Hyundai and Kia Settle Car Theft Lawsuit

Hyundai and Kia settled a lawsuit with Arizona and other states over the high theft rate involving older models due to an absence of industry-standard technology.

The thefts involve primarily 2011 to 2022 models, before the automakers began adding theft-prevention technology that was common in other brands, including engine immobilizers.

Under the settlement, the automakers agreed to pay up to $4,500 to owners whose cars were stolen or damaged and also provide free installation of zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protectors on cars still without them.

Arizona residents can file a claim here.

‘Smart’ Border Wall Upgrades Begin

The smart wall technology combines steel barriers, water-based defenses, patrol roads, lights, cameras, and advanced detection technology to help Border Patrol agents detect and stop illegal crossings.

 Progress on the border wall upgrades—funded through the One Big Beautiful Bill passed by Congress this year—can be tracked on an interactive map that provides weekly updates for segments planned, under construction, or completed.

Netflix’s ‘Jail Experiment’ to Air Soon

A Netflix reality series that gives a group of inmates control over their section of the Pinal County Jail will premiere Jan. 7.

Unlocked: A Jail Experiment documents how the inmates managed self-governance of their 10-man pod. Watch the season trailer. 

Over six weeks, the inmates earned privileges for good behavior and lost them for missteps, while jail officers monitored footage, enforced safety, and oversaw the show’s producers.

The series made its debut last season with a focus on an Arkansas jail.

The Pinal County jail has hosted other reality shows, including 60 Days In and Live PD.

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Statewide: A proposed state law aims to prevent businesses from banning customers with concealed weapons permits from bringing their guns inside. (Watch)

➤ Phoenix Valley: The Kyrene school board voted to close six schools over the next two years, citing declining enrollment. (Watch)

➤ Gilbert: The town council will consider hiking water rates by 25% next year, which would be the town’s third straight year of rate increases. (Watch)

➤ Statewide: Measles cases in Arizona have risen to 176 this year, primarily affecting communities in Mohave County near the Utah border. (More)

➤ Phoenix: Residents calling 911 can now ask dispatchers to send a mental health professional if deemed appropriate. (More)

➤ Tombstone: City government offices updated their holiday schedules, closing at noon on select days and fully on Christmas and New Year’s days. (See Schedule)

➤ The Arizona Diamondbacks are among the possible suitors for free agent All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman, who played for Boston this past season. (More)

➤ A local artist updated the iconic sports mural at 56th and Glendale in Phoenix, replacing former Phoenix Suns player Kevin Durant with several other Arizona sports icons, including Charles Barkley, Randy Johnson, and Larry Fitzgerald. (More)

➤ Arizona Cardinals running back Bam Knight was moved to the injured reserve, effectively ending his 2025 season. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NCAAF | NBA | NHL | NCAAM | NCAAW | Soccer

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Experience the freedom your feet were designed for with Grounded Footwear barefoot shoes. Lightweight, flexible, and foot-shaped, they promote natural movement, better balance, and all-day comfort. Whether walking, working, or traveling, these shoes help reduce pain and reconnect you to the ground with every step. (SHOP NOW)

➤ The developers of the proposed Project Blue data center in Pima County reached an agreement with county supervisors to donate $15 million to community initiatives and power the center using only renewable energy. (Watch)

➤ Tipsy Scoop will open its first Arizona location on Saturday in downtown Phoenix, offering alcohol-infused and non-alcoholic ice cream creations. (More)

➤ A study found Frontier Airlines was the most delayed airline in the U.S. this year, and Ryanair was the most delayed worldwide. (See List)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Do you shop on Amazon? If so, you might be missing out on huge savings and a chance to earn extra cash on every purchase you make. These 16 different hacks could help you save money, earn cash, cancel unwanted subscriptions, and much more.

Flying together with our sponsor

The next recession is coming, and experts warn: “This time, you’re the collateral.”

The cracks in the system aren’t just cracks anymore. 

• Debt levels are at historic highs.
• Consumer savings are drained.
• Wall Street is on edge.
• Inflation is still bleeding your purchasing power.

➤ Arizona State University’s crime prevention manager will aid in the design of any new buildings, with an eye toward security and student safety. (Watch)

➤ Yuma Proving Ground hosted December testing of Japan’s Type-19 155mm howitzer, allowing live-fire trials and providing ballistic data. (Photo)

➤ The public can vote on the name of Phoenix Zoo’s baby female giraffe through Monday. The choices are Cyra (sun), Ray, Tesni (warmth from sun), Binti (daughter), and Kasi (speed). (Vote)

Flying together with our sponsor

➤ Can’t Sleep? Are you struggling to get enough sleep, manage stress, or wake up feeling refreshed? America’s leading health expert has a critical message: STOP taking just any magnesium supplement! You need a supplement that includes all 7 essential forms of magnesium and this FULL SPECTRUM magnesium supplement delivers just that. Click here to experience the full benefits!

Should inmates get privileges for good behavior?

1. Yes
2. No
3. Depends
4. No opinion

Previous Results:

Should daytime speed limits be lifted on rural interstates?

1. Yes: 34%
2. No: 34%
3. No opinion: 32%

Which modern-day ghost town was once home to four residents, a gas station, and a market named All‑Mart?

Show me the answer