Axios Phoenix

June 02, 2026
It's Tuesday. Fifty years ago today, Arizona Republic reporter Don Bolles suffered fatal injuries from a car-bombing at the Clarendon Hotel. Take a moment to remember his life.
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Today's newsletter is 893 words — a 3.5-minute read.
1 big thing: Pride files for bankruptcy
Phoenix Pride is the latest domino to fall in a nationwide trend of LGBT organizations facing financial hardships.
The big picture: Corporate financial support for Pride has receded over the past couple years, which advocates attribute to an anti-LGBT and anti-Diversity, Equity and Inclusion atmosphere fostered by the Trump administration.
The latest: Phoenix Pride filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in federal court last Thursday.
- In a press statement, the group cited "rising operational costs, economic uncertainty, shifts in sponsorship and fundraising partly due to the current political climate and administration, and increasing demands on nonprofit organizations."
- Court records show the organization owes $432,000 to creditors, including $418,000 to Chandler-based Pride Group LLC, which sued Phoenix Pride in March alleging an unpaid debt from event management services provided for last year's Phoenix Pride Festival, per KJZZ.
What they're saying: Phoenix Pride isn't closing and its mission hasn't changed, the group said, and the bankruptcy filing will allow it to reorganize its finances while continuing operations and determining a path forward.
- The group didn't specifically address this year's Phoenix Pride Festival but said "events, programs, partnerships, and community work will continue as we move through this process."
Catch up quick: Tucson Pride in January announced that it was shutting down after nearly 50 years.
- The group struggled with financial issues for years, Arizona Luminaria reported.
Though it's Pride Month, Phoenix's Pride Festival isn't until October, a local concession to Arizona's intense summer heat.
- Tucson Pride canceled its festival that was scheduled for February.
Zoom out: Phoenix and Tucson are hardly alone — Pride groups across the country are struggling financially and scaling back activities.
- Organizers in New York City, Salt Lake City, Louisville, St. Louis, Orlando and Pittsburgh told NPR they're coping with decreased corporate sponsorship.
- This year's festival in Jackson, Michigan, was canceled last week after nearly half of the Jackson Pride Center's board resigned, leaving it strapped for cash.
- Groups outside the U.S. are feeling the pinch as well, including in Canada and the U.K.
2. 🏳️🌈 Pride events
There are still plenty of ways to celebrate Pride Month in the Valley.
🎉 Parties and nightlife
PHX Pride Month Party: Celebrate late-night at Thunderbird Lounge.
- June 5, 9pm; 21+
Tempe Pride Party: An evening shindig at Centerpoint Plaza.
- June 6, 7–11pm
Phoenix Pride Prom: Goth Glam Eleganza: At Charlie's Phoenix.
- June 18, 8pm; 21+
🛍️ Markets and brunches
GPECC Queer Summer Market: Shop local LGBTQ+ vendors at Warehouse 215.
- June 14, 10am–4pm
Pride Drag Brunch with Alaska: At Stand Up Live Phoenix.
- June 14, 1:30pm; 21+
Pride Drag Brunch ft. Kandy Muse: At W Scottsdale.
- June 20, 11am; 21+
⛹️♀️ Sports Pride nights
Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Washington Nationals
- June 5; Tickets
Phoenix Mercury vs. Seattle Storm
- June 20; Tickets
Phoenix Rising vs. Oakland Roots SC
- June 20; Tickets
🚙 Road trips
OutWest 2026: Pride celebration at Historic Old Tucson.
- June 13
Bisbee Pride: A full weekend of festivities in one of Arizona's most LGBTQ-friendly towns.
- June 19–21
Pride in the Pines: Parade followed by the annual Flagstaff festival.
- June 20
🌈 More events: Find the full statewide Pride Month calendar from Phoenix Pride here.
3. Chips & salsa: Great grandmother released from ICE custody
👀 A 71-year-old great grandmother was released from ICE's Eloy facility after 10 months in detention. (AZcentral)
🦠 A hantavirus death in Mohave County was unrelated to a recent cruise ship outbreak of the disease, according to health officials. (KJZZ)
🎸 The Arizona State Fair announced the Gin Blossoms and Russell Dickerson as the first two headliners for its annual "Coliseum Concert Series!" in October. (ABC15)
🍻 Head Right Brewing Co., whose founders include a former Four Peaks brewer, opened a new taproom in Surprise. (Phoenix New Times)
4. Decongesting I-10
One of the Valley's most congested stretches of freeway might be getting a makeover soon.
Why it matters: The part of Interstate 10 between the Deck Park Tunnel downtown and Interstate 17 near Sky Harbor is "heavily congested during morning and afternoon commutes and is expected to worsen," per ADOT.
- Average delays during rush hours are expected to increase by up to 60% without improvements.
State of play: ADOT, in partnership with the City of Phoenix and Maricopa Association of Governments, is studying possible improvements.
- The study area includes several freeway segments that connect with I-10 — State Route 51 south of Thomas Road, Loop 202 west of 24th Street, and the "Mini Stack" where the three thoroughfares converge.
- ADOT will examine things like possible changes to freeway ramp connections and lane configurations.
What's next: Let ADOT know what you think through its online survey by June 30.
- The agency is planning a public meeting this fall, and expects to hold a public hearing on its proposal in late 2027 or early 2028.
📰 Jeremy will be part of a panel discussion this evening to talk about the Don Bolles case, and encourages anyone who's interested to stop by.
🐶 Jessica is so impressed with her pup's patience with her increasingly mobile toddler.
Thanks to Jessica for editing.
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