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Allsup's brings its famous deep-fried burritos to Arizona

Allsup's expects to expand throughout Arizona and eventually reach the Phoenix area.

News

Allsup&#x27;s Convenience Stores have come to Arizona, and with them come their &quot;world famous&quot; deep-fried burritos, which have a special place in my heart. State of play: Parent company Yesway Inc. has more than 400 convenience stores in eight states, nearly all of which are Allsup&#x27;s locations in New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas.

Phoenix's new Pride in Melrose Festival guide: When, where, what to know

The new event will be free and family friendly, organizers say.

Things to Do

The Melrose District, famously Phoenix&#x27;s &quot;gayborhood,&quot; is hosting free <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pride" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/06/02/pride-events-phoenix-2026" data-vars-content-id="ce67a738-58a1-4a6c-8ac0-0e8f7f975b65" data-vars-headline="Phoenix&#x27;s new Pride in Melrose Festival guide: When, where, what to know" 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/pride-events-phoenix-2026" target="_self">Pride</a> festivities on Saturday.Why it matters: With the Phoenix Pride organization <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="mired in bankruptcy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/06/02/phoenix-pride-bankruptcy-national-trend-corporate-sponsorships" data-vars-content-id="ce67a738-58a1-4a6c-8ac0-0e8f7f975b65" data-vars-headline="Phoenix&#x27;s new Pride in Melrose Festival guide: When, where, what to know" 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">mired in bankruptcy</a> and scaling back its own event, the event offers a chance for residents to celebrate LGBTQ+ culture in the neighborhood most defined by it.

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.

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.

Sheriff's office outsourced investigations to Cyber Ninjas-tied firm

The firm, AZ Truthfinder, has been paid $270,000 since June 2025.

Election

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Maricopa County Sheriff&#x27;s Office" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2024/07/31/maricopa-county-election-results-sheriff-recorder-supervisors" data-vars-content-id="3e30cc9a-4252-4f25-a1b0-05f8d4e14998" data-vars-headline="Sheriff&#x27;s office outsourced investigations to Cyber Ninjas-tied firm" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2024/07/31/maricopa-county-election-results-sheriff-recorder-supervisors" target="_self">Maricopa County Sheriff&#x27;s Office</a> (MCSO) failed to properly vet a firm with ties to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cyber Ninjas audit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2022/09/27/one-year-after-arizona-election-audit-questions-linger" data-vars-content-id="3e30cc9a-4252-4f25-a1b0-05f8d4e14998" data-vars-headline="Sheriff&#x27;s office outsourced investigations to Cyber Ninjas-tied firm" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2022/09/27/one-year-after-arizona-election-audit-questions-linger" target="_self">Cyber Ninjas audit</a> of the 2020 election before awarding it an investigative contract, per a newly-unsealed report from the court-appointed monitor overseeing the agency.Why it matters: The report calls into question the administration of Sheriff Jerry Sheridan as MCSO pushes for an end to the monitor&#x27;s oversight, which was imposed by a federal judge in 2013 as the result of class-action racial profiling case.

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>.

Phoenix police are still more than 500 officers short

The department has faced recruiting and retention challenges for years.

Public Safety

The Phoenix Police Department has fewer sworn officers than it did in 2024, despite renewed efforts to boost recruitment in order to close a years-long staffing gap.Why it matters: The department&#x27;s hiring and retention struggles — there are more than 500 unfilled sworn officer positions — come as the agency continues to battle bad headlines, including the arrest of two now-former officers following a violent traffic stop.

The funniest rejected ADOT safety message entries

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.