Saturday, August 8, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1930, cloudbursts caused deadly flash floods that derailed a train near Winslow and inundated Nogales.

Are you an avid wildlife photographer? There’s still time to submit your favorite wildlife photo to the Arizona Wildlife Photo Contest. See today’s Top Stories for the details. If you do have a great wildlife photo you’ve captured but aren’t quite ready to submit to a contest, we’d love to see it! Feel free to reply to this email and send it to us … we just may end up publishing it in next weekend’s edition.

Scam calls used to be easy to spot. Not anymore. AI can now clone your loved one’s voice, and criminals are using it to stage fake emergency calls across the country. Americans lost billions to AI-enabled scams last year, and experts say the numbers are climbing fast. But here’s the good news. The single most effective defense doesn’t require an app, a subscription, or any tech skills at all. You won’t believe how easy it is to protect what you care about. Today on The Flyover Podcast, Amy breaks down how these scams work and the quick fix that stops them cold. Tune in here!

Today’s sponsor is Green Coffee Company, a Colombian coffee producer expanding its vertically integrated business and bringing the legendary Juan Valdez® brand to more consumers across North America.

AZ Erases Over $1 Billion in Medical Debt

Gov. Katie Hobbs announced Wednesday that Arizona has wiped out more than $1 billion in medical debt for nearly 671,000 residents, through a partnership with the nonprofit Undue Medical Debt.

Officials say the program does not use state taxpayer dollars. The nonprofit purchases bundled medical debt portfolios from hospitals and collection agencies for a fraction of their face value.

Relief targets residents whose medical bills equal at least 5% of yearly income, or who earn no more than 400% of the federal poverty level.

No application is needed. Letters notifying more than 200,000 further recipients start arriving this week. Statewide medical debt had been estimated at $2.4 billion.

Federal Indictment for Gun Trafficking Ring

A federal grand jury has indicted 22 people on a 158-count indictment, returned July 21, alleging a firearms trafficking operation that moved guns from Arizona toward Mexico.

Prosecutors say a Phoenix man paid recruits to buy weapons from licensed dealers, then resold Glock 19 pistols and AK-style rifles expecting them to leave the country.

The two-year Homeland Security Task Force investigation has produced seizures of more than 100 firearms and over 125,000 rounds of ammunition in Arizona.

It grew from four earlier federal cases; several defendants have pleaded guilty and await sentencing. Trafficking convictions carry up to 15 years.

Arizona Wildlife Photo Contest

The Arizona Game and Fish Department is accepting entries for the 20th annual Arizona Wildlife Photo Contest, with submissions due by 5 p.m. on Aug. 14, 2026.

One best-in-show image and 11 winners will appear in the 2027 calendar, published in the November/December 2026 issue of Arizona Wildlife Views magazine.

Photos must show wildlife native to Arizona, taken in Arizona settings. Each entrant may submit up to three images through an online form through Arizona Highways.

The state is home to more than 800 native species. Winners will be announced online after Nov. 1, 2026.

Flying together with our sponsor

Could This Be the Next $110B Coffee Giant?

Dunkin’ was acquired for $11B. JDE Peet’s IPO’d at $17B. Starbucks today is valued at a $110B market cap. They all achieved this without owning the whole coffee supply chain.

Imagine how much more market they could capture if they did.

Green Coffee Company controls its entire coffee-making process from seed to sale. As Colombia’s #1 producer, they’ve seen revenue grow from $1M to $26M since 2021.

Now, they have exclusive distribution rights to the legendary Juan Valdez® brand in North America, and they’re reigniting it across the U.S. coffee market. Become a Green Coffee Company investor today and get up to 20% bonus shares.

➤ Statewide: The Arizona Game and Fish Department will host workshops to help hunters identify and respond to chronic wasting disease, providing guidance on testing, prevention, and wildlife management before hunting season. (More)

➤ Phoenix: The Police Department replaced traditional pepper spray with REPULS, a water-based irritant designed to stop threats without affecting nearby officers or bystanders, while maintaining an effective less-lethal force option. (More)

➤ Camp Verde: A traffic stop led to the arrest of a 55-year-old Cottonwood man after police said narcotics dogs helped find nearly 200 grams of methamphetamine in his vehicle. (More)

➤ Tucson: Power crews responded to downed electrical lines near Three Points after utility infrastructure was damaged by storm activity, prompting repairs and safety precautions while officials worked to restore service and secure the area. (More)

➤ Somerton: Yuma County deputies arrested a teacher after they found about 4.35 grams of methamphetamine in her makeup bag. Deana Lynn Salter, 55, is facing possession of dangerous drugs in a drug-free zone, possession of drug paraphernalia, and reckless child/vulnerable adult abuse charges. (More)

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➤ Arizona Cardinals legend Larry Fitzgerald will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame today in Canton. He’s second in NFL history in both receptions and receiving yards, trailing only Jerry Rice in each category. (More)

➤ Grand Canyon University grad Lucas Jumalon won the World Series of Poker Main Event this week, taking home $10 million and becoming the second-youngest champion in tournament history at 22. His previous career poker earnings totaled less than $200,000. (More)

➤ The Arizona Diamondbacks signed reliever Dennis Santana to a minor league deal after the Pirates released him in late July. Santana saved 16 games with a 2.18 ERA for Pittsburgh last season before struggling to a 6.05 ERA this year. (More)

➤ ASU defensive lineman C.J. Fite returned to fall camp as a preseason All-Big 12 pick after nearly entering the 2026 NFL Draft. The Athletic ranks him as the 12th-best senior defensive tackle in the country heading into the season. (More)

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➤ Still Brushing the Old-Fashioned Way? Sonic Glow cleans your entire mouth in just 30 seconds with thousands of sonic bristle movements, making it a great option for anyone who wants an easier, more effective routine, especially if dexterity is a challenge. See why so many people are making the switch today. (More)

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The Coffee Producer Riding 26X Growth

Everyone should know about Green Coffee Company, because they’re Colombia’s #1 largest coffee producer. They’ve already grown revenue 26X since 2021 and reached over 2,500 retailers.

But here’s why 2026 could be their biggest year yet.

They’ve acquired exclusive rights to distribute Juan Valdez® coffee across North America. As Green Coffee Company brings this iconic coffee brand to Raley’s, Target, and other big box stores, investors are paying attention. They’ve already invested over $120M so far.

Become a Green Coffee Company investor today and get up to 20% bonus shares.

This is a paid advertisement for Green Coffee Company’s Regulation A offering. Please read the offering circular at https://invest.greencoffeecompany.com/. Timelines are subject to change. Listing on the NASDAQ is contingent upon necessary approvals, and reserving a ticker symbol does not guarantee a company’s public listing.

➤ Rescue crews saved a BASE jumper stranded in the Superstition Mountains after the individual became stuck on a rock wall during a jump. Authorities completed the rescue without reporting serious injuries. (Watch Video)

➤ Glen Keane, the 72-year-old Disney animator who was rescued in July by Phoenix and Tempe fire departments while hiking on Mummy Mountain, returned to the Valley to recognize the rescue crews’ efforts. He presented the station with an original hand-drawn illustration of his rescuers airlifting him off the mountain. (See Illustration)

➤ A Valley author credited a rescue dog with inspiring personal growth and a new book, hoping the story encourages others to recognize life lessons through relationships with pets. (More)

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➤ Big AC companies are panicking over this new cooling invention that helps Americans stay cool for less. Stop suffering from extreme temperatures and high electric bills. Get instant cooling in summer and cozy warmth in winter with CoolCove. Learn More

The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes, straight from the heart of the country. Clicking the link will take you directly to these stories:

➤ Scammers can now clone your loved one’s voice, but this simple defense makes them harmless. (Hear More)

➤ Meta was ordered to pay a $567 million penalty over findings that it fueled a youth mental health crisis. (Listen Now)

➤ Louisiana health officials are warning residents after a deadly spike in flesh-eating bacteria infections tied to seawater exposure. (Podcast Available)