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Turf Paradise may relocate under new owner over land issues

The horse track's new owner may need to find a new location as his predecessor seeks to sell the land.

News

Turf Paradise is under new ownership, and in a few years it&#x27;ll likely have a new location as well.Why it matters: Moving Turf Paradise would bring the end of a long era for that region of north Phoenix, which has been home to the racetrack for generations.

Sneak peek: Phoenix gets a smaller Ikea store

Arizona&#x27;s newest Ikea will have the meatballs, the iconic showroom and a grab-and-go marketplace, but it won&#x27;t take you an hour to peruse.What it matters: Phoenix residents have been clamoring for another, more central Ikea for decades.

Clean energy team prevails in SRP board election

Clean energy advocates won  a majority on SRP's board.

Clean energy advocates won a majority of the seats in Tuesday&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="election" data-vars-click-url="https://media.srpnet.com/srp-announces-2026-board-and-council-election-results/" data-vars-content-id="98b7216f-a310-4140-877a-8845cbb373b2" data-vars-headline="Clean energy team prevails in SRP board election" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://media.srpnet.com/srp-announces-2026-board-and-council-election-results/" target="_blank">election</a> for the Salt River Project power board, prevailing over the side heavily <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="backed by the conservative organization Turning Point" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/02/24/srp-election-clean-energy-business-slate-turning-point" data-vars-content-id="98b7216f-a310-4140-877a-8845cbb373b2" data-vars-headline="Clean energy team prevails in SRP board election" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/02/24/srp-election-clean-energy-business-slate-turning-point" target="_self">backed by the conservative organization Turning Point</a>.Why it matters: SRP provides energy for about 1.1 million Phoenix-area customers, and the district board sets the utility&#x27;s electricity rate and power generation policy.

Arizona bartender heads to national speedy cocktail contest

Gilbert bartender Krissy Shelberg will compete in a national speed cocktail contest

One of Arizona&#x27;s speediest bartenders is heading to New Orleans this summer to compete in a national cocktail-making competition.Why it matters: The only thing better than a stiff drink is someone making it for you — quickly.

Extreme heat prompts early pet safety warnings

Experts urge pet owners to avoid hot pavement, cars and outdoor exposure.

The Arizona Humane Society is telling pet owners to take heat precautions early as scorching temperatures continue to bedevil the Valley.🐾 Paw patrol

Guess the first 100-degree day in Phoenix

Some forecasts calling for 100-degree weather next week.

After a very brief heat reprieve brought on by Monday&#x27;s storm, temperatures are expected to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="climb once again" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/03/02/phoenix-hits-90-f-a-month-early" data-vars-content-id="276c5dc4-7197-4f6e-92f9-b0bc50034e49" data-vars-headline="Guess the first 100-degree day 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/2026/03/02/phoenix-hits-90-f-a-month-early" target="_self">climb once again</a>, with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="some forecasts" data-vars-click-url="https://ktar.com/arizona-weather-news/heat-wave-phoenix-showers/5833510/" data-vars-content-id="276c5dc4-7197-4f6e-92f9-b0bc50034e49" data-vars-headline="Guess the first 100-degree day in Phoenix" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ktar.com/arizona-weather-news/heat-wave-phoenix-showers/5833510/" target="_blank">some forecasts</a> calling for 100-degree weather next week.👎 Why it matters: That&#x27;s more than a month sooner than we&#x27;re supposed to see triple-digit temperatures.

Phoenix braces for another warm December

Phoenix could hit 80° this week as winter heat trends continue.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Climate change" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/08/01/heat-streaks-arizona-climate-change" data-vars-content-id="b2c35441-9cf7-4380-b96e-f6b05b791fe2" data-vars-headline="Phoenix braces for another warm December" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/08/01/heat-streaks-arizona-climate-change" target="_self">Climate change</a> has raised winter temperatures nationally and in Phoenix over the past half-century, and this month is shaping up to be <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="particularly warm" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2022/08/16/metro-phoenix-temperatures-2035-report-shows" data-vars-content-id="b2c35441-9cf7-4380-b96e-f6b05b791fe2" data-vars-headline="Phoenix braces for another warm December" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2022/08/16/metro-phoenix-temperatures-2035-report-shows" target="_self">particularly warm</a>, according to weather outlooks.Why it matters: Widespread heat across northern Arizona and the Rocky Mountain region affects water supplies tied to annual snowmelt.

Mosquito season lingers in Phoenix after warm, wet fall

Late rain and warm temps are fueling a longer, itchier season in the Valley.

Warm weather and rain have kept our <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="least-favorite summertime pests" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2023/08/24/mosquitoes-phoenix-desert-arizona" data-vars-content-id="7276515e-3326-4e97-bda0-e055c47d0d35" data-vars-headline="Mosquito season lingers in Phoenix after warm, wet fall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2023/08/24/mosquitoes-phoenix-desert-arizona" target="_self">least-favorite summertime pests</a> active for longer than usual — and our <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mosquito season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2024/06/28/mosquito-season-longer-west-nile-dengue" data-vars-content-id="7276515e-3326-4e97-bda0-e055c47d0d35" data-vars-headline="Mosquito season lingers in Phoenix after warm, wet fall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2024/06/28/mosquito-season-longer-west-nile-dengue" target="_self">mosquito season</a> may get worse before it gets better.Why it matters: In addition to being annoying and itch-inducing, mosquitoes can carry diseases like West Nile Virus that can cause serious illness or death.

Phoenix sees one of wettest Octobers after weekend storms

Nearly 70% of Phoenix's yearly rainfall fell in just 45 days.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="storm system" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/10/us-southwest-us-rain-flood-threats-storms" data-vars-content-id="6524be87-3c72-4db7-a819-2239b0dda671" data-vars-headline="Phoenix sees one of wettest Octobers after weekend storms" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/10/us-southwest-us-rain-flood-threats-storms" target="_self">storm system</a> that blanketed the Valley over the weekend has made this month the third-wettest October on record, according to the National Weather Service. And we&#x27;re only halfway through.The big picture: The remnants of two tropical systems from the East Coast collided with a low-pressure system from the West Coast, resulting in five days of thunderstorms across metro Phoenix, local NWS meteorologist Gabriel Lorejo told Axios.

Wildfire smoke could kill hundreds more Arizonans each year

A new study warns wildfire smoke could kill hundreds more Arizonans annually.

Without protective measures, wildfire smoke could cause tens of thousands more deaths annually across the U.S. by midcentury — and hundreds more in Arizona, a new study warns.Why it matters: The grim findings are among the strongest evidence yet of the harmful effects of climate change, the study&#x27;s authors say.

APS seeks 14% rate hike; Mayes calls it 'outrageous'

Attorney General Kris Mayes is challenging APS' proposal to raise electricity rates.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="APS" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/08/07/aps-reverses-2050-clean-energy-zero-carbon-goal" data-vars-content-id="5fa729ad-e67a-4142-9fe8-32b22d7365fd" data-vars-headline="APS seeks 14% rate hike; Mayes calls it &#x27;outrageous&#x27;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/08/07/aps-reverses-2050-clean-energy-zero-carbon-goal" target="_self">APS</a>, the state&#x27;s largest utility provider, is seeking a 14% rate hike that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Attorney General Kris Mayes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/02/19/arizona-ag-kris-mayes-lawsuits-against-trump-administration" data-vars-content-id="5fa729ad-e67a-4142-9fe8-32b22d7365fd" data-vars-headline="APS seeks 14% rate hike; Mayes calls it &#x27;outrageous&#x27;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/02/19/arizona-ag-kris-mayes-lawsuits-against-trump-administration" target="_self">Attorney General Kris Mayes</a> is calling &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="outrageous" data-vars-click-url="https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-granted-intervention-oppose-outrageous-aps-rate-hike-request" data-vars-content-id="5fa729ad-e67a-4142-9fe8-32b22d7365fd" data-vars-headline="APS seeks 14% rate hike; Mayes calls it &#x27;outrageous&#x27;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-granted-intervention-oppose-outrageous-aps-rate-hike-request" target="_blank">outrageous</a>.&quot;Why it matters: The typical residential customer would pay an additional $20 per month for electricity if the increase is approved, according to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="utility company" data-vars-click-url="https://www.aps.com/en/About/Our-Company/Newsroom/Articles/APS_Requests_Rate_Adjustment_to_Support_Reliable_Service_for_Customers" data-vars-content-id="5fa729ad-e67a-4142-9fe8-32b22d7365fd" data-vars-headline="APS seeks 14% rate hike; Mayes calls it &#x27;outrageous&#x27;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.aps.com/en/About/Our-Company/Newsroom/Articles/APS_Requests_Rate_Adjustment_to_Support_Reliable_Service_for_Customers" target="_blank">utility company</a>.

Solo electric vehicle drivers will soon lose HOV lane access

These drivers will be stuck in slow lanes during weekday morning and evening rush hours.

Solo <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="electric vehicle" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2023/04/25/electric-vehicles-registrations-phoenix-arizona" data-vars-content-id="35fcf891-e4b3-4f7d-9351-10341ec124fc" data-vars-headline="Solo electric vehicle drivers will soon lose HOV lane access" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2023/04/25/electric-vehicles-registrations-phoenix-arizona" target="_self">electric vehicle</a> drivers in a dozen states, including Arizona, will no longer be allowed to use the HOV lanes during peak traffic hours starting Oct. 1.Why it matters: Unrestricted access to highway carpool lanes is a big motivator for commuters to switch to electric or hybrid vehicles.

Phoenix's summer weather is lasting longer and getting hotter

Summer temperatures are lasting an extra eight days on average in Phoenix.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Summer temperatures" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/28/summers-warmer-climate-change" data-vars-content-id="4cfe4650-0b56-41d9-984e-8ca82564b006" data-vars-headline="Phoenix&#x27;s summer weather is lasting longer and getting hotter" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/28/summers-warmer-climate-change" target="_self">Summer temperatures</a> are hanging around longer in the Valley and nationwide compared with in the early 1970s, a new analysis finds, as<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" climate change" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/energy-climate/climate-change" data-vars-content-id="4cfe4650-0b56-41d9-984e-8ca82564b006" data-vars-headline="Phoenix&#x27;s summer weather is lasting longer and getting hotter" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/energy-climate/climate-change" target="_self"> climate change</a> affects the four seasons.Why it matters: Temperatures staying high for longer periods can increase cooling demand (and cost) and prolong the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="risk of heat-related illnesses" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/03/10/phoenix-heat-deaths-2024-decrease-homelessness" data-vars-content-id="4cfe4650-0b56-41d9-984e-8ca82564b006" data-vars-headline="Phoenix&#x27;s summer weather is lasting longer and getting hotter" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/03/10/phoenix-heat-deaths-2024-decrease-homelessness" target="_self">risk of heat-related illnesses</a>.

Phoenix sees jump in annual heat streaks

Since 1970, Phoenix, Tucson and Yuma have averaged three additional heat streaks per year.

Phoenix and other Arizona cities have seen an increase in heat streaks in recent few decades.The big picture: Many U.S. cities now have more heat streaks on average each year compared to 1970, a new analysis finds.

Axios What's Next

A symbol map of the U.S. showing the change in average winter temperatures from 1970 to 2025. Burlington, Vt. leads at +8.1 °F, while a few places have cooled, including Eureka, Calif. (-1.3 °F).

Climate 🌿

Extreme heat prompts early pet safety warnings

Guess the first 100-degree day in Phoenix

Phoenix braces for another warm December

Mosquito season lingers in Phoenix after warm, wet fall

Phoenix sees one of wettest Octobers after weekend storms