Thursday, April 23, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 2017, the Sawmill Fire ignited in the Santa Rita Mountains, prompting evacuations and threatening homes and wineries.

Trailblazing armless pilot Jessica Cox is set to join the Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame. Have an against-the-odds story of your own? Reply to share!

The cost of living varies wildly across the United States, and for retirees, choosing the wrong state can cost up to six figures a year. On today’s episode of The Flyover Podcast, host Ayla Brown shares new data that ranks the cost of living in every U.S. state, and what groceries, housing, and healthcare actually cost depending on where you live. Plus, which states give retirees the most financial breathing room? Where does your state land, and what does it mean for your retirement? Tune in here!

Later today, watch for a note from our partner, Incogni, on how to get your personal data off the internet, plus a special discount code for our readers.

Mother’s Day is closer than you think. Our 2026 Gift Guide has something for every kind of mom, from thoughtful to practical to a little over-the-top. Don’t sleep on it.

Today’s sponsor, Lemonade Pet Insurance, helps pet owners manage rising vet costs with affordable plans starting around $10/month and flexible coverage designed to protect both your pet’s health and your budget.

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.

APS Cuts Power to 6,000 Amid Fire Risk

Power utility APS shut off power to about 6,000 customers in the Flagstaff area on Wednesday morning, citing wildfire risk driven by high winds and dry conditions.

The outages, expected to last 12 to 24 hours, impacted Doney Park, Timberline, Mormon Lake, Walnut Canyon, areas near Grand Canyon National Park, and other communities.

The utility advised residents who rely on life-sustaining medical equipment to register for utility medical care programs and prepare emergency plans in case of outages.

Last year, Tucson Electric Power developed a plan to potentially use proactive power shutoffs during periods of high wildfire risk, but has yet to take that step.

Warm Winter Slashes Peach Crop

Arizona’s largest peach grower lost about 50% of its crop this year after a record-warm winter cut into the 200-300 hours of cold the trees need to produce fruit.

Owner Mark Schnepf called the growing conditions the worst in about 20 years, with the lower yields prompting the farm to raise prices, focus on on-site sales, and end pre-orders.

Meanwhile, the viable peaches ripened about two weeks earlier than usual, he said. Typically, the farm starts picking in the first week of May.

Nationwide, officials say prolonged drought is straining agriculture, drying soils, and increasing production costs.

Cardinals Mull Draft Options

The NFL draft kicks off tonight, and the Arizona Cardinals own the No. 3 overall pick, their highest selection since drafting Kyler Murray No. 1 overall in 2019.

Fans are split over whether the team should pick a plug-and-play offensive lineman like Miami’s Francis Mauigoa or a generational running back in Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love. Some NFL analysts speculate the team is leaning toward the latter.

Defense is also in play. Arizona finished in the bottom five in pressure rate last year, making Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey—college football’s 2025 sacks leader—a serious option at No. 3.

Don’t rule out the team trading down, either. Buzz continues around a potential swap with the Dallas Cowboys, who own two first-rounders. Draft coverage begins at 5 p.m.

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➤ Pima County: Sheriff Chris Nanos sent a 24-page response defending his record after supervisors questioned his past conduct, discipline, and budget. (More)

➤ Yavapai County: A 76-year-old Vietnam veteran who survived five days lost in the wilderness detailed his battle with severe dehydration and a rattlesnake scare before his sons found him. (More)

➤ Maricopa County: Jail overdose deaths rose in Sheriff Jerry Sheridan’s first year, fueling criticism of his removal of jail employee body scanners. (Watch)

➤ Buckeye: Firefighters warned that the unauthorized flying of drones over wildfires can disrupt operations, slowing response and putting ground crews at risk. (Watch)

➤ Tucson: The city will lower speed limits on 14 roadways and nine bicycle boulevards as part of its effort to curb rising fatal traffic crashes. (Map)

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➤ Arizona State football wrapped up spring camp without naming a starting quarterback. Kentucky transfer Cutter Boley is considered the frontrunner. (More)

➤ Arizona Diamondbacks reliever A.J. Puk said he’s recovering well from elbow surgery and hopes to return before the All-Star break. (More)

➤ Arizona men’s basketball forward Sidi Gueye will transfer to Santa Clara. The 6-foot-11 Senegalese freshman averaged 3.4 minutes per game last season. (More)

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➤ Honeywell Aerospace will expand its engine manufacturing in Phoenix to support the U.S. Navy’s planned order of 200 new training jets. (More)

➤ Mining giant BHP proposes turning over a historic Pinal County copper mine for development as a 145-megawatt solar project with battery storage. (More)

➤ Spain-based pharmaceutical firm ROIS will invest $100 million in a Phoenix manufacturing site focused on treatments for cancer, rare diseases, and obesity. (More)

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➤ The city of Williams’ celebration of this year’s Route 66 centennial includes classic car events and a focus on its historic storefronts and family-friendly attractions. (Watch)

➤ The Gary Hardt Memorial Rodeo returns to Payson May 14–16 with themed nights and a full weekend of PRCA-sanctioned rodeo events. (Event)

➤ A lottery ticket purchased at a Walmart in San Tan Valley hit for $548,515 in Tuesday’s Arizona Lottery Triple Twist drawing. (More)

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