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Another twist in the saga of Glendale's Mattel theme park

The long-delayed attraction is still under construction.

Business

The original developer of the long-gestating Mattel Adventure Park in Glendale may no longer have any connection to the project, which appears to have been taken over by the owners of the nearby and also <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="long-delayed VAI Resort" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/04/03/glendale-special-election-vai-resort-rezoning" data-vars-content-id="0c051905-ca6d-4ea5-947a-c05a005683af" data-vars-headline="Another twist in the saga of Glendale&#x27;s Mattel theme park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/04/03/glendale-special-election-vai-resort-rezoning" target="_self">long-delayed VAI Resort</a>.Why it matters: The revelation is just the latest roller-coaster-worthy twist in the saga of the much-anticipated theme park, which was originally set to open in 2023 with Hot Wheels, Barbie and He-Man attractions.

Waymo expands in Phoenix area with new East Valley territory

Waymo is expanding its East Valley service area to Gilbert, Gateway Airport and more of Chandler.

News

Waymo riders in the Valley will now be able to go farther into the East Valley after the autonomous taxi company dramatically expanded its service area.Why it matters: Waymo is a convenient way to get around the sprawling Phoenix metro area, but only in certain parts of town.

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.

The Valley is in a historically dry year, but El Niño could help

Only in 1921 did Phoenix get less rainfall through Aug. 17 than it did in 2026.

The Valley is experiencing its second-driest year on record, but things could still turn around, especially with a potentially strong El Niño on the horizon.Why it matters: Arizona and the rest of the Colorado River basin have been wracked by drought for more than two decades, and the state is expected to take major cuts to our water allotment from the river.

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.

Hance Park revitalization to continue with new entryways and more

The next step in a years-long Hance Park revitalization project will create a "grand entryway."

A major long-term revitalization plan at Margaret T. Hance Park will enter its next phase soon with a grand entryway befitting a space intended to be Phoenix&#x27;s crown jewel.Why it matters: City leaders have long had ambitious plans for the park, but the 32.5-acre space just north of downtown <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="hasn&#x27;t always lived up to its potential" data-vars-click-url="https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2019/04/06/makeover-hance-park-near-downtown-phoenix-tied-fundraising-campaign/3330318002/" data-vars-content-id="37d808ae-960e-49a6-9bcb-4bbeef460e4e" data-vars-headline="Hance Park revitalization to continue with new entryways and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2019/04/06/makeover-hance-park-near-downtown-phoenix-tied-fundraising-campaign/3330318002/" target="_blank">hasn&#x27;t always lived up to its potential</a>.

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