Another week, another unfamiliar foe for Arizona football. So it goes in a new conference.
West
Border crossings plummet to historic lows; Trump’s enforcement policies yield big results
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U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported the lowest number of border crossings in recorded history in June.
Nationwide, there were 25,228 CBP encounters, the lowest monthly number the agency has recorded, including a “historical low” of 8,024 apprehensions. Encounters include legal ports of entry, whereas apprehensions are arrests of those coming into the United States illegally.
At the southern border alone, there were only 6,072 apprehensions in June, which is “15% lower than the previous March record.” June also brought along the lowest number of apprehensions in a day on June 28 with just 136.
‘TRUMP EFFECT’ TOUTED AS SOUTHERN BORDER NUMBERS STAY LOW, INCLUDING NEW RECORD
U.S. soldiers are taking measures at the Mexican border after the Department of Defense signed a new order declaring 110,000 acres of land on the Mexican border as a National Defense Area at the request of President Donald Trump in New Mexico May 8, 2025. (Can Hasasu/Anadolu via Getty Images)
“From shutting down illegal crossings to seizing fentanyl and enforcing billions in tariffs, CBP is delivering results on every front. Under this administration, we are protecting this country with relentless focus, and the numbers prove it.” CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott said in a press release Wednesday.
Like May, there were no parole releases, compared with 27,766 in 2024..
CLICK HERE FOR MORE IMMIGRATION COVERAGE
On drug seizures, the department said there was a 3% uptick from last month in fentanyl seizures, with 742 pounds confiscated. Notably, there was a 102% increase in meth seizures from May, a 19% increase in heroin seizures and a 9% increase in cocaine seizures.
According to the press release, CBP has also collected $108.9 billion in “all tariffs, taxes and fees,” specifically noting the tariffs imposed by the president.
NEW DATA REVEALS BORDER CROSSINGS REACH RECORD LOWS AMID TRUMP ADMIN’S CRACKDOWN
Migrants cross into Lukeville, Ariz., Dec. 21, 2023. (Fox News)
TEXAS BORDER SHERIFF SAYS ILLEGAL CROSSINGS HAVE SEEN ‘DRAMATIC DECLINE’ AS CA MIGRANT CENTER SHUTS DOWN
Yuma Mayor Douglas Nicholls told Fox News Digital the change has been “peaceful” after a major strain on local resources, like the regional hospital, while crossings were soaring.
Earlier Wednesday, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced there was an 830% increase in assaults on ICE agents from last year. This comes as both border and immigration policies have seen major shifts in recent months since the border crisis under the Biden administration.
“This new data reflects the violence against our law enforcement in cities across the country in the last few weeks. Politicians across the country, regardless of political stripe, must condemn this,” Noem posted to X.
BORDER CZAR TOM HOMAN REVEALS UNPRECEDENTED SUCCESS IN TRUMP’S BORDER STRATEGY
An active shooter armed with tactical gear and a rifle opened fire on Border Patrol agents as they arrived at a Border Patrol annex in McAllen, Texas, in the Rio Grande Valley. (ICE)
As for Border Patrol, a gunman was killed and a local police officer was injured in a shooting in McAllen, Texas. ICE also recently faced a riot at the Prarieland Detention Center in Alvarado, Texas, where 12 individuals are facing charges, including some for attempted murder of federal officers.
While the border is considered much quieter, protests and riots against federal immigration authorities amid mass deportation efforts have continued. Democrats in Congress recently introduced the VISIBLE Act to prevent agents from wearing face coverings in most instances and require visible identification.
“When federal immigration agents show up and pull someone off the street in plainclothes with their face obscured and no visible identification, it only escalates tensions and spreads fear while shielding federal agents from basic accountability,” Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., said in a statement July 8.
Fox News Channel’s Bill Melugin contributed to this report.
Read the full article from Here
Alaska
Off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot who tried to crash plane midflight in magic mushrooms trip dodges additional prison time
A former off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot who tried to crash a San Francisco-bound flight by shutting off the engines while on a sleepless bender fueled by psycahdelic mushrooms won’t serve any additional prison time, a federal judge ruled.
Joseph Emerson was sentenced Monday to time served and three years’ supervised release by US District Court Judge Amy Baggio in Portland, Oregon — dodging a year of prison time sought by federal prosecutors.
“Pilots are not perfect. They are human,” Baggio said. “They are people, and all people need help sometimes.”
Emerson was subdued by the flight crew aboard a Horizon flight from Everett, Washington to San Francisco on Oct. 22, 2023, after trying to cut the engines while riding off-duty in the cockpit.
He told police that he was grieving his friend and had taken psychedelic mushrooms two days earlier and hadn’t slept in over 40 hours when he tried to pull the hijinx on the flight with over 80 passengers on board.
Emerson recalled believing he was dreaming and tried to wake up by grabbing two red handles that could have activated the fire suppression system and cut fuel to the engines.
Had he been successful, he would have immediately cut off the flow of fuel to the engines.
The flight was diverted and landed in Portland after the harrowing ordeal.
His attorney, Ethan Levi, described Emerson’s actions as “a product of untreated alcohol use disorder.” The distressed pilot had been drinking and accepted mushrooms “because of his lower inhibitions.”
Emerson spent 46 days in jail and was released pending his trial in Dec. 2023, with the court ordering him to stay sober from drugs and alcohol, undergo mental health services, and stay away from aircraft.
He went to treatment after jail and has been sober since, Levi said.
Before he was sentenced, Emerson said he regretted the harm he caused.
“I’m not a victim. I am here as a direct result of my actions,” Emerson told the court. “I can tell you that this very tragic event has forced me to grow as an individual.”
His wife, Sarah Stretch, also told the courtroom that she was proud of how her husband had grown since the incident.
“I am so sorry for those that it’s impacted as much as it has,” Stretch said.
One of the pilots aboard the Horizon Air flight, Alan Koziol, recalled not believing that Emerson had been trying to hurt anyone by reaching to cut the engines, and that he seemed “more like a trapped animal than a man in control of his faculties,” he recalled.
Kozial maintained that while pilots bear an “immense responsibility,” the aviation industry should allow pilots more freedom to seek mental health care.
Geoffrey Barrow, assistant US attorney in the district of Oregon, said Emerson’s actions were serious and that the crew “saved the day by intervening.”
“There were 84 people on that plane who could have lost their lives,” he said.
A passenger aboard the flight, Alison Snyder, told the courtroom over the phone that she and her husband will never feel safe flying again after Emerson pulled the near-catastrophic maneuver.
“Because of Joseph Emerson’s actions that day, we will never feel as safe flying as we once did,” she said.
Emerson pleaded guilty in September to all charges against him as part of an agreement with prosecutors.
He faced federal charges of interfering with a flight crew. A state indictment in Oregon separately charged him with 83 counts of endangering another person and one count of endangering an aircraft.
On the state level, he was sentenced to 50 days in jail, with credit for time served, and five years of probation.
The state court also ordered him to complete 664 hours of community service, half of which he can serve at his own pilot health nonprofit, “Clear Skies Ahead.”
He will additionally shell out $60,000 in restitution, mostly to Alaska Air Group, and abide by provisions on drugs, alcohol, mental health treatment, and avoiding aircraft, the state ordered.
With Post wires.
Arizona
Baylor football expert previews the Arizona game, makes a score prediction
Baylor has never been on the UA schedule before, their only meeting coming in the 1992 Sun Bowl, with the Bears winning 20-15. Ironically, the Wildcats could be headed back to El Paso next month based on the latest bowl projections.
The 2025 Bears are 5-5 overall and 3-4 in the Big 12 after losing 55-28 at home to No. 13 Utah. That was their third home loss this season and they’ve also dropped their last two road games.
To better understand Baylor, we reached out to Garrett Ross of 247Sports’ Bears Illustrated for some insight and a score prediction. Below are his vigorous answers to our lethargic questions:
AZ Desert Swarm: Baylor has dropped three of four since a 4-2 start. What has gone wrong lately, and can things be fixed in time to avoid missing out on a bowl?
Garrett Ross: “Everything that could go wrong with a program has gone wrong for Baylor this season. During that stretch, Baylor has fired their offensive line coach due to an incident in practice, the fanbase has completely bailed on head coach Dave Aranda, and AD Mack Rhoades was caught up in an incident with tight end Michael Trigg and a separate scandal that forced him to step down as CFP committee chair and be placed on administrative leave with no likelihood hood of returning. It’s going to be difficult to salvage the season with all of the distractions and uncertainty surrounding the future of the athletic department, but Aranda should be the coach for the remainder of the season.”
Sawyer Robertson leads the Big 12 in passing, both in yards and touchdowns. The Bears also have the league’s leading receiver in Josh Cameron and three other guys with at least 500 yards. How do you think they will try to exploit one of the top pass defenses in the country?
“Baylor’s offense is the most effective when they get Michael Trigg involved early and often. TCU and Utah did an excellent job of eliminating Trigg and making the Bears rely on their other targets to carry the load. Josh Cameron is really good, but he’s not the type of player who can completely take over a game. Ashtyn Hawkins will be unavailable for the first half following a fight against Utah where he was ejected. Kobe Prentice didn’t play last week, but he’s a walking touchdown, while Kole Wilson can be effective when he’s focused.
“If Baylor has any hope of upsetting Arizona, they have to get the ball to Trigg.”
The most effective teams against Arizona are the ones who can run the ball, particularly with the quarterback being involved. Is Baylor’s run game good enough to keep the Wildcats honest?
“Baylor’s rushing attack has been limited with injuries and constantly having to play from behind. Bryson Washington looked like he was set for a breakout game against Utah, but the Bears got behind and abandoned the run. Sawyer Robertson will run if needed, but he prefers to be a pocket passer. Freshman duo Caden Knighten and Michael Turner have proven that they can make plays when needed, but Knighten has just one 100-yard game this season.
Utah ran for 380 yards last week and all but one Big 12 opponents has scored at least 27 points. What has caused Baylor’s defense to struggle so much?
“It’s honestly a lack of talent and execution when needed. The defensive line is weak and struggles to create any pressure, while getting bullied by opposing offensive lines. Outside of Keaton Thomas, the linebackers are irrelevant.
“The secondary has a history of getting burnt and their most effective player is former walk-on Jacob Redding. Two of Baylor’s best players (Redding, Josh Cameron) are former walk-ons, you can’t compete for championships like that, especially in the transfer portal and NIL era.”
Dave Aranda’s name has been mentioned on plenty of ‘hot seat’ lists, and there’s a possibility of a third losing season in the last four. What does the fanbase think of him, and do you think his job is on the line these last few weeks?
“The fans have been out on Aranda for a couple of seasons now, but it’s officially over at this point. He’s made multiple staff changes and adjustments to his approach, but it’s just not working. Aranda is a tremendous person and the team absolutely loves him, but it’s a billion-dollar entertainment business now, and nothing is entertaining about Baylor football. I personally believe he finishes out the season and rides off into the sunset with a nice check.”
Prediction time. Does Baylor become bowl eligible and spoil Arizona’s Senior Day or do the Wildcats stay hot and win their fourth straight? Give us a score pick.
“I think Baylor makes it interesting for about a half, but Arizona finds a way to run all over the Bears and capitalize on a couple of turnovers while winning 42-31.”
California
Chance of more showers in L.A., with a new storm set to hit Thursday
Showers could linger in Los Angeles on Tuesday following four straight days of rain — and even more rain is likely on Thursday and Friday.
There’s a 20% to 30% of showers and thunderstorms Tuesday across much of Los Angeles County, the National Weather Service said, although it’s expected to be mostly sunny. The thunderstorms will remain a slight risk because of a cold front that ushered in unstable air Monday.
By Tuesday, the cold front will have moved away from L.A., but the cold core of the low-pressure system will still be around. “This will bring enough instability to the area for a slight chance of thunderstorm development,” the weather service in Oxnard said.
Temperatures have chilled with the latest storm. While the L.A. coast and San Gabriel Valley on Monday reached the mid-60s, due to late arriving rain, most of L.A. County’s coastal areas and valleys “struggled to get out of the 50s,” the weather service said.
Wednesday will bring a reprieve with sunny skies, but another storm is expected to enter Southern California on Thursday and continue through Friday.
Thursday’s storm is expected to drop from 0.25 to 0.75 inches of precipitation. That’s on top of the 0.74 inches of rain that fell on downtown L.A. in the 24-hour period that ended at 9 p.m. Monday. Before that, the weekend storm that began Friday brought 2.68 inches of rain to downtown.
For the 24-hour period ending 9 p.m. Monday, Porter Ranch received 1.61 inches; La Cañada Flintridge, 1.5; Northridge, 1.43; Bel-Air, 1.21; Castaic, 1.15; Van Nuys, 1.12; and Beverly Hills, 1.11.
Warm Springs Camp, in the mountains overlooking the Santa Clarita Valley, recorded an 18-hour rainfall total of 2.5 inches by Monday evening.
The storms, thus far, have caused some mayhem but no severe or life-threatening damage in recently burned areas.
By late Monday night, landslides and flooding were reported on a number of roads. The 5 Freeway near Highway 14, between Sylmar and Santa Clarita, suffered flooding Monday afternoon, as did an offramp on the 91 Freeway at Carmenita Road. The California Highway Patrol said there was flooding at onramps to the 10 Freeway in El Monte and the 605 Freeway on the southern border of Baldwin Park.
Mountain roads were hard hit. One motorist on Angeles Crest Highway, a road that winds through the San Gabriel Mountains, became “stuck in mud, dirt and rock” in a northbound lane, while the southbound lane was completely blocked with multiple landslides, according to reports filed to the National Weather Service. Snowplows couldn’t haul away the debris because it was too heavy.
Near the 101 Freeway in Hidden Hills, a number of vehicles hydroplaned as Round Meadow Road flooded near Mureau Road.
Monday afternoon and evening also brought rockslides or mudsldies to San Francisquito Canyon Road, the mountainous route that connects Santa Clarita to the Antelope Valley; a section of Kanan Dume Road, which leads into the Santa Monica Mountains from Malibu; and on Mulholland Highway south of Calabasas.
Snow levels were at around 7,000 feet on Monday but were expected to drop to 5,000 feet by Tuesday. Officials issued a winter weather advisory for the eastern San Gabriel Mountains and the northern Ventura County mountains that is set to last through Tuesday night. About 2 to 5 inches of snow could fall in the mountains.
“As for the Grapevine area, there is a chance of a dusting of snow Tuesday morning as the snow levels lower,” the weather service said. The Grapevine is a key travel corridor on the 5 Freeway that connects L.A. and Santa Clarita with the Central Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area.
The highest point of the Grapevine section is the Tejon Pass, which peaks in elevation at 4,144 feet above sea level. At that location, “some non-accumulating snow is possible,” the weather service said.
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