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Axios Phoenix
Try traditional taco shop fare with a little something different at Taco Viva
Arizonans could be forgiven for thinking they know everything about Mexican food, but a new taco shop puts a traditional twist on some of your favorites.The big picture: Taco Viva opened in late June on Indian School Road just east of 28th Street.Co-owner James Greaves told Axios last year the restaurant would serve "traditional Mexican tacos."Greaves lived in Mexico as a teenager, and his partner, Rigo Neri, is from Sonora.State of play: Business has been great since Taco Viva opened, Greaves told us last week.He said they hope to open additional locations.Here are a couple more unconventional items on the...
Arizona at the RNC: Kari Lake and more represent the swing state
The Republican National Convention kicked off in Milwaukee Monday with Arizona well represented.Why it matters: Arizona is one of six swing states expected to determine the presidential election, and it's the poster child for two of Republicans' top attacks against President Biden: immigration and inflation.Former President Trump's campaign has used Arizona's front-row seat to the immigration crisis and high inflation rates to fire up local voters and paint a cautionary tale for undecided voters across the country.Zoom in: Three of the 24 "Everyday Americans" invited to speak at the RNC this week are from Arizona, according to organizers.Jim Chilton, a...
Fact check: Trump rally shooter was not man from ASU campus video, university says
A man shown in a video on the ASU campus in 2020 screaming "slash Republican throats" and "death to fascists" was not the person who attempted to assassinate former President Trump over the weekend — despite rampant rumors online, university officials said Monday.Why it matters: As the nation reels from the shooting, misinformation about the attacker and his motive is flooding the internet.Zoom in: The video was first posted to social media in 2020 by a Twitter account called "Students for Trump at ASU." Students from the group said the man hurled threats at them as they tabled at ASU, local news outlets reported at the time.What they're saying: "ASU concluded its investigation back in 2020, in conjunction with the FBI, and determined the subject in the video was not a credible threat – and that person has a different name and different date of birth than the suspect in the attempted assassination of former President Trump over the weekend," ASU president Michael Crow said in a statement.
Hawaiian barbecue and coffee shop coming to Indian School in central Phoenix
A vacant lot on 10th Street and Indian School Road where businesses once churned out Mexican food and fry bread will soon be developed into a spot to get Hawaiian barbecue and coffee. The big picture: Work is underway on the lot, and according to documentation from the city of...
Phoenix WNBA All-Star weekend fan guide
Some of America's most talented athletes — and thousands of their fans — will arrive in Phoenix next week for the WNBA All-Star celebration.Why it matters: Interest in women's basketball has reached an all-time high, fueled in part by phenoms Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese who made the All-Star team in their rookie seasons after dominant college careers.The Valley is trying to capitalize on the buzz to boost its slow summer tourism season.State of play: Next Saturday's All-Star Game is already sold out, but fans can see their favorite players Friday at Footprint Center for the skills challenge and 3-point...
Arizona U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton calls on Biden to step aside
U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton (D-Ariz.) called on President Biden to step down as the party's presumptive nominee Thursday, joining a growing chorus of congressional Democrats publicly urging him to end his campaign.The big picture: In a statement, Stanton touted himself as an early Biden supporter in 2020, calling the president "one of our country's most effective modern chief executives" whose most defining legacy is likely "as a fierce defender of American democracy."But, he said, the Democratic Party needs a presidential nominee who can make an effective case against former President Trump and "have the confidence of the American...
Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, Williams Sonoma and more coming to Scottsdale Quarter
Scottsdale Quarter is embarking on a redevelopment project that will bring Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, Williams Sonoma and more to the luxury outdoor mall.Why it matters: As older Valley malls face demolition, high-end and open-air shopping centers are thriving.The big picture: Scottsdale Quarter is revamping North Street with fresh storefronts and adding several new retailers throughout, the mall announced Thursday. Among the new retailers are:Ariat: A high-end boots and western apparel shopBee & Co.: A boutique with natural, honey-themed home goods, health remedies and beauty productsHammer Made: An upscale men's clothing storePandora: A popular customizable jewelry brand2 yummy things: Jeni's, known for its creative artisanal ice cream flavors, will open at Scottsdale Quarter after opening its first Arizona location last year in Old Town Scottsdale. The grand opening is expected this month and the shop promises a celebration with free scoops.Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café, a popular French bakery, will open its first Arizona location at the mall later this year.
What Arizona Democrats are — and aren't — saying about Joe Biden's candidacy
U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.) made a splash last week as one of the first congressional Democrats to call on President Biden to withdraw from the presidential race, but his fellow Arizona Democrats aren't following suit.Why it matters: Cook Political Report moved Arizona — one of six swing states expected to decide the presidential election — from "toss up" to "lean Republican" Tuesday amid growing voter skepticism over Biden's ability to serve.Some Democrats are worried Biden's candidacy could be a drag on down-ballot races, too.The big picture: While a growing list of national Democrats voice concerns about the president's ability...
Phoenix weekend things to do: Christmas in July, Home and Garden Show
It's time to fill up your weekend calendar!🌸 Maricopa County Home & Landscape ShowDiscover the latest home improvement trends and gardening tips Friday through Sunday at State Farm Stadium.$6, kids 12 and younger get in free🇬🇷 Experience GreeceEnjoy traditional Greek music while learning about the country's musical history and impact on Western culture Saturday and Sunday at the Musical Instrument Museum.Included with museum admission🤣 Pint Sized PunchlinesStand-up comedians will keep you laughing while you enjoy a few brews at PHX Beer Co. Friday night.$10☕ International Coffee Tasting and Brew ClassLearn how to prepare coffee like a professional while taste-testing brews from around the globe Saturday morning at Infusion Coffee & Tea Crafters.$50🎅 Christmas in JulyEscape from summer by visiting participating downtown Glendale businesses for winter-themed crafts and treats Saturday from 10am to 4pm.Free!🛩️ Family Day at Commemorative Air Force MuseumCheck out historic war planes with the family Saturday at the Mesa museum.$5 per person or $10 for a family of four; children 5 and younger are free.
NASA captures 160-degree roads and sidewalks across Phoenix
Many Phoenix streets and sidewalks can reach 160° during the hottest parts of the day, according to a new NASA analysis.Why it matters: Surfaces that hot can cause contact burns in seconds, and Valley hospitals are seeing an uptick in patients with serious burn injuries.The big picture: Human-caused climate change is increasing the intensity and duration of heat waves in Phoenix, leading to enhanced risk of heat-related injuries, illnesses and deaths.What they did: NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory recently mapped the thermal burn risk across the city by measuring the surface temperature on Phoenix streets and sidewalks.The agency collected the data...
Diana Taurasi talks WNBA All-Star Game and her favorite Phoenix restaurants
Phoenix Mercury legend Diana Taurasi tells Axios she can't wait to show off her adopted hometown later this month when the women's basketball world descends upon Phoenix for the WNBA All-Star Game.The big picture: Taurasi, who has lived in the Valley for about 20 years, told us she'll be directing visitors to check out downtown, which she said has blossomed over the past decade."I think it's one of the only downtowns that's gotten nicer and better and more modern. This city is growing," she said.She also highlighted the Coronado neighborhood with its historic homes and artsy cafés.Zoom in: Taurasi, who...
Salt & Straw set to open first Arizona ice cream shop July 26
Arizona's first Salt & Straw ice cream shop is set to open July 26, just in time to provide some sweet summer relief.The big picture: The beloved Portland-based chain is moving into Epicenter at Agritopia in Gilbert. Zoom in: In addition to its classic scoops (may we recommend the Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons?), Salt & Straw will feature a monthly rotating menu. July's theme is "Berries, Berries, Berries," which will include five flavors inspired by the Pacific Northwest's ripe berries.Zoom out: Two cousins in Oregon founded the shop 13 years ago.It's since expanded to California, Washington, Nevada and Florida.You tell us: Which scoop are you trying first?
COVID cases are spiking in Arizona
The dreaded COVID summer surge has arrived in Arizona.Why it matters: Though the disease isn't as deadly as it was before vaccines were available, it's still dangerous for vulnerable individuals.Last week's July Fourth gatherings and travel, coupled with oppressive heat that's keeping people indoors, were expected to spread more infections.By the numbers: Arizona Department of Health Services reported 2,614 cases during the last week of June, the latest data available. That's a 78% increase from the previous month.More than 1,681 of those cases were reported in Maricopa County, an 81% spike.Reality check: Arizona's still way below the three-year average of...
Jarrod's Coffee, Tea & Gallery relocated in Mesa
Iconic Mesa coffee shop and artist hangout Jarrod's Coffee, Tea & Gallery is back in business after vacating its Main Street storefront in downtown Mesa at the end of May. The big picture: The shop relocated to a charming 1920s bungalow just north of downtown at University Drive and Macdonald and celebrated with a grand opening last week.
Former Olympian under fire after saying Team USA gymnasts lack "work ethic"
Arizona Olympian MyKayla Skinner is in hot water after criticizing athlete safety oversight and saying 2024 Team USA gymnasts "don't have the work ethic" of past athletes.Why it matters: Skinner's comments have renewed conversation about controversial past training practices and cast a dramatic cloud over what should be a celebratory time for the five gymnasts who made the U.S. Olympic team, which includes another Arizona athlete, Jade Carey.The big picture: Skinner, a Gilbert, Arizona native who won the silver medal for vault in the 2021 games, said in a now-deleted YouTube video last week that besides 37-time Olympic and World...
"We are stuck": Homeowners who want to move see no path forward
Data: Maxwell; Note: Analysis comes from 300+ U.S. lenders; Chart: Axios VisualsMetro Phoenix homeowners who want to upsize or move to a new neighborhood are coming to terms with an unfortunate reality: They're not going anywhere.Why it matters: People who were lucky enough to break into the housing market before prices and interest rates surged are now unable to move into similar-size or larger homes in the Valley without exponentially increasing their monthly payments.What they're saying: "We bought in 2012 and always thought we'd move when our youngest graduated high school. She's going into her senior year … and we...
5 Arizona pizza spots to try that aren't Pizzeria Bianco
Chris Bianco and his eponymous pizzeria are legendary and often recognized as the best Arizona has to offer — and with good reason.Yes, but: Bianco's not the only pizza magician in the state.We asked you to send us your favorite 'za spots. Here are five non-Bianco eateries to grab a slice:La Grande Orange (Arcadia)"Pizzeria Bianco is overrated … I would choose La Grande Orange over it anyway (and every day)." Ellen F.Florencia Pizza Bistro (Ahwatukee)"The crust is so good you eat all of it – just a smidge sweet and on the thinner side!" Paulette P.Pisa Lisa (Sedona)"THE Best Pizza." Jessica D.The Parlor (Biltmore)"Their BBQ chicken pizza is fantastic." Mitch S.Red Devil (multiple locations)"I always go back … since the 1970s, for NY-style pizza." Christine D.
How to get free Phoenix museum admission this summer
Throughout our grueling summers, the only thing better than free is A/C — and the Valley's public libraries are hooking you up with both.The big picture: Check out a Culture Pass at your local library for two free tickets to some of metro Phoenix's indoor museums — plus outdoor attractions in cooler northern Arizona.Culture Pass options include:Phoenix Art Museum: This weekend is your last chance to see the "Barbie: A Cultural Icon" exhibit.Heard Museum: This American Indian museum is featuring artwork from San Ildefonso Pueblo ceramicist Maria Martinez through July 28.Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art: See the first major U.S. museum exhibition on American painter Dorothy Fratt through July 21.Besh Ba Gowah Archaeological Park and Museum: Visit the remains of a large pueblo village constructed by the Salado Indians outside of Globe.The Arboretum at Flagstaff: This 200-acre property is home to 750 plant species.How it works: Check your local library's online catalog to see if the Culture Pass you want is available.Go into the library to check it out like you would a book. You'll receive a pass allowing you and a guest to access the museum or attraction once within a seven-day window.
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