Sunday, June 28, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 2013, lightning ignited the Yarnell Hill Fire. The blaze burned over 8,000 acres of mountainous terrain and lasted until July 10, 2013.

Biologists are working to eliminate an invasive species that is impacting Arizona waterways. Learn more in Around Arizona.

ICYMI: Did you miss the Yale study that followed more than 11,000 seniors for over a decade? Researchers found that nearly half actually improved with age—not declined—and uncovered four hidden factor that made the difference. Which factors made the biggest difference? Ayla breaks down what they discovered and shares four practical habits you can start today. Listen and find out the hidden factor here!

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Steamboat Fire Forces Evacuations in Gila County

The Steamboat Fire, which ignited Friday evening near Kearny in Gila County, has forced two ranch communities to evacuate as the blaze rapidly expands near the former Troy mining site.

Authorities issued "GO" evacuation orders for Linx Ranch and Victory Ranch, citing imminent, life-threatening danger. Dripping Springs and Troy Ranch were placed on "SET" standby alerts.

The fire grew from roughly 250 acres to about 669 acres by Saturday and remained 0% percent contained. A Type 3 incident management team was deployed to the scene.

Gusty, dry winds and rocky terrain have challenged firefighters. The cause remains unknown, amid red-flag warnings and several other active wildfires burning across the state.

The new fire comes as several fires continue to burn across the state, including the Pocket Fire north of Sedona and the Sycamore Fire north of Globe.

Polygamous Sect Leader Convicted in Northern AZ

Samuel Bateman, a polygamous sect leader already serving a 50-year federal sentence for child sex crimes, was convicted Friday on Arizona state child abuse charges in Flagstaff.

The case stemmed from 2022, when a passerby reported small fingers poking through a trailer's doors. Police stopped Bateman's vehicle and found three girls, ages 11 to 14, inside.

The enclosed trailer held only a makeshift toilet, a sofa, and camping chairs. Bateman led an offshoot of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and claimed more than 20 "spiritual wives."

Representing himself, Bateman testified he would never harm loved ones but admitted knowing the trailer was hot and poorly ventilated. His case is featured in a Netflix series.

Arizona Holds Off on Fireworks Ban

With much of Arizona under a fire weather watch and wildfires burning throughout the state ahead of the Fourth of July, Gov. Katie Hobbs said Friday that a statewide fireworks ban is not under consideration.

While neighboring Utah took a stricter approach, with the Utah governor banning fireworks statewide except in designated areas, Hobbs pointed to existing state legislation as the framework already in place.

The City of Phoenix, meanwhile, tightened local rules, banning fireworks on city property, in parks, and within a mile of nature preserves. Violators face fines up to $2,500.

Ground fireworks sales remain legal statewide through July 6, though aerial types are prohibited. Some Arizona cities are offering drone shows as a safer alternative.

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➤ Statewide: Invasive snails are laying eggs in the Salt River and biologists are seeking to eliminate the population to prevent ecological impacts and further spread in Arizona waterways. (More)

➤ Tucson: Tucson Fire Department reported rising staffing constraints and slower response times despite a decrease in overall call volume, according to a department review highlighting ongoing workforce and operational pressures affecting emergency service capacity. (More)

➤ Mesa: Residents at The Flats apartment complex reported being left without air conditioning during extreme heat, prompting complaints about management response and raising concerns about habitability conditions in Arizona housing units. (More)

➤ San Luis: Residents are urging expanded home mail delivery as the city’s sole post office experiences strain amid population growth and increased demand for postal services. (More)

➤ New River: After attempting to steal $7.7 million of government funds, a New River woman pleaded guilty to a tax fraud scheme involving filing false returns and claiming improper refunds according to federal prosecutors in court filings. (More)

➤ Oro Valley: Oro Valley officials reported a rollover crash that closed a local intersection, causing traffic disruptions while authorities investigated the scene and worked to clear the roadway. (More)

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➤ Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Corbin Carroll set a franchise record with his 53rd career triple on Friday, doing so in just his fourth full MLB season. (See Highlight)

➤ Former Arizona basketball star and Phoenix Suns 2026 first-round pick Koa Peat answered questions for members of the media at his introductory press conference on Friday. (More)

➤ The Arizona Cardinals' offensive weapons were ranked as the sixth-best group in the NFL in a recent ESPN article. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: World Cup | MLB | WNBA | Golf

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➤ A report on Scottsdale luxury real estate highlights warning signs buyers should watch for in high-end property purchases, including pricing trends and market conditions affecting valuation and demand. (More)

➤ A former grocery store in Gilbert will be converted into a church after sitting vacant for years, reflecting ongoing redevelopment of unused commercial properties in the area. (More)

➤ The Red Cross is officially launching its annual "Donate in the Desert" campaign to sweeten the deal for Arizona blood donors. (Watch Video)

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The following stories are featured exclusively on The Flyover Podcast—a daily show that gives you the most important headlines in under 15 minutes, straight from the heart of the country. Clicking the link will take you directly to these stories:

➤ A cutting-edge cancer procedure promises less scarring and a quicker recovery. (Hear More)

➤ A scorching European heat wave prompted an unusual ban in Paris. (Listen Now)

➤ Your green bananas may have been healthier than you realized. (Podcast Available)