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Axios Phoenix
32% of Native American mortgage applications were denied in Arizona
About a third of Indigenous Arizonans who applied for a mortgage last year were denied — nearly four times the denial rate for white Arizonans, according to a Zillow analysis of federal data.Why it matters: Policy experts tell us long-standing financial barriers coupled with high interest rates and inflation are boxing out would-be buyers of color from one of the most important American wealth-building tools: homeownership.By the numbers: About 32% of Native American mortgage applications in Arizona were denied in 2023, compared with about 16% of Black or Latino applicants and 8% of white applicants, per Zillow's analysis.Zoom out: This...
Arizona homeless camps could feel impact of Supreme Court decision
A Supreme Court decision that effectively allows cities to enact restrictive laws targeting outdoor camping could shift homelessness policies across metro Phoenix.Why it matters: Last Friday's decision, seen by some as one of the most consequential legal rulings on homelessness, opens the door for cities to pursue more stringent regulations against public camping.The big picture: Unsheltered homelessness has spiked in metro Phoenix over the past several years, and cities have relied on a 2019 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling to shape their policies around encampment cleanups and removals.That ruling found it was unconstitutional and "cruel and unusual punishment" to...
Vote in Postino's Battle of the Bruschetta
Let's get ready to (hear our stomachs) rumble! Postino's annual Battle of the Bruschetta is officially underway.The big picture: The beloved Arizona wine bar chain, which has expanded to four other states, is giving guests a chance to judge four new bruschetta concoctions:Berry mascarpone: Blackberry mascarpone, graham cracker streusel, macerated blueberry, lemon and powdered sugarFrench onion: Roasted garlic aioli, Gruyère, braised white onions and melted BriePhilly cheesesteak: Roasted garlic aioli, chopped steak, caramelized onion and peppers, fondue and chili oilBuffalo cauliflower: Cauliflower with buffalo sauce, cambozola ranch yogurt, celery and chivesZoom in: Each recipe was designed by Postino chefs from across the country. The winning bruschetta will get a permanent spot on the restaurant's menu starting this fall.How it works: Guests are invited to try the competing bruschettas and cast a vote for their favorite during each of three rounds:Now-July 31: Berry mascarpone vs. French onionAug. 1-30: Philly cheesesteak vs. Buffalo cauliflowerSept. 1-15: Championship between the two winnersFlashback: Last year, the Mexican street corn bruschetta took home the title. You can still try it at all Postino locations.
Know the fireworks laws in Arizona this Fourth of July
Arizona allows the sale and use of some fireworks this week in celebration of the Fourth of July, but the rules are complicated and violating them could cost you.The big picture: Arizona only permits certain ground-based fireworks on a few days per year around Cinco de Mayo, Fourth of July, Diwali, Christmas and New Year's Eve.Violation fines vary by city but can run up to $1,500.State of play: The sale and use of fountains, spinners and sparkling wheel devices is permitted now through July 6. You must be 16 or older to purchase fireworks.Between the lines: Aerial fireworks, like rockets...
8 metro Phoenix 4th of July fireworks shows
The Valley has an abundance of professional fireworks displays to enjoy this Independence Day.Fabulous Phoenix 4thSteele Indian School Park will be transformed into a patriotic party with a car show, rides and inflatables for kids, local vendors and the largest fireworks display in the Southwest.6-10pm; free admissionArizona Celebration of FreedomHead to downtown Mesa for light shows, live music, superhero stunts and fireworks.6-10pm; free admissionTempe 4th of July CelebrationEnjoy a Bon Jovi cover band and family-friendly activities before the fireworks display at Tempe Beach Park.4-10pm; $12 for adults, $5 for kids (5 and under get in free)Firework FestWestgate Entertainment District will...
Phoenix is in the thick of mosquito season and it may soon get worse
Metro Phoenix is in the thick of mosquito season, and it's likely to get worse later this summer, the Maricopa County Environmental Services Department tells us.Why it matters: Mosquitoes are more than just a nuisance — they can carry and transmit diseases like West Nile and dengue.Mosquito-borne illnesses cause more than 700,000 deaths globally each year, according to the World Health Organization.State of play: Through June 20, Maricopa County has reported one locally acquired case of West Nile virus and nine cases of dengue acquired by residents who had recently traveled.No deaths have been recorded.The big picture: Mosquito season in...
Beat the Phoenix heat with Christmas (and pizza) in July
Gather 'round the Christmas organ for some festive fun. You may even forget it's 110° outside!. The big picture: Organ Stop Pizza, a 50-year-old East Valley institution known for its theatrical organ performances, will transform into a winter wonderland this July to raise money for the United Food Bank.
More than half of Arizona homes are "equity rich"
Data: Attom; Map: Tory Lysik/Axios VisualsMore than half of Arizona homes are considered "equity rich," meaning the owner holds at least 50% equity, according to real estate data firm Attom.Why it matters: Home equity is an important tool many Americans use to build wealth and finance big expenses, from business startups to their next home.Arizona's rate of equity-rich homes is significantly higher than the national average of 44%.The big picture: People who purchased in the Valley before prices spiked during the pandemic likely paid much less than their home is currently worth, meaning they are sitting on a nice chunk of equity."Homeowner...
Phoenix weekend events: "Hamilton," soccer matches and Scorch's birthday
The weekend's almost here! Grab a pal and enjoy the fun the Valley has to offer.🔪 Days of the DeadHorror film buffs will descend upon the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown Friday-Sunday for a scary comic-con-like event with celebrity appearances.Tickets start at $40, kids 12 and younger are free.⚽ CONMEBOL Copa América 2024Three of this year's CONMEBOL Copa América soccer tournament matches will be at State Farm Stadium, including this Friday (Colombia vs. Costa Rica) and Sunday (Mexico vs. Ecuador).Tickets from $86 for Friday and $105 for Sunday.🏀 Inspiring Girls Night & Scorch's BirthdayIt's Phoenix Mercury mascot Scorch's birthday, and the team...
State and national rulings legalizing same-sex marriage brought an increase in Arizona
Data: Census Bureau; Chart: Kavya Beheraj/AxiosThe number of married same-sex couples in Arizona rose dramatically in the wake of the 2014 and 2015 judicial rulings legalizing them at the state and national levels, according to the most recent American Community Survey (ACS) data.The big picture: Between 2014 — when a federal judge struck down Arizona's gay marriage ban — and 2021, same-sex married couples in Arizona increased from about 6,000 to nearly 19,000.Prior to the 2014 ruling, the number of same-sex married couples in Arizona saw slight growth, from about 2,400 in 2008, the year the state's voters approved its ban,...
Slugfest between Hamadeh and Masters dominates CD8 Republican primary
The race to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Debbie Lesko in her West Valley congressional district has devolved into a bitter fight between two former allies from the 2022 election.The big picture: Six Republicans are running for the seat, including some notable names in Arizona politics, like former U.S. Rep. Trent Franks, state House Speaker Ben Toma and state Sen. Anthony Kern.But the sheer nastiness of their campaigns means Abraham Hamadeh and Blake Masters have commanded most of the attention.Why it matters: The 8th Congressional District is solidly Republican, meaning the winner of the GOP primary will almost certainly win the...
Dog Haus reopens at CityScape, slinging hot dogs and sausages back to downtown Phoenix
Dog Haus Biergarten is back in action in downtown Phoenix.State of play: The CityScape location of the national hot dog chain reopened earlier this month under new ownership. It originally opened in 2020, but closed three years later.The chain's other Arizona locations are in Gilbert and Tempe.What to expect: You can get a traditional Chicago-style dog or chili dog, but there's more exotic offerings as well, like a dog covered in cheese and barbecue sauce, or a pastrami-topped Italian sausage.If you're not in the mood for a hotdog or a sausage, you can grab a burger or sample a wide...
Legislative races to watch in Arizona's primary election
Before Democrats and Republicans can slug it out for control of the Legislature, they'll have to decide who will represent them on the ballot in November.Why it matters: Because the majority of Arizona's 30 legislative districts are one-party dominant, the winners of most of the state's legislative races will be determined by the July 30 primary rather than the general election.State of play: Republicans hold one-vote majorities in both chambers, and Democrats are hopeful they'll finally win control of the Legislature.Zoom in: Axios Phoenix took a look at some of the more competitive and notable primary races that'll be on...
Farmer Boys restaurant to replace shuttered Chase Bank in north Phoenix
A reader recently asked us what's happening at a shuttered bank building in north Phoenix, so we took a look and learned it'll soon be a place to grab breakfast or a burger.The big picture: The former Chase Bank building on the northeast corner of Thunderbird Road and 43rd Avenue is slated to become a Farmer Boys restaurant, according to city documents.The bank had a drive-thru teller section, which will make things convenient for Farmer Boys to put in a drive-thru window.Zoom in: Farmer Boys is a fast-casual franchise specializing in burgers, sandwiches, wraps and breakfast.The chain was founded in 1981 in Perris, California.It has 102 locations, mostly in California with a handful of restaurants in the Las Vegas area.The chain opened its first Arizona location in Gilbert in 2021 and followed with a second in Tolleson.My thought bubble: I'm still waiting to see what someone will eventually do with the vacant lot down the street, on the northeast corner of Thunderbird and 35th Avenue.I grew up in the area, and it's been vacant for as long as I can remember.
Most unaccompanied migrant children in Phoenix came from Guatemala
Data: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services via New York Times. Chart: Axios VisualsThe overwhelming majority of unaccompanied migrant children who came to Phoenix in recent years are from Guatemala.Why it matters: Unaccompanied migrant children are an especially vulnerable group as federal, state and city leaders spar over sheltering and supporting foreigners and asylum seekers who have crossed the border illegally.By the numbers: Guatemalans accounted for 1,743, or 72%, of the 2,406 unaccompanied migrant children who arrived in Phoenix from January 2015 to May 2023.Of the remainder, the bulk were from Honduras, Mexico, and El Salvador.Mesa received 400 unaccompanied...
Officials tout record low as Arizona's unemployment rate drops
Arizona's unemployment rate is flirting with historic lows, according to the state's Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO). The big picture: The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for May 2024 was 3.4%, according to OEO's monthly report released Thursday. That's a record low under the current methodology used by the federal Bureau...
Ice skating deals in metro Phoenix to beat the heat
Trade 115 degrees for a cool 56 when you lace up your skates at one of the Valley's ice rinks this summer. The big picture: About a half dozen metro Phoenix rinks have public skating hours where you can enjoy the chill and show off your moves. Here's where you can go:
Phoenix weekend events: Cowboys vs. Aliens, poker tournament and more
Looking for something fun to do in the Valley this weekend? We've got you covered!🤠 Cowboys vs. AliensGrab your cowboy hat and plasma ray and head to the Arizona Science Center for the latest edition of its "Science With a TWIST!" series. Friday 6-10pm.Admission $30 (21 and older)🎆 After Dark in the ParkBring the family to Deer Valley Park for games, entertainment and a fireworks show. Saturday, 6-10pm.Free!🎰 Bet on Arizona Charity Poker Tournament and Casino Night You've got to know when to hold 'em and when to fold 'em at this event from the State Forty Eight Foundation and...
Arizona has one of the country's highest melanoma rates
Data: cancer.gov; Map: Axios VisualsSunny Arizona has one of the highest melanoma rates in the country, and cases are on the rise nationally.Why it matters: Although melanoma accounts for only about 1% of skin cancers, it's responsible for the large majority of skin cancer deaths, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).By the numbers: Arizona averaged 28.9 melanoma cases per 100,000 from 2016-2020, well above the national average of 22.5, per the National Cancer Institute.Only six states had higher rates than Arizona.The data doesn't include Indiana or Nevada.Zoom out: Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S.New cases...
Mesa and Tempe to decide on streetcar extension in early 2025
The Mesa and Tempe city councils are expected to decide by early next year whether to move ahead with streetcar expansion, Valley Metro told Axios.Why it matters: Rail — though expensive and often controversial — can move more people quicker and with less environmental impact than private vehicles.What they're saying: With the east Tempe/west Mesa area expected to see a 55% population increase by 2050, the region needs to find new ways to transport people efficiently, Valley Metro spokesperson Juliana Vasquez-Keating told us.The big picture: The cities are exploring connecting Tempe's streetcar to some of west Mesa's biggest attractions, including...
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