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Charles Barkley blimp returns to Phoenix skies

The Charles Barkley blimp is back as Final Four week begins.

News

Keep an eye on the sky for a rare migratory sighting: The 128-foot Charles Barkley blimp is back in Phoenix for the first time in two years.Why it matters: We&#x27;ve missed Soar Charles (also called: Charles Flightly, The Up Chuck, Air Chuck One and The Ugly Chuckling).

Phoenix unveils new South Mountain Activity Complex

After more than two years of work, Phoenix unveiled the South Mountain Activity Complex.

If you&#x27;re looking for a scenic event space, a spot for a family picnic or a good place to start a hike, the new South Mountain Activity Complex may be the place for you.State of play: After more than two years of work, the city of Phoenix unveiled the new activity center, off Central Avenue near the South Mountain Visitor Center.

Krav Mama: A self-defense class designed for new moms

A Tempe instructor created a postpartum workout where moms train with their babies.

<figure><img alt="A gif of a woman holding a baby and kicking a heavy bag in a gym." height="600" id="671d5f45-200d-469c-8060-0a3462c8e142" src="https://images.axios.com/ZstKyMUT41Amr56A_Usmnb3bB_w=/2026/03/26/1774548998563.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Jessica and her daughter test out Krav Mama. Photo: Courtesy of EVKM Self Defense &amp; Fitness</figcaption></figure>Tempe Krav Maga instructor and new mom Sara Ullenbruch-Zarezadeh has developed a postpartum version of the popular Israeli self-defense training. <ul><li>She&#x27;s calling it Krav Mama.</li></ul>Why it matters: Protecting yourself looks different when you have a baby in your arms or a tot by your side.

How Trump's mail voting order could affect Arizona voters

Arizona officials will challenge a Trump order affecting how mail ballots are sent.

Arizona is again in the crosshairs of President Trump&#x27;s mission to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nationalize elections" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/08/save-america-act-trump-nationalize-elections" data-vars-content-id="107a3dd6-dff7-455f-895f-cff4673c604c" data-vars-headline="How Trump&#x27;s mail voting order could affect Arizona voters" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/08/save-america-act-trump-nationalize-elections" target="_self">nationalize elections</a> and limit voting by mail.Why it matters: The vast majority of Arizonans cast mail ballots, and critics say Trump&#x27;s latest move would disenfranchise some of those voters ahead of a crucial November election in the battleground state.

The flight changing how Phoenix connects to Asia

A new nonstop flight brings Phoenix's global connections closer to its economic reality.

Partners

Phoenix now has a nonstop connection to Taipei, expanding direct access from the U.S. Southwest to Asia.Why it&#x27;s important: The route closes a long-standing gap in Phoenix&#x27;s air service to Asia, even as the region&#x27;s economy and Asia-Pacific ties have continued to grow.<ul><li>That shift strengthens cross-Pacific connectivity, while giving travelers more direct access to key global destinations through Phoenix.</li></ul>

Rick Steves says travel can bridge America's divides

The travel expert says curiosity and humility abroad can help heal divides at home.

European travel guru Rick Steves is coming to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Phoenix Travel &amp; Adventure Show" data-vars-click-url="https://travelshows.com/shows/phoenix/" data-vars-content-id="b6d6bca9-1d7d-4ec8-a996-20286f27cfb2" data-vars-headline="Rick Steves says travel can bridge America&#x27;s divides" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://travelshows.com/shows/phoenix/" target="_blank">Phoenix Travel &amp; Adventure Show</a> this weekend with a singular goal: Convince Americans to embrace culture shock and venture beyond Orlando.Why it matters: Steves has spent decades encouraging Americans to explore the world with humility and curiosity and he told us the key to mending our fractured country may lie in international exploration.

Arizona lawmakers renew push to rein in short-term rentals

New bills would let cities cap rentals and shut down repeat offenders.

A new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="legislative session" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/01/12/hobbs-begins-possible-last-session" data-vars-content-id="8cd3ff2a-53e3-4a9c-871d-b1afddf9c6be" data-vars-headline="Arizona lawmakers renew push to rein in short-term rentals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2026/01/12/hobbs-begins-possible-last-session" target="_self">legislative session</a> means a new effort to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="curb short-term rentals" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2023/09/01/short-term-rental-arizona-regulatory-power-cities" data-vars-content-id="8cd3ff2a-53e3-4a9c-871d-b1afddf9c6be" data-vars-headline="Arizona lawmakers renew push to rein in short-term rentals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2023/09/01/short-term-rental-arizona-regulatory-power-cities" target="_self">curb short-term rentals</a> and their impacts on Arizona neighborhoods — and a renewed campaign to quash any such limitations.Why it matters: Critics of Airbnb and similar operations say the proliferation of vacation rentals in certain neighborhoods has created nuisances for local homeowners and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="diminished the housing supply" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2024/05/15/short-term-rental-vacation-housing-shortage-airbnb" data-vars-content-id="8cd3ff2a-53e3-4a9c-871d-b1afddf9c6be" data-vars-headline="Arizona lawmakers renew push to rein in short-term rentals" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2024/05/15/short-term-rental-vacation-housing-shortage-airbnb" target="_self">diminished the housing supply</a>, further elevating prices.

Dozens of flights canceled as FAA cuts hit Phoenix Sky Harbor

Travelers face growing delays as FAA limits flights nationwide during the government shutdown.

Nearly 60 flights were canceled at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Phoenix Sky Harbor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/11/06/phoenix-sky-harbor-faa-shutdown-cuts-delays" data-vars-content-id="c5d26f5a-fada-48d4-8617-2e37d0ea578f" data-vars-headline="Dozens of flights canceled as FAA cuts hit Phoenix Sky Harbor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/11/06/phoenix-sky-harbor-faa-shutdown-cuts-delays" target="_self">Phoenix Sky Harbor</a> on Friday in response to the Federal Aviation Administration&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="air traffic reduction order" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/07/flights-cuts-shutdown-airports-list-faa" data-vars-content-id="c5d26f5a-fada-48d4-8617-2e37d0ea578f" data-vars-headline="Dozens of flights canceled as FAA cuts hit Phoenix Sky Harbor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/07/flights-cuts-shutdown-airports-list-faa" target="_self">air traffic reduction order</a>. Why it matters: Thousands of passengers nationwide are expected to see significant delays and cancellations just in time for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="busy holiday travel season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/06/flights-canceled-airports-shutdown-thanksgiving" data-vars-content-id="c5d26f5a-fada-48d4-8617-2e37d0ea578f" data-vars-headline="Dozens of flights canceled as FAA cuts hit Phoenix Sky Harbor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/06/flights-canceled-airports-shutdown-thanksgiving" target="_self">busy holiday travel season</a>.

Phoenix Sky Harbor likely to face FAA flight cuts, delays

More cuts could follow if the FAA deems it necessary to ensure safety.

The Federal Aviation Administration is expected to begin cutting flights nationwide on Friday, including at Phoenix Sky Harbor, as the federal <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="government shutdown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/06/government-shutdown-politics-affordable-care-act" data-vars-content-id="451d953e-2d53-4da5-a678-3d1c5cf848f7" data-vars-headline="Phoenix Sky Harbor likely to face FAA flight cuts, delays" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/06/government-shutdown-politics-affordable-care-act" target="_self">government shutdown</a> drags on.Why it matters: The unusual measure comes as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="air traffic controllers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/08/shutdown-air-traffic-controllers-delays-sick-outs" data-vars-content-id="451d953e-2d53-4da5-a678-3d1c5cf848f7" data-vars-headline="Phoenix Sky Harbor likely to face FAA flight cuts, delays" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/08/shutdown-air-traffic-controllers-delays-sick-outs" target="_self">air traffic controllers</a> go unpaid and staffing shortages plague FAA facilities, triggering slowdowns at airports coast to coast.

Arizonans without Real ID may still be able to fly — but "no guarantee," TSA warns

Wednesday is the enforcement deadline to have a Real ID to board a commercial aircraft.

After more than a decade of delays, Wednesday is the enforcement deadline to have a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Real ID" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/02/06/real-id-deadline-arizona-travel" data-vars-content-id="6e07123b-ee02-42de-babe-05ca2712d2e2" data-vars-headline="Arizonans without Real ID may still be able to fly — but &quot;no guarantee,&quot; TSA warns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2025/02/06/real-id-deadline-arizona-travel" target="_self">Real ID</a> to board a commercial aircraft in the U.S.Yes, but: Homeland Security Secretary <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Kristi Noem" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/27/kristi-noem-purse-theft-suspects-arrested" data-vars-content-id="6e07123b-ee02-42de-babe-05ca2712d2e2" data-vars-headline="Arizonans without Real ID may still be able to fly — but &quot;no guarantee,&quot; TSA warns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/27/kristi-noem-purse-theft-suspects-arrested" target="_self">Kristi Noem</a> is now saying passengers without proper credentials will still be allowed to fly, but with extra screening.

How to navigate Arizona Thanksgiving travel

Next week is expected to be historically busy at airports and on freeways.

Next week is expected to be historically busy at airports and on freeways in Phoenix and across the nation as 80 million people plan to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="travel for Thanksgiving" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/11/19/thanksgiving-travel-2024-holiday-forecast-aaa-tsa" data-vars-content-id="cfb1e228-263a-4694-8486-8e3711942343" data-vars-headline="How to navigate Arizona Thanksgiving travel" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/11/19/thanksgiving-travel-2024-holiday-forecast-aaa-tsa" target="_self">travel for Thanksgiving</a>, AAA predicts.Why it matters: Travelers, by air and road, should expect traffic, long lines and delays.

TSA complaints on the rise at Sky Harbor

Air passengers nationwide are reporting complaints at a higher rate.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sky Harbor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2023/03/27/southwest-airlines-phoenix-december-delays" data-vars-content-id="c1e3bd15-ac3c-4fd2-b3c0-68980d3362d1" data-vars-headline="TSA complaints on the rise at Sky Harbor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/phoenix/2023/03/27/southwest-airlines-phoenix-december-delays" target="_self">Sky Harbor</a> sees fewer complaints than most big airports, but grievances are on the rise, per data from the Transportation Security Administration.The big picture: Air passengers nationwide are reporting complaints at a higher rate than before the pandemic, according to an analysis by the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Data Liberation Project" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/34760704.123/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGF0YS1saWJlcmF0aW9uLXByb2plY3Qub3JnL2RhdGFzZXRzL3RzYS1jb21wbGFpbnQtY291bnRzLz91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c2VuZHRvX2xvY2FsbmV3c2xldHRlcnRlc3Qmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/610c4e3224241d4f337f4dd3C7a675baa" data-vars-content-id="c1e3bd15-ac3c-4fd2-b3c0-68980d3362d1" data-vars-headline="TSA complaints on the rise at Sky Harbor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/34760704.123/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGF0YS1saWJlcmF0aW9uLXByb2plY3Qub3JnL2RhdGFzZXRzL3RzYS1jb21wbGFpbnQtY291bnRzLz91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c2VuZHRvX2xvY2FsbmV3c2xldHRlcnRlc3Qmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/610c4e3224241d4f337f4dd3C7a675baa" target="_self">Data Liberation Project</a>.

This Arizona monument is among the top 2024 travel destinations, per New York Times

"There's a new reason to visit the southwestern United States."

The New York Times released its list of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="52 recommended travel destinations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/travel/places-to-travel-destinations-2024.html" data-vars-content-id="91cc07fe-91c4-4623-b799-26a70e6ec0ff" data-vars-headline="This Arizona monument is among the top 2024 travel destinations, per New York Times" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/travel/places-to-travel-destinations-2024.html" target="_blank">52 recommended travel destinations</a> for 2024 and one Arizona spot made the list.Zoom in: The newly designated Baaj Nwaavjo I&#x27;tah Kukveni, or Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument, stood out to the Times&#x27; writers for its &quot;deep spiritual and sacred significance.&quot;