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Axios Phoenix
DOJ says Phoenix police routinely violated constitutional rights
After a three-year investigation into the Phoenix Police Department, the U.S. Department of Justice says it found a pattern of discriminatory enforcement and violations of constitutional rights.Why it matters: The DOJ's 126-page report includes a first-of-its kind finding on homeless people's rights, and outlines 37 recommended reforms, including changes to use-of-force policies, increased accountability and improved training.The big picture: The DOJ says Phoenix police violated constitutional rights with patterns or practices of:Using excessive force, including unnecessary deadly forceArresting homeless people without reasonable suspicion of crimes and improperly seizing or destroying their propertyEngaging in discriminatory enforcement against Black, Latino and Native...
It's like Uber, but with guns: New rideshare service tries to launch in Phoenix
A rideshare service featuring drivers who pack heat started operating in Phoenix last week without permission from the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT).The big picture: BlackWolf, a gun-toting, TikTok-famous rideshare service, announced its arrival in Phoenix and Scottsdale last Thursday on social media.The company says it connects riders with armed drivers who have police, military or security backgrounds.The latest: BlackWolf quietly ceased operations in the Valley Friday after Axios asked ADOT if the company had acquired the state permit required for rideshare companies.ADOT spokesperson Bill Lamoreaux told us Friday the company was not authorized to operate in Arizona and said...
Attorney general will investigate "pay to play" claims involving Hobbs and a group home company
The Arizona Attorney General's Office will investigate what a state senator described as a "pay-to-play scheme" involving Gov. Katie Hobbs, the Department of Child Safety and a group home company that received a substantial rate increase.The big picture: The Arizona Republic reported Wednesday that Sunshine Residential Homes received a large rate hike from DCS after making six-figure contributions to Hobbs' inauguration fund and the Arizona Democratic Party.Sunshine applied for a rate hike in December 2022 that DCS denied in February 2023. It again applied for a rate increase in May 2023 that was approved.Meanwhile, the company gave $100,000 to Hobbs'...
Beat the heat: Stay cool this summer without leaving the Valley at Great Wolf Lodge
It's never a bad idea to get out of town during Phoenix's notoriously hot summers, but you can also keep cool with a staycation here in the Valley.The big picture: Great Wolf Lodge is a hotel, resort and indoor water park in Scottsdale, part of a chain with 23 locations in the U.S. and Canada.There are water activities for kids of all ages, including a wading pool with small slides for the little ones, a wave pool and large slides.They also have arts and crafts, exploratory games, an obstacle course, dance parties and children's story hour.Zoom in: Prices vary depending...
Hobbs illegally circumvented state agency nominee process, judge rules
Gov. Katie Hobbs violated state law when she appointed 13 de facto state agency heads in order to sidestep the Senate confirmation process, a Maricopa County Superior Court judge ruled Wednesday.Why it matters: The development could spark a new round of fighting and political gamesmanship as the Democratic governor tries to get her agency heads past a Republican-controlled Senate.And it creates an uncertain future regarding the leadership of agencies that oversee state programs like unemployment, housing assistance and Medicaid.The big picture: The ruling is a blow to the governor, who attempted to circumvent the traditional cabinet approval process, which she...
Try "The Phoenix," the city's new official cocktail
Phoenix officially has its own cocktail β a delightfully refreshing sipper that might make our summer heat a bit more tolerable.The big picture: Mayor Kate Gallego, the Arizona Restaurant Association and Pour Form Consulting organized the Spirit of Phoenix contest to determine the best Phoenix-inspired cocktail.Expert mixologists whittled down 70 entries to the top four, which have been available for sampling at bars across the city since April. The public was encouraged to cast a vote for their favorite.Driving the news: The top vote-getter was revealed over the weekend on the inaugural 602 Day.Nicole Long from Santo Arcadia designed the winning drink β now known as The Phoenix β which includes tequila and locally grown ingredients.How to make it: Shake in tin with:2 oz. Milagro reposado tequila1 oz. chiltepΓn mesquite honey syrup1 oz. lemon juice1/4 oz. prickly pear syrupGarnish: dehydrated lemon and peppersWhat they're saying: "The only (other) known city named cocktail would be the Manhattan. Other cocktails definitely are considered to represent states or to represent a city but not specifically named for it like that," Pour Form Consulting owner Jax Donahue told KJZZ.
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