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ASU president Michael Crow pushes AI as education equalizer

Crow says AI can personalize learning and expand college access.

News

ASU president <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michael Crow" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/09/23/arizona-state-university-innovation-us-news-world-report" data-vars-content-id="f72b40ee-494a-4511-8946-17c46529025a" data-vars-headline="ASU president Michael Crow pushes AI as education equalizer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/09/23/arizona-state-university-innovation-us-news-world-report" target="_self">Michael Crow</a> can&#x27;t get enough of AI. He consistently uses nine separate platforms, including one he can converse with during his morning hikes.The big picture: To him — a man so &quot;obsessed with the way knowledge was organized&quot; that he spent his undergrad years pulling one book from every classification range in the Iowa State University library — AI is the tireless reference librarian he&#x27;s always wanted.

Arizona voters will choose state's first lieutenant governor in 2026

Voters will choose the state's first lieutenant governor in 2026.

Candidates for Arizona&#x27;s top office have big decisions to make later this year about who will be the best fit to run alongside them as voters prepare to elect the state&#x27;s first lieutenant governor.Why it matters: The lieutenant governor, not the secretary of state, will now be first in the line of succession if the governor leaves office early — a relatively frequent occurrence in Arizona history.

Spring Training turns the Valley into baseball's home away from home

Fans flock to the Cactus League for sunshine, community and $764M in impact.

Baseball fans from across the country are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fleeing winter for the desert" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/02/23/baseball-fans-winter-spring-training-arizona-sloan-park-glendale-mesa" data-vars-content-id="1fae854b-3591-48fa-8d92-4dd40cb835db" data-vars-headline="Spring Training turns the Valley into baseball&#x27;s home away from home" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/02/23/baseball-fans-winter-spring-training-arizona-sloan-park-glendale-mesa" target="_self">fleeing winter for the desert</a> this week as the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Spring Training season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/02/10/catchers-and-pitchers-report-for-arizona-spring-training" data-vars-content-id="1fae854b-3591-48fa-8d92-4dd40cb835db" data-vars-headline="Spring Training turns the Valley into baseball&#x27;s home away from home" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/02/10/catchers-and-pitchers-report-for-arizona-spring-training" target="_self">Spring Training season</a> kicks off across the Phoenix area.The big picture: This year marks the 79th year of the Cactus League, which now boasts 15 teams training across 10 Valley stadiums.

UW scrutinized after monkey death at Arizona primate facility

The USDA cited the university for a "critical" violation of the Animal Welfare Act after a monkey died at its breeding facility.

Animal welfare advocates are again urging the University of Washington to end its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="primate research" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2017/12/15/for-better-science-give-lab-primates-companions-1513306277" data-vars-content-id="92a7b52b-3d65-48e0-a266-fcd3900b6dca" data-vars-headline="UW scrutinized after monkey death at Arizona primate facility" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2017/12/15/for-better-science-give-lab-primates-companions-1513306277" target="_self">primate research</a> program after a newborn monkey died at the university&#x27;s Arizona breeding facility.The big picture: Monkey research has played a key role in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="developing vaccines and other therapies" data-vars-click-url="https://wanbrc.uw.edu/about-the-center/" data-vars-content-id="92a7b52b-3d65-48e0-a266-fcd3900b6dca" data-vars-headline="UW scrutinized after monkey death at Arizona primate facility" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://wanbrc.uw.edu/about-the-center/" target="_blank">developing vaccines and other therapies</a>, but <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ethical concerns" data-vars-click-url="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9710398/" data-vars-content-id="92a7b52b-3d65-48e0-a266-fcd3900b6dca" data-vars-headline="UW scrutinized after monkey death at Arizona primate facility" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9710398/" target="_blank">ethical concerns</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="advancements in non-animal research" data-vars-click-url="https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/science/sya-iccvam" data-vars-content-id="92a7b52b-3d65-48e0-a266-fcd3900b6dca" data-vars-headline="UW scrutinized after monkey death at Arizona primate facility" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/science/sya-iccvam" target="_blank">advancements in non-animal research</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="funding shifts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.science.org/content/article/exclusive-cdc-end-all-monkey-research" data-vars-content-id="92a7b52b-3d65-48e0-a266-fcd3900b6dca" data-vars-headline="UW scrutinized after monkey death at Arizona primate facility" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.science.org/content/article/exclusive-cdc-end-all-monkey-research" target="_blank">funding shifts</a> are forcing labs and federal agencies to reconsider when — and whether — animals are still essential to medical progress.

Capitol roundup: Republicans target voting centers

GOP lawmakers want voters to decide whether to ban voting centers and have precinct-only elections.

Republican lawmakers want the public to decide whether to prohibit in-person early voting and the use of voting centers where anyone can cast a ballot, regardless of location.Why it matters: Most Arizona counties, including Maricopa and Pima, with roughly 75% of the state&#x27;s population, use voting centers.

Advocates hope this the year for nonviolent offenders sentencing reform bill

Advocates have high hopes for a sentencing reform bill but it could hit a roadblock in the House.

Advocates are hoping this is the year they&#x27;ll get legislative approval for a sentencing reform bill that would grant some inmates early release in exchange for electronic monitoring and home confinement.Why it matters: Arizona has some of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="harshest sentencing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.myheraldreview.com/news/state/report-ranks-arizona-among-nation-s-harshest-states-for-prison-sentences/article_2a172e40-de42-447a-bc51-2636c707d583.html" data-vars-content-id="3be2d714-7dfc-4c26-b160-8175acc078cb" data-vars-headline="Advocates hope this the year for nonviolent offenders sentencing reform bill" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.myheraldreview.com/news/state/report-ranks-arizona-among-nation-s-harshest-states-for-prison-sentences/article_2a172e40-de42-447a-bc51-2636c707d583.html" target="_blank">harshest sentencing</a> in the U.S., and is one of the few states that still has a 1990s &quot;truth in sentencing&quot; law, which requires most inmates to serve at least 85% of their sentences.

Rival slates vie for seats on board that sets SRP energy rates

SRP race pits business-backed slate against clean energy team as conservative groups weigh in.

Rival left- and right-leaning slates are battling for seats on the board that sets energy rates and policy for the Salt River Project (SRP).Why it matters: SRP&#x27;s elected district board sets rates and energy policy that affect its 1.1 million Phoenix-area customers. Unlike most Arizona utilities, SRP isn&#x27;t regulated by the Arizona Corporation Commission.

Capitol roundup: Historic neighborhood housing exemption

Lawmakers split as middle housing exemption for historic neighborhoods advances.

Historic neighborhoods would be exempt from Arizona&#x27;s new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;middle housing&quot; law" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2024/05/10/senate-middle-housing-adu-legislation" data-vars-content-id="79eef15e-d4b8-41ba-bac2-4a739319d412" data-vars-headline="Capitol roundup: Historic neighborhood housing exemption" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2024/05/10/senate-middle-housing-adu-legislation" target="_self">&quot;middle housing&quot; law</a> under a bill narrowly approved by a sharply divided House committee.The big picture: Gov. Katie Hobbs in 2024 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="signed legislation" data-vars-click-url="https://azmirror.com/briefs/hobbs-signs-bill-allowing-casitas-in-cities-across-arizona/" data-vars-content-id="79eef15e-d4b8-41ba-bac2-4a739319d412" data-vars-headline="Capitol roundup: Historic neighborhood housing exemption" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://azmirror.com/briefs/hobbs-signs-bill-allowing-casitas-in-cities-across-arizona/" target="_blank">signed legislation</a> requiring cities with 75,000 or more residents to allow duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes and townhomes in residential areas within a mile of their central business districts.

Maricopa County GOP feud escalates over elections

Republican infighting over election control raises new concerns ahead of the midterms.

Maricopa County&#x27;s Republican elections officials&#x27; very public and mutual animosity threatens to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="further diminish trust" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2024/10/23/maricopa-county-election-safety-voters-elections-officials" data-vars-content-id="9a1f8cb8-7fb0-4b93-b47a-953287f4a05c" data-vars-headline="Maricopa County GOP feud escalates over elections" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2024/10/23/maricopa-county-election-safety-voters-elections-officials" target="_self">further diminish trust</a> in its voting systems months ahead of the midterms.Why it matters: The escalating feud between the Board of Supervisors — controlled by Republicans who have defended the county&#x27;s elections — and the MAGA-aligned county recorder has reinvigorated <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="unsubstantiated election fraud claims" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2021/07/16/few-cases-voter-fraud-found-arizona" data-vars-content-id="9a1f8cb8-7fb0-4b93-b47a-953287f4a05c" data-vars-headline="Maricopa County GOP feud escalates over elections" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2021/07/16/few-cases-voter-fraud-found-arizona" target="_self">unsubstantiated election fraud claims</a> dating back to 2020.

Conservation groups sue over parks exhibit removals

Organizations say national parks exhibits were removed under a Trump executive order.

A coalition of conservation, history and science organizations is suing the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump administration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/21/trump-smithsonian-woke-museums-culture-war" data-vars-content-id="fa412a9b-2e50-4cf5-a724-d39e0e54b104" data-vars-headline="Conservation groups sue over parks exhibit removals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/21/trump-smithsonian-woke-museums-culture-war" target="_self">Trump administration</a> over its removal of national parks exhibits.Why it matters: The organizations allege the U.S. Department of the Interior has embarked &quot;on a campaign to erase history and science at the country&#x27;s most valuable sites.&quot;

Noem backs proof-of-citizenship voting bill in Phoenix

Noem said undocumented immigrants are voting. The reality is those cases are rare.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kristi Noem" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/28/republicans-kristi-noem-resignation" data-vars-content-id="79d080c1-34ed-4f32-9c96-64253ef71179" data-vars-headline="Noem backs proof-of-citizenship voting bill in Phoenix" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/28/republicans-kristi-noem-resignation" target="_self">Kristi Noem</a> stumped for a federal bill to heighten voter registration requirements at a press conference in Phoenix on Friday. Why it matters: Noem&#x27;s remarks come as the Trump Administration <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="attempts to &quot;nationalize&quot; elections" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/10/save-america-act-trump-voter-id" data-vars-content-id="79d080c1-34ed-4f32-9c96-64253ef71179" data-vars-headline="Noem backs proof-of-citizenship voting bill in Phoenix" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/10/save-america-act-trump-voter-id" target="_self">attempts to &quot;nationalize&quot; elections</a> and continues to spread debunked claims about election fraud in the 2020 election that President Trump lost.

Capitol roundup: Hobbs vetoes second GOPbill in tax conformity fight

Republicans warned of tax season confusion as Hobbs vetoed a second GOP conformity bill.

Gov. Katie Hobbs once again vetoed a GOP tax conformity bill that state Republicans claim is necessary to streamline the filing process for Arizonans.State of play: Hobbs rejected legislation Thursday that would&#x27;ve adopted into state law changes made last year at the federal level by President Trump&#x27;s &quot;big beautiful bill.&quot;

Republican Karrin Taylor Robson suspends Arizona governor campaign

Robson said "we cannot afford a divisive Republican primary."

Karrin Taylor Robson suspended her campaign for governor, effectively turning the Republican primary into a two-person race between U.S. Reps. Andy Biggs and David Schweikert.Why it matters: Robson&#x27;s departure shakes up the GOP primary as Republicans seek to unseat Democratic incumbent Gov. Katie Hobbs in November. The latest: Robson <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="announced" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/KTaylorRobson/status/2022060693500178492?s=20" data-vars-content-id="fead75e5-7340-4936-88ca-1ce50df53585" data-vars-headline="Republican Karrin Taylor Robson suspends Arizona governor campaign" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/KTaylorRobson/status/2022060693500178492?s=20" target="_blank">announced</a> Thursday that she&#x27;s ending her campaign, saying Republicans can&#x27;t afford a divisive primary &quot;that drains resources and turns into months of intraparty attacks.&quot;

Politics 🇺🇸

Arizona voters will choose state's first lieutenant governor in 2026

Capitol roundup: Republicans target voting centers

Advocates hope this the year for nonviolent offenders sentencing reform bill

Rival slates vie for seats on board that sets SRP energy rates

Capitol roundup: Historic neighborhood housing exemption