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Former Suns owners sues ex-business partners 

Sarver alleges a "corporate maneuver" unfairly deprived him of his contractual rights.

News

Former Phoenix Suns and Mercury owner Robert Sarver is suing his ex-real estate business partners, alleging that they unfairly pushed him out of their business ventures.Why it matters: The lawsuit is the latest fallout from Sarver&#x27;s polarizing tenure as Suns owner — and the controversies that brought it to an end.

Scoop: Maricopa County never OK'd lawmaker's "excellence award"

The state lawmaker has touted the award, which the county board of supervisors never voted to give him.

Election

In late September, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="GOP state Rep. Matt Gress" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/01/28/chips-salsa-isaac-school-district-budget-drama" data-vars-content-id="fbb583ba-6285-4fb6-a72c-315c4782ff1a" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Maricopa County never OK&#x27;d lawmaker&#x27;s &quot;excellence award&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/01/28/chips-salsa-isaac-school-district-budget-drama" target="_self">GOP state Rep. Matt Gress</a> touted on social media that he&#x27;d been given the &quot;Maricopa County Excellence Award&quot; — only the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="county board of supervisors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/08/04/final-stamp-on-a-silky-smooth-primary" data-vars-content-id="fbb583ba-6285-4fb6-a72c-315c4782ff1a" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Maricopa County never OK&#x27;d lawmaker&#x27;s &quot;excellence award&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/08/04/final-stamp-on-a-silky-smooth-primary" target="_self">county board of supervisors</a> never voted to establish any such honor.Why it matters: The pseudo-award shines a spotlight on Gress, who faces perhaps the toughest re-election fight of any state lawmaker.

Perfectly flaky: Get your croissant fix here

We tried three pastries at a beloved Scottsdale bakery

Craving a piece of France here in the Valley? We&#x27;ve got three recommendations for you.Driving the news: This summer, locals went crazy over Gilbert&#x27;s Sablé Boulangerie, known for customers lining up around the block — an unusual sight for the suburb.

Savannah Bananas returning to Phoenix in 2027

The lottery for Savannah Bananas tickets is open through Oct. 31.

Things to Do

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Savannah Bananas" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2023/10/12/the-savannah-bananas-are-coming-to-the-valley" data-vars-content-id="d5b27cae-30ba-403f-8775-9af58113e6be" data-vars-headline="Savannah Bananas returning to Phoenix in 2027" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2023/10/12/the-savannah-bananas-are-coming-to-the-valley" target="_self">Savannah Bananas</a> are coming back to the Valley next year. State of play: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Banana Ball" data-vars-click-url="https://bananaball.com/" data-vars-content-id="d5b27cae-30ba-403f-8775-9af58113e6be" data-vars-headline="Savannah Bananas returning to Phoenix in 2027" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bananaball.com/" target="_blank">Banana Ball</a> league announced its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2027 schedule" data-vars-click-url="https://bananaball.com/schedule/" data-vars-content-id="d5b27cae-30ba-403f-8775-9af58113e6be" data-vars-headline="Savannah Bananas returning to Phoenix in 2027" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bananaball.com/schedule/" target="_blank">2027 schedule</a>, which includes a pair of games in Phoenix.

Where in the Valley?

Culture

Welcome to another edition of &quot;Where in the Valley?&quot;How it works: We show you something cool. You tell us where it is.

Tempe's getting a new weekly farmers market

The market will run most Sunday mornings.

Food and Drink

Tempe City Hall is closed on the weekends, but it&#x27;ll be a hub of activity every Sunday starting this October as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the city" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/09/04/tempe-age-demential-friendly-park-kiwanis" data-vars-content-id="180ccd48-47cb-42c3-ab13-96fd641de3de" data-vars-headline="Tempe&#x27;s getting a new weekly farmers market" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/09/04/tempe-age-demential-friendly-park-kiwanis" target="_self">the city</a> debuts a new weekly farmers market.Why it matters: The Tempe City Hall Farmers Market — an accurate, if not very creative, name — will give Valley residents another option when looking for locally produced <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="food" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/09/02/bite-club-roman-god-of-fire-tempe-review" data-vars-content-id="180ccd48-47cb-42c3-ab13-96fd641de3de" data-vars-headline="Tempe&#x27;s getting a new weekly farmers market" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/09/02/bite-club-roman-god-of-fire-tempe-review" target="_self">food</a> and wares.

The Valley went nuts over Pokemon cards on Wednesday

The debut of the 30th anniversary packs drove crazy demand.

Business

If you heard about people camping outside of a Target early Wednesday morning and wondered what all the buzz was about, here&#x27;s the answer: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pokemon cards" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/06/28/pokemon-card-psa-grading-value" data-vars-content-id="2bfcb366-8eab-42bc-b42d-219bae9846c6" data-vars-headline="The Valley went nuts over Pokemon cards on Wednesday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/06/28/pokemon-card-psa-grading-value" target="_self">Pokemon cards</a>.Driving the news: Wednesday marked the global release for the 30th anniversary edition of the Pokemon Trading Card Game, and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the demand " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/23/pokemon-card-trading-cards-boom-target-ebay-sales" data-vars-content-id="2bfcb366-8eab-42bc-b42d-219bae9846c6" data-vars-headline="The Valley went nuts over Pokemon cards on Wednesday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/23/pokemon-card-trading-cards-boom-target-ebay-sales" target="_self">the demand </a>across Arizona and the country was intense.

Phoenix looks to bring vendors back to First Fridays

A proposed pilot program would allow local vendors on private property for First Fridays.

The Phoenix City Council is looking to bring back the local vendors who formed much of the heart and soul of First Fridays before <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="street closures and markets became things of the past" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/05/01/roosevelt-row-reckoning-first-friday-changes" data-vars-content-id="69c44c6e-b8ca-4461-92d7-3b7c6cdd44c4" data-vars-headline="Phoenix looks to bring vendors back to First Fridays" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/05/01/roosevelt-row-reckoning-first-friday-changes" target="_self">street closures and markets became things of the past</a>.Why it matters: Vendors selling local goods were a big part of what made First Fridays on Roosevelt Row special, and the events haven&#x27;t been the same without them.

There's 1 month left for Flashlight Nights at the Desert Botanical Garden

The popular Desert Botanical Gardens series is extending through September for the first time.

This summer, nature lovers and the nature-curious have an extra month to check out the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Desert Botanical Garden&#x27;s popular &quot;Flashlight Nights&quot; events" data-vars-click-url="https://dbg.org/summer-garden-after-dark/" data-vars-content-id="21b339da-285c-4d82-9f07-83731825464c" data-vars-headline="There&#x27;s 1 month left for Flashlight Nights at the Desert Botanical Garden" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://dbg.org/summer-garden-after-dark/" target="_blank">Desert Botanical Garden&#x27;s popular &quot;Flashlight Nights&quot; events</a>, which will continue to the end of September for the first time since the series began in 1988.Why it matters: As Phoenix temperatures (hopefully) begin to cool down, the weekend events offer a fun, sunburn-free way for kiddos and adults to explore what makes living in the desert so unique.

Michelin stars skip Arizona in Southwest debut

But several Phoenix restaurants took home other awards.

The famously stingy <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michelin Guide" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/08/24/utah-michelin-star-predictions" data-vars-content-id="592f167b-2d65-4af5-9f31-8192af4eb4af" data-vars-headline="Michelin stars skip Arizona in Southwest debut" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/08/24/utah-michelin-star-predictions" target="_self">Michelin Guide</a> denied Arizona restaurants any of its coveted stars, but nearly a dozen Valley favorites did get some recognition during a ceremony Wednesday. Why it matters: A Michelin star would have gone a long toward boosting the Valley&#x27;s growing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="national reputation for its restaurant scene" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cntraveler.com/story/phoenix-reborn-with-new-hotels-food-and-art?utm_source=chatgpt.com" data-vars-content-id="592f167b-2d65-4af5-9f31-8192af4eb4af" data-vars-headline="Michelin stars skip Arizona in Southwest debut" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cntraveler.com/story/phoenix-reborn-with-new-hotels-food-and-art?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">national reputation for its restaurant scene</a>.

Chandler, prepare for Late Night Madness at Seafood City

The popular grocery chain plans to bring its viral party to Arizona this fall.

Fans of Arizona&#x27;s newly opened Seafood City in Chandler haven&#x27;t yet received the full experience the Filipino grocery chain has to offer: Late Night Madness.Why it matters: The California-based franchise periodically extends its hours to host boisterous community parties with local DJs and street food — and the Chandler store is expected to host its first such event this fall.

Effort underway to revitalize First Fridays on Roosevelt Row

Organizers hope to bring back vendor and artist space at First Fridays on Roosevelt Row.

Roosevelt Row First Friday organizers are hoping to bring back some of the glory that was lost this year when the street fair elements were halted.State of play: First Friday hasn&#x27;t been the same since it <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ended its trademark vendor market and road closures" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/05/01/roosevelt-row-reckoning-first-friday-changes" data-vars-content-id="c9d86046-b7ab-4c73-979f-ad3c1ceb173e" data-vars-headline="Effort underway to revitalize First Fridays on Roosevelt Row" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/05/01/roosevelt-row-reckoning-first-friday-changes" target="_self">ended its trademark vendor market and road closures</a> due to &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ugly" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/DXNQd_LEkvo/?img_index=1" data-vars-content-id="c9d86046-b7ab-4c73-979f-ad3c1ceb173e" data-vars-headline="Effort underway to revitalize First Fridays on Roosevelt Row" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DXNQd_LEkvo/?img_index=1" target="_blank">ugly</a>&quot; and violent incidents.

"Malcolm in the Middle"  actor Frankie Muniz vs. Scottsdale

After a post about a three-year permit ordeal, Scottsdale's mayor and a council member jumped in to help.

Development

Frankie Muniz, the 40-year-old actor and Scottsdale resident most known for the sitcom &quot;Malcolm in the Middle,&quot; took to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="X" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/frankiemuniz/status/2080090934067487212?s=46&amp;t=xOciPJQDsblJTyj7caaA8Q" data-vars-content-id="78bc8011-52e0-4144-85a5-05cf22ec7f15" data-vars-headline="&quot;Malcolm in the Middle&quot; actor Frankie Muniz vs. Scottsdale" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/frankiemuniz/status/2080090934067487212?s=46&amp;t=xOciPJQDsblJTyj7caaA8Q" target="_blank">X</a> to complain about a long-drawn city permit nightmare.The intrigue: Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky and Council Member Barry Graham promptly offered to help Muniz in the replies.

Culture

Jimmy Eat World gets limited-edition Mesa library card

Where in the Valley?

Tempe's getting a new weekly farmers market

The Valley went nuts over Pokemon cards on Wednesday

Phoenix looks to bring vendors back to First Fridays