Arizona
No. 14 Kansas State welcomes No. 20 Arizona to Big 12 (sort of) with 31–7 non-conference win
In future seasons, Arizona versus Kansas State could be a thrilling Big 12 intra-conference clash. For this year and next, however, this will be a non-conference matchup as the home-and-home series was scheduled before Arizona joined the Big 12.
No. 14 K-State gave the road Wildcats a fine “Welcome to the Big 12” moment with a 31–7 win at Bill Snyder Family Stadium on Friday night. Quarterback Avery Johnson passed for 156 yards and two touchdowns, while rushing for an additional 110 yards. The home Wildcats rushed for 234 yards in total, including DJ Giddens’ 77 yards and one TD.
The defeat ended No. 20 Arizona’s nine-game winning streak, which was the longest active win streak in FBS. That run went back to last October’s 44–6 victory at Washington State (which was then a Pac-12 conference matchup) and included a 38–24 win over Oklahoma in the Alamo Bowl.
Second-quarter pivot
The game turned on two possessions at the beginning of the second quarter. After the K-State defense forced a three-and-out, Dylan Edwards ran from the right hash across the field and turned the corner at the left sideline, streaking past four Arizona defenders for a 71-yard punt return touchdown. That gave K-State a 14-7 lead.
On the following possession, the road Wildcats drove to the KSU 30-yard line, thanks largely to two catches for 49 yards by all-world receiver Tetairoa McMillan. Quarterback Noah Fifita looked McMillan’s way for a third time and had him apparently open in the end zone. But cornerback Keenan Garber swooped in to pick off the pass.
Kansas State had a chance to add a field goal at the end of the first half. But with nine seconds remaining, Johnson apparently lost track of time, scrambling to keep the play alive and eventually running for a 5-yard gain. He got out of bounds, but time expired.
Yet KSU shouldn’t have had an opportunity for a field goal try anyway. As Fox rules analyst Mike Pereira pointed out on the broadcast, the home Wildcats should have been called for a false start penalty.
The home Wildcats pulled away with 14 points in the third quarter on a 9-yard TD pass from Johnson to Brayden Loftin and a 1-yard scoring run by Giddens. Will Swanson scored K-State’s first touchdown on a 3-yard reception.
For Arizona, McMillan showed a national TV audience on Fox that he might be the best pass-catcher in the country and likely a first-round NFL Draft pick next year, catching 11 passes for 138 yards. Montana Lemonious-Craig had six receptions for 75 yards. Fifita threw for 268 yards with one interception, completing 24-of-38 passes. Quail Conley rushed for 48 yards and scored Arizona’s only touchdown on the game’s opening drive.
Kansas State next travels to BYU on Sept. 21 for a Big 12 conference matchup. Arizona has a bye week before a road game at No. 12 Utah on Sept. 28.
Arizona
Texas-based Buc-ee’s reveals opening date for first Arizona store
Buc-ee’s launching new locations, travel center
Buc-ee’s is adding a new location in northeast Ohio after the company pledged to cover $15 million in infrastructure costs.
Texas-born Buc-ee’s continues to expand across the country with its first Arizona location anticipated to open this summer.
The massive travel center will open in Goodyear, Arizona, on the corner of Interstate 10 and Bullard Avenue on Monday, June 22, the city revealed in a social media post, which warned travelers to expect traffic delays and carry plenty of water, snacks and gas.
Goodyear is located about 17 miles west of Downtown Phoenix.
“Opening day is expected to be a major event, drawing visitors from across AZ and neighboring states. Expect heavy, slow-moving traffic in the area and allow for extra travel time,” the post said.
In anticipation of the opening, the parking lot will open at midnight, while doors will open at 6 a.m. local time. There’s also a ribbon-cutting ceremony that will be livestreamed on the City of Goodyear’s social media channels. The city also released a map to help with traffic flow.
The Goodyear Buc-ee’s will span 74,000 square feet, feature 120 fueling pumps, and will offer all the Buc-ee’s fan favorites, including Texas-style barbecue, homemade fudge, Beaver Nuggets, jerky, and freshly baked pastries.
“Buc-ee’s is a destination and 80% of its business comes from outside the city, which means it won’t take away from our existing businesses,” said Goodyear Mayor Joe Pizzillo in a May 14 news release. “Buc-ee’s will add to the city’s revenue that helps pay for police, fire and streets.”
Buc-ee’s opening in Ohio. Here are other new locations coming soon
Buc-ee’s continues to expand across the country, including in Mansfield, Ohio, USA TODAY reports.
Other openings include:
2026
- San Marcos, Texas: July 27
- Benton, Arkansas: Aug. 17
2027
- Ruston, Louisiana
- Kansas City, Kansas
- Gallaway, Tennessee
- St. Lucie, Florida
- Boerne, Texas
- Monroe County, Georgia
2028
- Mebane, North Carolina
- Lafayette, Louisiana
2029 and beyond
- Ocala, Florida
- West Memphis, Arkansas
- Oak Grove, Kentucky
- Hardeeville, South Carolina (2031)
Nearest Buc-ee’s to me
Locate the nearest Buc-ee’s using the store locator.
Natassia Paloma may be reached at npaloma@gannett.com, @NatassiaPaloma on X, natassia_paloma on Instagram, and Natassia Paloma on Facebook.
Arizona
Arizona budget pauses tax exemptions for new data centers
In Part Two of Arizona’s Family First Alert Weather Monsoon 2026 special, meteorologists Ian Schwartz and April Warnecke explore the beautiful yet incredibly dangerous nature of monsoon lightning.
Did you know the state of Arizona experiences an average of 600,000 lightning strikes every single year? Our team breaks down the science of how these strikes form and details the catastrophic threat of “dry lightning”—the leading spark behind some of our state’s most historic wildfires. We look back at the devastating Dragon Bravo Fire, which scorched 145,000 acres and destroyed the historic Grand Canyon Lodge, as well as the tragic Yarnell Hill Fire of 2013, which claimed the lives of 19 Granite Mountain Hotshots.
We also share the incredible survival story of hiker Scott Courtright, who was struck by a bolt of lightning while atop Humphreys Peak. While there is a 90% survival rate for lightning strikes, 80% of survivors suffer lifelong health impacts, including neurological damage, depression, and PTSD. Ian and April debunk common lightning safety myths (like the belief that rubber shoes or “Crocs” will protect you) and explain why you should avoid taking a shower or using corded electronics during a storm.
Plus, Jennifer Armbruster from the Arizona Humane Society joins us with her dog Bubbles to share vital summer safety tips for your pets. We highlight why it is actually illegal in the city of Phoenix to keep a dog tethered outdoors during a monsoon warning.
Finally, we look at the official climate outlook for the rest of the Monsoon 2026 season and explore how an emerging El Niño setup could bring much-needed rain—and cooler, cloud-covered days—to our dry desert.
Stay safe and stay weather aware this monsoon season. Watch the full episode now!
Arizona
Arizona police make arrest around Nancy Guthrie’s home
Local law enforcement in Arizona are increasing efforts to address unlawful behaviors from visitors in the neighborhood where Nancy Guthrie resided. Following Guthrie’s disappearance from her home on January 31st, residents have reported a surge in dubious activities, prompting the sheriff’s office to take action.
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