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Exclusive: Trump tells The Axios Show there are "no limits" to his power after Iran war

Asked what he'd learned from the war about the limits to his power, he said: "There are no limits."

World

President Trump denied that the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Iran" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/world/iran" data-vars-content-id="546c58fe-10e3-4448-8595-603704238d07" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Trump tells The Axios Show there are &quot;no limits&quot; to his power after Iran war" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/world/iran" target="_self">Iran</a> war revealed the limits of his ability to exert power, telling &quot;The Axios Show&quot; he still believes there are &quot;no limits.&quot;The big picture: Trump entered the war demanding &quot;unconditional surrender.&quot; He ended it with a limited <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="memorandum of understanding" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/17/iran-deal-signing-text-release" data-vars-content-id="546c58fe-10e3-4448-8595-603704238d07" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: Trump tells The Axios Show there are &quot;no limits&quot; to his power after Iran war" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/17/iran-deal-signing-text-release" target="_self">memorandum of understanding</a> instead. <ul><li>Trump acknowledged to Axios&#x27; Marc Caputo that he&#x27;d negotiated that deal to keep the war from turning into a global economic depression.</li></ul>

Vance warns Israel: Don't fight "only ally" Trump on Iran deal

"Anybody in Israel who thinks their biggest problem is the President needs to wake up and smell reality"

Vice President Vance on Thursday issued a blunt warning to members of the Israeli government who have been attacking the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="deal with Iran" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/18/trump-iran-deal-promises-surrender-nuclear" data-vars-content-id="d914688c-86e4-4347-89ed-d6740abcab8b" data-vars-headline="Vance warns Israel: Don&#x27;t fight &quot;only ally&quot; Trump on Iran deal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/18/trump-iran-deal-promises-surrender-nuclear" target="_self">deal with Iran</a>: President Trump is the only friend you have left, and it would be unwise to cross him.Why it matters: Vance gave public voice to the consternation many on Trump&#x27;s team have felt with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu&#x27;s government over the past three months. He also issued a veiled threat that if <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Israel" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/world/israel" data-vars-content-id="d914688c-86e4-4347-89ed-d6740abcab8b" data-vars-headline="Vance warns Israel: Don&#x27;t fight &quot;only ally&quot; Trump on Iran deal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/world/israel" target="_self">Israel</a> undermines the deal, U.S. military support could be impacted.

Iran's supreme leader says he authorized deal, direct talks with U.S.

It's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei's first response to the signing of the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Iran&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/world/iran" data-vars-content-id="3779b10e-97c0-4f16-96ab-08c471c6a7ad" data-vars-headline="Iran&#x27;s supreme leader says he authorized deal, direct talks with U.S." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/world/iran" target="_self">Iran&#x27;s</a> supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, said Thursday that he authorized Iranian negotiators to conduct direct talks with the U.S. but stressed it &quot;does not signify acceptance of the enemy&#x27;s views.&quot;Why it matters: Khamenei&#x27;s comments Thursday, in a written statement on his Telegram channel, were his first response to the signing of the U.S.-Iran <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="memorandum of understanding" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/17/read-full-us-iran-deal-memorandum-understanding" data-vars-content-id="3779b10e-97c0-4f16-96ab-08c471c6a7ad" data-vars-headline="Iran&#x27;s supreme leader says he authorized deal, direct talks with U.S." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/17/read-full-us-iran-deal-memorandum-understanding" target="_self">memorandum of understanding</a> (MOU).

The Warsh Fed's new approach

The way the central bank shapes its policies and communicates is going to be very different from the last 15 years.

Economy

Less than four weeks after being sworn in as chairman of the Federal Reserve, Kevin Warsh left no doubt that the way the central bank shapes its policies and communicates is now going to be very different from the last 15 years.The big picture: Warsh is already executing on his longstanding view that the Fed has been over-explaining, over-signaling and overly focused on fine-tuning the economy for years. Investors will need to quickly wrap their heads around this new regime.<ul><li>Out: Forward guidance and detailed descriptions of how the central bank is interpreting incoming data.</li><li>In: Simpler policy statements, tighter (and maybe fewer) press conferences, little guidance as to what comes next and task forces to rethink broader aspects of how the Fed works.</li></ul>State of play: In new projections released alongside yesterday&#x27;s policy statement, 9 out of 18 top Fed officials indicated that at least one interest rate increase would be appropriate this year. That was enough to drive stocks down and bond yields up.<ul><li>Warsh, consistent with his long critique of that forecasting exercise, didn&#x27;t submit one of his own.</li><li>In his news conference, he also declined to spell out what the likelihood is of a rate hike this year, how he interprets incoming inflation data or what economic developments would prompt a rate increase.</li></ul>Zoom in: In characterizing how the FOMC is thinking about rate hike prospects, Warsh said that &quot;there&#x27;s a range of views&quot; on inflation dynamics.<ul><li>&quot;No resolution or conviction, but we&#x27;ll be meeting again in six weeks. I think we&#x27;re going to know more then. And I think that my colleagues are very attentive to incoming developments between now and then.&quot;</li></ul>Between the lines: Warsh is aiming to bring the Fed back to something closer to a Greenspan-era policy framework, in which the central bank aims to say more by speaking less often.<ul><li>It implies that the Fed will more often act without the kind of long, gradual buildup of press conference hints, formal projections and set-piece speeches that have been the norm since the early 2010s — and embraced by other leading central banks.</li><li>That, in Warsh&#x27;s view, will make the central bank more nimble and focused on delivering appropriate policy, rather than getting locked into its own pre-commitments.</li></ul>Yes, but: It also implies more days when financial markets are whipsawed. <ul><li>Traders will have less to go on to map each week&#x27;s economic developments to the direction of interest rate policy, which implies more surprises.</li><li>It&#x27;s not just that Warsh declined to provide a projection for policy in the coming months. He also didn&#x27;t offer much to go on in terms of &quot;if X happens, we would take Y policy action.&quot;</li></ul>Reality check: It&#x27;s not in the Fed&#x27;s mandate to worry about financial market volatility.<ul><li>And there is reason to think that the more expansive apparatus of central bank communications that built up in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis is less constructive in non-crisis moments.</li><li>Most significantly, the Fed was likely late to combat the 2021-2022 inflation outburst because it had become so locked in on forward guidance anticipating low rates far into the future.</li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: &quot;Although it&#x27;s complicated times, these are normal times,&quot; former Philadelphia Fed president Patrick Harker tells Axios. &quot;We&#x27;re not in a crisis. The question becomes, when &#x27;08-&#x27;09 happens, or a pandemic hits, are you going to keep the language that short? That&#x27;s what the test is.&quot;<ul><li>In light of the uncertainty over the direction of inflation resulting from the Iran war, &quot;at this point the Fed can&#x27;t give a lot of forward guidance,&quot; Harker adds. &quot;This I agree with Warsh on. When there&#x27;s this much uncertainty, you can&#x27;t do it.&quot;</li></ul>The bottom line: Don&#x27;t count on the Warsh Fed to deliver the same kind of step-by-step guide to the direction of its policies. It will instead favor big-picture statements and quicker, more decisive moves.

Redistricting strands Democrats in Trump districts

It gives the party a way to threaten Democratic seats even if the national environment turns ugly.

Politics & Policy

Republicans have stranded nine House Democratic incumbents in districts President Trump carried by double digits in 2024, thanks to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="redrawn House map." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/17/georgia-redistricting-democrats-vra-jeffries-2028" data-vars-content-id="2422e38a-6b0d-40f3-8ece-c4952e906eec" data-vars-headline="Redistricting strands Democrats in Trump districts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/17/georgia-redistricting-democrats-vra-jeffries-2028" target="_self">redrawn House map.</a>Why it matters: This is the individual lawmaker version of how redistricting has become a powerful firewall for Republicans. It gives the party a way to threaten Democratic seats even if the national environment turns ugly for the GOP.

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.

News

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.

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: Chanele R., Jordan E. Sharon S., Liza S., Brian P., Tony T., Craig F., Steve M., Joe G., Margaret W. and Joel M.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="8584c84b-1b73-45e9-b82a-d64d040b1a37" 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!

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.

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.

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.

Terrible's gas stations are coming to the Valley

Nevada-based Terrible's is expanding its gas station and convenience store empire to the Valley.

Terrible&#x27;s is bringing its gas stations, convenience stores and unforgettable name to the Valley.The big picture: Terrible&#x27;s — known for decades as Terrible Herbst until a recent name change — is a southern Nevada institution that&#x27;s spread throughout the West.

Restaurants and boutique retail slated to replace old Los Olivos car wash

The Corner at Midtown, featuring restaurants and retail, will replace the old Los Olivos car wash.

The site of a demolished central Phoenix car wash that closed nearly a decade ago is finally getting new life as a retail and restaurant hub with a downtown feel.Why it matters: The vacant land on the northwest corner of Third Street and McDowell Road is a prime location in a booming central Phoenix neighborhood.

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.

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!

Arizona emerges as test case for AI's energy and water crunch

It's a microcosm of the challenges the AI boom is running into across the country.

Energy & Climate

PHOENIX — This desert region has become a bellwether for the nation&#x27;s data center growth as the tech sector grapples with rising temperatures and scarce resources.Why it matters: Arizona is an extreme microcosm of the challenges the AI boom is running into across the country as tech companies race to build data centers demanding massive amounts of power and testing local water supplies.

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.

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.

Monsoon season starts with rainier outlook

The season began with a (short-lived) bang — at least for those who live on the Valley's edges.

Monsoon season is officially underway and meteorologists are hopeful that the Valley&#x27;s in store for a rainier summer than usual.Why it matters: About <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="half of our annual rainfall" data-vars-click-url="https://www.weather.gov/psr/2023MonsoonSeasonReview" data-vars-content-id="9516a320-cc35-4380-91eb-cbd0b1f58fee" data-vars-headline="Monsoon season starts with rainier outlook" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.weather.gov/psr/2023MonsoonSeasonReview" target="_blank">half of our annual rainfall</a> typically arrives during monsoon season, which began Monday and runs through Sept. 30.

Neighbors share how they build community in Phoenix

From driveway parties to phone trees, here's how residents create connections.

A lot of us are struggling to stay connected with our neighbors, but the solve may be as simple as a sidewalk happy hour.Why it matters: Casual neighborhood ties are quietly disappearing, and research shows the health consequences of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="social isolation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.annualreviews.org/content/journals/10.1146/annurev-soc-031021-012001?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=sendto_localnewslettertest&amp;stream=top" data-vars-content-id="006e63a2-13f7-4f1b-a6b2-368ccbd66b5c" data-vars-headline="Neighbors share how they build community in Phoenix" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.annualreviews.org/content/journals/10.1146/annurev-soc-031021-012001?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=sendto_localnewslettertest&amp;stream=top" target="_blank">social isolation</a> run deep, with a strong link to mortality and dementia risk.

America's Taco Shop returning to Melrose District

For the first time since 2014, America's Taco Shop will be open for business in the Melrose District.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="America&#x27;s Taco Shop" data-vars-click-url="https://www.americastacoshop.com/" data-vars-content-id="44797077-e667-45e1-841c-19348fb9202e" data-vars-headline="America&#x27;s Taco Shop returning to Melrose District" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.americastacoshop.com/" target="_blank">America&#x27;s Taco Shop</a> is making a long-awaited return to the Melrose District.State of play: The one-time chain is opening this month at 4306 N. Seventh Ave., the former location of Melrose Kitchen.

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.

Bipartisan budget includes Trump tax cuts and data center subsidy moratorium

Lawmakers advanced an $18.3 billion budget plan negotiated by Gov. Hobbs and GOP lawmakers.

Many Arizonans will get tax breaks, while data centers will temporarily pay more under an $18.3 billion budget negotiated by Gov. Katie Hobbs and Republican lawmakers.Why it matters: The budget determines how the state will spend billions of dollars on critical public safety, health care, human services and other programs.

Arizona AG still investigating about 200 sober living home fraud cases

The dramatic surge in billing for bogus services began in 2019.

The Arizona Attorney General&#x27;s Office is still investigating around 200 cases in the massive sober living homes Medicaid fraud scandal targeting Native Americans.Why it matters: Shady sober living homes serving largely Native American patients promised addiction treatment that was never delivered and exploited people in dire need for profit.

National parties pick their candidates in competitive CD1 race

National Democrats and Republicans are backing preferred primary candidates in pivotal CD1.

The national Democratic and Republican parties are playing favorites in the contested primaries for Arizona&#x27;s 1st Congressional District.Why it matters: The path to the House majority in November likely goes through the highly competitive CD1, which is up for grabs after longtime Republican incumbent David Schweikert decided to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="run for governor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/09/30/schweikert-arizona-governor-race-2026" data-vars-content-id="afcc8272-70ca-4535-9198-7d104a96bfb4" data-vars-headline="National parties pick their candidates in competitive CD1 race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/09/30/schweikert-arizona-governor-race-2026" target="_self">run for governor</a>.

Mayes will send fake electors case back to grand jury after appeal fails

Kris Mayes will send the fake electors case back to a grand jury after a key appeal fell short.

Attorney General Kris Mayes must restart her case against the 2020 fake electors after the Arizona Supreme Court rejected a key <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="appeal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/11/21/arizona-kris-mayes-appeal-fake-electors-case" data-vars-content-id="2c326338-22b7-47e2-968d-fdb83b5e1472" data-vars-headline="Mayes will send fake electors case back to grand jury after appeal fails" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/11/21/arizona-kris-mayes-appeal-fake-electors-case" target="_self">appeal</a>.Why it matters: The alleged crimes occurred almost six years ago, and the case will now drag on even longer and loom over this year&#x27;s AG race.

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