Monday, January 5, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1932, Tucson Mayor Henry Jaastad attempted to reduce the working hours and pay of city employees, but his efforts were blocked by provisions in the city charter.

Thanks to readers who suggested more Top Stories of 2025 beyond those in our year-end poll. Among the stories mentioned: Debate over Social Security and Medicare, the unresolved Colorado River compact, and the work of first responders aiding those in need. We look forward to another year of delivering real news for real people—without the spin.

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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.

Helicopter Crash Victims Identified

The four people killed in a helicopter crash on Friday near Superior were identified as David McCarty of Queen Creek and his three nieces from Oregon, all in their 20s.

The MD 369FF helicopter crashed after reportedly striking a slackline, a long recreational line stretched across the mountains. The helicopter took off from Pegasus Airpark in Queen Creek.

An eyewitness reported seeing the helicopter hit the line before falling to the bottom of the canyon. Search and rescue crews said there were no survivors.

Transportation officials are investigating the crash, while authorities are also reviewing whether the slackline was built legally.

Lawmakers React to Maduro Arrest

The arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro drew responses from Arizona lawmakers, including concerns about the U.S.’s future role in Venezuelan affairs.

The operation involved U.S. armed forces removing Maduro from a safe house and flying him and his wife to New York to face federal charges related to drug trafficking.

Democratic U.S. Sens. Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego questioned the military action, the U.S. plan going forward, and President Trump’s linking of the decision in part to Venezuelan oil.

Republicans, including U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs of Gilbert and state Sen. President Warren Petersen of Gilbert, praised Maduro’s removal, citing U.S. interests and security.

Multi-Unit Housing Rule Takes Effect

Arizona’s middle housing law took effect this month, mandating that larger cities permit duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes in certain single-family zones.

The new law applies to cities with populations over 75,000, including Phoenix, Tucson, and Scottsdale.

Supporters say the law will help Arizona’s housing shortage and improve affordability by increasing density near urban cores.

Historic neighborhood advocates say the law threatens preservation efforts while doing little to promote homeownership. Real estate experts say the law could lower home values.

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➤ Bumble Bee: Rescue crews stayed overnight with an injured hiker near Black Canyon City amid cold and rain, until he was airlifted to safety by helicopter. (Photos)

➤ Tucson: The 41st annual Senior Olympic Festival began its month-long run Saturday, with thousands of participants 50 and older set to compete in softball, powerlifting, billiards, and other events. (Watch)

➤ Pinetop-Lakeside: California resident Michael Abatti pleaded not guilty to murder in the November shooting death of his estranged wife at the couple’s second home in Pinetop. (More)

➤ Statewide: Recent heavy rains have spurred rapid desert vegetation growth, raising concerns about fire risk as the state heads into fire season. (Watch)

➤ Sacaton: Multiple crashes, including a fatal motorcycle accident, temporarily closed both sides of I-10 on Sunday. Lanes reopened around noon. (Watch)

➤ Surprise: A resident complained after her homeowners’ association threatened her with a $150 fine for placing a restaurant takeout bag containing garbage beside an overflowing dumpster, identifying her by a receipt found inside the bag. (Watch)

➤ Arizona men’s basketball remained undefeated at 14‑0 with a 97‑78 win over Utah, paced by Tobe Awaka’s career-high 18 points as five Wildcats scored in double figures. (More)

➤ Kentucky quarterback Cutter Boley—who threw for 2,160 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2025—committed to Arizona State. (More)

➤ Former UFC champion Henry Cejudo will come out of retirement to headline Real American Freestyle 06 on Feb. 28 at Mullett Arena in Tempe. (More)

➤ The Arizona Cardinals lost their season finale 37-20 to the Los Angeles Rams, who pulled away late to claim the NFC’s No. 5 playoff seed on Sunday. (More)

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➤ Warm weather has left Flagstaff’s snowfall running about 20 inches below normal, pushing Snowbowl to rely on artificial snow and raising concerns about winter tourism dollars. (Watch)

➤ A makeover of Mill Avenue in Tempe aims to serve a broader demographic, with new offices, hotels, and businesses complementing longtime local favorites. (Watch)

➤ Art exhibition The Shoulders We Stand On opened Friday at the Wickenburg Art Center & Gallery, celebrating 61 years of local artists and the legacy of the Wickenburg Art Club. (More)

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➤ Choirs in Tucson will unite for a Jan. 16 concert honoring beloved local singer Juan Cristobal Flores, who was killed in a shooting on Dec. 26. (Watch)

➤ After 22 years on the road, Sonoita UPS driver Tom Rojel retired on Christmas Eve, receiving heartfelt farewells from the community he long served. (Photo)

➤ A park ranger in Gilbert safely rescued a bunny trapped in a car fender last week at the Southeast Regional Library. (Watch)

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