Lupe Conchas' new job on the Salt River Project power board cost him his old one on the Glendale City Council.

Why it matters: Removing a public official who was duly elected by voters is a drastic move.

Driving the news: The council voted 4-3 to expel Conchas at a special meeting yesterday citing a provision of the city charter that bars council members from holding other paid public offices.

• The SRP Agricultural Improvement and Power District Board, which Conchas was elected to last month as part of a clean energy slate, pays members $60 for each meeting they physically attend.

What we're watching: Conchas told Axios he'll seek an injunction against the expulsion vote.

The intrigue: Conchas told us he believes the expulsion was largely retaliation for opposing an administrative policy the city adopted in 2022 that gives members a $450 monthly vehicle allowance and a $900 monthly stipend for expenses, totaling $16,200 annually.

• Conchas told Axios he stopped accepting the stipend and car allowance a few months into his term.

Zoom in: The Attorney General's Office is investigating the stipend and car allowance policy in response to a complaint filed last year arguing it violates the Arizona Constitution's "gift clause" and circumvents a provision of the city charter requiring a public vote to increase the mayor and council members' salaries.

• 73% of voters in 2019 rejected a large salary increase for the mayor and council members, who currently make $48,000 and $34,000, respectively.

What they're saying: "I know a lot of you are frustrated with me and are tired of me. But … that does not mean that we can expel me today," Conchas said during the meeting.

• He said he isn't taking any payments for his service on the SRP board and that he'd resign the position if the council didn't expel him.

The other side: Councilmember Lauren Tolmachoff said she had no ill will toward Conchas and her vote had nothing to do with retaliation or retribution but she had a duty to follow the law.

• "I feel the real victims here are the residents of Cactus District, who I'm sure did not expect to lose their councilmember by his own doing," said Councilmember Dianna Guzman.

Read more

Our road robots are getting a new look.

🚘 Driving the news: Waymo announced yesterday that a new version of its driverless cars will hit Phoenix roadways soon.

• The sixth-generation "Ojai" vehicles will feel more like a "living room on wheels," per the company, with a completely flat floor for easy entry and significantly more leg room in the back.
• They'll have three large LED screens that control the temperature, tunes and more.

State of play: The new wheels will be available to select Phoenix riders via the Waymo app in the coming weeks.

• During the initial trial period, rides will be free so Waymo can collect feedback.
• Waymo riders who have already opted in will get the first Ojai experiences, with the new service gradually opening to more riders later on.

Wildlife World Zoo is giving visitors a chance to get up close and personal with its miniature Highland cows this summer.

Why it matters: See above for cuteness overload.

State of play: You'll get to brush and take pictures with the cows while enjoying moo-fins and parfaits. Mini-mimosas are on tap for guests 21+.

The deets: The en-cow-nter is available every Saturday and Sunday in June and July, 8:30-9:30am.

• $129/adult and $69/child.
• Tickets include zoo admission plus an extra ticket for a return trip.

👀 Deer Valley Unified School District board member Kimberly Fisher made a Nazi salute and said "heil, heil" in response to a dispute with the board president during a recent meeting. She said in a video afterward that she was comparing her colleague to a dictator. (Arizona Mirror)

🚧 A residential and retail project in Laveen that's been dormant since 2022 is being revived and reconfigured under a new developer. (AZcentral)

🏘️ Maricopa County launched an $800,000 pilot program to help curb evictions and homelessness. (KJZZ)

🪧 Dozens of students walked out of Tempe's Cecil Shamley School on Wednesday to protest ICE's detention of a 14-year-old classmate and his mother. (Phoenix New Times)

It's that time again! See how well you absorbed this week's news with our quiz.

🥳 Congratulations to last week's perfect scorers: Lori H., Megan S., Jan M., Andrés D., Tish B., Chris M., Craig F., Karin K., Margot L., Susan S. and Judi S.

Hit reply or email us at [email protected] with a screenshot of your perfect score for a shoutout next week!