Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 2001, Bobbi Olson—wife of former Arizona basketball coach Lute Olson—was memorialized at McKale Center, with the court renamed in the couple’s honor.

In Top Stories, the Arizona State Courts Building in Phoenix was evacuated Monday after a package containing explosive substances was discovered, with no injuries reported.

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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.

Explosives Prompt Court Evacuation

Authorities evacuated the Arizona State Courts Building in Phoenix on Monday after a mailroom package was found containing two vials of homemade explosives.

Officials didn’t disclose when the package was delivered to the building or its origin. It was removed for off-site disposal, with no injuries reported.

The building, which houses the Arizona Supreme Court and Court of Appeals, was cordoned off for several hours.

Phoenix Awaits Possible ICE Surge

State lawmakers said they’ve yet to confirm whether Phoenix will see increased immigration enforcement activity this year, including arrests, deportations, and more detention facilities.

The One Big Beautiful Bill passed by Congress last year includes funding for plans to expand detention capacity in Phoenix and possibly open new facilities in Marana and Glendale.

State Senate President Warren Petersen, R-Gilbert, voiced support for increased enforcement efforts, while Rep. Yassamin Ansari, D-Phoenix, criticized the potential move.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials have not confirmed specific plans or timelines for increased enforcement efforts in the Phoenix area.

Holocaust Survivor Visits

Holocaust survivor Helga Melmed, 98, is visiting Arizona this week to share her message of hope after surviving six years in concentration camps, including Auschwitz.

Born in 1927 in Berlin, Germany, she seeks to raise awareness about the Holocaust and the atrocities her family members and millions of others endured.

Melmed will speak in Sierra Vista today and in Chandler on Thursday.

“Respect each other. Love each other. Do not hate. Discourage anyone from hating. Because love is better than hate,” she said.

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➤ Superior: Federal authorities will examine whether pilots were adequately warned about a canyon slackline before Friday’s helicopter crash that killed four people. (More)

➤ Statewide: The state Attorney General’s office announced a $460,000 settlement with a tobacco retailer accused of selling products to minors and failing to comply with inspections. (More)

➤ Glendale: The city’s new e-bike and e-scooter ordinance goes into effect on Friday, setting age limits, safety requirements, and fines to boost rider safety. (More)

➤ Tombstone: The fourth annual Tombstone Film Festival runs Jan. 29 through Feb. 1, featuring Western films, panel discussions, and a new $20,000 Western Pitch movie idea competition. (Details)

➤ Show Low: Police Chief Brad Provost retired after 39 years of service, ending a career that began as a high school cadet and included six years in the U.S. Navy Reserve. (More)

➤ Phoenix: Former state lawmaker Austin Smith was sentenced to probation and barred from running for public office for five years for forging signatures on nominating petitions during his 2024 primary campaign. (More)

➤ Former Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant said hitting a game-winner against the team felt special after being “kicked out” of Phoenix over the offseason. (More)

➤ Arizona State football landed former Colorado wide receiver Omarion Miller via the transfer portal. Miller was ranked as the No. 2 transfer prospect at his position. (More)

➤ Trade talks for Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte have stalled, with no team meeting the team’s asking price to acquire him. (More)

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

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➤ Commercial businesses—including data centers—drove an 11% increase in Arizona electricity usage in 2024, compared to a 3.7% increase for homes. (Watch)

➤ State Attorney General Kris Mayes filed a challenge to the Arizona Corporation Commission’s approval of Tucson Electric Power’s Project Blue energy deal, citing concerns over private rate-setting and consumer protections. (More)

➤ Phoenix Sky Harbor International’s passenger wait times rank among the shortest in the nation, according to a study of airport security lines, passenger volume, and delays. (List)

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➤ Two sheriff’s departments will be featured on separate television series airing today, including Pinal County on Netflix’s Unlocked: A Jail Experiment and Pima County on A&E’s Desert Law. (More)

➤ A Peoria couple was reunited with their pet emu, Kevin, who had escaped on New Year’s Day and was safely located in a nearby fenced quarry. (Photos)

➤ Archaeologist Deni Seymour will reveal additional discoveries of the 1540s Coronado expedition on Jan. 31 in Tubac, with $15 tickets covering the lecture, park entry, wine, and snacks. (Details)

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