Saturday, September 5, 2026

Good Morning! On this date in 1905, a cloudburst near Granite Mountain in Yavapai County caused floods that swept away cattle, sheep, and chickens in Williamson Valley and Skull Valley.

A 25-year-old man from Surprise is hoping to break a world record with nothing but rubber bands. Learn more about his quirky quest in Et Cetera.

Alzheimer's disease can now be detected with a simple blood test, and for the first time, two new drugs can actually slow its progression. On The Flyover Podcast, Amy counts down the five numbers behind the biggest shift in Alzheimer's care in a generation, including one that could catch the disease before symptoms even start. Tune in here!

If you haven't compared your car insurance in a while, there's a good chance you're paying more than you need to. Even if you checked rates a year ago, the market has changed. That's why today's sponsor, Insurify, makes it easy to compare quotes from more than 120 insurers in just a few minutes.

Record Gas Prices for Labor Day Weekend

Arizona motorists are paying the highest Labor Day gas prices on record, with the state average at $4.52 per gallon according to AAA Arizona.

That figure is down two cents from last week but $1.06 above last year. The national average sits at $4.14, up four cents from last week, surpassing the previous $3.82 holiday record set in 2012.

AAA attributes the increase to high travel demand and ongoing volatility in the Strait of Hormuz, which has pushed global crude oil prices higher.

Scottsdale has the state's highest average at $4.72, while Tucson is lowest at $4.31. AAA urges travelers to compare prices and plan fuel stops ahead of heavy holiday traffic.

Leaders Split Over Pause on New Data Centers

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has called for an immediate statewide pause on new data center development, citing water shortages and rising energy bills.

Mayes urged Gov. Katie Hobbs and lawmakers to use the pause to develop a coordinated plan for managing water supplies and utility costs, and announced a town hall on the issue.

Hobbs rejected the idea Thursday, saying a blanket moratorium is not the answer and that data centers can fit in some locations if they cover their own costs.

The governor noted she pushed to end tax credits for data center equipment; lawmakers approved a three-year pause. The Arizona Chamber of Commerce opposed Mayes' proposal, arguing residents rely on services data centers provide.

Thousands of Voters Receive Notices

At least 149,776 Arizona voters, nearly all in Maricopa County, received notices asking whether they had moved, though many had not, according to data gathered by the Arizona Mirror and Votebeat.

The mailings stem from a 2022 law requiring the Secretary of State's Office to compare voter and driver's license databases monthly and flag address discrepancies for county recorders.

Minor formatting differences, such as "Unit 1" versus "#1" or "N" versus "North," were flagged as changes. Maricopa County officials said the notices were not sent in error.

Officials say the letters do not affect registration or eligibility. Voters whose addresses are correct need not respond; others should contact local election officials before the Oct. 5 registration deadline.

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Your Insurance Rate Might Be Higher Than It Should Be

A lot can change in a year. Insurance companies constantly adjust their pricing, and the company that offered you the best rate last time may no longer be the most competitive. In fact, Insurify projects rates will change in 35 states this year, making it worthwhile to shop around even if you've been with the same insurer for years.

Instead of calling multiple companies or filling out the same information over and over, Insurify lets you compare personalized quotes from more than 120 insurance providers in one place. The process is free, takes just a few minutes, and could help you find the same coverage for less.

Many drivers simply renew their policy every six months without checking what else is available. A quick comparison could be one of the easiest ways to lower a monthly bill.

Compare your rates with Insurify today and see if you could save.

➤ Yuma: Arizona troopers seized 106 gallons of liquid methamphetamine hidden in a trailer's frame rails, arresting two people after hazmat crews confirmed the substance. (More)

➤ Mesa: Police arrested a former Corona del Sol High School assistant football coach on Wednesday, nearly two weeks after an Aug. 21 road-rage shooting in Mesa. Police say Natrell Curtis fired a handgun at another driver following a crash. (More)

➤ Yavapai County: Arizona regulators granted Tier 3 Outstanding Arizona Waters status to about 48 miles of the Upper Verde River and Sycamore Creek west of Sedona, the state's highest water protection. (More)

➤ Cibola: Federal officials pledged $4.25 million to rebuild the Lower Cibola Bridge in La Paz County, which collapsed into the Colorado River during July's Island Fire. (Watch Report)

➤ Phoenix: The Phoenix Police Department announced the death of Sgt. James Lukash, who died this week after suffering a medical event at his home while off duty. (More)

➤ Kingman: The Arizona Department of Transportation opened a new tunnel near Interstate 40 and U.S. 93, part of a project building a free-flowing interchange to reduce delays on the main Phoenix–Las Vegas route. (More)

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➤ A Valley youth baseball tournament will raise money for 10-year-old Jayden Cardona, who is battling cancer. Cardona, who plays for the Legends 11U team in Chandler, was diagnosed with a type of pediatric bone tumor called Ewing sarcoma in May. Games begin today in Mesa and Chandler. (Learn More)

➤ The Arizona Diamondbacks reinstated rookie outfielder Tommy Troy on Friday, nearly two months after he suffered a sprained right AC joint, and designated outfielder Jorge Barrosa for assignment to open a roster spot. (More)

➤ Sun Devil Football opens its 2026 season tonight by hosting Morgan State at Mountain America Stadium, a game that draws national television coverage. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. (More)

➤ Arizona Football opens its home schedule tonight against Northern Arizona at Casino Del Sol Stadium, the first of seven home games in a season built around returning quarterback Noah Fifita. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: US Open | MLB | NCAAF | Soccer

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➤ "Impossible" Bone Density Improvements Linked to Overlooked Protein. Doctors are doing double-takes at recent DEXA scans showing unprecedented bone density improvements in women over 60 after adding this protein in their diet. The stunning results have doctors questioning if their equipment is malfunctioning. (Learn More)

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Five Minutes Could Save You Hundreds

Insurify estimates drivers who switch through its marketplace can save up to $1,100 per year, simply by comparing offers from multiple insurers side by side. The service is free, there are no hidden fees, and you'll see real quotes from trusted insurance companies based on your information.

If it's been more than a year since you last shopped for insurance, now is a smart time to check.

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➤ Local teens Granite Soltysilt, Daniel Herrera, Angel Gallard, and Lealdo Gallardo were presented with Certificates of Recognition by the Clarkdale Police Department. The four were recognized for their heroism in working to contain a structural fire in June in the Centerville neighborhood of Clarkdale. (More)

➤ West Valley resident Benji Williams has spent 19 years building a giant rubber-band ball, which he hopes will one day break a world record. (See Ball)

➤ Scottsdale's Canal Convergence returns this fall with a Western theme, featuring giant turtles, glowing horses, a 25-foot hot air balloon, and fire shows across 10 nights of free light installations and large-scale, light-based interactive public art at the Scottsdale Waterfront Nov. 6-15. (See Details)

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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.

➤ A simple blood test is rewriting how early Alzheimer's can be caught and treated. (Listen Now)

➤ Social Security overpaid a retiree $35,000 and gave her just 30 days to pay it back. (Hear Details)

➤ AAA predicts drivers will face the highest Labor Day gas prices on record this holiday weekend. (Podcast Available)