Axios Phoenix

April 30, 2025
Hello, it's Wednesday! And tomorrow, it's gonna be May.
- Today's weather: Sunny with a high of 91.
Today's newsletter is 779 words — a 3-minute read.
1 big thing: Tesla toxicity comes to a head in AZ
An Arizona dealership became the latest target in a string of nationwide acts of vandalism against Tesla — an American car company inextricably linked to President Trump.
Why it matters: The American public's reaction to Tesla's Trump ties — from violent demonstrations to plummeting vehicle sales — is perhaps one of the most significant private sector responses to public policy in the modern era.
The intrigue: Trump has only doubled down on his support of Tesla and its CEO Elon Musk, showcasing the company's vehicles on the White House lawn last month and extending federal law enforcement support to investigate and prosecute acts of vandalism against Tesla vehicles and facilities.
The latest: Ian Moses, 35, was charged with malicious damage to a vehicle by means of fire, according to a criminal complaint filed Monday in the U.S. District Court in Arizona.
- Moses is accused of using fire starter logs and a red, plastic gas can to set fire to a Cybertruck at a Tesla dealership in Mesa, according to the complaint.
- He allegedly spray-painted the word "theif" (misspelled) on the dealership wall.
What they're saying: U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the charge on X (also owned by Musk) yesterday morning, calling the vandalism an act of "domestic terrorism."
- Trump previously said he would label violence against Tesla dealerships as domestic terrorism — but Moses' charge is not a terrorism charge.
What we're watching: Musk conceded his political ties to Trump could be hurting Tesla and announced last week he will take a major step away from the Department of Government Efficiency — the controversial initiative he's led that aims to cut governmental waste.
- Yes, but: It may be too late to separate the public's association between Tesla and Trump.
💭 Axios business editor Ben Berkowitz's thought bubble: It's not uncommon for companies tied to public policy to be targeted by angry citizens — think defense contractors being picketed during wars, demonstrations at nuclear plants, etc.
- But firebombing a publicly traded company's retail locations speaks to the social media-fueled "Tesla is Elon is Trump" mentality that has turned a burning car into easy shorthand for loathing an administration's worldview.
You don't want to miss out
🗓️ Mark your calendar with our Event Board.
Arizona Division Convention at The Madison Center for the Arts on May 2: Get ready for a weekend filled with incredible music, exciting performances, and unforgettable memories. Whether you're a seasoned barbershop enthusiast or simply enjoy harmonious melodies, this convention is perfect for everyone. $0-$65.
Hosting an event? Email [email protected].
2. So much for the asking price
If you're buying a home in the Valley, there's a good chance you'll end up paying a bit less than what the seller is asking for.
State of play: 71.7% of homes in metro Phoenix sold for under the original listing price in February, an increase of 3 percentage points from a year earlier, according to Redfin data.
- After dropping to 68% in May 2024, that number has consistently crept up, but it fell this February after hitting nearly 75% in January.
- Since January 2017, the percentage of Valley homes selling under their original listing prices has been as low as 22.5% in June 2021 and as high as 84.1% in December 2022.
Zoom out: Nationally, as inventory grows and buyers gain negotiating power, homes are increasingly selling for less than their original list price, Redfin reports.
3. Chips & salsa: Mayes sues over AmeriCorps cuts
🧑⚖️ Arizona AG Kris Mayes joined a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's cancellation of AmeriCorps grants. Arizona programs are expected to lose about $1.5 million because of the cuts. (Axios)
👀 The city of Mesa has placed several park rangers on administrative leave as it investigates allegations that they targeted unhoused people, used racial slurs and committed other misconduct. (ABC 15)
- One ranger was arrested last week and charged with possessing a stolen firearm.
🛥️ Two people survived a 200mph boating crash that sent them airborne on Lake Havasu during an annual speedboating race last Saturday. They still won the race. (AP)
🚔 Tempe Police arrested 173 people during an underage drinking sting at Tempe Tavern near ASU last week. (The State Press)
4. Quote du jour: Arizona State Community College
"The key is, where are you going to find the people to work here? You're north of Phoenix, where are they coming? You go to the community colleges and you train people. So all the community colleges around here, Arizona State and Grand Canyon, all these community colleges here are training people right now."— U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on CNBC, apparently misspeaking as he explained how community colleges will train workers for factories like the TSMC plant in north Phoenix.
Reality check: While Arizona has many community colleges assisting with TSMC's workforce development, ASU and GCU are four-year universities.
🏀 Jeremy thought Steve Nash would've been kind of a cool choice to be the Suns' next head coach.
📺 Jessica watched "Waking Ned Devine" for the first time and loved it.
This newsletter was edited by Gigi Sukin.
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