Drivers were rescued from floodwaters in Mesa after torrential rain swept across the Phoenix area, while the death of former Arizona senator Jon Kyl at the age of 84 emerged as another major story in the state on Thursday, September 17, 2026.
Two motorists became stranded near University Drive and Higley Road after attempting to drive through submerged streets. Both were rescued and were reported to be safe.
Nearby, Delta Park was transformed into a large retention basin after the downpours. Children were seen swimming and kayaking in the floodwater, although the area is not intended for recreational use.
The National Weather Service said further showers and isolated storms could bring locally heavy rain and worsen flooding in parts of Maricopa County before conditions became drier later in the day.
Flooding causes rescues across Mesa and Scottsdale
Cars were also left stranded in Mesa and Scottsdale, with rescue crews called to vehicles caught in water reported to be up to two feet deep.
Forecasters expected calmer conditions in Phoenix on Thursday, with temperatures reaching about 96F (36C), after the storms moved through the region.
Jon Kyl dies aged 84
Kyl’s family said the former senator died from complications linked to a neurological disease. Memorial arrangements are expected to be announced later.
Kyl represented Arizona in the US Senate for nearly three decades and briefly returned to the chamber in 2018 after being appointed to fill the seat left vacant by the death of Senator John McCain.
Police raid uncovers weapons and Nazi memorabilia
In Wickenburg, Thomas Schumacher, 46, was arrested after police investigating suspected child sexual exploitation searched his home, according to court records.
Investigators said they found child sexual abuse material, Nazi memorabilia and an alleged workshop for manufacturing a fully automatic machine gun and a firearm suppressor. Schumacher faces 10 felony counts and remains in custody on a $150,000 bond.
Two clinics face Medicaid fraud allegations
Arizona’s Medicaid agency, AHCCCS, suspended payments to Shining New Light and Karing Heart after allegations including ghost billing, unauthorised patient-plan changes and patient brokering.
The two clinics, which are linked to the same owner, received almost $4 million in reimbursements before the suspensions, according to state records. The cases have been referred to Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes.
