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Data: Chain Store Guide; Note: Stores under the same brand name have been combined, e.g. Walmart and Walmart Supercenter; Chart: Axios Visuals

Fry's is the most popular grocery chain in the Phoenix area, with 26.2% of the market share as of last year, Axios' Alex Fitzpatrick and Erin Davis report.

Driving the news: Walmart and Costco are residents' second and third favorites, with 21.5% and 10.7% of local market share, respectively.

That's according to new data from Chain Store Guide, which tracks the retail and food service industries.

Zoom in: Fry's, owned by Kroger, has 127 stores across 34 cities in Arizona, including 27 in Phoenix.

Kroger and Albertsons, which has 9.7% of the market share in the Phoenix metro, are attempting a merger, though they said they're willing to divest up to 650 stores nationally and could shift 100-375 stores to a new entity.

Opponents are urging the FTC to block the merger.

The big picture: While national retail behemoths such as Walmart are often among the most popular grocers — if not the most popular — in any given city, local and regional operations can give the big box stores a run for their money.

"At a time when politics divides opinion nationally on many big brands, grocery brands have been able to maintain loyalty and trust across demographics by maintaining a steady presence in their communities," Axios' Sara Fischer and Emily Peck write.

By the numbers: The amount Americans spend on groceries is getting crushed by the total spent dining out in the post-pandemic era.

"People spent 20.7% more at restaurants than they spent on groceries in 2022 — and that figure rose to 29.5% in the first two months of the year, according to Commerce Department data compiled by JLL," Axios' Nathan Bomey writes.

Jeremy's thought bubble: As a Phoenix native who's lived here most of my life, I still miss Smitty's.

Fry's is Phoenix's favorite grocery store

Walmart and Costco are residents' second and third favorites, with 21.5% and 10.7% of local market share, respectively.

Shopping

A chart shows the largest grocers by market share in the Phoenix area in 2022, with Fry's at the top with 26.2%

Fry&#x27;s is the most popular grocery chain in the Phoenix area, with 26.2% of the market share as of last year, Axios&#x27; Alex Fitzpatrick and Erin Davis report.Driving the news: Walmart and Costco are residents&#x27; second and third favorites, with 21.5% and 10.7% of local market share, respectively.

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News

U.S. News & World Report on Tuesday released some of its annual rankings for graduate schools, putting Arizona State University and University of Arizona in top spots for programs such as public affairs, business and nursing.

Why it matters: Students and families often use U.S. News to make decisions about where to get degrees.

However, the influence and credibility of the longstanding higher-ed ranking system has wavered as the landscape has changed and schools have adjusted to enrollment declines and more diverse applicant pools, Axios’ Erin Doherty writes.

Driving the news: Public affairs is ASU's highest-ranked program at 10th overall, earning the top spot for its homeland security specialty.

Meanwhile, UofA's Earth sciences program ranked fourth overall nationally, tied with Stanford and Columbia universities, with a top five ranking for its geology specialty. ASU ranked eighth in geology.

The intrigue: U.S. News delayed its rankings for law and medical schools last week after pushback from universities about the accuracy of the data.

Dozens of elite law schools and medical schools announced last year they would boycott the rankings, saying the list was "unreliable and skewed educational priorities," The New York Times reported. In response, the outlet changed how it ranked law schools.

Yes, but: When the embargoed data was released to schools earlier this month, U.S. News received unprecedented feedback and requests for data submissions from those schools that originally declined to participate, indicating the rankings still have authority in higher education.

By the numbers: ASU earned top 50 rankings for its public affairs (10), education (18), Earth sciences (14), law (30), engineering (41), economics (38), computer science (46) and MBA programs at the W.P. Carey School of Business.

$148,110 average starting salary and bonus for full-time MBA graduates

Though UofA's full-time MBA program at its Eller College of Management ranked 53rd overall, several other programs ranked in the top 50 nationally.

Of note: Northern Arizona University ranked 27th for its physician's assistant program in a tie with several other schools. Arizona School of Health Sciences ranked 40th.

Arizona grad school programs rank among the best in U.S. News

U.S. News delayed its rankings for law and medical schools last week after pushback about the accuracy of the data.

Illustration of a graduation cap but the tassel is a ladder.

Arizona

U.S. News &amp; World Report on Tuesday released some of its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="annual rankings for graduate schools" data-vars-click-url="https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools" data-vars-content-id="22efdddf-353c-49ea-8126-f894e4280570" data-vars-headline="Arizona grad school programs rank among the best in U.S. News" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools" target="_blank">annual rankings for graduate schools</a>, putting Arizona State University and University of Arizona in top spots for programs such as public affairs, business and nursing.Why it matters: Students and families often use U.S. News to make decisions about where to get degrees.

The University of Arkansas System board of trustees on Monday rejected a resolution that would have supported a future affiliation with the University of Phoenix, the for-profit online school.

State of play: UA System president Donald Bobbitt still has the authority to move forward with the controversial deal despite the split vote.

The university system created a nonprofit called Transformative Education Services Inc., last year to acquire the private school, rather than buy it directly, to protect Arkansas from legal and financial liability, the Washington Post reported.

Per the proposal, the University of Phoenix would act as an affiliate institution with a licensing agreement that could generate about $20 million in revenue.

Zoom in: About 80,000 students are enrolled at University of Phoenix, and most take online classes. The brand is a household name and its degrees are accessible to adult learners, an increasingly important and growing applicant pool for colleges.

The university once had the largest student body in the country with nearly 470,000 students as of 2010, but its reputation and enrollment took hits thanks to "aggressive regulatory scrutiny from the Obama administration," according to Inside Higher Ed.

Flashback: The Great Recession fueled the growth of for-profit colleges, which attracted low-income students looking for options amid a tough job market.

Yes, but: While for-profit schools can give students a more flexible way to earn a degree, many such programs have closed amid accusations of predatory lending and false advertising.

Phoenix agreed to cancel $141 million in student debt in 2021 through a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission over deceptive recruiting tactics that boasted relationships with high-profile companies.

What's next: University of Phoenix has reportedly been on the market for years as public universities are looking to expand online learning programs. So, even if Bobbitt doesn't make the deal, this might not be the last acquisition attempt.

University of Arkansas board votes against University of Phoenix deal

UA system president Donald Bobbitt can move forward with the controversial deal despite the split vote.

A black sign with white lettering marks the location of the University of Phoenix.

Universities

The University of Arkansas System board of trustees on Monday rejected <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a resolution" data-vars-click-url="https://arktimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Resolution.pdf" data-vars-content-id="3336564e-f870-4140-a131-c7e1eb23def0" data-vars-headline="University of Arkansas board votes against University of Phoenix deal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://arktimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Resolution.pdf" target="_blank">a resolution</a> that would have supported a future affiliation with the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="University of Phoenix" data-vars-click-url="https://www.phoenix.edu/" data-vars-content-id="3336564e-f870-4140-a131-c7e1eb23def0" data-vars-headline="University of Arkansas board votes against University of Phoenix deal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.phoenix.edu/" target="_blank">University of Phoenix</a>, the for-profit online school.State of play: UA System president Donald Bobbitt still has the authority to move forward with the controversial deal despite the split vote.

Data: S&P Global Mobility; Chart: Axios Visuals

Electric vehicles accounted for 9.2% of monthly new vehicle registrations in the Phoenix area this January, up from 3.3% a year earlier, Axios' Joann Muller reports.

Why it matters: Months of staggered growth show the EV transition is gaining momentum in Phoenix and local drivers are proving to be leaders in the shift toward EVs.

The year-over-year increase in EV registrations reflects the national trend and shows that mainstream car buyers are increasingly turning from EV-curious to EV owners, thanks to more selection and moderating prices.

Of note: Phoenix had the seventh highest percentage of EV registrations this January and the sixth highest year-over-year growth among 28 Axios Local cities.

Yes, but: We're still behind the adoption rate seen in major cities in California and the Pacific Northwest.

What we're driving: Tesla's Model 3 and Model Y were most registered consumer vehicles locally, followed by the Chevrolet Bolt and Volkswagen ID.4.

As the overall EV pie gets bigger, Tesla's market dominance is fading.

Phoenix is home to several electric vehicle manufacturers and car shoppers who're interested in EVs have more choices than ever.

At the end of 2022, 47 electric models were available for sale in the U.S., up from 33 the prior year.

Federal tax credits for EVs and their batteries could further expand the industry in Arizona.

By the numbers: The Phoenix City Council approved a plan last summer to install 500 public charging stations and convert some city vehicles to electric.

The city's goal is to have 280,000 EVs on its streets by 2030.

2,145 electric vehicles were registered in Phoenix as of January, more than triple the prior year.

40,740 electric vehicles were registered statewide as of December 2021, per the U.S. Department of Energy.

The other side: EVs tend to have more problems than traditional cars and trucks, Axios’ Alan Neuhauser reported.

Zoom out: Nationally, EVs accounted for 7% of new vehicle registrations in January, up from 4.1% the same month in 2022.

Reality check: Less than 1% of the 279 million cars and light trucks on American roads are electric.

The Biden administration recently announced heavier restrictions on auto emissions, but the transition from gasoline to electric vehicles is slow-moving and will take decades to complete.

Shift to electric vehicles is revving up in Phoenix

Electric vehicle registration growth shows the EV movement is gaining ground.

Electric vehicles

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Electric vehicles" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/energy-environment/electric-vehicles" data-vars-content-id="43db24b5-27cd-43b2-896b-3fbfb1529a7f" data-vars-headline="Shift to electric vehicles is revving up in Phoenix" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/energy-environment/electric-vehicles" target="_self">Electric vehicles</a> accounted for 9.2% of monthly new vehicle registrations in the Phoenix area this January, up from 3.3% a year earlier, Axios&#x27; Joann Muller reports.Why it matters: Months of staggered growth show the EV transition is gaining momentum in Phoenix and local drivers are proving to be <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="leaders in the shift toward EVs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2022/06/28/phoenix-wants-more-electric-vehicles-2030" data-vars-content-id="43db24b5-27cd-43b2-896b-3fbfb1529a7f" data-vars-headline="Shift to electric vehicles is revving up in Phoenix" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2022/06/28/phoenix-wants-more-electric-vehicles-2030" target="_self">leaders in the shift toward EVs</a>.

Climate

Airbnbs in Phoenix have the second-highest fees in the country, with customers facing an average 47% surcharge on top of nightly rates this summer, according to a recent Forbes Advisor analysis.

Why it matters: High cleaning fees, service charges and taxes could unexpectedly break hopeful travelers' budgets.

Reality check: Booking a home or condo in Phoenix at the average $202 per night could actually cost nearly $300. That's an extra $475 over five days in fees alone.

By the numbers: Phoenix tops the list for cleaning fees at 20%, nearly double the national average.

The average cleaning fee for a five-night stay nationally is $160.

The national average for total fees on top of nightly rates is 36%.

Of note: Scottsdale properties ranked seventh for Airbnb fees at 45%, with an average nightly rate of $253.

What they're saying: "When compared to a hotel, Airbnb often provides more space and more amenities: Travelers can get an Airbnb with two bedrooms and two bathrooms for approximately the price of one hotel room at a major chain," Airbnb spokeswoman Cristina Calzadilla told Forbes.

Flashback: After customer complaints, Airbnb last December added the option for customers to see the total price before booking.

Now, properties will display the cost with all fees before taxes in search results, map, filter and listing page.

Kate's thought bubble: Explore these unique properties in the Valley or a short drive from it.

Airbnb fees in Phoenix are among the highest in the country

Travelers are facing an average 47% surcharge on top of nightly rates this summer.

Airbnb

Airbnbs in Phoenix have the second-highest fees in the country, with customers facing an average 47% surcharge on top of nightly rates this summer, according to a recent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Forbes Advisor analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.forbes.com/advisor/credit-cards/travel-rewards/study-cities-with-the-worst-airbnb-fees/?utm_campaign=Newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsmi=255025754&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9MPm04bo2-A-UTAG7uWU9I8L79MrZ7Qp8KHE0APSb_G1fZ5CSJJlE7nG_OuPPNOO_FdNxWWpjEe_gzXUHvusMtP-5Xhg&amp;utm_content=255025754&amp;utm_source=hs_email" data-vars-content-id="a2799bcb-6748-4184-881a-79f4baef444e" data-vars-headline="Airbnb fees in Phoenix are among the highest in the country" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.forbes.com/advisor/credit-cards/travel-rewards/study-cities-with-the-worst-airbnb-fees/?utm_campaign=Newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsmi=255025754&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9MPm04bo2-A-UTAG7uWU9I8L79MrZ7Qp8KHE0APSb_G1fZ5CSJJlE7nG_OuPPNOO_FdNxWWpjEe_gzXUHvusMtP-5Xhg&amp;utm_content=255025754&amp;utm_source=hs_email" target="_blank">Forbes Advisor analysis</a>.Why it matters: High cleaning fees, service charges and taxes could unexpectedly break hopeful travelers&#x27; budgets.

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