State Ranks “High” for Flu Activity

As the nation endures its worst flu season in 15 years, data shows Arizona is currently ranked near the upper middle of the pack in the number of flu cases.

A map tracking flu activity labels Arizona ranked “high,” which is based on the number of doctor visits for flu-like symptoms. The states with the most doctor visits by Feb. 1 include New Mexico, Texas, Nebraska, and Tennessee.

Arizona saw a surge in cases in mid-January when hospitals filled up and the state reported its first pediatric flu death.

Police: How to Catch a Fleeing Suspect

The Mesa Police Department recently gave citizens the chance to take part in behind-the-scenes training techniques used to stop a suspect in a vehicle chase. See the video here.

Members of a program called Mesa Leadership rode alongside officers as they performed pit maneuvers and a used a grappler, which is a nylon netting system that stops a vehicle’s rear tires.

Peoria man Leonard Stock invented the grappler years ago and demonstrated its ability to local police departments as a safe method to end pursuits.

Here’s a video of the Mesa Police Department using the grappler to stop a man accused of firing shots in a neighborhood and speeding. 

Mansion Frequented by NBA Pros Hits Market

A mansion with a secret underground basketball gym that’s been frequented by more than 60 NBA stars is on the market for $23.5 million in north Scottsdale.

Kobe Bryant, Chris Paul, and Mikal Bridges are among those to have visited the 21,410-square-foot home and to have played on its NBA-quality basketball court, which features a professional scoreboard and viewing loft.

Located in Prado Estates, the home also has a Michael Jordan sneaker museum with 290 pairs of shoes valued at $400,000, as well as a nine-hole putting green and movie theater. See the photo gallery here.

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➤ Statewide: A proposed a bill would strip lawmakers of their immunity for traffic violations. (See Details)

➤ Ahwatukee: A string of burglaries has residents on high alert, and the FBI is investigating the crimes as possibly linked to South American theft groups. (See Details)

➤ Tucson: The “Philippine Mars” water bomber, a flying boat used during World War II, is headed to its new home at the Pima Air and Space Museum in Tucson. (See Photos)

➤ Scottsdale: A council meeting today at 5 p.m. will explore eliminating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts and banning remote work for city employees. (See Details)

➤ Yavapai County: Authorities are asking for information related to a string of copper thefts that have cost local businesses tens of thousands of dollars. (More)

➤ Statewide: Fees for Arizona State Parks are expected to increase beginning Feb. 25 (See Details)

➤ Belgian Golfer Thomas Detry won first place and $1.6 million in this weekend’s WM Phoenix Open. He shot 24 under and won by seven strokes. (See Video)  

➤ Arizona Cardinals owner Michael Bidwell is being sued by one of his former assistants in a discrimination lawsuit. (More)

➤ Arizona State men’s basketball fell back to .500 on Sunday night after losing to Oklahoma State 86-73 while missing senior guards Adam Miller and BJ Freeman, who were out due to suspension. (More)

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

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➤ At least 15 restaurants have opened in the metro Phoenix area so far in 2025, including Flour & Thyme and Mister Pio. (See List)

➤ ComicX, a superhero-themed bar and restaurant, announced it will close its Desert Ridge location in Phoenix at the end of the month. It opened in 2020. (More)

➤ Prescott Frontier Days, Inc. announced ticket sales will begin on March 17 for the 2025 World’s Oldest Rodeo, a popular event that draws rodeo fans from around the globe. (See Details)

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➤ A mental health advocate who’s walking 3,000 miles from L.A. to New York City passed through Tucson this week. She began her journey on Jan. 7 with a goal of raising awareness for suicide prevention. (See Video)

➤ An Arizona man donated 60% of his liver to his wife after she was diagnosed with a rare chronic kidney disease that required a transplant. (Watch Report)

➤ The Buckeye Fire Department used a drone with heat detection to protect against flare-ups after firefighters extinguished a residential fire. (See Video)

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Do you think state legislators should have immunity for traffic violations?

1. Yes
2. No
3. Only if I get it too

Previous Results:

Did you watch the Super Bowl?

1. Yes: 45%
2. No: 35%
3. Only the Commercials: 20%

Written by Jackson Browne and Glenn Frey and made famous by the Eagles, the song “Take It Easy” features lyrics about “standin’ on a corner” in which Arizona city? 

Show me the answer