Monday, February 23, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 2004, Arizona Wildcats gymnasts Andi McCabe and Katie Johnson scored perfect 10s as the team recorded its then-third-best score in history.

A former Scottsdale junior hockey star helped fuel the U.S. men’s team to its first Olympic hockey gold since the 1980 Miracle on Ice game. Learn more in Top Stories.

Today’s sponsor is Splash Spotless Cleaning Products, makers of a hands-free foam toilet cleaner that tackles stains and odors without scrubbing—just pour, let it foam, and flush.

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.

Matthews Helps Hockey Win Gold

Team USA defeated Canada 2-1 in overtime to win its first Olympic men’s hockey gold since 1980, led in part by team captain and former Scottsdale youth hockey star Auston Matthews.

Matthews was instrumental throughout the tournament, finishing with three goals and four assists, including an assist on the opening goal in the gold medal game.

“It’s so special. It’s just a feeling, playing for your country and doing it in this kind of fashion. I mean, I don’t even know what to say. It’s unbelievable,” he said afterward.

Matthews, who in the NHL is captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs, also joined in honoring late USA Hockey star Johnny Gaudreau by parading his jersey around the ice after Sunday’s win.

In the title game, Jack Hughes buried the golden goal at 1:41 into overtime after a back-and-forth defensive battle, with USA goalie Connor Hellebuyck stopping 41 shots.

Lottery Win Triggers Legal Fight

A Scottsdale Circle K store manager is at the center of a legal fight after allegedly purchasing a $12.8 million winning lottery ticket that had been printed but never sold.

Court filings allege a store customer in November paid for only $60 of an $85 batch of The Pick tickets, leaving 25 behind, including the winning ticket.

The next day, store manager Robert Gawlitza allegedly identified the winning ticket, clocked out, and bought all 25 abandoned tickets—including the jackpot winner—for $10.

In a court filing, Circle K asked a judge to determine ownership, citing state rules that treat unsold tickets as retailer property. The release of the prize money remains on hold.

Judge Orders Takeover of Prison Health Care

A federal judge plans to name a court-appointed receiver to take control of health care in Arizona’s prisons after years of alleged medical and mental health failures.

U.S. District Judge Roslyn Silver cited 14 years of litigation, preventable deaths and suicides, staffing shortages, and noncompliance in ruling the system remains dangerously deficient.

Under the judge’s order, attorneys for the state and prisoners must submit potential receiver candidates within 60 days.

The state Department of Corrections and Gov. Katie Hobbs said they disagree and plan to appeal, arguing the state has made significant reforms and measurable improvements.

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➤ Pima County: The sheriff’s department added staff as non-emergency calls climbed by nearly 15,000 year-over-year during the ongoing search for Nancy Guthrie. (Watch)

➤ Tucson: Thousands gathered at St. Augustine Cathedral as James Misko was ordained and installed as Tucson’s eighth bishop—the first local ordination in 73 years. (Watch)

➤ Phoenix: Temperatures will climb into the 80s and approach record highs late this week as a strong high-pressure system builds over the Southwest. (See Forecast)

➤ Statewide: A state House committee advanced a package of foster care reforms aimed at overhauling state oversight of group homes and improving conditions. (Watch)

➤ Pima: First responders from multiple agencies navigated remote terrain to airlift a man who suffered head and back injuries in a UTV rollover while doing donuts. (Photos)

➤ Statewide: A proposal to station immigration enforcement agents at polling places stalled in a state legislative committee. Supporters could revive it through procedural moves. (More)

➤ No. 4 Arizona men’s basketball erased a second-half deficit with a 12-0 run and shut down No. 2 Houston late for a 73-66 road win and control of the Big 12 race. (Details)

➤ The Tucson Rodeo opened on Saturday with riding and roping events ahead of the 101st rodeo parade set for 9 a.m. Thursday. (Parade Details)

➤ Former Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Rondale Moore died at 25 of a suspected self-inflicted gunshot in his hometown in Indiana. (More)

➤ Eastern Arizona College women’s basketball, ranked No. 1 in the junior college rankings, routed Cochise 73-31 on Saturday. (Box Score)

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➤ Elon Musk Sounds Alarm on China’s Silver Ban “This is not good,” Musk warned as China cut off 70% of global silver refining in January—right as demand exploded. Silver powers Tesla batteries, AI chips, and military tech. No substitute exists. Silver jumped 144% in 2025. In the 1970s, a similar crisis sent prices from $1.50 to $50—a 3,000% gain. Analysts say this shortage is worse. Early investors could see historic upside. 👉 Get The Free Silver Report & See How to Profit

➤ Film and commercial shoots brought $21.5 million to the Phoenix Valley in 2025, topping $20 million for the second consecutive year. (More)

➤ Tucson-based Mister Car Wash will go private in a $3.1 billion deal as Leonard Green & Partners buys all outstanding shares for $7 apiece. (Details)

➤ Kohler celebrated its 1 millionth part produced at its Casa Grande plant, unveiling a shower enclosure signed by employees to mark the milestone. (Photos)

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➤ Phoenix Valley veterans are restoring Vietnam-era Huey helicopters in a local hangar, donating refurbished aircraft to memorials and military sites. (Watch)

➤ Yuma’s Exceptional Community Hospital marked Heart Health Month by highlighting sleep, exercise, and nutrition during its second annual heart health fair. (Watch)

➤ Isabella Felix of Patagonia Middle School won the Santa Cruz County Spelling Bee by spelling “supplicate” correctly, advancing to the state finals in Phoenix. (Photo)

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