Phoenix

blue

Get smarter, faster on what matters in Phoenix with Jeremy Duda and Jessica Boehm.

Axios Phoenix

Standard

Phoenix Members

Membership

Phoenix Alerts

Alert

Axios Phoenix Partners

Axios Phoenix Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Shipping container housing opens for homeless seniors

The complex has 40 transitional housing units, and residents will have access to case managers and social services.

News

A newly opened project in Phoenix offers transitional housing made from shipping containers for older adults who are experiencing homelessness.State of play: City officials and others gathered Wednesday morning for the opening of Senior Bridge, which provides 40 individual transitional housing units for homeless seniors at 28th and Van Buren streets.

Thousands expected at Phoenix No Kings protests Saturday

More than two dozen Valley protests are planned as part of a nationwide day of action.

More than two dozen Valley demonstrations are planned for Saturday&#x27;s nationwide <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="No Kings protest against President Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/24/bruce-springsteen-joan-baez-no-kings-twin-cities" data-vars-content-id="ba1f8b4f-3488-4916-80cb-8607186592f5" data-vars-headline="Thousands expected at Phoenix No Kings protests Saturday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/24/bruce-springsteen-joan-baez-no-kings-twin-cities" target="_self">No Kings protest against President Trump</a>.Why it matters: Thousands are expected to take to the streets to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="denounce ICE&#x27;s expected enforcement ramp-up in Phoenix" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/03/25/phoenix-council-city-property-ice-immigration-prohibition" data-vars-content-id="ba1f8b4f-3488-4916-80cb-8607186592f5" data-vars-headline="Thousands expected at Phoenix No Kings protests Saturday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/03/25/phoenix-council-city-property-ice-immigration-prohibition" target="_self">denounce ICE&#x27;s expected enforcement ramp-up in Phoenix</a>, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Iran war" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/25/iran-war-polls-americans-skeptical" data-vars-content-id="ba1f8b4f-3488-4916-80cb-8607186592f5" data-vars-headline="Thousands expected at Phoenix No Kings protests Saturday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/25/iran-war-polls-americans-skeptical" target="_self">Iran war</a> and other Trump priorities.

Charles Barkley blimp returns to Phoenix skies

The Charles Barkley blimp is back as Final Four week begins.

Keep an eye on the sky for a rare migratory sighting: The 128-foot Charles Barkley blimp is back in Phoenix for the first time in two years.Why it matters: We&#x27;ve missed Soar Charles (also called: Charles Flightly, The Up Chuck, Air Chuck One and The Ugly Chuckling).

Judge voids Arizona Independent Party name change

The judge called it a "political bait and switch."

A Maricopa County Superior Court judge on Wednesday voided the Arizona No Labels Party&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="name change" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/10/17/no-labels-arizona-independent-party" data-vars-content-id="6a9c2c77-b517-4a3e-bae8-f19df76a0d94" data-vars-headline="Judge voids Arizona Independent Party name change" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/10/17/no-labels-arizona-independent-party" target="_self">name change</a> to the Arizona Independent Party.Why it matters: Arizona&#x27;s unaffiliated voters (which number nearly 1.5 million) are also called independents, leading to concerns of voter confusion.

ESA critics and supporters back rival ballot measures

Critics and supporters of Arizona's ESA program are backing dueling reform proposals.

A pair of dueling citizen initiatives have very different approaches on how far the state should go in imposing new restrictions on Arizona&#x27;s school voucher-style program.Why it matters: Around 100,000 students use Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESAs) but the program has been controversial for its ballooning costs — now about <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$1 billion annually" data-vars-click-url="https://www.abc15.com/news/education/esa-spending-in-arizona-tops-1-billion" data-vars-content-id="2c61ab6c-57de-4b8a-9244-4343a433ee80" data-vars-headline="ESA critics and supporters back rival ballot measures" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.abc15.com/news/education/esa-spending-in-arizona-tops-1-billion" target="_blank">$1 billion annually</a> — and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="improper spending" data-vars-click-url="https://www.abc15.com/news/state/esa-audit-flags-9-1-million-in-questionable-spending-on-gaming-pcs-gift-cards-and-more" data-vars-content-id="2c61ab6c-57de-4b8a-9244-4343a433ee80" data-vars-headline="ESA critics and supporters back rival ballot measures" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.abc15.com/news/state/esa-audit-flags-9-1-million-in-questionable-spending-on-gaming-pcs-gift-cards-and-more" target="_blank">improper spending</a> by some parents.

ASU president Michael Crow pushes AI as education equalizer

Crow says AI can personalize learning and expand college access.

ASU president <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michael Crow" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/09/23/arizona-state-university-innovation-us-news-world-report" data-vars-content-id="f72b40ee-494a-4511-8946-17c46529025a" data-vars-headline="ASU president Michael Crow pushes AI as education equalizer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/09/23/arizona-state-university-innovation-us-news-world-report" target="_self">Michael Crow</a> can&#x27;t get enough of AI. He consistently uses nine separate platforms, including one he can converse with during his morning hikes.The big picture: To him — a man so &quot;obsessed with the way knowledge was organized&quot; that he spent his undergrad years pulling one book from every classification range in the Iowa State University library — AI is the tireless reference librarian he&#x27;s always wanted.

Phoenix is losing its youngest residents faster than most cities

Arizona school districts are closing campuses as the population of young children shrinks.

Young children&#x27;s share of the population dropped across major U.S. metros over the past two decades, census data shows, with Phoenix seeing a steeper drop than most.Why it matters: Kids&#x27; population trends can reflect cities&#x27; ability to attract, retain and support families.

Immigration crackdown cuts child care and sidelines moms

Immigration policy shifts are driving mothers out of the labor market.

Increased <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="immigration enforcement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/04/trump-ice-immigration-arrests-deportations" data-vars-content-id="646c8063-a08c-42c2-a78d-c418c2a5a87f" data-vars-headline="Immigration crackdown cuts child care and sidelines moms" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/04/trump-ice-immigration-arrests-deportations" target="_self">immigration enforcement</a> under the Trump administration is upending the child care industry and pushing many American mothers out of the labor market, per a new data analysis.Why it matters: The already-understaffed child care industry, in which 1 in 5 workers is an immigrant, is shrinking in response to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="deportation fears, the" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/11/undocumented-parents-temporary-guardianship-deportation" data-vars-content-id="646c8063-a08c-42c2-a78d-c418c2a5a87f" data-vars-headline="Immigration crackdown cuts child care and sidelines moms" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/11/undocumented-parents-temporary-guardianship-deportation" target="_self">deportation fears, the</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new report" data-vars-click-url="https://d1y8sb8igg2f8e.cloudfront.net/documents/The_Impact_of_Increased_ICE_Activity_on_the_Child_Care_Workforce_and_Mothers_E_ipNMo5s.pdf" data-vars-content-id="646c8063-a08c-42c2-a78d-c418c2a5a87f" data-vars-headline="Immigration crackdown cuts child care and sidelines moms" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://d1y8sb8igg2f8e.cloudfront.net/documents/The_Impact_of_Increased_ICE_Activity_on_the_Child_Care_Workforce_and_Mothers_E_ipNMo5s.pdf" target="_blank">new report</a> from the Better Life Lab at New America found.

What school bonds and overrides do

These voter-approved tools help districts fund repairs, teachers and programs.

About 20 Valley school districts are asking voters to increase their <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="funding" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/02/federal-revenue-schools-map" data-vars-content-id="47bc4ba3-f1b9-4a6a-9507-60e43034fe4c" data-vars-headline="What school bonds and overrides do" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/02/federal-revenue-schools-map" target="_self">funding</a> through mechanisms called bonds and overrides.Why it matters: School districts argue the money they receive from the state isn&#x27;t enough to maintain programs like art and music classes or make necessary building repairs.

Exclusive: ASU medical school receives accreditation and new name

The John Shufeldt School of Medicine and Medical Engineering's first cohort will begin in 2026.

Arizona State University&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new medical school" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2023/06/02/arizona-state-university-medical-school" data-vars-content-id="66671e7d-cdba-40a4-8976-c8c41dabad0a" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: ASU medical school receives accreditation and new name" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2023/06/02/arizona-state-university-medical-school" target="_self">new medical school</a>, which will be named the John Shufeldt School of Medicine and Medical Engineering, has received preliminary accreditation, the program heads tell Axios exclusively.Why it matters: As the health care industry nationwide reckons with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="worker shortages" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/09/05/health-worker-shortages-predicted-2028" data-vars-content-id="66671e7d-cdba-40a4-8976-c8c41dabad0a" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: ASU medical school receives accreditation and new name" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/09/05/health-worker-shortages-predicted-2028" target="_self">worker shortages</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="public distrust" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/04/18/public-trust-medical-pharmaceutical-industry-institutions" data-vars-content-id="66671e7d-cdba-40a4-8976-c8c41dabad0a" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: ASU medical school receives accreditation and new name" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/04/18/public-trust-medical-pharmaceutical-industry-institutions" target="_self">public distrust</a>, the country&#x27;s largest public university has chosen this moment to launch a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="medical school" data-vars-click-url="https://medicine.asu.edu/" data-vars-content-id="66671e7d-cdba-40a4-8976-c8c41dabad0a" data-vars-headline="Exclusive: ASU medical school receives accreditation and new name" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://medicine.asu.edu/" target="_blank">medical school</a> that ASU officials say will challenge traditional medical education and harness the power of technology.

UofA rejects Trump's higher ed plan as ASU gets invite to join compact

The University of Arizona rejected a Trump proposal linking funding to political priorities.

Politics & Policy

The University of Arizona announced Monday it would not agree to President Trump&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="higher education" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/17/universities-trump-harvard-columbia" data-vars-content-id="31effb31-c156-4fe6-8dfa-8477717c80df" data-vars-headline="UofA rejects Trump&#x27;s higher ed plan as ASU gets invite to join compact" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/17/universities-trump-harvard-columbia" target="_self">higher education</a> proposal as written, which would give the school funding preference in exchange for committing to the administration&#x27;s political priorities. Yes, but: Arizona State University is continuing conversations with the White House, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Wall Street Journal reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wsj.com/us-news/education/trump-administration-meets-with-more-colleges-about-sweeping-compact-after-rejections-153bfca4" data-vars-content-id="31effb31-c156-4fe6-8dfa-8477717c80df" data-vars-headline="UofA rejects Trump&#x27;s higher ed plan as ASU gets invite to join compact" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wsj.com/us-news/education/trump-administration-meets-with-more-colleges-about-sweeping-compact-after-rejections-153bfca4" target="_blank">The Wall Street Journal reports</a>.

Arizona Science Center reopens planetarium with stunning tech

The Dorrance DOME offers 8K shows, real-time NASA imagery and immersive concerts.

<figure><img alt="Indoor theater with an immersive floor-to-ceiling waterfall projection on a mossy green cliff backdrop, showing a scenic valley, while an audience sits and watches in dim lighting." height="450" id="c6a85e53-532e-4a96-8b73-06c3885dacea" src="https://images.axios.com/TTPs7unRn4Z2cINMP0q1w9RVm_0=/2025/10/16/1760646806156.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>The Dorrance DOME is an elevated planetarium. Photo: Jessica Boehm/Axios</figcaption></figure>The Arizona Science Center&#x27;s planetarium underwent a massive renovation and reopens Saturday as the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dorrance DOME" data-vars-click-url="https://www.azscience.org/experience/dorrance-dome/" data-vars-content-id="eb2bec45-8665-4e5d-b889-398cdccd2af8" data-vars-headline="Arizona Science Center reopens planetarium with stunning tech" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.azscience.org/experience/dorrance-dome/" target="_blank">Dorrance DOME</a> — one of the most advanced digital domes in the world.The big picture: The refreshed planetarium represents a new era for the Science Center, which interim president and CEO Tammy Stewart said will &quot;inspire learners of all ages to explore science in ways that are immersive, interactive and unforgettable.&quot;

ASU is again the most innovative university, U.S. News says

The title is both a point of pride and a recurring joke among alumni.

Arizona State University climbed ahead of rival University of Arizona in the U.S. News &amp; World Report Best Colleges rankings released Tuesday, and remained the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most innovative institution" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2023/09/18/arizona-state-university-us-news-innovative" data-vars-content-id="79483afc-14bd-498f-9f3a-241ec54ed20b" data-vars-headline="ASU is again the most innovative university, U.S. News says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2023/09/18/arizona-state-university-us-news-innovative" target="_self">most innovative institution</a> in the country.Why it matters: As universities face <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="changing demographics" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/07/03/education-enrollment-cliff-schools" data-vars-content-id="79483afc-14bd-498f-9f3a-241ec54ed20b" data-vars-headline="ASU is again the most innovative university, U.S. News says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/07/03/education-enrollment-cliff-schools" target="_self">changing demographics</a> and skepticism about the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="value of postsecondary education" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/09/college-blue-collar-gen-z" data-vars-content-id="79483afc-14bd-498f-9f3a-241ec54ed20b" data-vars-headline="ASU is again the most innovative university, U.S. News says" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/09/college-blue-collar-gen-z" target="_self">value of postsecondary education</a>, competition between institutions has become steeper.

Arizona school funding ruled unconstitutional by state judge

A judge found that Arizona isn't properly funding capital needs in many school districts.

Arizona&#x27;s system for funding K-12 facilities violates the state constitution because it doesn&#x27;t provide for some school districts&#x27; minimum needs, a judge said Wednesday in what could be a landmark ruling.Why it matters: If the ruling withstands a planned appeal, the Arizona Legislature will have to provide substantial new funding for school facilities and other capital needs at some point in the future.

Axios What's Next

An arrow chart showing the decrease in the share of the population under age five, 2005 to 2024. Nationally, the share of the population under five decreased 1.6 percentage points, from 7.0% in 2005 to 5.4% in 2024. The metro area with the largest decrease is Salt Lake City, which dropped 3.3 percentage points from 9.2% to 5.9%.

Education 📚

ESA critics and supporters back rival ballot measures

ASU president Michael Crow pushes AI as education equalizer

Phoenix is losing its youngest residents faster than most cities

Immigration crackdown cuts child care and sidelines moms

What school bonds and overrides do