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Where politicians eat in Phoenix

When the powerful come to town, they eat Mexican food.

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When the powerful come to town, they eat Mexican food.<ul><li>That&#x27;s according to an Axios review of presidential and vice presidential meal choices during Phoenix visits dating back to 1987.</li></ul>

Possible "super El Niño" could bring more rain and cooler temperatures to Arizona

A possible "super El Niño" this year could favor Arizona with cooler, wetter weather.

Meteorologists are bracing for what some are calling a &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="super El Niño" data-vars-click-url="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/apr/13/el-nino-explainer?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other" data-vars-content-id="d06f04e2-c707-4337-b728-454d90e52d3e" data-vars-headline="Possible &quot;super El Niño&quot; could bring more rain and cooler temperatures to Arizona" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/apr/13/el-nino-explainer?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other" target="_blank">super El Niño</a>,&quot; which could result in cooler temperatures and a wetter monsoon season for Arizona.Why it matters: The Valley&#x27;s been plagued by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="especially hot summers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/09/17/phoenix-summer-weather-fall-hotter" data-vars-content-id="d06f04e2-c707-4337-b728-454d90e52d3e" data-vars-headline="Possible &quot;super El Niño&quot; could bring more rain and cooler temperatures to Arizona" 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">especially hot summers</a> in recent years, and the region&#x27;s been suffering through a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="massive drought" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/06/04/arizona-drought-water-cutbacks" data-vars-content-id="d06f04e2-c707-4337-b728-454d90e52d3e" data-vars-headline="Possible &quot;super El Niño&quot; could bring more rain and cooler temperatures to Arizona" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/06/04/arizona-drought-water-cutbacks" target="_self">massive drought</a> for more than two decades.

Potential United Airlines-American merger raises Phoenix hub concerns

A potential airline merger could impact Phoenix service and fares.

Reports of a potential merger between <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="United Airlines" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/03/united-airlines-business-class-tiers" data-vars-content-id="8a4f938b-d9ce-425d-9eed-ef2fae93e17c" data-vars-headline="Potential United Airlines-American merger raises Phoenix hub concerns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/03/united-airlines-business-class-tiers" target="_self">United Airlines</a> and American Airlines are evoking painful memories of past megadeals that left the Valley without a major hub or airline headquarters. Why it matters: Major airline mergers <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="often result in higher fares" data-vars-click-url="https://business.purdue.edu/news/features/2022/airline-mergers.php" data-vars-content-id="8a4f938b-d9ce-425d-9eed-ef2fae93e17c" data-vars-headline="Potential United Airlines-American merger raises Phoenix hub concerns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://business.purdue.edu/news/features/2022/airline-mergers.php" target="_blank">often result in higher fares</a> for all passengers, but they also can severely impact service at certain airports as the new company consolidates routes.

Take the Axios Phoenix news quiz!

How closely did you read this week's top stories?

Think you&#x27;re up to speed on the week&#x27;s news? Take our quiz to prove it!Send a screenshot of your perfect score to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="phoenix@axios.com" data-vars-click-url="mailto:phoenix@axios.com" data-vars-content-id="e8cf6130-a391-4d2a-a9f5-06578dc7f6e0" 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> Friday morning for a shoutout next week!

Navajo County appoints ineligible lawmaker as new recorder

A Navajo County recorder appointment runs afoul of eligibility requirements in the  state constitution.

The Navajo County Board of Supervisors appointed state Rep. David Marshall as its new county recorder — but the Arizona Constitution bars him from taking the office.The intrigue: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="state constitution" data-vars-click-url="https://www.azleg.gov/viewDocument/?docName=https://www.azleg.gov/const/4/5.p2.htm" data-vars-content-id="3cf4a4f8-2ebc-4926-9e9c-d7cc4c621b62" data-vars-headline="Navajo County appoints ineligible lawmaker as new recorder" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.azleg.gov/viewDocument/?docName=https://www.azleg.gov/const/4/5.p2.htm" target="_blank">state constitution</a> prohibits legislators from holding other state, county or municipal positions during the terms to which they&#x27;ve been elected or appointed.

Hobbs threatens vetoes until Republicans show budget plan

The Arizona governor is looking to jump-start budget talks she walked away from with a blanket veto threat.

Gov. Katie Hobbs vowed to veto nearly all bills that come to her desk until GOP lawmakers show her a budget proposal.Why it matters: Hobbs&#x27; threat could jump-start <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="budget negotiations that she walked away from" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/03/25/hobbs-ends-budget-negotiations-proposition-123-montenegro-petersen" data-vars-content-id="3ba504fc-d154-4277-8b3d-e7342637ccb3" data-vars-headline="Hobbs threatens vetoes until Republicans show budget plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/03/25/hobbs-ends-budget-negotiations-proposition-123-montenegro-petersen" target="_self">budget negotiations that she walked away from</a> last month over how to spend more than $17 billion in state money next fiscal year.

Capitol roundup: Hobbs signs bills on teacher tuition and post-divorce agreements

Hobbs signed a slew of bills while vetoing legislation on school administrator pay transparency.

Bill signings heated up this week as Gov. Katie Hobbs more than doubled the amount of the legislation that&#x27;s gotten her approval this session.Hobbs signed bills to:

Clean energy team prevails in SRP board election

Clean energy advocates won  a majority on SRP's board.

Clean energy advocates won a majority of the seats in Tuesday&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="election" data-vars-click-url="https://media.srpnet.com/srp-announces-2026-board-and-council-election-results/" data-vars-content-id="98b7216f-a310-4140-877a-8845cbb373b2" data-vars-headline="Clean energy team prevails in SRP board election" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://media.srpnet.com/srp-announces-2026-board-and-council-election-results/" target="_blank">election</a> for the Salt River Project power board, prevailing over the side heavily <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="backed by the conservative organization Turning Point" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/02/24/srp-election-clean-energy-business-slate-turning-point" data-vars-content-id="98b7216f-a310-4140-877a-8845cbb373b2" data-vars-headline="Clean energy team prevails in SRP board election" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/02/24/srp-election-clean-energy-business-slate-turning-point" target="_self">backed by the conservative organization Turning Point</a>.Why it matters: SRP provides energy for about 1.1 million Phoenix-area customers, and the district board sets the utility&#x27;s electricity rate and power generation policy.

How Trump's mail voting order could affect Arizona voters

Arizona officials will challenge a Trump order affecting how mail ballots are sent.

Arizona is again in the crosshairs of President Trump&#x27;s mission to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nationalize elections" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/08/save-america-act-trump-nationalize-elections" data-vars-content-id="107a3dd6-dff7-455f-895f-cff4673c604c" data-vars-headline="How Trump&#x27;s mail voting order could affect Arizona voters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/08/save-america-act-trump-nationalize-elections" target="_self">nationalize elections</a> and limit voting by mail.Why it matters: The vast majority of Arizonans cast mail ballots, and critics say Trump&#x27;s latest move would disenfranchise some of those voters ahead of a crucial November election in the battleground state.

Capitol roundup: Lawmakers take 1st steps to repeal Chávez holiday

Arizona lawmakers tackled photo radar, bullying and the César Chávez holiday repeal this week.

Politics

This was the final week for the House and Senate to hear each other&#x27;s bills in committee, and new legislation was still popping up. Here&#x27;s what happened:🗓️ Legislation repealing the state&#x27;s César Chávez holiday took its first step when it got <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="unanimous approval in a Senate committee" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kjzz.org/politics/2026-03-25/arizona-lawmakers-advance-bill-to-repeal-cesar-chavez-holiday" data-vars-content-id="9d2cc83c-2c5d-4e40-a97d-9719b3671c39" data-vars-headline="Capitol roundup: Lawmakers take 1st steps to repeal Chávez holiday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kjzz.org/politics/2026-03-25/arizona-lawmakers-advance-bill-to-repeal-cesar-chavez-holiday" target="_blank">unanimous approval in a Senate committee</a>.

Thousands expected at Phoenix No Kings protests Saturday

More than two dozen Valley protests are planned as part of a nationwide day of action.

More than two dozen Valley demonstrations are planned for Saturday&#x27;s nationwide <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="No Kings protest against President Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/24/bruce-springsteen-joan-baez-no-kings-twin-cities" data-vars-content-id="ba1f8b4f-3488-4916-80cb-8607186592f5" data-vars-headline="Thousands expected at Phoenix No Kings protests Saturday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/24/bruce-springsteen-joan-baez-no-kings-twin-cities" target="_self">No Kings protest against President Trump</a>.Why it matters: Thousands are expected to take to the streets to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="denounce ICE&#x27;s expected enforcement ramp-up in Phoenix" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/03/25/phoenix-council-city-property-ice-immigration-prohibition" data-vars-content-id="ba1f8b4f-3488-4916-80cb-8607186592f5" data-vars-headline="Thousands expected at Phoenix No Kings protests Saturday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/03/25/phoenix-council-city-property-ice-immigration-prohibition" target="_self">denounce ICE&#x27;s expected enforcement ramp-up in Phoenix</a>, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Iran war" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/25/iran-war-polls-americans-skeptical" data-vars-content-id="ba1f8b4f-3488-4916-80cb-8607186592f5" data-vars-headline="Thousands expected at Phoenix No Kings protests Saturday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/25/iran-war-polls-americans-skeptical" target="_self">Iran war</a> and other Trump priorities.

Judge voids Arizona Independent Party name change

The judge called it a "political bait and switch."

A Maricopa County Superior Court judge on Wednesday voided the Arizona No Labels Party&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="name change" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/10/17/no-labels-arizona-independent-party" data-vars-content-id="6a9c2c77-b517-4a3e-bae8-f19df76a0d94" data-vars-headline="Judge voids Arizona Independent Party name change" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/10/17/no-labels-arizona-independent-party" target="_self">name change</a> to the Arizona Independent Party.Why it matters: Arizona&#x27;s unaffiliated voters (which number nearly 1.5 million) are also called independents, leading to concerns of voter confusion.

Hobbs halts budget talks and calls for Republicans to negotiation on Prop. 123

The governor walked away from budget talks, citing legislative leaders' refusal to discuss Prop. 123.

State budget talks are at an impasse after Gov. Katie Hobbs <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="halted negotiations" data-vars-click-url="https://azmirror.com/2026/03/20/budget-blow-up-hobbs-blames-unserious-republicans-who-say-she-is-throwing-a-tantrum/" data-vars-content-id="af0aaa6f-0193-4207-a719-f296e41a3c65" data-vars-headline="Hobbs halts budget talks and calls for Republicans to negotiation on Prop. 123" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://azmirror.com/2026/03/20/budget-blow-up-hobbs-blames-unserious-republicans-who-say-she-is-throwing-a-tantrum/" target="_blank">halted negotiations</a> with Republican legislative leaders over disagreements on education funding and taxes.Why it matters: Hobbs and Republican lawmakers have until June 30 to decide how to spend around $17 billion next fiscal year, and their budget blow-up suggests it could take them until then to reach an agreement.

Sky Harbor part of nationwide ICE deployment for airport security

Sky Harbor was one of the airports where the Trump administration sent ICE to assist with security.

The Trump administration <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="deployed ICE agents" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/22/trump-ice-agents-airports-tsa-dhs-shutdown" data-vars-content-id="ab84a7ed-6a15-49a3-b7a7-2366cfbbd68c" data-vars-headline="Sky Harbor part of nationwide ICE deployment for airport security" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/22/trump-ice-agents-airports-tsa-dhs-shutdown" target="_self">deployed ICE agents</a> to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to assist short-staffed TSA officers amid the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="partial federal shutdown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/17/dhs-shutdown-tsa-fema-ice-democrats-discharge" data-vars-content-id="ab84a7ed-6a15-49a3-b7a7-2366cfbbd68c" data-vars-headline="Sky Harbor part of nationwide ICE deployment for airport security" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/17/dhs-shutdown-tsa-fema-ice-democrats-discharge" target="_self">partial federal shutdown</a>.Why it matters: The administration&#x27;s move thrusts the agency that sparked the shutdown <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="with its conduct in Minnesota" data-vars-click-url="http://link/" data-vars-content-id="ab84a7ed-6a15-49a3-b7a7-2366cfbbd68c" data-vars-headline="Sky Harbor part of nationwide ICE deployment for airport security" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://link/" target="_blank">with its conduct in Minnesota</a> into the nation&#x27;s airports to deal with the consequences.

Politics 🇺🇸

Navajo County appoints ineligible lawmaker as new recorder

Hobbs threatens vetoes until Republicans show budget plan

Capitol roundup: Hobbs signs bills on teacher tuition and post-divorce agreements

Clean energy team prevails in SRP board election

Capitol roundup: Backyard chickens and HOAs