Thursday, April 16, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 2023, the state celebrated Phoenix Suns Day ahead of the team’s playoff series against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Speaking of the Suns, they get one more chance to make the playoffs this year after losing to Portland on Tuesday. See details in Sports.

Today’s sponsor, FinanceBuzz, is sharing practical tips to help you cut everyday expenses and stretch your budget further when money gets tight.

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.

Gallego Addresses Swalwell Ties

Arizona U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego said he was unaware of any of the allegations against close friend Eric Swalwell and that he “messed up” by trusting the former congressman.

Swalwell, a California Democrat, resigned this week amid sexual assault allegations and misconduct claims from multiple women.

Gallego called a press conference to dispute suggestions he was aware of the allegations, saying he thought only that Swalwell was “just a flirty, social guy.”

“My friendship with him, our family’s friendship together with him, clouded my judgment, and I was wrong. I deeply, deeply regret that,” Gallego said.

AI Helps Track Low River Flows

A new artificial intelligence tool predicts little relief soon for the 80% of Arizona’s rivers and streams now considered in drought conditions.

The U.S. Geological Survey’s new River DroughtCast tool uses weather data, snowpack, soil moisture, and stream gauges to track and predict streamflow drought across the U.S.

For Arizona on Wednesday, the tool showed 80% of monitored sites are in drought. The percentage is expected to stay near or above 80% through the next three months.

The forecast is considered most accurate for up to four weeks out.

State Among Least Affordable

A study found that Arizona ranks among the least affordable states based on incomes versus essential living costs.

The report found that the average Arizona household’s remaining income after basic expenses and taxes is 19.6% of total income, among the lowest in the nation.

Housing and utilities are the biggest cost drivers in the state, up about 59% since 2019, according to the study. Rising costs for groceries, child care, insurance, and gas further strain budgets, the report said.

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19 Things to Cut When Money Gets Tight (Most People Ignore #11)

Money is tight, and with prices on the rise, deciding where to cut back can feel overwhelming. You don’t have to overhaul your entire life overnight to see a difference.

Here is how to start: Browse our list of money-saving strategies below and choose just one or two to try today. Even a single small change can create the breathing room you need to breathe a little easier.

LEARN MORE

➤ Tucson: Police ramped up traffic enforcement after a 3-year-old girl was killed and her pregnant mother was seriously injured in a crash involving suspected street racers. Two suspects were detained. (More)

➤ Statewide: Arizona’s data center boom threatens grid reliability and will push electric rates higher, according to a state task force’s report. (More)

➤ Scottsdale: The city council approved the building of a four-level parking garage in Old Town, across from the historic Old Adobe Mission. Construction will start in late June. (More)

➤ Statewide: The head of the Arizona State Troopers Association said a funding shortfall is keeping the state Department of Public Safety from hiring new troopers and authorizing overtime. (More)

➤ Phoenix: A high school girl is recovering from serious injuries after being assaulted by a group of boys near a light rail stop. A police investigation continues. (More)

➤ The Phoenix Suns blew an 11-point fourth-quarter lead in losing to Portland 114-110 in the NBA play-in tournament. The Suns play a do-or-die game on Friday. (More)

➤ Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Merrill Kelly allowed two runs over 5.1 innings against Baltimore, his first game after starting the season on the injured list. (More)

➤ The Arizona Cardinals are the betting favorites to draft Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson, who’s expected to be the second quarterback off the NFL draft board. (More)

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➤ Housing experts say Arizona remains short tens of thousands of new homes a year, as debate grows over easing regulations. (Watch)

➤ Site prep work began on the Project Blue data center site near Tucson. (Watch)

➤ Phoenix last year ranked No. 4 nationally for attracting corporate headquarters relocations, tied with Nashville, Tennessee, and Tampa, Florida. (More)

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Your money is getting tight. Prices are going up. And figuring out what to cut back on can feel overwhelming. Here’s what you can do: Read our list of money-saving strategies below, and start with one or two today. Even doing just one can help you breathe a little easier. Learn More

➤ Two orphaned mountain lion cubs rescued in the Pacific Northwest are thriving at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. They will be named through a fundraising auction. (Photo)

➤ The Kingman Powerhouse Kiwanis Club will host a golf tournament Saturday to raise money for scholarships, clothing programs, and other needs for local children. (More)

➤ International Dark Sky Week is bringing stargazing events, telescope nights, and education events to Southern Arizona observatories and parks through Monday. (Details)

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