Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 1930, astronomer Clyde Tombaugh discovered Pluto at Flagstaff's Lowell Observatory, sparking worldwide attention and a naming contest won by an 11-year-old.

As Route 66 nears its 100th anniversary, Arizona travel writer Roger Naylor explains why the state's stretch of historic highway still draws motorists to the "Mother Road."

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Political Party Pushes Back on Name Ban

Leaders of the newly rebranded Arizona Independent Party urged state lawmakers to reject a bill that would block political parties from using the word "independent" in their names.

The bill's sponsor, state Sen. T.J. Shope, R-Coolidge, said the measure is meant to avoid confusion that could cause unaffiliated voters to mistakenly join the party.

Independent Party officials argue the proposal is politically motivated and meant to stop their candidates from appearing on the ballot under the party's name.

In December, the Citizens Clean Elections Commission filed a lawsuit to prevent the party from using the name. A hearing is scheduled for March.

Sheriff Clears Guthrie Family

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said Guthrie family members have been cleared as suspects in Nancy Guthrie's disappearance, urging an end to speculation.

A glove found about two miles from Guthrie's home yielded no DNA match, while DNA collected at the residence is still being analyzed.

Authorities are now using a signal sniffer to scan for Bluetooth signals linked to the unique hardware identifier of Guthrie's pacemaker.

ASU Near Top for Patents

Arizona State University ranked No. 9 worldwide and No. 5 nationally for U.S. patents in 2025, with 185 patents received last year, according to the National Academy of Inventors.

The ranking marks ASU's third straight year in the global top 10. Nationally, the school rose one spot from the prior year, ahead of Harvard, Johns Hopkins, and Caltech.

ASU-affiliated products patented last year include a battery-free mobility device, a communications tool for AI, and technology aimed at diagnosing neurodegenerative diseases.

Since 2002, ASU's commercialization arm, Skysong Innovations, has secured more than 1,700 U.S. patents and launched startups that have raised over $1.5 billion in external funding.

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➤ Southern Border: Border agents reported seizing more than 1 million fentanyl pills in a single day in January at the Nogales port of entry. (More)

➤ Maricopa County: At least two of five county supervisors won't vote to remove Recorder Justin Heap over a dispute related to a hearing on election matters. (More)

➤ Phoenix Valley: Consecutive storms delivered measurable rain across metro Phoenix and several inches of snow above 5,500 feet. (Rainfall Totals)

➤ Lake Mead and Lake Mohave: The state Game and Fish Commission removed limits on striped bass and raised the catfish bag limit to 25 at the lakes. (Details)

➤ Three Points: The local fire district upgraded its fleet with two new ambulances and electric gurneys after years of relying on aging rigs. (Watch Report)

➤ Tucson: Deputy police chief Monica Prieto was named police chief. (Photo)

➤ Arizona Diamondbacks slugger Adrian Del Castillo could miss Opening Day as he recovers from a calf injury. (More)

➤ Arizona Cardinals scout Stephen Wise is leaving the team to join the University of Alabama football program's front office. (More)

➤ FanDuel sportsbook will join DraftKings in no longer accepting credit card deposits, citing the added transaction fees bettors must pay. (More)

➤ Devin Booker, Steph Curry, Damian Lillard, and Klay Thompson could all compete in next year's NBA All-Star 3-Point Contest in Phoenix. (More)

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➤ Arizonans can bid online through Sunday in the state's annual unclaimed property auction, which includes jewelry, currency, and collectibles. (Details)

➤ Trader Joe's announced plans for a Tucson store on East Broadway Boulevard as it expands in Arizona and four other states, with no opening dates confirmed. (More)

➤ Bisbee's dark skies and growing interest in astrophotography are attracting visitors eager to experience the area's clear night views. (Watch)

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➤ The Sedona International Film Festival will present Right In the Eye on Feb. 24 at the Sedona Performing Arts Center, featuring a live score performed to Georges Méliès films. (Details)

➤ The city of Kingman was named a 2025 Best-in-Class Employer for its benefits strategy and employee engagement, its fourth straight year of receiving the honor. (More)

➤ Award-winning garden writer Jacqueline Soule will headline a March 11 gardening presentation in Oracle, highlighting plants that thrive in the Southwest's climate. (More)

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