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Note: Shaded counties are those that will, on average, have 0.5 days or more above a 125F° heat index in 2053; Data: First Street Foundation; Map: Axios Visuals

Maricopa County is one of many counties across the U.S. where the heat index could reach 125°F at least one day a year by 2053.

That's according to a hyperlocal analysis of current and future extreme heat events published Monday by the nonprofit First Street Foundation.

Driving the news: The report makes clear where households will be vulnerable to what would now be considered almost unheard-of heat indices, which show how the air feels from the combination of air temperature and relative humidity, Axios' Andrew Freedman reports.

Why it matters: In just 30 years, climate change will result in higher temperatures for longer periods of time in metro Phoenix.

The Valley is already grappling with increased numbers of heat deaths and illnesses during the past several summers. 

By the numbers: First Street shows that Maricopa County currently sees an average of 83 days a year with a heat index above 100°F. By 2053, we could likely see an average of 100 days with a heat index that high.

Right now, we see an average of 29 consecutive days over 100°F, compared to 45 days expected in 2053.

Today, the likelihood of a three-plus day heat wave is 55%. In 2053, it will likely be 85% — 30 years ago it was 12%.

Around Arizona: Nearly every county in the state could see temperatures increase at a similar rate in the coming decades. 

Yuma County is expected to have the longest, hottest summer in 2053, with a projected 71 consecutive days above 100 degrees. 

Zoom out: The report, which is based on First Street's peer reviewed heat model, shows that as of now, just 8 million Americans are exposed to "extreme heat" — a maximum heat index of greater than 125°F.

However, due to the anticipated warming over the next three decades, that number is expected to balloon to 107 million people.

Go deeper: How cities are tackling extreme heat

Metro Phoenix could see temperatures top 125°F by 2035, report shows

In just 30 years, climate change could result in higher temperatures for longer periods of time in metro Phoenix.

extreme weather

A map showing the U.S. counties that will experience 125-degree heat by 2053.

Maricopa County is one of many counties across the U.S. where the heat index could reach 125°F at least one day a year by 2053.<ul><li>That&#x27;s according to a hyperlocal analysis of current and future extreme heat events published Monday by the nonprofit <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="First Street Foundation" data-vars-click-url="https://firststreet.org/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwuuKXBhCRARIsAC-gM0j1clZtE8pacgl5JVXUUyjTP763Qla1JjiXx93oSm5ZXBo-c4pjd_UaApVTEALw_wcB" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://firststreet.org/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwuuKXBhCRARIsAC-gM0j1clZtE8pacgl5JVXUUyjTP763Qla1JjiXx93oSm5ZXBo-c4pjd_UaApVTEALw_wcB" target="_blank">First Street Foundation</a>.</li></ul>

News

The Phoenix City Council will likely vote next month on a resolution that would prohibit city resources from being used to enforce abortion laws. 

The latest: Mayor Kate Gallego, council members and the city's legal team are working on the wording of the resolution now, city officials confirmed to Axios Phoenix on Monday.

Why it matters: Arizona's latest abortion law, which will take effect in September, criminalizes doctors who perform abortions after 15 weeks. 

The Phoenix Police Department is the largest law enforcement agency in the state.

Flashback: On June 24, when SCOTUS overturned Roe v. Wade, Gallego told Axios she had "no interest in criminalizing health care providers."

The city council directed staff to look into how to craft an abortion-related resolution in late June, city attorney Cris Meyer said

The resolution aims to make Gallego's position a city policy, the mayor's spokesperson said.

Zoom out: The Tucson City Council passed a resolution in early June — after a draft of the Supreme Court's decision was leaked  —  to instruct its police department not to arrest people violating state laws restricting abortion, The Arizona Daily Star reported.

Of note: It's unclear whether abortion, at any point in pregnancy, is still legal in Arizona. Most providers are not providing abortions until there is legal clarity. 

Phoenix expected to vote on abortion resolution in September

The resolution would prohibit city resources from being used to enforce abortion laws.

Illustration of a no-sign in the shape of a red cross over a police badge. 

Abortion

The Phoenix City Council will likely vote next month on a resolution that would prohibit city resources from being used to enforce abortion laws. The latest: Mayor Kate Gallego, council members and the city&#x27;s legal team are working on the wording of the resolution now, city officials confirmed to Axios Phoenix on Monday.

Politics

During a press event Tuesday, Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly wouldn't say whether he supported Democratic Sen. Kyrsten Sinema's saving the carried interest tax loophole. 

The loophole mainly benefits private equity professionals by allowing them to pay lower investment tax rates on parts of their compensation. 

Democrats tried to close the loophole in the $740 billion tax, climate and health care bill that President Biden signed into law on Tuesday.

State of play: Sinema, who was needed to pass the Inflation Reduction Act, required senate leadership to remove the carried interest provision to win her vote.

She's faced national scrutiny for her demand.

The latest: Kelly rallied with ASU students Tuesday and talked about the importance of the Inflation Reduction Act, especially provisions that combat climate change. 

But after the event, he dodged questions about whether it was appropriate that Sinema held up the bill with her demand to preserve the carried interest loophole. 

What he's saying: "You're going to have to ask Senator Sinema. I've worked very closely with her on all this legislation, and we work very hard to deliver for the American people."

Of note: Sinema spokesperson Pablo Sierra-Carmona said in a statement that the senator makes every decision based on what's best for Arizona.

"At a time of record inflation, rising interest rates and slowing economic growth, disincentivizing investments in Arizona businesses would hurt Arizona’s economy and ability to create jobs."

What's next: Kelly would not definitively say whether he'd support future efforts to close the tax loophole. 

He said he was "generally not supportive" of tax provisions that exclusively benefit wealthy people but said he would have to review any other proposed changes to the carried interest tax loophole. 

Kelly won't say whether Sinema was right to save carried interest loophole

Sinema, who was needed to pass the Inflation Reduction Act, required Senate leadership to remove the carried interest provision to win her vote.

Sen. Mark Kelly outside the Capitol. Photo: Mariam Zuhaib/Associated Press

Kyrsten Sinema

During a press event Tuesday, Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly wouldn&#x27;t say whether he supported Democratic Sen. Kyrsten Sinema&#x27;s saving the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="carried interest tax loophole" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/05/business/dealbook/sinema-tax-loophole-carried-interest.html" data-vars-content-id="90930ef9-9e88-46a4-8324-cb095416d21c" data-vars-headline="Kelly won&#x27;t say whether Sinema was right to save carried interest loophole" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2022/08/05/business/dealbook/sinema-tax-loophole-carried-interest.html" target="_blank">carried interest tax loophole</a>. <ul><li>The loophole mainly benefits private equity professionals by allowing them to pay lower investment tax rates on parts of their compensation. </li></ul>

Business

Gas prices are starting to come down across the Valley (thank goodness), but some stations are markedly less expensive than others.

What's happening: Last week, I saw the QuikTrip at University Drive and Extension Road in Mesa charging just $3.90 per gallon. 

I drove 2.5 miles north and saw another QT charging $4.50. The Mobil across the street on McKellips Road and Country Club Drive was charging $5.25. What gives?

State of play: According to the National Association of Convenience Stores, gas stations, even those within a few miles of each other, often have different wholesale costs.

Larger stations may be able to buy in bulk, bringing down their cost per gallon. 

Some stations are on more expensive corners than others, so they make up their real estate costs with higher gas prices. 

Stations may also carry different brands. Fuel that carries the name of a major refinery tends to cost more.

Yes, but: Sometimes, pricing is purely a business strategy.

For instance, if a station is near the airport, right off a highway or in an otherwise convenient area, the prices will likely be higher because the owners know you're going to pay it. 

Tips and tricks: GasBuddy is a popular website that shows the lowest gas prices in each ZIP code.

After listening to radio ads about Upside for years, I finally downloaded it, and now I love it because it shows me gas prices near me and offers cash back at many stations. 

Greed or need: Why gas is cheaper in some parts of metro Phoenix?

Either some gas stations are just greedy or there are other reasons for disparate pricing.

Illustration of a car gas gauge, with a neutral emoji on the left and a swearing emoji on the right, and the needle reaching the swearing side.

Gas prices

Gas prices are starting to come down across the Valley (thank goodness), but some stations are markedly less expensive than others.What&#x27;s happening: Last week, I saw the QuikTrip at University Drive and Extension Road in Mesa charging just $3.90 per gallon.

Five litters of black-footed ferret kits were born at the Phoenix Zoo this summer, and Tuesday is the last day to vote on some of their names.

State of play: The Phoenix Zoo is one of six facilities worldwide breeding these critters for release to the wild as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' black-footed ferret Species Survival Plan.

Thirteen kits born at the zoo last year have been released in Colorado grasslands.

Why it matters: The black-footed ferret is one of North America's most endangered species and was once thought to be extinct in the wild. 

Through breeding and reintroduction programs, they have returned to their native habitat, including in the prairie grasslands of Arizona. 

1 fun thing: The zoo is asking for the public's help to name one litter born to mom Canneles and dad Juniper. Staff and volunteers have narrowed it down to the following choices: 

Freya, Eisa, Idunn and Senua (Norse mythology names)

Espeon, Umbreon, Flareon and Jolteon (Pokemon characters)

Maple, Acacia, Cedar and Willow (tree species)

Our picks: If we were in charge, here's what we'd name these little ones:

Jessica: Agnetha, Ana-Frid, Björn and Benny (ABBA members)

Jeremy: Lafayette, Douglass, Winston and Kennan (historical figures)

Editor Ross: Thor, T'Challa, Tony and Thanos (Marvel characters)

What we're watching: The winning names will be announced Friday.

Help pick the name of the Phoenix Zoo's black-footed ferret kits

Black-footed ferrets are one of North America’s most endangered species and were once thought to be extinct in the wild.

A black-footed ferret kit sleeping in the palm of a hand.

Animals

Five litters of black-footed ferret kits were born at the Phoenix Zoo this summer, and Tuesday is the last day to vote on some of their names.State of play: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Phoenix Zoo" data-vars-click-url="https://www.phoenixzoo.org/blog/conservation/black-footed-ferret-kits/" data-vars-content-id="f8493e86-1be1-4a58-8364-e39063693d70" data-vars-headline="Help pick the name of the Phoenix Zoo&#x27;s black-footed ferret kits" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.phoenixzoo.org/blog/conservation/black-footed-ferret-kits/" target="_blank">Phoenix Zoo</a> is one of six facilities worldwide breeding these critters for release to the wild as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums&#x27; black-footed ferret Species Survival Plan.

Jessica Boehm

Featured stories

Phoenix expected to vote on abortion resolution in September

Kelly won't say whether Sinema was right to save carried interest loophole

Metro Phoenix could see temperatures top 125°F by 2035, report shows

Help pick the name of the Phoenix Zoo's black-footed ferret kits

Greed or need: Why gas is cheaper in some parts of metro Phoenix?