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In 1776, Arizona belonged to Native Americans and Spain

Arizona "was a concept that wasn't even in anybody's mind" during U.S. independence in 1776.

America at 250

America is celebrating its 250th birthday, but Arizona has a ways to go before it can celebrate being part of the United States for that long.The big picture: What&#x27;s now Arizona was, at least on paper, part of New Spain in 1776, though the Spanish controlled a relatively small part of the territory that would later become the 48th state.

See inside Arizona's Great American State Fair exhibit

The exhibit recreates some of Arizona's most recognizable landscapes.

News

The Great American State Fair, which continues through July 10 on the National Mall, has gotten some <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="decidedly poor reviews" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/06/30/great-american-state-fair-national-mall-review" data-vars-content-id="5c8c4e63-4386-41f1-8762-4109d79d5775" data-vars-headline="See inside Arizona&#x27;s Great American State Fair exhibit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2026/06/30/great-american-state-fair-national-mall-review" target="_self">decidedly poor reviews</a> — but Arizona&#x27;s exhibit has been a bright spot, per visitors&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="social media accounts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEpPMz0VqGk" data-vars-content-id="5c8c4e63-4386-41f1-8762-4109d79d5775" data-vars-headline="See inside Arizona&#x27;s Great American State Fair exhibit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEpPMz0VqGk" target="_blank">social media accounts</a>.The intrigue: Some states with Democratic governors decided not to participate in the spectacle, saying President Trump had made it a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="partisan affair" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cnn.com/2026/06/11/politics/several-states-not-participating-trump-state-fair" data-vars-content-id="5c8c4e63-4386-41f1-8762-4109d79d5775" data-vars-headline="See inside Arizona&#x27;s Great American State Fair exhibit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cnn.com/2026/06/11/politics/several-states-not-participating-trump-state-fair" target="_blank">partisan affair</a>.

Deportation looms for Arizona woman who's out of legal remedies

Trump administration immigration changes mean near-certain deportation for this Arizona woman.

A 76-year-old Valley great-grandmother who entered the U.S. illegally 35 years ago is facing the near-certainty that she&#x27;ll be deported to Mexico.Why it matters: Epifania Juares-Gonzalez is unable to work due to age and health issues, and has no family in Mexico who can help care for her.

ICE reaches agreement with AG Mayes to put Surprise detention center on hold

ICE agreed with Attorney General Kris Mayes to pause a planned detention center pending an environmental review.

A proposed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="immigration detention facility in Surprise" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/02/04/dhs-surprise-warehouse-immigration-detention" data-vars-content-id="d1a17006-17e7-477a-9e4f-a2da46dd0fd7" data-vars-headline="ICE reaches agreement with AG Mayes to put Surprise detention center on hold" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/02/04/dhs-surprise-warehouse-immigration-detention" target="_self">immigration detention facility in Surprise</a> is on hold after Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes and ICE agreed to pause it for an environmental review.Why it matters: Opponents of President Trump&#x27;s strict immigration crackdowns have sought to stop ICE from converting the warehouse it bought in Surprise into a detention facility.

Cleaverman gives Valley steakhouse scene a boost

The Valley's steakhouse scene has a new heavy hitter with Cleaverman in downtown Phoenix.

The newest addition to the Valley&#x27;s high-end steakhouse scene is a worthy competitor to heavy hitters like Durant&#x27;s, Dominick&#x27;s and Morton&#x27;s.State of play: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pretty Decent Concepts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.prettydecentconcepts.com/" data-vars-content-id="4da68ec5-932e-439b-8c8c-90d97cc8a3cb" data-vars-headline="Cleaverman gives Valley steakhouse scene a boost" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.prettydecentconcepts.com/" target="_blank">Pretty Decent Concepts</a>, the restaurateurs behind <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Wren &amp; Wolf" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2024/01/23/wren-and-wolf-steak-restaurant-downtown-phoenix" data-vars-content-id="4da68ec5-932e-439b-8c8c-90d97cc8a3cb" data-vars-headline="Cleaverman gives Valley steakhouse scene a boost" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2024/01/23/wren-and-wolf-steak-restaurant-downtown-phoenix" target="_self">Wren &amp; Wolf</a>, Carry On, Trophy Room and other Valley hot spots, opened Cleaverman Steakhouse at the Arizona Center in downtown Phoenix last November.

San Tan Distilling bottles Arizona's official America 250 bourbon

You can celebrate America 250 with Arizona's official anniversary bourbon, from San Tan Distilling.

You can celebrate America&#x27;s 250th birthday and National Bourbon Day together with one patriotic pour, courtesy of San Tan Distilling.The big picture: The entire country is gearing up for this summer&#x27;s America 250 celebrations.

George and Dragon named to USA Today's top soccer bars list

Where should you watch the World Cup in the Valley? USA Today says start with the George & Dragon.

The votes are in, and Phoenix&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="George and Dragon English Pub" data-vars-click-url="https://www.gndphx.com/" data-vars-content-id="b517d39b-4582-4ff9-8b92-5e7ec70bf7cf" data-vars-headline="George and Dragon named to USA Today&#x27;s top soccer bars list" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.gndphx.com/" target="_blank">George and Dragon English Pub</a> made the cut on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="USA Today&#x27;s list of the country&#x27;s best soccer bars" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/05/26/george-and-dragon-english-pub-usa-today-best-soccer-bars" data-vars-content-id="b517d39b-4582-4ff9-8b92-5e7ec70bf7cf" data-vars-headline="George and Dragon named to USA Today&#x27;s top soccer bars list" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/05/26/george-and-dragon-english-pub-usa-today-best-soccer-bars" target="_self">USA Today&#x27;s list of the country&#x27;s best soccer bars</a>.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FIFA World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/09/world-cup-us-soccer-growth" data-vars-content-id="b517d39b-4582-4ff9-8b92-5e7ec70bf7cf" data-vars-headline="George and Dragon named to USA Today&#x27;s top soccer bars list" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/09/world-cup-us-soccer-growth" target="_self">FIFA World Cup</a> starts today, and if you can&#x27;t watch in person, catching a big game at a great soccer bar is the next best thing.

America's Taco Shop returning to Melrose District

For the first time since 2014, America's Taco Shop will be open for business in the Melrose District.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="America&#x27;s Taco Shop" data-vars-click-url="https://www.americastacoshop.com/" data-vars-content-id="44797077-e667-45e1-841c-19348fb9202e" data-vars-headline="America&#x27;s Taco Shop returning to Melrose District" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.americastacoshop.com/" target="_blank">America&#x27;s Taco Shop</a> is making a long-awaited return to the Melrose District.State of play: The one-time chain is opening this month at 4306 N. Seventh Ave., the former location of Melrose Kitchen.

Din Tai Fung is worth the wait

The soup dumplings shine, but the spicy wontons stole the show.

Dear readers, we have news. We finally got a reservation at Din Tai Fung in Scottsdale.Why it matters: The April debut of Arizona&#x27;s first location of the critically acclaimed Taiwanese chain was met with a groundswell of enthusiasm that made <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="getting a table nearly impossible" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/04/29/how-to-get-din-tai-fung-table-reservations" data-vars-content-id="e309771a-90bd-471c-b087-e980154ba4c9" data-vars-headline="Din Tai Fung is worth the wait" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/04/29/how-to-get-din-tai-fung-table-reservations" target="_self">getting a table nearly impossible</a>.

Can't get a Din Tai Fung table? Try these Valley dumplings instead

These Valley spots serve standout soup dumplings and more.

Can&#x27;t get into Din Tai Fung? Or maybe you&#x27;re growing impatient with the wait for a reservation?<ul><li>Fortunately, there are plenty of other dumpling options in the Valley.</li></ul>

Poolboy Taco brings Palm Springs vibes to Arcadia

The new taco spot shines with a salsa bar, creative tacos and standout cornbread.

Arcadia&#x27;s long-awaited Poolboy Taco is worth a visit for the ambiance alone, but the Southwest-inspired fare packs a punch, too.Zoom in: Poolboy is more cabana than restaurant, with Palm Springs resort vibes that begin with the bright yellow exterior and striped patio umbrellas.

Vote the George & Dragon as one of America's best soccer bars

Phoenix's George & Dragon English Pub is in contention to be one of USA Today's best soccer bars.

Arizona isn&#x27;t hosting any <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FIFA World Cup games" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/09/world-cup-us-soccer-growth" data-vars-content-id="b5b65cc6-1558-4120-af4e-dd447d076780" data-vars-headline="Vote the George &amp; Dragon as one of America&#x27;s best soccer bars" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/09/world-cup-us-soccer-growth" target="_self">FIFA World Cup games</a>, but we can still be home to the best soccer bar in the U.S.State of play: USA Today is asking readers to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vote on the country&#x27;s best soccer bar" data-vars-click-url="https://www.usatoday.com/sports/readers-choice-awards/best-soccer-bar/" data-vars-content-id="b5b65cc6-1558-4120-af4e-dd447d076780" data-vars-headline="Vote the George &amp; Dragon as one of America&#x27;s best soccer bars" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.usatoday.com/sports/readers-choice-awards/best-soccer-bar/" target="_blank">vote on the country&#x27;s best soccer bar</a>, and one of the contenders is right here in central Phoenix: the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="George and Dragon English Pub" data-vars-click-url="https://www.gndphx.com/" data-vars-content-id="b5b65cc6-1558-4120-af4e-dd447d076780" data-vars-headline="Vote the George &amp; Dragon as one of America&#x27;s best soccer bars" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.gndphx.com/" target="_blank">George and Dragon English Pub</a>.

McDonald's teases collab with Devin Booker and Nike

A cryptic Sedona video hints at new turquoise kicks.

In a trippy, cryptic video, McDonald&#x27;s is giving us a preview of an upcoming collab with Suns star Devin Booker and Nike.Zoom in: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="iconic turquoise arches" data-vars-click-url="https://www.scenic.org/2025/06/26/sedonas-turquoise-arches-show-how-communities-maintain-control/" data-vars-content-id="d18d724e-9eb5-4365-9252-c35f99bde7a1" data-vars-headline="McDonald&#x27;s teases collab with Devin Booker and Nike" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.scenic.org/2025/06/26/sedonas-turquoise-arches-show-how-communities-maintain-control/" target="_blank">iconic turquoise arches</a> in Sedona — which is one of the few McDonald&#x27;s locations without golden arches — appear to be central to whatever it is the fast-food chain, basketball star and footwear company are cooking up.

"Classic" Pizza Hut is returning to Arizona

Retro Pizza Hut restaurants are planned for southern Arizona amid a nationwide revival.

If you grew up eating at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="old-school Pizza Hut restaurants" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/10/pizza-hut-classic-virginia-locations" data-vars-content-id="874df07a-591f-4cb9-96f5-27ef1694a1ad" data-vars-headline="&quot;Classic&quot; Pizza Hut is returning to Arizona" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/richmond/2026/03/10/pizza-hut-classic-virginia-locations" target="_self">old-school Pizza Hut restaurants</a> with the red roofs and classic decor, get ready for a big dose of nostalgia.The big picture: There&#x27;s been a wave of conversions in recent years as owners have gone retro, transforming restaurants back to the &quot;Pizza Hut Classic&quot; version with checkered tablecloths, Tiffany lamps, red cups and other old-school features.

Food and Drink 🍽

Cleaverman gives Valley steakhouse scene a boost

San Tan Distilling bottles Arizona's official America 250 bourbon

A very Arizona cocktail

George and Dragon named to USA Today's top soccer bars list

America's Taco Shop returning to Melrose District