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GOP lawmakers seek to undermine proposed ESA reforms as 2026 session ends

2026 legislative session ends as Republicans looked to nullify proposed ESA reforms at the ballot.

News

In the final hours of the 2026 legislative session, Republican lawmakers tried to torpedo proposed reforms to Arizona&#x27;s school voucher program. Why it matters: Even if voters approve a proposed measure to rein in the state&#x27;s controversial Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESA) program, those reforms would be completely nullified if the Legislature&#x27;s ballot proposal passes as well.

Take the Axios Phoenix news quiz!

See how well you absorbed this week's news.

It&#x27;s that time again! See how well you absorbed this week&#x27;s news with our quiz.🥳 Congratulations to last week&#x27;s perfect scorers: Chanele R., Jordan E. Sharon S., Liza S., Brian P., Tony T., Craig F., Steve M., Joe G., Margaret W. and Joel M.Email us at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="phoenix@axios.com" data-vars-click-url="mailto:phoenix@axios.com" data-vars-content-id="8584c84b-1b73-45e9-b82a-d64d040b1a37" data-vars-headline="Take the Axios Phoenix news quiz!" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="mailto:phoenix@axios.com" target="_blank">phoenix@axios.com</a> with a screenshot of your perfect score for a shoutout next week!

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.

Stanton faces progressive challenge from Newkirk in Democratic primary

National progressive trend comes to Arizona as Stanton faces a Democratic primary challenge.

The progressive left is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="challenging establishment-oriented Democrats" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/19/democratic-primaries-congress-house-left-illinois" data-vars-content-id="0cf6a605-22fb-4977-ad58-8cc06fd4a76f" data-vars-headline="Stanton faces progressive challenge from Newkirk in Democratic primary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/19/democratic-primaries-congress-house-left-illinois" target="_self">challenging establishment-oriented Democrats</a> in primaries across the country, including in Arizona&#x27;s 4th Congressional District, where U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton is seeking re-election.Why it matters: Anger over issues like U.S. support for Israel, corporate influence and what many critics view as inadequately aggressive opposition to President Trump has fueled a wave of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="progressive challenges" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ap.org/news-highlights/spotlights/2025/democratic-bases-anger-puts-some-party-leaders-on-shaky-ground/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" data-vars-content-id="0cf6a605-22fb-4977-ad58-8cc06fd4a76f" data-vars-headline="Stanton faces progressive challenge from Newkirk in Democratic primary" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ap.org/news-highlights/spotlights/2025/democratic-bases-anger-puts-some-party-leaders-on-shaky-ground/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">progressive challenges</a> in a Democratic Party whose voters are shifting to the left.

Juneteenth celebrations across the Phoenix area

Celebrate Juneteenth with events across the Valley.

Arizona isn&#x27;t among the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="33 states where Juneteenth is a state holiday" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/15/juneteenth-holiday-day-off-where" data-vars-content-id="3aa017f7-8026-4493-bd5b-f23e8a25c821" data-vars-headline="Juneteenth celebrations across the Phoenix area" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/15/juneteenth-holiday-day-off-where" target="_self">33 states where Juneteenth is a state holiday</a>, but there aren&#x27;t still plenty of ways to commemorate emancipation across the Valley.<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Juneteenth Celebration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.gilbertaz.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/special-events-and-permits/juneteenth-celebration" data-vars-content-id="3aa017f7-8026-4493-bd5b-f23e8a25c821" data-vars-headline="Juneteenth celebrations across the Phoenix area" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.gilbertaz.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/special-events-and-permits/juneteenth-celebration" target="_blank">Juneteenth Celebration</a>: Take the family to Gilbert for storytelling, music, drum and dance performances, arts and crafts and educational activities.

Tamale-making tips from an Arizona expert

Tamales are a celebratory food in Hispanic culture.

Food and Drink

&#x27;Tis the season to unwrap and enjoy a meaty, masa-y tamale.Why it matters: Tamales are a celebratory food in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hispanic culture" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/signup/latino" data-vars-content-id="6f8f9e1f-28dc-4fce-b2b6-e14f71657328" data-vars-headline="Tamale-making tips from an Arizona expert" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/signup/latino" target="_self">Hispanic culture</a> and they&#x27;ve become a beloved holiday tradition for many Arizonans.

How to give back in Phoenix on Giving Tuesday and beyond

The holidays are a great time to get involved.

Things to Do

This <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Giving Tuesday" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2021/11/28/giving-tuesday-direct-cash-giving-philanthropy" data-vars-content-id="b8b527d9-11b0-4736-9d31-c80361c0ad0e" data-vars-headline="How to give back in Phoenix on Giving Tuesday and beyond" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2021/11/28/giving-tuesday-direct-cash-giving-philanthropy" target="_self">Giving Tuesday</a>, there are plenty of ways to spend your time and money to help <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nonprofits" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2022/11/22/how-to-help-people-experiencing-homelessness-phoenix" data-vars-content-id="b8b527d9-11b0-4736-9d31-c80361c0ad0e" data-vars-headline="How to give back in Phoenix on Giving Tuesday and beyond" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2022/11/22/how-to-help-people-experiencing-homelessness-phoenix" target="_self">nonprofits</a> that will drive change in Arizona long after the giving season is over.Why it matters: The holidays are a great time to get involved — many nonprofits have greater needs this time of year, and your financial impact has the potential to go twice as far since many organizations secure donors who match end-of-year gifts.

4 last-minute Valentine's Day ideas in metro Phoenix

It's not too late to book a restaurant reservation or order flowers.

If <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Valentine&#x27;s Day" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2024/02/06/white-castle-valentines-day-tempe-scottsdale" data-vars-content-id="94c8e2bd-c043-48c0-9cfc-3f9526a65e86" data-vars-headline="4 last-minute Valentine&#x27;s Day ideas in metro Phoenix" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2024/02/06/white-castle-valentines-day-tempe-scottsdale" target="_self">Valentine&#x27;s Day</a> snuck up on you, fear not! Your Axios Phoenix cupids have a few last-minute ideas to salvage the day.

How to celebrate Valentine's Day at White Castle

Forget Cafe Monarch — the hottest Valentine's Day reservation is the cult-favorite burger joint.

Forget <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cafe Monarch" data-vars-click-url="https://www.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/dining/2018/02/14/yelp-names-cafe-monarch-scottsdale-most-romantic-restaurant-united-states/337567002/" data-vars-content-id="f681101a-b967-4e63-94cd-c516ca1036e7" data-vars-headline="How to celebrate Valentine&#x27;s Day at White Castle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/dining/2018/02/14/yelp-names-cafe-monarch-scottsdale-most-romantic-restaurant-united-states/337567002/" target="_blank">Cafe Monarch</a> — the hottest Valentine&#x27;s Day reservation this year might just be at cult-favorite burger joint <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="White Castle" data-vars-click-url="https://www.whitecastle.com/" data-vars-content-id="f681101a-b967-4e63-94cd-c516ca1036e7" data-vars-headline="How to celebrate Valentine&#x27;s Day at White Castle" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.whitecastle.com/" target="_blank">White Castle</a>.What&#x27;s happening: The fast food restaurant will swap out its casual vibe for hostess seating and tableside service at its Tempe and Scottsdale locations from 4-9pm on Feb. 14.

Take these Arizona shelter pets home for the holidays

Be responsible if you decide to add a furry friend to your family this holiday season.

We know we&#x27;re not the only ones who dreamed of (and repeatedly asked Santa for) a puppy under the Christmas tree.State of play: Pets make popular gifts, but local shelter Arizona Animal Welfare League (AAWL) is urging Arizonans to be responsible if they decide to add a furry friend to their family this holiday season.

Phoenix Thanksgiving air and road travel tips

Plan for traffic on I-17 and I-10 and arrive early to Sky Harbor.

Your Thanksgiving feast won&#x27;t be the only thing stuffed to the brim this week! Be prepared for crowded airports and roadways, too.Why it matters: This is one of the busiest travel weeks of the year, and if you aren&#x27;t prepared for crowds and congestion, you may end up missing quality time with loved ones.

Holidays

Juneteenth celebrations across the Phoenix area

Tamale-making tips from an Arizona expert

How to give back in Phoenix on Giving Tuesday and beyond

4 last-minute Valentine's Day ideas in metro Phoenix

How to celebrate Valentine's Day at White Castle