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Revamped Pride festival moves out of Steele Indian School Park

Phoenix Pride struggled financially this year and declared bankruptcy in May.

News

The Phoenix Pride Festival will be a lot different this year as the organization grapples with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="financial problems" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/06/02/phoenix-pride-bankruptcy-national-trend-corporate-sponsorships" data-vars-content-id="6e440952-7e8d-421b-9ee6-f76c0b6d1597" data-vars-headline="Revamped Pride festival moves out of Steele Indian School Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/06/02/phoenix-pride-bankruptcy-national-trend-corporate-sponsorships" target="_self">financial problems</a>.Why it matters: The annual festival is a source of inclusion and belonging for members of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="LGBTQ+ communities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2022/11/04/arizona-lgbtq-voters-growing" data-vars-content-id="6e440952-7e8d-421b-9ee6-f76c0b6d1597" data-vars-headline="Revamped Pride festival moves out of Steele Indian School Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2022/11/04/arizona-lgbtq-voters-growing" target="_self">LGBTQ+ communities</a>.

Scoop: Maricopa County never OK'd lawmaker's "excellence award"

The state lawmaker has touted the award, which the county board of supervisors never voted to give him.

Election

In late September, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="GOP state Rep. Matt Gress" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/01/28/chips-salsa-isaac-school-district-budget-drama" data-vars-content-id="fbb583ba-6285-4fb6-a72c-315c4782ff1a" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Maricopa County never OK&#x27;d lawmaker&#x27;s &quot;excellence award&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/01/28/chips-salsa-isaac-school-district-budget-drama" target="_self">GOP state Rep. Matt Gress</a> touted on social media that he&#x27;d been given the &quot;Maricopa County Excellence Award&quot; — only the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="county board of supervisors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/08/04/final-stamp-on-a-silky-smooth-primary" data-vars-content-id="fbb583ba-6285-4fb6-a72c-315c4782ff1a" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Maricopa County never OK&#x27;d lawmaker&#x27;s &quot;excellence award&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/08/04/final-stamp-on-a-silky-smooth-primary" target="_self">county board of supervisors</a> never voted to establish any such honor.Why it matters: The pseudo-award shines a spotlight on Gress, who faces perhaps the toughest re-election fight of any state lawmaker.

Perfectly flaky: Get your croissant fix here

We tried three pastries at a beloved Scottsdale bakery

Craving a piece of France here in the Valley? We&#x27;ve got three recommendations for you.Driving the news: This summer, locals went crazy over Gilbert&#x27;s Sablé Boulangerie, known for customers lining up around the block — an unusual sight for the suburb.

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 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="quiz" data-vars-click-url="https://www.opinionstage.com/api/v2/widgets/f9cd8cce-6a3a-4cd5-8b52-7af420cecad7/iframe" data-vars-content-id="4e448c6f-b751-49b7-ac48-fdc519db6150" 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="https://www.opinionstage.com/api/v2/widgets/f9cd8cce-6a3a-4cd5-8b52-7af420cecad7/iframe" target="_blank">quiz</a>.

Arizona's Prop. 144 will determine future of mail-in voting

About three-fourths of Arizona voters cast their ballots by mail.

A proposal on this year&#x27;s ballot could dramatically change — or potentially gut — Arizona&#x27;s popular vote-by-mail system.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="overwhelming majority" data-vars-click-url="https://elections.maricopa.gov/news-and-information/elections-news/11-21-24-general-election-canvass.html" data-vars-content-id="9befc96b-3ee8-4b0f-855d-01611f4ba229" data-vars-headline="Arizona&#x27;s Prop. 144 will determine future of mail-in voting" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://elections.maricopa.gov/news-and-information/elections-news/11-21-24-general-election-canvass.html" target="_blank">overwhelming majority</a> of Arizonans vote early, with nearly 75% of voters casting ballots by mail in the 2024 general election, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per the U.S. Election Assistance Commission" data-vars-click-url="https://www.eac.gov/sites/default/files/2025-07/2024_EAVS_Report_508.pdf" data-vars-content-id="9befc96b-3ee8-4b0f-855d-01611f4ba229" data-vars-headline="Arizona&#x27;s Prop. 144 will determine future of mail-in voting" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.eac.gov/sites/default/files/2025-07/2024_EAVS_Report_508.pdf" target="_blank">per the U.S. Election Assistance Commission</a>.

Why football matters in the Maricopa Community College District race

Four Maricopa County community colleges eliminated their football programs in 2018.

Football has become a campaign issue in the race for the Maricopa County Community College District as a slate of candidates campaigns on bringing back programs that were eliminated nearly a decade ago.Why it matters: Supporters of community college football are passionate about the benefits they believe it has for the players, but it&#x27;s also a cost-intensive program that would require considerable resources from MCCCD, which oversees 10 community colleges in the county.

Veto stamp hangs in the balance in governor's race

Andy Biggs said he's "inclined" to sign Republican bills Katie Hobbs has vetoed.

Gov. Katie Hobbs&#x27; record-setting list of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vetoes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2024/04/19/hobbs-veto-record" data-vars-content-id="fb712180-f1aa-44f0-8e2f-ab598f952b02" data-vars-headline="Veto stamp hangs in the balance in governor&#x27;s race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2024/04/19/hobbs-veto-record" target="_self">vetoes</a> could provide a road map to the types of bills Andy Biggs would sign if he were elected.Why it matters: Major decisions about <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="elections" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/11/26/republicans-early-ballots-voting-by-mail-2026-legislative-session" data-vars-content-id="fb712180-f1aa-44f0-8e2f-ab598f952b02" data-vars-headline="Veto stamp hangs in the balance in governor&#x27;s race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/11/26/republicans-early-ballots-voting-by-mail-2026-legislative-session" target="_self">elections</a>, immigration, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="school choice" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/04/17/capitol-roundup-hobbs-veto-threat-bill-mortatorium" data-vars-content-id="fb712180-f1aa-44f0-8e2f-ab598f952b02" data-vars-headline="Veto stamp hangs in the balance in governor&#x27;s race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/04/17/capitol-roundup-hobbs-veto-threat-bill-mortatorium" target="_self">school choice</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="transgender rights" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/05/16/capitol-roundup-hobbs-nears-new-veto-record-2025" data-vars-content-id="fb712180-f1aa-44f0-8e2f-ab598f952b02" data-vars-headline="Veto stamp hangs in the balance in governor&#x27;s race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/05/16/capitol-roundup-hobbs-nears-new-veto-record-2025" target="_self">transgender rights</a>, groundwater policy, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="taxes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2023/03/24/arizona-republicans-food-tax-ban-hobbs-likely-veto" data-vars-content-id="fb712180-f1aa-44f0-8e2f-ab598f952b02" data-vars-headline="Veto stamp hangs in the balance in governor&#x27;s race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2023/03/24/arizona-republicans-food-tax-ban-hobbs-likely-veto" target="_self">taxes</a>, fentanyl sentencing and more will hinge on who wins the governor&#x27;s race.

Tempe weighs first-of-its-kind ALPR camera ban

The proposed ban faces an uphill battle at the Tempe City Council.

Tempe is considering a ban on most city uses of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/08/12/tempe-tightens-up-flock" data-vars-content-id="d062de34-82a9-4aad-b9ca-a74946c6a323" data-vars-headline="Tempe weighs first-of-its-kind ALPR camera ban" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/08/12/tempe-tightens-up-flock" target="_self">automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras</a> like those made by Flock Safety, though police and several city councilmembers have concerns.Why it matters: If passed, the ALPR ban is thought to be the first of its kind at the municipal level in the U.S., according to the ACLU of Arizona, and could pave the way for similar restrictions in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="other locales" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/08/17/arizona-cities-distance-from-flock-cameras" data-vars-content-id="d062de34-82a9-4aad-b9ca-a74946c6a323" data-vars-headline="Tempe weighs first-of-its-kind ALPR camera ban" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/08/17/arizona-cities-distance-from-flock-cameras" target="_self">other locales</a>.

Scoop: Biggs left positive reviews of Islamophobic and anti-immigrant books

Biggs is seeking to project a more moderate image in his bid to unseat Gov. Katie Hobbs.

Politics

A Goodreads account seeming to belong to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="GOP nominee for governor Rep. Andy Biggs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/09/15/andy-biggs-senate-president-freedom-caucus-governor" data-vars-content-id="d29648c5-6235-4b34-add0-3863bae22c00" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Biggs left positive reviews of Islamophobic and anti-immigrant books" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/09/15/andy-biggs-senate-president-freedom-caucus-governor" target="_self">GOP nominee for governor Rep. Andy Biggs</a> left positive reviews for books that argue the growth of Muslim and Latin American populations threaten predominantly white Western societies.Why it matters: The apparent endorsements of books promoting extreme anti-immigrant views come as Biggs — one of the most conservative members of Congress — seeks to project a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more moderate image" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/08/03/andy-biggs-plays-it-safe-with-lieutenant-governor-pick" data-vars-content-id="d29648c5-6235-4b34-add0-3863bae22c00" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Biggs left positive reviews of Islamophobic and anti-immigrant books" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/08/03/andy-biggs-plays-it-safe-with-lieutenant-governor-pick" target="_self">more moderate image</a> in his race to unseat Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs.

Scoop: ASU program is no longer named after Obama

The change comes as ASU and other universities are trying to navigate the contentious political climate.

The Obama Scholars Program at Arizona State University is now called ASU Promise Plus, according to the university&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="webpage on special financial assistance programs" data-vars-click-url="https://tuition.asu.edu/special-financial-assistance-programs-arizona-residents#webspark-anchor-link--1298" data-vars-content-id="60d952b6-1d21-4872-a9c8-e26fd168e350" data-vars-headline="Scoop: ASU program is no longer named after Obama" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tuition.asu.edu/special-financial-assistance-programs-arizona-residents#webspark-anchor-link--1298" target="_blank">webpage on special financial assistance programs</a> for state residents.The big picture: The change comes as ASU and other universities are navigating the contentious political climate of the Trump administration, which has sought to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="exert pressure on the higher education system." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/21/trump-higher-ed-shakeup-colleges-fall-semester" data-vars-content-id="60d952b6-1d21-4872-a9c8-e26fd168e350" data-vars-headline="Scoop: ASU program is no longer named after Obama" 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">exert pressure on the higher education system.</a>

Senate Republicans shift Hobbs investigation

Campaign spending to Sen. Jake Hoffman's company raised conflict-of-interest issues.

A state Senate Republican <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="investigation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/09/16/jake-hoffman-subpoenas-hobbs-pay-to-play-sunshine-residential-homes" data-vars-content-id="af28184a-072a-469d-957d-72b2d4980bca" data-vars-headline="Senate Republicans shift Hobbs investigation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/09/16/jake-hoffman-subpoenas-hobbs-pay-to-play-sunshine-residential-homes" target="_self">investigation</a> into pay-to-play allegations against Gov. Katie Hobbs is now being led by a former Arizona Supreme Court justice amid conflict-of-interest questions surrounding the senator who originally launched it.Why it matters: Sen. Jake Hoffman&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="companies" data-vars-click-url="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakemhoffman/" data-vars-content-id="af28184a-072a-469d-957d-72b2d4980bca" data-vars-headline="Senate Republicans shift Hobbs investigation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakemhoffman/" target="_blank">companies</a> have been paid about $1.5 million to help defeat Hobbs, which her campaign and other Democrats say creates a conflict of interest.

Former Sen. Jon Kyl has died 

In his 18 years in the Senate, Kyl became a tremendously influential Republican lawmaker.

<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.

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.

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>.

Politics 🇺🇸

Arizona's Prop. 144 will determine future of mail-in voting

Why football matters in the Maricopa Community College District race

Veto stamp hangs in the balance in governor's race

Tempe weighs first-of-its-kind ALPR camera ban

Scoop: Biggs left positive reviews of Islamophobic and anti-immigrant books