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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.

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: Peter W., Craig F. and Michelle E.

Hoffman subpoenas seek testimony from Hobbs and others in pay-to-play investigation

Hoffman wants Hobbs and others to testify to a Senate committee just before voting starts.

State Sen. Jake Hoffman is trying to force Gov. Katie Hobbs and others to testify to a legislative committee that&#x27;s investigating <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pay-to-play allegations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/08/21/attorney-general-kris-mayes-clears-katie-hobbs-bribery-investigation" data-vars-content-id="1d9d8ad9-602f-4717-9d99-8c38282f7f19" data-vars-headline="Hoffman subpoenas seek testimony from Hobbs and others in pay-to-play investigation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/08/21/attorney-general-kris-mayes-clears-katie-hobbs-bribery-investigation" target="_self">pay-to-play allegations</a> against her.Why it matters: The investigation could uncover new information and will put a spotlight on the allegations shortly before the election, in which Hobbs is seeking a second term.

Join Harry and Izzy for a night out at PV

My wife and I had a chance to venture out on the town, child-free, and used the opportunity to try an Indianapolis steakhouse that recently <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="opened its first Arizona location" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/scottsdale/2026/09/01/harry-and-izzys-opens-in-paradise-valley" data-vars-content-id="e8145be2-79c7-42a2-be78-d53ea9139c98" data-vars-headline="Join Harry and Izzy for a night out at PV" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/scottsdale/2026/09/01/harry-and-izzys-opens-in-paradise-valley" target="_self">opened its first Arizona location</a> as it makes the Valley its second home.State of play: Harry &amp; Izzy&#x27;s, from Huse Culinary, is a recent addition to PV, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="redevelopment of the former Paradise Valley Mall" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/04/24/pv-paradise-valley-mall-redevelopment-new-businesses" data-vars-content-id="e8145be2-79c7-42a2-be78-d53ea9139c98" data-vars-headline="Join Harry and Izzy for a night out at PV" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/04/24/pv-paradise-valley-mall-redevelopment-new-businesses" target="_self">redevelopment of the former Paradise Valley Mall</a>.

Phoenix Zoo raises membership prices and changes benefits

Phoenix Zoo members now get 50% off guest tickets but no long have flexible guest option.

It&#x27;s now more expensive to become a member of the Phoenix Zoo.State of play: As of the start of September, the zoo implemented a &quot;modest increase&quot; and new membership benefits, per Rebecca Zandarski, director of donor and member relations.

Biggs' time as Senate president illustrates governing style

Biggs showed a more pragmatic streak as Senate president but only when necessary.

Andy Biggs&#x27; time as Arizona Senate president could provide a glimpse into how he would conduct himself if elected governor, showing some nuance to the hard-line conservative he&#x27;s been for the past decade in Congress.Why it matters: Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs portrays Biggs as a right-wing extremist who&#x27;s out of step with Arizona, while Biggs has touted himself as a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="practical conservative" data-vars-click-url="https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/elections/2026/06/17/andy-biggs-david-schweikert-debate-arizona-governor/90565785007/?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_phoenix&amp;stream=top" data-vars-content-id="02c0b2b0-2563-4f1f-a8c0-1b453fedbb3d" data-vars-headline="Biggs&#x27; time as Senate president illustrates governing style" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/elections/2026/06/17/andy-biggs-david-schweikert-debate-arizona-governor/90565785007/?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_phoenix&amp;stream=top" target="_blank">practical conservative</a> with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bipartisan credentials" 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="02c0b2b0-2563-4f1f-a8c0-1b453fedbb3d" data-vars-headline="Biggs&#x27; time as Senate president illustrates governing style" 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">bipartisan credentials</a>.

Tres Leches will close its doors Sunday 

There's one week left to enjoy Tres Leches Café before it closes for good.

Fans of Tres Leches Café have one last week before the popular Mexican coffee shop closes its doors forever. State of play: Tres Leches <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announced on social media" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/treslechescafe/posts/pfbid027QvzEbpLJTkkKLYzTjNLJJHVaEpvpsaskJj2XaJheM24P5g2bN9HioVV8RzfkFTml" data-vars-content-id="c212b113-5ba3-4ccf-8c24-6b17c0543145" data-vars-headline="Tres Leches will close its doors Sunday " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/treslechescafe/posts/pfbid027QvzEbpLJTkkKLYzTjNLJJHVaEpvpsaskJj2XaJheM24P5g2bN9HioVV8RzfkFTml" target="_blank">announced on social media</a> over the weekend that Sunday will be the final day of its location at 1302 E. McDowell Road.

Underdog Cards look to improve after last season's struggles

The Cards are underdogs in every game as they look to bounce back from last year's troubles.

The Arizona Cardinals are hoping there&#x27;s nowhere to go but up as they try to bounce back from a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="historically bad 2025 season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/01/05/arizona-cardinals-jonathan-gannon-fired-third-season" data-vars-content-id="79bd40ed-d150-45c8-af58-454fc076b7e7" data-vars-headline="Underdog Cards look to improve after last season&#x27;s struggles" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/01/05/arizona-cardinals-jonathan-gannon-fired-third-season" target="_self">historically bad 2025 season</a>.Why it matters: Cardinals fans are used to struggles, but even by the franchise&#x27;s often-low standards, last season was a mess.

New laws on drones, HOAs, driver's licenses and more going into effect

Restrictions on drones, vapes and HOAs are among the new laws going into effect.

Most of the bills passed during the 2026 legislative session go into effect Saturday, including new laws on drones, HOAs, reckless driving, driver&#x27;s license photos and vaping.State of play: New laws go into effect 90 days after the end of a legislative session.

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Take the Axios Phoenix news quiz

Former Sen. Jon Kyl has died

Hoffman subpoenas seek testimony from Hobbs and others in pay-to-play investigation

Join Harry and Izzy for a night out at PV

Phoenix Zoo raises membership prices and changes benefits