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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.

Former Sen. Jon Kyl has died 

In his 18 years in the Senate, Kyl became a tremendously influential Republican lawmaker.

News

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jon Kyl" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2018/09/04/jon-kyl-john-mccain-replacement-senate" data-vars-content-id="3c4e9373-61ce-47dc-8fe7-8539806baf0a" data-vars-headline="Former Sen. Jon Kyl has died " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2018/09/04/jon-kyl-john-mccain-replacement-senate" target="_self">Jon Kyl</a>, who <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="represented Arizona" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2018/09/04/facebook-jon-kyl-anti-conservative-bias-investigation" data-vars-content-id="3c4e9373-61ce-47dc-8fe7-8539806baf0a" data-vars-headline="Former Sen. Jon Kyl has died " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2018/09/04/facebook-jon-kyl-anti-conservative-bias-investigation" target="_self">represented Arizona</a> in the U.S. Senate for 18 years, has died. He was 84.The big picture: Kyl was an influential Republican, respected statesman and legislative <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="workhorse" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/jon-kyl-former-us-senator-arizona-dies-84-rcna598369" data-vars-content-id="3c4e9373-61ce-47dc-8fe7-8539806baf0a" data-vars-headline="Former Sen. Jon Kyl has died " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/jon-kyl-former-us-senator-arizona-dies-84-rcna598369" target="_blank">workhorse</a> known for his conservative principles, skilled use of Senate procedures and deep knowledge of water and judicial issues.

Arizona universities fare well in campus free speech rankings

As U.S. colleges struggled with free speech rights, Arizona largely bucked the trend.

American colleges are largely failing to create a healthy <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="free speech" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/08/24/fiu-students-ice-free-speech-aclu-florida" data-vars-content-id="911fb35b-1dbc-4aea-8362-cb773224fbf1" data-vars-headline="Arizona universities fare well in campus free speech rankings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2026/08/24/fiu-students-ice-free-speech-aclu-florida" target="_self">free speech</a> climate on campus, but Arizona&#x27;s universities have some of the nation&#x27;s best scores, according to a new national ranking.Why it matters: Students are self-censoring at high rates amid intense <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="political pressure" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/21/trump-higher-ed-shakeup-colleges-fall-semester" data-vars-content-id="911fb35b-1dbc-4aea-8362-cb773224fbf1" data-vars-headline="Arizona universities fare well in campus free speech rankings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/21/trump-higher-ed-shakeup-colleges-fall-semester" target="_self">political pressure</a> from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="911fb35b-1dbc-4aea-8362-cb773224fbf1" data-vars-headline="Arizona universities fare well in campus free speech rankings" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">Trump</a> administration and efforts by some universities to change policies in response.

Phoenix had second-hottest summer on record in 2026

The five hottest summers have all come this decade.

Climate

This past summer in Phoenix tied for the second-hottest on record, with June through August averaging 97 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.Why it matters: While <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="summer heat" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/09/17/phoenix-summer-weather-fall-hotter" data-vars-content-id="98cddb21-a6bd-493b-9061-dab05e6d2d0f" data-vars-headline="Phoenix had second-hottest summer on record in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/09/17/phoenix-summer-weather-fall-hotter" target="_self">summer heat</a> is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nothing new" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/01/07/warmest-year-ever" data-vars-content-id="98cddb21-a6bd-493b-9061-dab05e6d2d0f" data-vars-headline="Phoenix had second-hottest summer on record in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/01/07/warmest-year-ever" target="_self">nothing new</a> in the Valley, the five hottest summers in Phoenix history have all come this decade.

Jay Feely's Trump endorsement could hurt him in November

Politics

Jay Feely frequently touted his endorsement from President Trump during the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="GOP primary" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/07/22/1st-congressional-district-primary-election-results-feely-shah-galan-woods" data-vars-content-id="322e2acc-5eea-4999-af39-84cc5460928f" data-vars-headline="Jay Feely&#x27;s Trump endorsement could hurt him in November" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/07/22/1st-congressional-district-primary-election-results-feely-shah-galan-woods" target="_self">GOP primary</a> in Arizona&#x27;s 1st Congressional District, but that could do him more harm than good as we near the general election.Why it matters: CD1 is a swing district and a top pickup target for Democrats, and Trump&#x27;s endorsement of the former NFL kicker could play a role in determining which party controls Congress for the next two years.

Jake Hoffman is making money off candidates he recruited

Jake Hoffman is an influential far-right state senator from Gilbert.

A political communications firm owned by influential GOP state Sen. Jake Hoffman has made more than $200,000 so far off of two statewide candidates he recruited to run in the 2026 election, campaign finance data shows.Why it matters: The money spent on Hoffman&#x27;s Forged Communications — by prominent candidates <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kimberly Yee" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/05/28/yee-challenge-horne-republican-primary-superintendent-of-public-instruction" data-vars-content-id="9346e458-d9ce-457c-b99c-134f82e9da2b" data-vars-headline="Jake Hoffman is making money off candidates he recruited" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/05/28/yee-challenge-horne-republican-primary-superintendent-of-public-instruction" target="_self">Kimberly Yee</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Alexander Kolodin" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/04/01/alexander-kolodin-announces-arizona-secretary-of-state-bid" data-vars-content-id="9346e458-d9ce-457c-b99c-134f82e9da2b" data-vars-headline="Jake Hoffman is making money off candidates he recruited" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/04/01/alexander-kolodin-announces-arizona-secretary-of-state-bid" target="_self">Alexander Kolodin</a> — raise conflict of interest concerns with political observers and ethics experts.

Exclusive: Democrat Amish Shah wins second police endorsement over Feely

The race could flip the House of Representatives.

Amish Shah, the Democrat nominee in Arizona&#x27;s 1st Congressional District, has picked up a second notable endorsement from a law enforcement union in his race against Republican candidate Jay Feely.Why it matters: The endorsement, from the Maricopa County Sheriff&#x27;s Office Deputies Law Enforcement Association (DLEA), gives the former state lawmaker and longtime emergency room doctor a boost as he looks to flip a seat that Republicans have controlled for years.

New poll shows Hobbs with comfortable lead over Biggs

The poll also shows a smaller advantage for Attorney General Kris Mayes.

Election

Gov. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Katie Hobbs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/07/28/katie-hobbs-democratic-governors-association" data-vars-content-id="724459de-8500-4dde-9aaa-108baa4e7e15" data-vars-headline="New poll shows Hobbs with comfortable lead over Biggs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/07/28/katie-hobbs-democratic-governors-association" target="_self">Katie Hobbs</a> led Republican challenger Andy Biggs by 8 points in a poll of likely Arizona voters <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="commissioned by the AARP" data-vars-click-url="https://www.aarp.org/government-elections/arizona-poll-2026/" data-vars-content-id="724459de-8500-4dde-9aaa-108baa4e7e15" data-vars-headline="New poll shows Hobbs with comfortable lead over Biggs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.aarp.org/government-elections/arizona-poll-2026/" target="_blank">commissioned by the AARP</a> and released Thursday.Why it matters: The poll, which also showed smaller <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Democratic advantages" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/23/house-democrats-arizona-dccc-shah-delbene-2026" data-vars-content-id="724459de-8500-4dde-9aaa-108baa4e7e15" data-vars-headline="New poll shows Hobbs with comfortable lead over Biggs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/07/23/house-democrats-arizona-dccc-shah-delbene-2026" target="_self">Democratic advantages</a> in the races for attorney general and control of the state Legislature, offers an intriguing snapshot of the electorate three months out of the general election.

Scoop: Gov. Katie Hobbs' reported running mate left GOP

Giles is potentially the running mate for Gov. Katie Hobbs.

Former Mesa Mayor John Giles, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reportedly the lieutenant governor pick" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/04/us/elections/arizona-governor-running-mate.html" data-vars-content-id="45798b3f-6c64-447e-b244-008f9a2b490f" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Gov. Katie Hobbs&#x27; reported running mate left GOP" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/04/us/elections/arizona-governor-running-mate.html" target="_blank">reportedly the lieutenant governor pick</a> for Democratic <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gov. Katie Hobbs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/07/28/katie-hobbs-democratic-governors-association" data-vars-content-id="45798b3f-6c64-447e-b244-008f9a2b490f" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Gov. Katie Hobbs&#x27; reported running mate left GOP" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/07/28/katie-hobbs-democratic-governors-association" target="_self">Gov. Katie Hobbs</a>, formally left the Republican party in May, records obtained by Axios show.Why it matters: Hobbs needs to appeal to moderate voters in her<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text=" tight race for reelection" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/08/03/andy-biggs-plays-it-safe-with-lieutenant-governor-pick" data-vars-content-id="45798b3f-6c64-447e-b244-008f9a2b490f" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Gov. Katie Hobbs&#x27; reported running mate left GOP" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/08/03/andy-biggs-plays-it-safe-with-lieutenant-governor-pick" target="_self"> tight race for reelection</a>. Giles is seen by some as a candidate who could help broaden her appeal, though it&#x27;s unclear what his leaving the GOP means for that.

Andy Biggs plays it safe with his lieutenant governor pick

Biggs announced Kerr as his lieutenant governor pick on Friday.

Former state lawmaker <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sine Kerr" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/07/31/andy-biggs-arizona-lt-governor" data-vars-content-id="3b6de569-4432-4399-afee-a4f85d79f718" data-vars-headline="Andy Biggs plays it safe with his lieutenant governor pick" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/07/31/andy-biggs-arizona-lt-governor" target="_self">Sine Kerr</a>, U.S. Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Andy Biggs&#x27;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/07/22/andy-biggs-republican-primary-win-schweikert-katie-hobbs" data-vars-content-id="3b6de569-4432-4399-afee-a4f85d79f718" data-vars-headline="Andy Biggs plays it safe with his lieutenant governor pick" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/07/22/andy-biggs-republican-primary-win-schweikert-katie-hobbs" target="_self">Andy Biggs&#x27;</a> running mate in his bid for governor, isn&#x27;t considered as politically extreme as he is — but she probably won&#x27;t broaden the congressman&#x27;s appeal, veteran political consultants tell Axios.Why it matters: Kerr is strongly conservative. But Biggs, who is considered one of the most extreme members of Congress, needs to woo moderate Republicans and independents to beat incumbent Gov. Katie Hobbs in November.

Scottsdale's election math, explained

The city has an unusual election formula that will shape the November ballot.

The eight-candidate Scottsdale City Council election free-for-all hit a mathematical wall Tuesday night.Why it matters: The race garnered intrigue in recent months over law enforcement technology company <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axon&#x27;s alleged election meddling" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/06/25/scottsdale-city-council-candidates-election-axon-letter" data-vars-content-id="8dcc556f-1026-4c15-bfb0-e3df849ca017" data-vars-headline="Scottsdale&#x27;s election math, explained" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/06/25/scottsdale-city-council-candidates-election-axon-letter" target="_self">Axon&#x27;s alleged election meddling</a>.

Maricopa County election feud escalates over drop boxes

This time, county officials are fighting over who controls ballot drop boxes.

With the primary two months away, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="feud between Maricopa County&#x27;s election officials" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/02/19/republican-feud-election-oversight-midterms" data-vars-content-id="477f3ae0-23bd-47dc-a54e-4f6af0d02b5d" data-vars-headline="Maricopa County election feud escalates over drop boxes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/02/19/republican-feud-election-oversight-midterms" target="_self">feud between Maricopa County&#x27;s election officials</a> has hit a new low.Why it matters: The drama is casting doubt on the election system in a critical swing state ahead of the midterms.

How Trump's mail voting order could affect Arizona voters

Arizona officials will challenge a Trump order affecting how mail ballots are sent.

Arizona is again in the crosshairs of President Trump&#x27;s mission to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nationalize elections" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/08/save-america-act-trump-nationalize-elections" data-vars-content-id="107a3dd6-dff7-455f-895f-cff4673c604c" data-vars-headline="How Trump&#x27;s mail voting order could affect Arizona voters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/08/save-america-act-trump-nationalize-elections" target="_self">nationalize elections</a> and limit voting by mail.Why it matters: The vast majority of Arizonans cast mail ballots, and critics say Trump&#x27;s latest move would disenfranchise some of those voters ahead of a crucial November election in the battleground state.

It's Election Day in Tempe

Seven candidates are vying for three seats in the March 10 election.

Tuesday is Election Day in Tempe, with seven <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="candidates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tempe.gov/government/city-clerk-s-office/election-information/meet-your-city-council-candidates" data-vars-content-id="eb3bc0da-1703-47e3-a76f-00a22c6a89cb" data-vars-headline="It&#x27;s Election Day in Tempe" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tempe.gov/government/city-clerk-s-office/election-information/meet-your-city-council-candidates" target="_blank">candidates</a> vying for three City Council seats, so make sure to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cast your ballot" data-vars-click-url="https://elections.maricopa.gov/voting/where-to-vote.html" data-vars-content-id="eb3bc0da-1703-47e3-a76f-00a22c6a89cb" data-vars-headline="It&#x27;s Election Day in Tempe" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://elections.maricopa.gov/voting/where-to-vote.html" target="_blank">cast your ballot</a> by 7pm.State of play: Three incumbent councilmembers — Jennifer Adams, Arlene Chin and Berdetta Hodge — are seeking reelection.

Election 🗳️

Jay Feely's Trump endorsement could hurt him in November

Jake Hoffman is making money off candidates he recruited

Exclusive: Democrat Amish Shah wins second police endorsement over Feely

New poll shows Hobbs with comfortable lead over Biggs

Scoop: Gov. Katie Hobbs' reported running mate left GOP