suns Legend Becomes Police Officer

Former Phoenix Suns star Amar’e Stoudemire graduated from a police academy and will join the Miami-Dade Schools police department in Florida.

“It’s something I always wanted to do since I was a kid,” Stoudemire said.

Officers told him Miami residents will get used to seeing his 6-foot-10 frame in a uniform, he said. You can read an interview with Stoudemire about his career change and 10.5 months of training here.

A 2003 NBA Rookie of the Year who excelled over eight seasons in Phoenix, Stoudemire was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in August alongside former Suns coach Mike D’Antoni.

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Thinking About Peptides? Your DNA Might Be a Good Place to Start.

From longevity and weight management to muscle growth and recovery, peptides are one of the hottest topics in health and wellness. But with so many options out there, figuring out what might make sense for your body can feel like a guessing game.

That’s why we were excited to try The Pep Report.

A few members of The Flyover team have tested it ourselves, and the process couldn’t have been easier. Just a simple at-home cheek swab, and you’re on your way to learning more about your unique genetics.

The Pep Report analyzes over 710,000 genetic markers, comparing them against published research to provide personalized insights into peptides and nutraceuticals.

It’s not a crystal ball, but having more information about your own biology is a pretty great place to start.

Flyover readers get 10% off automatically, no code needed. Discover what your DNA says here.

➤ Chandler: The city council plans a marketing campaign to attract young families and professionals, highlighting jobs, safety, amenities, and schools. (More)

➤ Tucson: The search continued for a pet toucan named Sid that escaped on Oct. 9. Sonoran Wildlife Services said fruit may lure him. (More)

➤ Sun City: The community offers older residents living alone a free daily automated check-in call through a program called R.U. OK, short for Are You OK? (More)

➤ Maricopa County: The recorder’s office asked the FBI to investigate after a photo showed two election workers inside a tabulation room late at night. An investigator reported finding no wrongdoing. (More)

➤ Maricopa: Health officials are investigating seven confirmed E. coli cases to determine whether they are connected to water that triggered a boil water advisory. (More)

➤ Southern Arizona: Arizona opened its first three federally funded electric vehicle fast-charging stations in Tucson, Green Valley, and Wellton. (More)

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➤ Arizona State hockey hired Colorado Avalanche assistant Dave Hakstol as its coach after reaching an agreement to part ways with Greg Powers. (More)

➤ A group of Arizona Cardinals fans paid for digital “SELL THE TEAM” billboards around the Valley to pressure team owner Michael Bidwill following the team’s 1-4 start and nine-game home losing streak extending to last season. (More)

➤ Navajo bull rider Cody Jesus celebrated a homecoming after joining the Glendale-based Arizona Ridge Riders of the Professional Bull Riders league. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: MLB | NFL | NCAAF | NHL | NBA | Soccer | Tennis

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➤ Peptides are the newest breakthrough in anti-aging, longevity, weight loss, and muscle growth. But not every peptide works the same way for every person. Your DNA never changes, so you only have to test it once. The Pep Report analyzes more than 710,000 genetic markers against published research to show which peptides your biology actually supports—before you spend a dollar guessing. Flyover readers get 10% off automatically, no code needed. See Which Peptides Match Your DNA

➤ Live cattle imports from Mexico into Arizona have nearly doubled since an August border reopening, to about 1,300 head a day. (More)

➤ Promise Robotics will expand into metro Phoenix, opening a manufacturing plant and partnering with D.R. Horton to build at least 1,250 homes using its automated factory platform. (More)

➤ Pima County may sell a 56-acre site near I-10 and Sunset Road near Tucson to Costco, according to a letter of intent. An appraisal valued the land at $15 million. (More)

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➤ Money Feeling Tight? These Tips Could Help! The Penny Hoarder shares practical ways to stretch your budget, reduce debt, lower everyday expenses, and earn extra cash. From comparing insurance rates to finding savings opportunities and side hustles, these simple strategies could make a difference. Discover ways to save today!

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One Simple Test. 710,000+ Genetic Markers.

What if you could learn more about your genetics before spending money on peptides and supplements?

That’s the idea behind The Pep Report, and after trying it ourselves, we’re impressed.

With one simple at-home cheek swab, The Pep Report analyzes over 710,000 genetic markers to provide personalized insights into peptides and nutraceuticals based on published research.

The best part? You only need to test your DNA once. It’s fascinating information to have as you explore your health and wellness options.

Flyover readers automatically save 10%, no code needed. Get your personalized Pep Report here.

➤ Arizona State student and aspiring NASA astronaut Hailey Nelson spent more than a week in an isolated environment simulating a Mars mission. (More)

➤ Valley band Gin Blossoms are preparing to celebrate 40 years, with plans to keep touring and recording as long as fans are interested. (More)

➤ Barrow Neurological Institute of Phoenix received a $25.3 million NIH grant to extend its role in a consortium focused on ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) research and drug development. (More)

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➤ The market’s next big opportunity could be hiding in plain sight. InvestorPlace’s experts are sharing their latest research to help investors identify promising trends, stocks, and strategies before they become mainstream. Discover what they’re watching now and get the insights you need to make more informed investment decisions.

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

➤ France has begun deploying military assets to protect Saudi oil facilities as Houthi attacks escalate around a vital Red Sea export route. (Full Story)

➤ Amazon has launched two always-listening AI devices that turn conversations into to-dos, reviving privacy questions around the tech giant. (See Product)

➤ One common instinct makes stubborn knots in necklaces, cords, and holiday lights even worse. (Hear Story)