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National

"Shotgun weddings" go mainstream

Business

Don't expect pre-war gas or airfare prices any time soon

Energy & Climate

Commerce Department greenlights limited return of Anthropic's Mythos

Politics & Policy

Volkswagen is expected to cut 100,000 jobs in landmark downsizing

A dangerous heat wave is coming next week

The wait is over: Buc-ee's opens first Arizona location in Goodyear

The wait is over: Buc-ee's officially expands to Arizona with grand opening in Goodyear.

News

Arizona is officially Buc-ee&#x27;s country after the Texas-based — and Texas-sized — travel center chain opened its first Arizona location in Goodyear on Monday.Why it matters: Buc-ee&#x27;s is a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="unique institution" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2024/02/05/bucees-buc-ees-arizona-when-location-where" data-vars-content-id="60e6d936-64f1-4d48-9b91-cb95ee10530b" data-vars-headline="The wait is over: Buc-ee&#x27;s opens first Arizona location in Goodyear" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2024/02/05/bucees-buc-ees-arizona-when-location-where" target="_self">unique institution</a> with an intensely loyal customer base, which was thrilled to see it move west into Arizona.

Budget cuts eliminate Arizona education programs

Several education and workforce programs lost funding in the final budget deal.

A lot&#x27;s been made about the tax cuts in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="freshly signed state budget" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/06/10/bipartisan-budget-governor-hobbs-republican-legislators-tax-cuts-data-centers" data-vars-content-id="0e37d138-ada1-4207-a90a-e73a02cef254" data-vars-headline="Budget cuts eliminate Arizona education programs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/06/10/bipartisan-budget-governor-hobbs-republican-legislators-tax-cuts-data-centers" target="_self">freshly signed state budget</a> — but they came at the cost of government programs that quietly lost funding in the final deal.Why it matters: Education and workforce initiatives were among the hardest hit, which <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="advocates warned" data-vars-click-url="https://educationforwardarizona.org/we-are-getting-the-outcomes-we-invest-in/" data-vars-content-id="0e37d138-ada1-4207-a90a-e73a02cef254" data-vars-headline="Budget cuts eliminate Arizona education programs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://educationforwardarizona.org/we-are-getting-the-outcomes-we-invest-in/" target="_blank">advocates warned</a> would have long-term impacts on the state.

Take the Axios Phoenix news quiz!

See how well you absorbed this week's news.

It&#x27;s that time again! See how well you absorbed this week&#x27;s news with our quiz.🥳 Congratulations to last week&#x27;s perfect scorers: Kevin O., Steve M., Cindy K., Lori H., Chris M., Melani J., Daniel D., Tish B., Gary H., Margot L., Craig F., Bill H., Barbara G., Clark O., Kimberly B., Mary Jane B., Mary Jo W., Natalie P. and Patty B.Email us at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="phoenix@axios.com" data-vars-click-url="mailto:phoenix@axios.com" data-vars-content-id="1727f050-3268-4992-b3a7-fc72d5df1511" data-vars-headline="Take the Axios Phoenix news quiz!" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="mailto:phoenix@axios.com" target="_blank">phoenix@axios.com</a> with a screenshot of your perfect score for a shoutout next week!

Scottsdale City Council candidates accuse Axon over election spending

Three Scottsdale City Council candidates accused Axon of opposing their campaigns.

A Scottsdale City Council member and two candidates are accusing law enforcement technology company Axon of meddling in the city&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="upcoming election" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/06/24/early-voting-begins-arizona-july-21-primary-election" data-vars-content-id="e9130eba-54a4-47f5-994c-f3a9674cbfbf" data-vars-headline="Scottsdale City Council candidates accuse Axon over election spending" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/06/24/early-voting-begins-arizona-july-21-primary-election" target="_self">upcoming election</a>.Why it matters: The election could test the power of outside groups in local races.

San Tan Distilling bottles Arizona's official America 250 bourbon

You can celebrate America 250 with Arizona's official anniversary bourbon, from San Tan Distilling.

You can celebrate America&#x27;s 250th birthday and National Bourbon Day together with one patriotic pour, courtesy of San Tan Distilling.The big picture: The entire country is gearing up for this summer&#x27;s America 250 celebrations.

George and Dragon named to USA Today's top soccer bars list

Where should you watch the World Cup in the Valley? USA Today says start with the George & Dragon.

The votes are in, and Phoenix&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="George and Dragon English Pub" data-vars-click-url="https://www.gndphx.com/" data-vars-content-id="b517d39b-4582-4ff9-8b92-5e7ec70bf7cf" data-vars-headline="George and Dragon named to USA Today&#x27;s top soccer bars list" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.gndphx.com/" target="_blank">George and Dragon English Pub</a> made the cut on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="USA Today&#x27;s list of the country&#x27;s best soccer bars" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/05/26/george-and-dragon-english-pub-usa-today-best-soccer-bars" data-vars-content-id="b517d39b-4582-4ff9-8b92-5e7ec70bf7cf" data-vars-headline="George and Dragon named to USA Today&#x27;s top soccer bars list" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/05/26/george-and-dragon-english-pub-usa-today-best-soccer-bars" target="_self">USA Today&#x27;s list of the country&#x27;s best soccer bars</a>.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FIFA World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/09/world-cup-us-soccer-growth" data-vars-content-id="b517d39b-4582-4ff9-8b92-5e7ec70bf7cf" data-vars-headline="George and Dragon named to USA Today&#x27;s top soccer bars list" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/09/world-cup-us-soccer-growth" target="_self">FIFA World Cup</a> starts today, and if you can&#x27;t watch in person, catching a big game at a great soccer bar is the next best thing.

Immigration slowdown hits Maricopa County growth

Fewer immigrants meant slower growth across the Valley last year.

Population growth in Maricopa County cooled off significantly last year.<ul><li>A <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nosedive in immigration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/26/county-population-growth-immigration" data-vars-content-id="16fd15e9-18db-4e01-9fbc-f42cead73383" data-vars-headline="Immigration slowdown hits Maricopa County growth" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/26/county-population-growth-immigration" target="_self">nosedive in immigration</a> is almost entirely to blame, per recent census estimates.</li></ul>

Gilbert Heritage District's apartment era is coming soon

A massive development project is expected to change the landscape of downtown Gilbert.

The Heritage District is months away from opening the first phase of a massive development project that&#x27;s expected to change the landscape of downtown Gilbert.Why it matters: The district exploded onto the Valley&#x27;s entertainment and dining scene about a decade ago and now the town is ready for the next chapter: adding office workers and full-time residents to the mix.

Vote the George & Dragon as one of America's best soccer bars

Phoenix's George & Dragon English Pub is in contention to be one of USA Today's best soccer bars.

Arizona isn&#x27;t hosting any <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FIFA World Cup games" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/09/world-cup-us-soccer-growth" data-vars-content-id="b5b65cc6-1558-4120-af4e-dd447d076780" data-vars-headline="Vote the George &amp; Dragon as one of America&#x27;s best soccer bars" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/09/world-cup-us-soccer-growth" target="_self">FIFA World Cup games</a>, but we can still be home to the best soccer bar in the U.S.State of play: USA Today is asking readers to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vote on the country&#x27;s best soccer bar" data-vars-click-url="https://www.usatoday.com/sports/readers-choice-awards/best-soccer-bar/" data-vars-content-id="b5b65cc6-1558-4120-af4e-dd447d076780" data-vars-headline="Vote the George &amp; Dragon as one of America&#x27;s best soccer bars" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.usatoday.com/sports/readers-choice-awards/best-soccer-bar/" target="_blank">vote on the country&#x27;s best soccer bar</a>, and one of the contenders is right here in central Phoenix: the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="George and Dragon English Pub" data-vars-click-url="https://www.gndphx.com/" data-vars-content-id="b5b65cc6-1558-4120-af4e-dd447d076780" data-vars-headline="Vote the George &amp; Dragon as one of America&#x27;s best soccer bars" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.gndphx.com/" target="_blank">George and Dragon English Pub</a>.

McDonald's teases collab with Devin Booker and Nike

A cryptic Sedona video hints at new turquoise kicks.

In a trippy, cryptic video, McDonald&#x27;s is giving us a preview of an upcoming collab with Suns star Devin Booker and Nike.Zoom in: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="iconic turquoise arches" data-vars-click-url="https://www.scenic.org/2025/06/26/sedonas-turquoise-arches-show-how-communities-maintain-control/" data-vars-content-id="d18d724e-9eb5-4365-9252-c35f99bde7a1" data-vars-headline="McDonald&#x27;s teases collab with Devin Booker and Nike" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.scenic.org/2025/06/26/sedonas-turquoise-arches-show-how-communities-maintain-control/" target="_blank">iconic turquoise arches</a> in Sedona — which is one of the few McDonald&#x27;s locations without golden arches — appear to be central to whatever it is the fast-food chain, basketball star and footwear company are cooking up.

Juneteenth stands as DEI retreats

Juneteenth outlasts DEI backlash. For now.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Juneteenth" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/15/juneteenth-holiday-day-off-where" data-vars-content-id="d855d1e4-f326-46fc-96de-6a707e410dd7" data-vars-headline="Juneteenth stands as DEI retreats" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/15/juneteenth-holiday-day-off-where" target="_self">Juneteenth</a> is surviving the corporate DEI backlash, even as American institutions pull back from the promises that helped elevate it.Why it matters: The holiday&#x27;s staying power shows how Black history can be absorbed into calendars, payroll systems and public rituals even as the post-2020 commitments that gave it renewed force are renamed, narrowed or abandoned.

Celebrate the Fourth with fireworks fun in the Valley

Celebrate America's 250th birthday with Fourth of July fireworks across the Valley.

Independence Day is right around the corner, and if you&#x27;re looking for a fireworks show to celebrate America&#x27;s 250th birthday, we&#x27;ve got you covered.<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fabulous Phoenix 4th" data-vars-click-url="https://www.phoenix.gov/administration/departments/parks/classes-programs/featured-events/fabulous-phoenix-4th.html#Lake_Stage" data-vars-content-id="12850f5a-515c-4af2-9358-faa59085e6dd" data-vars-headline="Celebrate the Fourth with fireworks fun in the Valley" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.phoenix.gov/administration/departments/parks/classes-programs/featured-events/fabulous-phoenix-4th.html#Lake_Stage" target="_blank">Fabulous Phoenix 4th</a>: Live music and other entertainment, a car show, a kids zone with inflatables, games and water slides, and local vendors selling food and artisan goods.

Lawmakers could address ESAs and other K-12 issues in special session

Lawmakers are discussing reviving a failed compromise over ESA reforms in a special session.

Lawmakers could return to the Capitol to take another crack at a grand bargain over reforms to the state&#x27;s voucher programs that fell through in the final hours of this year&#x27;s legislative session.Why it matters: A special session could determine whether and how reforms to the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program are enacted.

WNBA suspends Thomas for throat hit against Clark

Alyssa Thomas faces a one-game suspension for a "dirty" hit on Fever star Caitlin Clark.

Phoenix Mercury star Alyssa Thomas is under fire for a &quot;dirty&quot; play against Indiana Fever point guard Caitlin Clark.The big picture: Wednesday&#x27;s incident was particularly egregious — and against the WNBA&#x27;s star player — but Thomas has a history of toeing the line between ruthless physicality and reckless aggression.

D. Baxter turns 26 and we're still fans

Arizona's favorite bobcat mascot has a surprisingly fun origin story.

Arizona Diamondbacks mascot D. Baxter celebrates 26 years of sports, silliness, and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sex appeal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/05/12/arizona-d-backs-baxter-crowned-mlb-s-sexiest-mascot" data-vars-content-id="a4f6e7c3-6b49-4c03-8b4e-313ed9e53fe0" data-vars-headline="D. Baxter turns 26 and we&#x27;re still fans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/05/12/arizona-d-backs-baxter-crowned-mlb-s-sexiest-mascot" target="_self">sex appeal</a> this week.Why it matters: In a world of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="confusing" data-vars-click-url="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/713385-20-most-confusing-mascots-in-sports-history" data-vars-content-id="a4f6e7c3-6b49-4c03-8b4e-313ed9e53fe0" data-vars-headline="D. Baxter turns 26 and we&#x27;re still fans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bleacherreport.com/articles/713385-20-most-confusing-mascots-in-sports-history" target="_blank">confusing</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="creepy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.buzzfeed.com/jeremyhayes/scary-sports-mascots-that-will-give-you-nightmares" data-vars-content-id="a4f6e7c3-6b49-4c03-8b4e-313ed9e53fe0" data-vars-headline="D. Baxter turns 26 and we&#x27;re still fans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/jeremyhayes/scary-sports-mascots-that-will-give-you-nightmares" target="_blank">creepy</a> mascots, we&#x27;re glad to have one we can be proud of.

Suns land Cats star Koa Peat after trading up in NBA draft

The Suns traded up and landed UofA star Koa Peat with the last pick in the NBA draft's first round.

Wildcats star Koa Peat is staying in Arizona to start his professional career after the Phoenix Suns traded up for the final pick of the NBA draft&#x27;s first round Tuesday.State of play: The Suns <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="traded" data-vars-click-url="https://arizonasports.com/nba/phoenix-suns/koa-peat-picked-30th-suns-nba-draft" data-vars-content-id="170efb27-92d5-446d-92d7-67a5364b1e41" data-vars-headline="Suns land Cats star Koa Peat after trading up in NBA draft" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://arizonasports.com/nba/phoenix-suns/koa-peat-picked-30th-suns-nba-draft" target="_blank">traded</a> the 17th pick of the second round — the 47th overall — to the New York Knicks in exchange for the 30th and final selection of the first round.

Juneteenth celebrations across the Phoenix area

Celebrate Juneteenth with events across the Valley.

Arizona isn&#x27;t among the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="33 states where Juneteenth is a state holiday" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/15/juneteenth-holiday-day-off-where" data-vars-content-id="3aa017f7-8026-4493-bd5b-f23e8a25c821" data-vars-headline="Juneteenth celebrations across the Phoenix area" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/15/juneteenth-holiday-day-off-where" target="_self">33 states where Juneteenth is a state holiday</a>, but there aren&#x27;t still plenty of ways to commemorate emancipation across the Valley.<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Juneteenth Celebration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.gilbertaz.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/special-events-and-permits/juneteenth-celebration" data-vars-content-id="3aa017f7-8026-4493-bd5b-f23e8a25c821" data-vars-headline="Juneteenth celebrations across the Phoenix area" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.gilbertaz.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/special-events-and-permits/juneteenth-celebration" target="_blank">Juneteenth Celebration</a>: Take the family to Gilbert for storytelling, music, drum and dance performances, arts and crafts and educational activities.

It&#x27;s that time again! See how well you absorbed this week&#x27;s news with our quiz.🥳 Congratulations to last week&#x27;s perfect scorers: Cindy K., Daniel D., Brian P., Nancy G., Steve H., Jennifer S., Emily S., Craig F., Emily R. and Ronnie G. Hit reply or email us at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="phoenix@axios.com" data-vars-click-url="mailto:phoenix@axios.com" data-vars-content-id="3ae76b17-67b1-4a60-a357-93502e6b4160" data-vars-headline="Take the Axios Phoenix news quiz!" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="mailto:phoenix@axios.com" target="_blank">phoenix@axios.com</a> with a screenshot of your perfect score for a shoutout next week!

Maricopa Community Colleges expands low-cost bachelor's degrees

New degree programs could help fill Arizona workforce gaps.

Arizonans will soon have more bachelor&#x27;s degree options through Maricopa Community Colleges, at a fraction of the price of a traditional university.Why it matters: The total cost of a four-year degree through Maricopa Community Colleges can run as little as $15,000. At Arizona&#x27;s universities, the in-state tuition price tag is closer to $50,000.

Route 66 turns 100 with Arizona celebrations

Classic cars, live music and Route 66 nostalgia return this summer.

Route 66 — the &quot;Mother Road&quot; of America that stretches 385.2 miles across Arizona — turns 100 this year.Why it matters: The big birthday is a great opportunity to reconnect with the iconic remnants of Americana in Flagstaff, Williams, Winslow and beyond.

Phoenix Art Museum unveils major Indigenous art gift

A gift of nearly 200 works will help reshape the museum's Americas collection.

A new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Phoenix Art Museum" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/12/02/phoenix-art-museum-muscle-memory-exhibit" data-vars-content-id="f8eb65fa-378a-40cd-8ff3-5de33e391321" data-vars-headline="Phoenix Art Museum unveils major Indigenous art gift" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/12/02/phoenix-art-museum-muscle-memory-exhibit" target="_self">Phoenix Art Museum</a> exhibit will explore Native American history, culture and storytelling, thanks to a historic donation of nearly 200 works by Indigenous artists.Why it matters: The new artwork fills a &quot;critical gap&quot; in the museum&#x27;s Art of the Americas collection and will provide a deeper, more complex understanding of Native artists&#x27; role in shaping modern and contemporary art, director Jeremy Mikolajczak said in a statement.

How to celebrate Pride Month in Phoenix

You don't have to wait until the Pride festival to get in on the celebration.

There are plenty of ways to celebrate Pride Month, even if Phoenix&#x27;s official Pride Festival isn&#x27;t until the fall (when the weather&#x27;s better).<h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">🎉 Parties and nightlife</h2>

The best 602 Day deals in Phoenix

More than 400 local businesses are offering discounts and events.

Tuesday is 602 Day, and we&#x27;ve got your cheat sheet to taking advantage of all the revelry and savings across the Valley.Why it matters: The civic-pride-inspired holiday lets us support local businesses as they enter their slow summer season — while scoring great deals.

Arizonans hitting the road as AAA predicts record-high Memorial Day weekend travel

Despite high gas prices, AAA expects 850,000 Arizonans to hit the road for Memorial Day weekend.

Arizonans aren&#x27;t expected to let sky-high gas prices get in the way of their Memorial Day weekend plans.Why it matters: With gas pushing an average of $4.82 per gallon — about 25 cents higher than the national average, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per AAA" data-vars-click-url="https://gasprices.aaa.com/?state=AZ" data-vars-content-id="cc72bec7-6f7b-427b-a483-4c837dc1dc35" data-vars-headline="Arizonans hitting the road as AAA predicts record-high Memorial Day weekend travel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://gasprices.aaa.com/?state=AZ" target="_blank">per AAA</a> — your long-weekend road trip will cost a lot more than it did last year.

"Classic" Pizza Hut is returning to Arizona

Retro Pizza Hut restaurants are planned for southern Arizona amid a nationwide revival.

If you grew up eating at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="old-school Pizza Hut restaurants" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/10/pizza-hut-classic-virginia-locations" data-vars-content-id="874df07a-591f-4cb9-96f5-27ef1694a1ad" data-vars-headline="&quot;Classic&quot; Pizza Hut is returning to Arizona" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/10/pizza-hut-classic-virginia-locations" target="_self">old-school Pizza Hut restaurants</a> with the red roofs and classic decor, get ready for a big dose of nostalgia.The big picture: There&#x27;s been a wave of conversions in recent years as owners have gone retro, transforming restaurants back to the &quot;Pizza Hut Classic&quot; version with checkered tablecloths, Tiffany lamps, red cups and other old-school features.

Election season underway as early voting begins for July 21 primary

The early voting period has begun, marking the final countdown to the July 21 primary election.

The final countdown to the election has officially begun with the start of early voting on Wednesday for the July 21 primary.Why it matters: In many races, especially for Congress and the Legislature, districts are so heavily Republican or Democratic that the primary is the only election that really matters.

Arizona leaders urge data centers to earn trust

Officials say transparency is key to easing neighborhood concerns.

Data centers need to win back community trust if they want to continue to move into Arizona, government and business leaders told us during Tuesday&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios Live event" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4inW0YmPNqQ" data-vars-content-id="b370a8b3-2db0-4a5b-9b56-e78b7eb6eaec" data-vars-headline="Arizona leaders urge data centers to earn trust" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4inW0YmPNqQ" target="_blank">Axios Live event</a> in downtown Phoenix.The big picture: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Neighborhood opposition" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/05/06/data-center-growth-opposition-arizona-neighborhoods" data-vars-content-id="b370a8b3-2db0-4a5b-9b56-e78b7eb6eaec" data-vars-headline="Arizona leaders urge data centers to earn trust" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/05/06/data-center-growth-opposition-arizona-neighborhoods" target="_self">Neighborhood opposition</a> to data center projects has exploded statewide as residents question the health impacts of the megasites.

Ousted Glendale council member must be reinstated, judge rules

A judge ruled Glendale wrongly removed Conchas from office.

Glendale City Council Member Lupe Conchas was wrongly ousted and must be reinstated, a Maricopa County Superior Court judge ruled Tuesday. Why it matters: Conchas and his supporters alleged that the council&#x27;s decision was politically motivated.

GOP lawmakers seek to undermine proposed ESA reforms as 2026 session ends

2026 legislative session ends as Republicans looked to nullify proposed ESA reforms at the ballot.

In the final hours of the 2026 legislative session, Republican lawmakers tried to torpedo proposed reforms to Arizona&#x27;s school voucher program. Why it matters: Even if voters approve a proposed measure to rein in the state&#x27;s controversial Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESA) program, those reforms would be completely nullified if the Legislature&#x27;s ballot proposal passes as well.

Stanton faces progressive challenge from Newkirk in Democratic primary

National progressive trend comes to Arizona as Stanton faces a Democratic primary challenge.

The progressive left is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="challenging establishment-oriented Democrats" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/19/democratic-primaries-congress-house-left-illinois" data-vars-content-id="0cf6a605-22fb-4977-ad58-8cc06fd4a76f" data-vars-headline="Stanton faces progressive challenge from Newkirk in Democratic primary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/19/democratic-primaries-congress-house-left-illinois" target="_self">challenging establishment-oriented Democrats</a> in primaries across the country, including in Arizona&#x27;s 4th Congressional District, where U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton is seeking re-election.Why it matters: Anger over issues like U.S. support for Israel, corporate influence and what many critics view as inadequately aggressive opposition to President Trump has fueled a wave of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="progressive challenges" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ap.org/news-highlights/spotlights/2025/democratic-bases-anger-puts-some-party-leaders-on-shaky-ground/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" data-vars-content-id="0cf6a605-22fb-4977-ad58-8cc06fd4a76f" data-vars-headline="Stanton faces progressive challenge from Newkirk in Democratic primary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ap.org/news-highlights/spotlights/2025/democratic-bases-anger-puts-some-party-leaders-on-shaky-ground/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">progressive challenges</a> in a Democratic Party whose voters are shifting to the left.

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