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Feds announce Colorado River cuts for Arizona

If conditions worse, Arizona and the rest of the Lower Basin could end up taking deeper cuts.

News

The U.S. Department of the Interior made its final decision on cuts to water allocations from the drought-stricken Colorado River over the next two years, and while it&#x27;s not good, it&#x27;s likely the best-case scenario for Arizona — at least for now.Why it matters: An environmental study that the department&#x27;s U.S. Bureau of Reclamation released in late July indicated that Arizona, California and Nevada — which constitute the Colorado River&#x27;s Lower Basin — could <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="lose up to 3 million acre-feet of water annually" data-vars-click-url="https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-environment/2026/07/31/feds-release-plan-colorado-river-water-shortages/91068491007/" data-vars-content-id="2d8cfc6a-89b1-47c9-bfa5-b4620d48b897" data-vars-headline="Feds announce Colorado River cuts for Arizona" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-environment/2026/07/31/feds-release-plan-colorado-river-water-shortages/91068491007/" target="_blank">lose up to 3 million acre-feet of water annually</a> for the next two years.

The Phoenix neighborhood that the post office forgot

Some residents haven't received mail for nearly two months.

Neighborhoods

For months, residents of a central Phoenix neighborhood have felt like they&#x27;d fallen into a black hole due to a strange phenomenon: The U.S. Postal Service has been delivering the neighborhood&#x27;s mail only sporadically, and sometimes not at all.Why it matters: Several people who live in Westwood Village &amp; Estates tell Axios that the ongoing mail snafu has caused them to miss bills, checks and even wedding invitations.

The Phoenix housing market is cooling off

Real Estate

In 77% of the Phoenix area’s ZIP codes, sellers listed their homes in July for less than they did last year.Why it matters: Some home buyers could be getting better deals than they did last year when mortgage rates were at comparable levels.

Valley cities are suddenly very wary of Flock cameras

But the surveillance tech might not be going away yet.

Public Safety

The nationwide blowback against automated license plate reader cameras made by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Flock and similar companies" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/douglas/2026/08/04/flock-ceo-douglas-county-sheriff-regret-axon-data" data-vars-content-id="847757a7-da81-4f5e-8431-cbf1fca4bd42" data-vars-headline="Valley cities are suddenly very wary of Flock cameras" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/douglas/2026/08/04/flock-ceo-douglas-county-sheriff-regret-axon-data" target="_self">Flock and similar companies</a> has led a slew of Valley cities and police departments to scrutinize how they&#x27;re using the technology.Why it matters: Recent audits have revealed potential misuse of the Flock system, which allows police agencies to track the location of almost anyone. But it&#x27;s unclear whether Valley cities will abandon their Flock cameras for good.

Winemaker and rocker Maynard James Keenan bringing sushi restaurant to Cottonwood

His Queen B Sushi will open over Labor Day weekend, on Sept. 4.

Food and Drink

Arizona winemaker and rock star Maynard James Keenan is getting into the sushi business.State of play: Keenan and wife Jennifer Keenan, founders of Merkin Vineyards and Queen B Vinyl Cafe, will open Queen B Sushi in Old Town Cottonwood on Sept. 4, over Labor Day weekend.

Chandler, prepare for Late Night Madness at Seafood City

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

Culture

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.

Angie's is adding nine new Arizona locations

The first three restaurants will open in the next six weeks.

Steak-and-lobster fast food chain <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Angie&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2023/11/07/get-steak-for-lunch-on-the-cheap-at-angies-prime-grill" data-vars-content-id="b3b6c3f5-f9cc-4823-a06c-ef4c677f20ea" data-vars-headline="Angie&#x27;s is adding nine new Arizona locations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2023/11/07/get-steak-for-lunch-on-the-cheap-at-angies-prime-grill" target="_self">Angie&#x27;s</a> is dramatically expanding its presence in the Valley and beyond. State of play: Angie&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announced on social media" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/p/Db9K54yS4QD/" data-vars-content-id="b3b6c3f5-f9cc-4823-a06c-ef4c677f20ea" data-vars-headline="Angie&#x27;s is adding nine new Arizona locations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Db9K54yS4QD/" target="_blank">announced on social media</a> this week that it&#x27;ll add nine locations in Arizona.

Iconic Phoenix steakhouse Durant's now offers delivery

If you want a $90 steak but want to stay in, good news.

Hungry Valley residents scrolling through DoorDash in search of a meal might find a surprising option: the iconic (and pricey) Phoenix steakhouse Durant&#x27;s.The big picture: Durant&#x27;s, which is listed with four dollar signs on Yelp, began offering delivery just few weeks ago. Now patrons who can&#x27;t get a table at the high-end central Phoenix eatery can have most of its offerings dropped at their door.

Axios Phoenix samples Guy Fieri's Flavortown offerings at Circle K

Guy Fieri's new Circle K offerings are still gas station food, slightly elevated.

When Flavortown comes to your front door, there&#x27;s no choice but to answer the call.State of play: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Circle K and Guy Fieri" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/07/17/guy-fieri-flavortown-food-circle-k-arizona-nevada" data-vars-content-id="2eb83254-8a86-4482-ab14-be776f967cee" data-vars-headline="Axios Phoenix samples Guy Fieri&#x27;s Flavortown offerings at Circle K" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/07/17/guy-fieri-flavortown-food-circle-k-arizona-nevada" target="_self">Circle K and Guy Fieri</a>, host of Food Network&#x27;s &quot;Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,&quot; teamed up to bring some &quot;off the hook&quot; food items to the omnipresent gas station chain.

Historic Scottsdale Taco Bell gets second life as Filiberto's

A Valley landmark won't be demolished after all. It will become a Filiberto's.

The iconic old-school Taco Bell building in south Scottsdale, which served its final crunchwraps more than a year ago, is getting a new purpose. And dare we say it feels a little kismet?State of play: Local Mexican chain Filiberto&#x27;s appears to be taking over the mission-style restaurant. It&#x27;s been painted bright red and a sign announcing the new tenant hangs where Taco Bell&#x27;s did for more than 50 years, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="12 News reported" data-vars-click-url="https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/old-taco-bell-in-scottsdale-arizona-mission-style-location/75-14cb2bff-23fd-4c15-99aa-55f2698ea532" data-vars-content-id="af75878f-cf33-4f76-9d77-5077cf050449" data-vars-headline="Historic Scottsdale Taco Bell gets second life as Filiberto&#x27;s" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.12news.com/article/news/local/valley/old-taco-bell-in-scottsdale-arizona-mission-style-location/75-14cb2bff-23fd-4c15-99aa-55f2698ea532" target="_blank">12 News reported</a>.

Tempe Indian restaurant Delhi Palace reopens in the Vine's former home

The Vine's iconic Tempe building is open again after Indian restaurant Delhi Palace moved in.

You can&#x27;t get an apple pie shot at the Vine&#x27;s iconic A-frame building in Tempe anymore, but if you&#x27;re looking for curry or biryani, you&#x27;re in luck.State of play: Delhi Palace, an Indian restaurant previously located at Rural Road and University Drive, reopened Tuesday in the building that for 36 years was home to the Vine at Apache Boulevard and Rural Road.

Guy Fieri brings Flavortown-inspired food to Circle K in Arizona

Mayor of Flavortown Guy Fieri brought four "off the hook" menu items to Arizona Circle K stores.

Delicious things are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="afoot at the Circle K" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgniTzdiw_0" data-vars-content-id="8d4b9468-93f9-4487-86a6-6fa0f4d283f9" data-vars-headline="Guy Fieri brings Flavortown-inspired food to Circle K in Arizona" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgniTzdiw_0" target="_blank">afoot at the Circle K</a>.State of play: Circle K is partnering with Guy Fieri, host of Food Network&#x27;s &quot;Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,&quot; to bring new menu items to the ubiquitous convenience store.

The story behind Arizona's famous chopped salad

This colorful classic has inspired devoted fans for nearly three decades.

A chopped salad concocted in an Old Town Scottsdale kitchen has kept the Valley in a stomach-hold for nearly three decades — and become part of our cultural identity along the way.Why it matters: &quot;The original chopped salad,&quot; now on the menu at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Gladly" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thegladly.com/" data-vars-content-id="dd20d645-297f-4a35-b810-b71948ecaca6" data-vars-headline="The story behind Arizona&#x27;s famous chopped salad" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thegladly.com/" target="_blank">The Gladly</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Citizen Public House" data-vars-click-url="https://www.citizenpublichouse.com/" data-vars-content-id="dd20d645-297f-4a35-b810-b71948ecaca6" data-vars-headline="The story behind Arizona&#x27;s famous chopped salad" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.citizenpublichouse.com/" target="_blank">Citizen Public House</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Beginner&#x27;s Luck" data-vars-click-url="https://www.beginnersluckaz.com/" data-vars-content-id="dd20d645-297f-4a35-b810-b71948ecaca6" data-vars-headline="The story behind Arizona&#x27;s famous chopped salad" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.beginnersluckaz.com/" target="_blank">Beginner&#x27;s Luck</a>, is so beloved that the state Legislature <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="gave it its own day last year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/food-drink/arizona-recognizes-iconic-dish-creates-original-chopped-salad-day-21678980/" data-vars-content-id="dd20d645-297f-4a35-b810-b71948ecaca6" data-vars-headline="The story behind Arizona&#x27;s famous chopped salad" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/food-drink/arizona-recognizes-iconic-dish-creates-original-chopped-salad-day-21678980/" target="_blank">gave it its own day last year</a>.

Joyride Taco House closing for an OMG restaurant collab

A new live-fire restaurant and raw bar is replacing Joyride in uptown Phoenix.

Two of the Valley&#x27;s most beloved restaurant groups are teaming up on a new concept to replace Joyride Taco House in uptown Phoenix. Why it matters: The deal combines the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="culinary pizzazz" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/01/21/12-arizona-chefs-and-restaurants-named-james-beard-semifinalists" data-vars-content-id="3e7f91ad-5734-4b6a-af2d-d4e2c09cf486" data-vars-headline="Joyride Taco House closing for an OMG restaurant collab" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/01/21/12-arizona-chefs-and-restaurants-named-james-beard-semifinalists" target="_self">culinary pizzazz</a> of up-and-coming Chiwas Hospitality Group (Tacos Chiwas, Espiritu, Main Burger) with the tried-and-true execution of veteran Upward Projects (Postino, Windsor, Federal Pizza) for what we expect will be an immediate success.

Food and Drink 🍽

Winemaker and rocker Maynard James Keenan bringing sushi restaurant to Cottonwood

Chandler, prepare for Late Night Madness at Seafood City

Angie's is adding nine new Arizona locations

Iconic Phoenix steakhouse Durant's now offers delivery

Axios Phoenix samples Guy Fieri's Flavortown offerings at Circle K