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Potential United Airlines-American merger raises Phoenix hub concerns

A potential airline merger could impact Phoenix service and fares.

News

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!

Craft beer is in decline, but maybe less so in Arizona

Arizona's craft beer market may be well situated to weather a nationwide decline in the market.

The craft beer market continued <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="its historic decline" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/04/15/craft-beer-breweries-decline-2024" data-vars-content-id="ab15109b-f808-4821-8ea9-3cf09629a9ad" data-vars-headline="Craft beer is in decline, but maybe less so in Arizona" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/denver/2025/04/15/craft-beer-breweries-decline-2024" target="_self">its historic decline</a> in 2025, but the brewers in Arizona may be less tapped out than their counterparts in other states, per an industry group. Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="persistent downward trend" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/09/craft-beer-production-closings-gabf" data-vars-content-id="ab15109b-f808-4821-8ea9-3cf09629a9ad" data-vars-headline="Craft beer is in decline, but maybe less so in Arizona" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/09/craft-beer-production-closings-gabf" target="_self">persistent downward trend</a> is startling the once-booming industry and forcing brewers to rethink their business models and expand into non-beer beverages.

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.

Win or go home: Suns have one more chance after play-in loss to Portland

The Suns have one more chance to extend their season after a play-in loss against Portland.

The Phoenix Suns blew an 11-point lead in a play-in game against Portland and have one more chance to break into the first round of the NBA postseason.Driving the news: The Trail Blazers rallied late in the fourth quarter to hand the Suns a 114-110 loss Tuesday night at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix and earn the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference.

Suns face Trail Blazers in postseason play-in game

The winner of the Suns-Blazers play-in game will face the Spurs in the first round of the playoffs.

The Phoenix Suns are back in the playoffs and have a chance to fight their way into the first round.State of play-in: The Suns earned the seventh seed in the West and will face the Portland Trail Blazers in a play-in game on Tuesday.

Final Four loss gives Cats rough end to great season

The Cats' tournament run ended in disappointment but the future is bright.

UofA finally met its match — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michigan dominated the Wildcats" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/04/02/final-four-game-guide-arizona-michigan" data-vars-content-id="58e16093-4294-42ee-bf87-d803ac43a9ba" data-vars-headline="Final Four loss gives Cats rough end to great season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/04/02/final-four-game-guide-arizona-michigan" target="_self">Michigan dominated the Wildcats</a> from the opening tipoff and never let up, notching a 91-73 win Saturday to earn a spot in Monday&#x27;s national championship game against UConn.The big picture: It wasn&#x27;t the ending the Cats hoped to see, but UofA men&#x27;s basketball had its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="best season in a quarter century" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/03/30/arizona-wildcats-beat-purdue-return-to-final-four" data-vars-content-id="58e16093-4294-42ee-bf87-d803ac43a9ba" data-vars-headline="Final Four loss gives Cats rough end to great season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/03/30/arizona-wildcats-beat-purdue-return-to-final-four" target="_self">best season in a quarter century</a> and has a bright future ahead.

What to check out at Final Four fan events

Fans can enjoy games, panels and concerts during Final Four weekend festivities.

Sports

<figure><img alt="A gif of kids shooting baskets with &quot;Fina Four&quot; branding." height="450" id="daf4e127-5a00-43de-a698-587eaa09efc8" src="https://images.axios.com/I06J-oWCyFHdNiDpPOyxgIGkPLY=/2026/04/02/1775166745955.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>There are too many hoops to count at Tourney Town. GIF: Jessica Boehm/Axios</figcaption></figure>Downtown Phoenix is abuzz with basketball fever and plenty of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fan fun" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/02/25/phoenix-womens-final-four-free-fan-events-downtown" data-vars-content-id="2e15843e-5794-46b9-a86a-f08d69c96b2a" data-vars-headline="What to check out at Final Four fan events" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/02/25/phoenix-womens-final-four-free-fan-events-downtown" target="_self">fan fun</a> for locals to enjoy.Why it matters: This is Phoenix&#x27;s first time hosting the women&#x27;s Final Four.

What to know: Arizona faces Michigan in Final Four

Here's what you need to know about the Arizona Wildcats' Final Four matchup against Michigan.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Final Four" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/03/30/arizona-wildcats-beat-purdue-return-to-final-four" data-vars-content-id="d2ed92ef-1584-460d-b1bf-22399e6db0f4" data-vars-headline="What to know: Arizona faces Michigan in Final Four" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/03/30/arizona-wildcats-beat-purdue-return-to-final-four" target="_self">Final Four</a> matchup between the Arizona Wildcats and the Michigan Wolverines may be the best game of March Madness.<ul><li>Whether you&#x27;ve followed the Wildcats all season or are just getting into the excitement of their first Final Four appearance in a quarter century, here&#x27;s what you need to know.</li></ul>

Arizona teams to compete in national padel competition

Arizona teams will compete for the first time in an ameteur national padel league.

For the first time, Arizona is fielding teams in a nationwide amateur league for padel, a combination of tennis and squash that&#x27;s often described as the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="world&#x27;s fastest-growing sport" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/padel-racket-sport-popularity-mexico-origins-rcna232524" data-vars-content-id="eb91a7f7-7821-43d8-a6f8-352830e693be" data-vars-headline="Arizona teams to compete in national padel competition" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/padel-racket-sport-popularity-mexico-origins-rcna232524" target="_blank">world&#x27;s fastest-growing sport</a>.State of play: USA National Team League is preparing for its spring season, and five teams from Phoenix, Tempe and Tucson are looking to compete.

Wildcats make long-awaited return to Final Four

UofA will play fellow No. 1 seed Michigan after beating Purdue on Saturday.

It&#x27;s been a long time coming, but the Arizona Wildcats are back in the Final Four.Why it matters: It&#x27;s their first appearance since 2001.

Wildcats advance to Elite Eight with win over Arkansas

The Arizona Wildcats return to the Elite Eight for the first time in 11 years after beating Arkansas.

The Arizona Wildcats are headed to the Elite Eight, where they&#x27;ll have a chance to exorcise more than two decades or March Madness ghosts.Driving the news: No. 1 seed UofA handily beat No. 4 seed Arkansas 109-88 in the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA men&#x27;s basketball tournament Thursday night.Zoom in: The Cats had an epic shooting night, hitting 64% of their shots.<ul><li>The game got chippy in the second half as UofA extended its lead, and the Razorbacks helped the Cats add points at the free throw line with frustration fouls, flagrant fouls and technical fouls.</li><li>UofA scored more points than any tournament team this year except Florida, which put up 114 points in its first-round win.</li><li>The 21-point loss was the worst tournament defeat in Arkansas head coach John Calipari&#x27;s illustrious career, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per ESPN" data-vars-click-url="https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48318752/arizona-too-much-arkansas-ncaa-tournament-sweet-16" data-vars-content-id="74ce868b-9ae0-46cd-912b-cb85803bb6c9" data-vars-headline="Wildcats advance to Elite Eight with win over Arkansas" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48318752/arizona-too-much-arkansas-ncaa-tournament-sweet-16" target="_blank">per ESPN</a>.</li></ul>State of play: UofA goes to its first Elite Eight since Tommy Lloyd took over as head coach in 2021.The intrigue: The Cats haven&#x27;t been to a Final Four since 2001, and the Elite Eight is where they&#x27;ve repeatedly fallen short over the past quarter century.<ul><li>UofA reached the Elite Eight in 2003, 2005, 2011, 2014 and 2015.</li><li>That stretch included some close calls and gut-wrenching losses.</li></ul>What&#x27;s next: UofA will play No. 2 seed Purdue in San Jose on Saturday at 5:49pm.<ul><li>The Boilermakers beat Texas, led by former UofA head coach Sean Miller, 79-77 last night.</li></ul>

D-Backs seek success after injury-filled 2025 season

Key injuries hampered the D-Backs down the stretch last year, but they're looking to bounce back.

The Arizona Diamondbacks are hoping to bounce back this season after a 2025 plagued by injuries, some of which they&#x27;ll still be dealing with this year.The big picture: The D-Backs haven&#x27;t been to the postseason since their Cinderella run to the 2023 World Series, which is getting further and further in the rearview mirror.

Arizona Wildcats advance to Sweet 16 with win over Utah State

The top-seeded Wildcats advance to the Sweet 16 after fending off a persistent Utah State team.

The top-seeded Arizona Wildcats are headed to their third straight Sweet 16 after dispatching Utah State in the second round of the NCAA tournament.State of play: No. 1 seed UofA beat the No. 9 seed Aggies 78-66 in San Diego on Sunday.

Sports 🏅

Win or go home: Suns have one more chance after play-in loss to Portland

Suns face Trail Blazers in postseason play-in game

Lawmakers honor Wildcats' Final Four run

Final Four loss gives Cats rough end to great season

What to check out at Final Four fan events