The Morning News Brief on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. (KSAZ-TV; Getty Images; AZDPS)
From the governor of Arizona proposing a nightly fee on short-term rentals to the death of a cartoonist who created an award-winning comic strip, here's a look at some of your top headlines for the morning of January 13.
1. Hobbs proposes short-term rental fee
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Local perspective:
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has proposed a new $3.50 nightly fee on short-term rentals, like Airbnb and Vrbo, to bankroll the Arizona Affordability Fund, an initiative aimed at helping struggling residents pay utility bills and lower housing costs.
What they're saying:
"I am proposing a nightly fee on short-term rental stays to fuel the Arizona Affordability Fund. By asking vacationers to kick in $3.50, less than a cup of coffee," Hobbs said, "We can deliver major change for the working people in our state who are struggling to get by."
2. Rest in peace
What we know:
Cartoonist Scott Adams has died following a battle with prostate cancer at the age of 68.
The backstory:
Adams rose to fame in the 1900s for his comic strip "Dilbert," an award-winning satire that poked fun at office culture.
3. Deadly hit-and-run investigation
What we know:
A woman died after being hit by a suspected hit-and-run driver at the intersection of 35th Avenue and Thunderbird Road.
What we don't know:
The woman's identity was not released. Police did not give a description of a potential vehicle or suspect involved.
4. Car theft ring busted
Photos courtesy of the Arizona Dept. of Public Safety
What we know:
Arizona investigators arrested five people following a months-long investigation into an organized crime ring accused of running a "chop shop" and stealing more than $750,000 worth of high-end vehicles.
Dig deeper:
The criminal organization allegedly dismantled the vehicles for parts to sell online or utilized "VIN-switching" to resell the cars on the black market at discounted prices.
5. East Valley death investigation
What we know:
Police in Queen Creek say they are investigating a death near Ellsworth and Walnut Roads.
What they're saying:
"Preliminary information indicates there is no known threat or danger to the public," Queen Creek Police said. "This is an active and ongoing investigation."
A look at today's weather
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Morning Weather Forecast - 1/13/26
Temperatures in the Valley remain well above normal as high pressure strengthens against the West Coast. In Phoenix, the forecast high hits 73 degrees on Tuesday.