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Nancy Guthrie case fuels true crime frenzy

Experts warn viral speculation could harm the investigation.

News

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.

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.

Water worries are top of mind for Arizonans, poll shows

An annual poll on conservation in the West shows Arizonans are deeply concerned about water.

Water is a major concern across the American West and nowhere more so than in Arizona, according to a new poll.Why it matters: The numbers from the annual <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Conservation in the West poll" data-vars-click-url="https://www.coloradocollege.edu/other/stateoftherockies/conservationinthewest/2026.html" data-vars-content-id="62a19f6d-a299-4a1d-9d3f-01105db3d0db" data-vars-headline="Water worries are top of mind for Arizonans, poll shows" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.coloradocollege.edu/other/stateoftherockies/conservationinthewest/2026.html" target="_blank">Conservation in the West poll</a> suggest conservation isn&#x27;t a niche issue — it&#x27;s political bedrock in eight Southwest and Rocky Mountain states.

Feds push back against states on prediction markets

Arizona disagrees with the feds' claim of exclusive authority over online prediction markets.

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission is launching a legal campaign to defend its regulatory turf on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="prediction markets" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/11/coalition-for-prediction-markets-kalshi-crypto" data-vars-content-id="f8a9d0f7-f241-46d2-8ea1-18ccbe2aa9f6" data-vars-headline="Feds push back against states on prediction markets" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/11/coalition-for-prediction-markets-kalshi-crypto" target="_self">prediction markets</a>, setting up a clash with states like Arizona that have sought to block them.Why it matters: Prediction markets like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kalshi" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/17/kalshi-sports-betting-super-bowl" data-vars-content-id="f8a9d0f7-f241-46d2-8ea1-18ccbe2aa9f6" data-vars-headline="Feds push back against states on prediction markets" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/17/kalshi-sports-betting-super-bowl" target="_self">Kalshi</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Polymarket" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/18/polymarket-ceo-sportsbooks-gambling" data-vars-content-id="f8a9d0f7-f241-46d2-8ea1-18ccbe2aa9f6" data-vars-headline="Feds push back against states on prediction markets" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/18/polymarket-ceo-sportsbooks-gambling" target="_self">Polymarket</a> have been surging in popularity, raising questions about the legality of sports event contracts and other trading opportunities in a growing <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="gambling culture" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/08/polymarket-kalshi-draftkings-fanduel-betting" data-vars-content-id="f8a9d0f7-f241-46d2-8ea1-18ccbe2aa9f6" data-vars-headline="Feds push back against states on prediction markets" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/08/polymarket-kalshi-draftkings-fanduel-betting" target="_self">gambling culture</a>.

Phoenix drivers are spending more time in traffic

Valley drivers spent a record number of hours in traffic last year, per a new report.

Traffic congestion is worsening in the Valley, and it&#x27;s costing you more time in your car, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="according to a new report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/28/traffic-congestion-getting-worse" data-vars-content-id="6e94696f-b6d9-46f0-bce9-63037c6010c1" data-vars-headline="Phoenix drivers are spending more time in traffic" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/28/traffic-congestion-getting-worse" target="_self">according to a new report</a>. Why it matters: The findings put some hard data behind a common sentiment: Traffic has been getting worse — or at least different — since the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="COVID-19 pandemic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/28/cdc-covid-vaccine-rules-recommendations-high-risk-fda" data-vars-content-id="6e94696f-b6d9-46f0-bce9-63037c6010c1" data-vars-headline="Phoenix drivers are spending more time in traffic" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/28/cdc-covid-vaccine-rules-recommendations-high-risk-fda" target="_self">COVID-19 pandemic</a>.

Light rail service to south Phoenix gets underway

The Valley Metro light rail system now runs 35 miles after the south Phoenix extension opened.

Light rail in the Valley entered a new era over the weekend when the first train traversed the system&#x27;s south Phoenix expansion.The big picture: A 5.5-mile extension that runs south along Central Avenue from downtown Phoenix opened Saturday.

State Route 30 aims to relieve traffic congestion for booming West Valley

State Route 30 will serve as a critical congestion reliever for I-10 in the West Valley.

If you commute to and from the southwest Valley, the Phoenix area&#x27;s next major freeway should make your drive a bit easier, though it&#x27;ll be a while before it&#x27;s a reality.The big picture: The West Valley is in the midst of a massive population boom and has some of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S.

What to know about Valley Metro fare changes

The way Valley riders pay for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="light rail and bus fare" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2024/01/11/public-transportation-city-buses-rail-pre-pandemic" data-vars-content-id="88693b54-a6e0-4adb-8919-f3895efdd7df" data-vars-headline="What to know about Valley Metro fare changes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2024/01/11/public-transportation-city-buses-rail-pre-pandemic" target="_self">light rail and bus fare</a> will change at the end of the month.Why it matters: Valley Metro&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="fare modernization program" data-vars-click-url="https://www.valleymetro.org/fares/fare-technology?tab=5" data-vars-content-id="88693b54-a6e0-4adb-8919-f3895efdd7df" data-vars-headline="What to know about Valley Metro fare changes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.valleymetro.org/fares/fare-technology?tab=5" target="_blank">fare modernization program</a> aims to make it more convenient to pay for public transportation and give frequent riders a discount, according to the transit agency.

Waymo now providing 24/7 curbside service at Sky Harbor

Waymo began service to Sky Harbor's Sky Train stations in December 2022.

Curbside service from Waymo at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is now available anytime.State of play: Waymo announced Tuesday morning that its driverless, autonomous cars now offer 24/7 curbside pickups and drop-offs at Terminals 3 and 4.

Mesa and Tempe to decide on streetcar extension in early 2025

It would be the first expansion since Tempe debuted the three-mile system in May 2022.

The Mesa and Tempe city councils are expected to decide by early next year whether to move ahead with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="streetcar expansion" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2023/09/18/tempe-streetcar-free-extension-cost-ridership" data-vars-content-id="b423013c-e4a7-423a-971e-14613294e8da" data-vars-headline="Mesa and Tempe to decide on streetcar extension in early 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2023/09/18/tempe-streetcar-free-extension-cost-ridership" target="_self">streetcar expansion</a>, Valley Metro told Axios.Why it matters: Rail — though expensive and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="often controversial" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2023/08/14/phoenix-valtrans-delayed-light-rail-expansion-decades" data-vars-content-id="b423013c-e4a7-423a-971e-14613294e8da" data-vars-headline="Mesa and Tempe to decide on streetcar extension in early 2025" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2023/08/14/phoenix-valtrans-delayed-light-rail-expansion-decades" target="_self">often controversial</a> — can move more people quicker and with less environmental impact than private vehicles.

Metro Phoenix transit use still lags pre-pandemic levels

Public transit ridership in the Phoenix metro area is at 56% of pre-pandemic levels.

Public transit ridership in the Phoenix metro area is at 56% of pre-pandemic levels, according to data from the American Public Transportation Association (APTA).<ul><li>That&#x27;s based on September 2023 ridership compared with September 2019.</li></ul>

Waymo to start testing robotaxis on Valley freeways

Adding freeways can cut down drive times by 50%, per the company.

Waymo will start testing its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="autonomous vehicles on Valley freeways" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/04/waymo-phoenix-expansion" data-vars-content-id="c1fc072d-f0df-4761-b578-8131629be7a1" data-vars-headline="Waymo to start testing robotaxis on Valley freeways" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/05/04/waymo-phoenix-expansion" target="_self">autonomous vehicles on Valley freeways</a> in the coming weeks, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="company announced" data-vars-click-url="https://waymo.com/blog/2024/01/from-surface-streets-to-freeways-safely.html" data-vars-content-id="c1fc072d-f0df-4761-b578-8131629be7a1" data-vars-headline="Waymo to start testing robotaxis on Valley freeways" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://waymo.com/blog/2024/01/from-surface-streets-to-freeways-safely.html" target="_blank">company announced</a> Monday.Why it matters: Waymo currently operates its ride hailing service across <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="225 square miles in metro Phoenix" data-vars-click-url="https://waymo.com/waymo-one-phoenix/" data-vars-content-id="c1fc072d-f0df-4761-b578-8131629be7a1" data-vars-headline="Waymo to start testing robotaxis on Valley freeways" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://waymo.com/waymo-one-phoenix/" target="_blank">225 square miles in metro Phoenix</a>, but its cars use only surface streets. Adding freeways can cut down drive times by 50%, per the company.

Grant gets Phoenix closer to passenger rail restoration, but there's still long way to go

There are still many steps to go and the future of passenger rail in Phoenix is uncertain.

Arizona is taking an important step toward the restoration of passenger rail service to the Valley after nearly three decades without it, but the future of Phoenix-to-Tucson rail remains uncertain.The latest: The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) awarded the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) a $500,000 grant last week for preliminary planning for the proposed rail line.

Petition urges Phoenix to abolish reversible lanes

Opponents say the "suicide lanes" are unsafe, while the city says they're needed for rush hour traffic.

Community advocates and local businesses last week launched an online petition they hope will put pressure on the city of Phoenix to abolish the controversial reverse lanes on Seventh Avenue and Seventh Street.How it works: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reverse lanes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.phoenix.gov/streets/projects/7th-street-and-7th-avenue-reverse-lanes" data-vars-content-id="5962f2be-6c51-4d39-95ea-9b8548602706" data-vars-headline="Petition urges Phoenix to abolish reversible lanes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.phoenix.gov/streets/projects/7th-street-and-7th-avenue-reverse-lanes" target="_blank">reverse lanes</a>, or &quot;suicide lanes&quot; as they&#x27;re often called, use left-turn lanes as extra lanes of traffic during rush hour.

Transit 🚗

Phoenix drivers are spending more time in traffic

Light rail service to south Phoenix gets underway

State Route 30 aims to relieve traffic congestion for booming West Valley

What to know about Valley Metro fare changes

Waymo now providing 24/7 curbside service at Sky Harbor