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Fontes: Supreme Court ruling on Trump's mail-in voting order changes nothing

An injunction in a separate case still blocks Trump's mail-in voting order after Supreme Court win.

News

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="A U.S. Supreme Court ruling" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/24/supreme-court-mail-in-ballot-rules" data-vars-content-id="d0d5cb1b-55e6-47fa-9f26-30426bbc5487" data-vars-headline="Fontes: Supreme Court ruling on Trump&#x27;s mail-in voting order changes nothing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/24/supreme-court-mail-in-ballot-rules" target="_self">A U.S. Supreme Court ruling</a> on President Trump&#x27;s executive order to restrict mail-in voting won&#x27;t matter for now because of an injunction in a separate case challenging it, according to Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes.Driving the news: The high court on Monday ruled that a group of states that sued over Trump&#x27;s executive order lacked standing to bring the case.

Michelin stars skip Arizona in Southwest debut

But several Phoenix restaurants took home other awards.

Food and Drink

The famously stingy <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michelin Guide" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/08/24/utah-michelin-star-predictions" data-vars-content-id="592f167b-2d65-4af5-9f31-8192af4eb4af" data-vars-headline="Michelin stars skip Arizona in Southwest debut" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/salt-lake-city/2026/08/24/utah-michelin-star-predictions" target="_self">Michelin Guide</a> denied Arizona restaurants any of its coveted stars, but nearly a dozen Valley favorites did get some recognition during a ceremony Wednesday. Why it matters: A Michelin star would have gone a long toward boosting the Valley&#x27;s growing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="national reputation for its restaurant scene" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cntraveler.com/story/phoenix-reborn-with-new-hotels-food-and-art?utm_source=chatgpt.com" data-vars-content-id="592f167b-2d65-4af5-9f31-8192af4eb4af" data-vars-headline="Michelin stars skip Arizona in Southwest debut" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cntraveler.com/story/phoenix-reborn-with-new-hotels-food-and-art?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank">national reputation for its restaurant scene</a>.

Jake Hoffman is making money off candidates he recruited

Jake Hoffman is an influential far-right state senator from Gilbert.

Politics

A political communications firm owned by influential GOP state Sen. Jake Hoffman has made more than $200,000 so far off of two statewide candidates he recruited to run in the 2026 election, campaign finance data shows.Why it matters: The money spent on Hoffman&#x27;s Forged Communications — by prominent candidates <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kimberly Yee" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/05/28/yee-challenge-horne-republican-primary-superintendent-of-public-instruction" data-vars-content-id="9346e458-d9ce-457c-b99c-134f82e9da2b" data-vars-headline="Jake Hoffman is making money off candidates he recruited" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/05/28/yee-challenge-horne-republican-primary-superintendent-of-public-instruction" target="_self">Kimberly Yee</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Alexander Kolodin" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/04/01/alexander-kolodin-announces-arizona-secretary-of-state-bid" data-vars-content-id="9346e458-d9ce-457c-b99c-134f82e9da2b" data-vars-headline="Jake Hoffman is making money off candidates he recruited" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/04/01/alexander-kolodin-announces-arizona-secretary-of-state-bid" target="_self">Alexander Kolodin</a> — raise conflict of interest concerns with political observers and ethics experts.

The 8 ballot propositions to know for Arizona's election

Arizonans will vote on photo radar, DEI, transgender athletes and more.

The lawsuits are over and ballots are being finalized, and though Arizonans <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="won&#x27;t get to vote on school vouchers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/08/18/proposition-212-off-ballot-esa-school-vouchers-arizona-supreme-court" data-vars-content-id="0ee737ad-a108-4f99-a24b-dc02a81c1153" data-vars-headline="The 8 ballot propositions to know for Arizona&#x27;s election" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/08/18/proposition-212-off-ballot-esa-school-vouchers-arizona-supreme-court" target="_self">won&#x27;t get to vote on school vouchers</a> in November, there are plenty of other propositions to sort through.Why it matters: Ballot propositions give voters an opportunity to decide the laws for themselves, rather than rely on state legislators.

The funniest rejected ADOT safety message entries

Public Safety

The Arizona Department of Transportation is in the midst of yet <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="another contest" data-vars-click-url="https://azdot.gov/news/adot-announces-finalists-safety-message-contest-0" data-vars-content-id="69ce75b8-8bcc-4208-a41d-2cfc2023e82f" data-vars-headline="The funniest rejected ADOT safety message entries" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://azdot.gov/news/adot-announces-finalists-safety-message-contest-0" target="_blank">another contest</a> to determine what somewhat-humorous safety message will appear on highway LED boards. But far more entertaining are the messages ADOT rejected.Why it matters: ADOT received more than 1,700 entries in the one-week period the contest was open. Axios obtained that list via a public records request and combed through it for the rejected messages that made us guffaw.

Valley cities are suddenly very wary of Flock cameras

But the surveillance tech might not be going away yet.

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.

Arizona overdose deaths surge amid national decline

Overdose deaths hit an all-time high in Arizona last year while national rates have declined.

Arizona is tragically defying a national trend on drug overdose deaths as rates here climb amid a nationwide decrease, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report by the New York Times" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/07/15/upshot/arizona-drug-overdose-deaths.html?elqTrackId=1C8D829222D9916CC736D6DBAE2491BE&amp;elq=1a9c44cca6de49e8a151551860b44503&amp;elqaid=2355&amp;elqat=1&amp;elqCampaignId=1447&amp;elqak=8AF51A636A4886FD9761471A7263BECD1F997B04FD09E3A0A7CF3556317B7E6CB399" data-vars-content-id="5940012c-69c1-4ed8-9ee2-1e8c9d24c0fe" data-vars-headline="Arizona overdose deaths surge amid national decline" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2026/07/15/upshot/arizona-drug-overdose-deaths.html?elqTrackId=1C8D829222D9916CC736D6DBAE2491BE&amp;elq=1a9c44cca6de49e8a151551860b44503&amp;elqaid=2355&amp;elqat=1&amp;elqCampaignId=1447&amp;elqak=8AF51A636A4886FD9761471A7263BECD1F997B04FD09E3A0A7CF3556317B7E6CB399" target="_blank">report by the New York Times</a>.Why it matters: Arizona&#x27;s rate is now twice the national average.

Arizona AG still investigating about 200 sober living home fraud cases

The dramatic surge in billing for bogus services began in 2019.

The Arizona Attorney General&#x27;s Office is still investigating around 200 cases in the massive sober living homes Medicaid fraud scandal targeting Native Americans.Why it matters: Shady sober living homes serving largely Native American patients promised addiction treatment that was never delivered and exploited people in dire need for profit.

Phoenix eyes new fireworks restrictions as July 4 approaches

Phoenix may limit where people can use fireworks as the July 4 holiday nears.

With Independence Day nearing, the city of Phoenix may limit where people can set off fireworks.Why it matters: When not used safely, fireworks can cause <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="blazes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/glendale-fire-crews-responded-to-three-fireworks-related-fires-in-less-than-12-hours-officials-say" data-vars-content-id="f70c0bfa-a144-4ca2-b660-c05afb30a74b" data-vars-headline="Phoenix eyes new fireworks restrictions as July 4 approaches" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/glendale-fire-crews-responded-to-three-fireworks-related-fires-in-less-than-12-hours-officials-say" target="_blank">blazes</a> and wildfires resulting in injuries and property damage.

Phoenix violent crime falls from early 2025 levels

Violent crimes decreased in Phoenix earlier this year compared to the same period in 2025.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Violent crime" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/11/violent-crime-homicides-falls-major-cities-trump" data-vars-content-id="e0570c4f-d017-43ef-b94d-cea2d4aaae22" data-vars-headline="Phoenix violent crime falls from early 2025 levels" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/11/violent-crime-homicides-falls-major-cities-trump" target="_self">Violent crime</a> fell in Phoenix in early 2026, putting the city in line with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="other large U.S. cities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/10/violent-crime-us-cities-trump" data-vars-content-id="e0570c4f-d017-43ef-b94d-cea2d4aaae22" data-vars-headline="Phoenix violent crime falls from early 2025 levels" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/10/violent-crime-us-cities-trump" target="_self">other large U.S. cities</a>.Why it matters: Violent crime fell across major categories during the first quarter compared with the same period in 2025, according to data collected by the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Major Cities Chiefs Association" data-vars-click-url="https://majorcitieschiefs.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/MCCA-Violent-Crime-Report-2026-and-2025-First-Quarter.pdf" data-vars-content-id="e0570c4f-d017-43ef-b94d-cea2d4aaae22" data-vars-headline="Phoenix violent crime falls from early 2025 levels" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://majorcitieschiefs.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/MCCA-Violent-Crime-Report-2026-and-2025-First-Quarter.pdf" target="_blank">Major Cities Chiefs Association</a> from 67 major U.S. law enforcement agencies.

Scam texts for fake traffic violations send dozens to courthouse

Dozens of people went to fake court hearings rather than pay fines demanded by a text scam.

More than three dozen people wasted their time but perhaps not their money in a scam over fake traffic fines.State of play: A nationwide scam targeted Maricopa County residents this week with text messages warning of a &quot;final notice&quot; over outstanding violations for unpaid tolls (which we don&#x27;t have in Arizona), parking violations and speeding.

Nancy Guthrie case fuels true crime frenzy

Experts warn viral speculation could harm the investigation.

The disappearance of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="84-year-old Nancy Guthrie" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/02/02/savannah-guthrie-mother-missing-investigation" data-vars-content-id="fbdaecf3-e881-4ecb-bad9-53fa78ef2c6a" data-vars-headline="Nancy Guthrie case fuels true crime frenzy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/02/02/savannah-guthrie-mother-missing-investigation" target="_self">84-year-old Nancy Guthrie</a>, the mother of prominent NBC journalist Savannah Guthrie, has turned Tucson into America&#x27;s latest true crime obsession.The big picture: True crime — the nonfiction portrayal of real criminal activity — has exploded in popularity in recent decades in the form of social media streams, podcasts, TV series, news programming and more.

Pima County Sheriff's Department stars in A&E's "Desert Law"

The department filmed the series before Nancy Guthrie's disappearance.

The Pima County Sheriff&#x27;s Department is the star of a new law enforcement reality show on A&amp;E called &quot;Desert Law.&quot;Why it matters: The department, which filmed the show last year, is now one of the best-known (<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="and scrutinized" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/02/23/nancy-guthrie-disappearance-true-crime-frenzy" data-vars-content-id="82801904-7e74-4318-ad2a-4bcf193453b8" data-vars-headline="Pima County Sheriff&#x27;s Department stars in A&amp;E&#x27;s &quot;Desert Law&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/02/23/nancy-guthrie-disappearance-true-crime-frenzy" target="_self">and scrutinized</a>) law enforcement agencies in the world, as it&#x27;s tasked with solving the disappearance of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nancy Guthrie" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/02/02/savannah-guthrie-mother-missing-investigation" data-vars-content-id="82801904-7e74-4318-ad2a-4bcf193453b8" data-vars-headline="Pima County Sheriff&#x27;s Department stars in A&amp;E&#x27;s &quot;Desert Law&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/02/02/savannah-guthrie-mother-missing-investigation" target="_self">Nancy Guthrie</a>, the mother of &quot;Today&quot; show co-host Savannah Guthrie.

Surveillance photo released in connection with Nancy Guthrie disappearance

Photos released of suspect in Nancy Guthrie disappearance

This is the first time law enforcement has provided public details on a person of interest.

Politics & Policy

Law enforcement has released surveillance photos of someone they believe may be connected to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/02/05/nancy-guthrie-missing-update-ransom-reward-fbi" data-vars-content-id="d952271f-cffe-430d-9a45-71aa5b8d3a84" data-vars-headline="Surveillance photo released in connection with Nancy Guthrie disappearance" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/02/05/nancy-guthrie-missing-update-ransom-reward-fbi" target="_self">disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie</a>. Why it matters: This is the first time since <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Guthrie went missing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/02/09/savannah-guthrie-mother-missing-search-update" data-vars-content-id="d952271f-cffe-430d-9a45-71aa5b8d3a84" data-vars-headline="Surveillance photo released in connection with Nancy Guthrie disappearance" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/02/09/savannah-guthrie-mother-missing-search-update" target="_self">Guthrie went missing</a> more than a week ago that law enforcement has provided public details on a suspect or person of interest.