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Feds push new heat protections for workers while AZ steps up safety efforts
The Biden administration Tuesday published a new rule for employers that aims to help protect about 36 million workers from heat-related illnesses and death.Why it matters: The rule, if finalized, would establish the first federal safety standard addressing excessive heat in the workplace — at a time when Phoenix and other major cities are experiencing historically long stretches of extreme heat.According to the latest data available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 33,890 work-related heat injuries and illnesses were recorded in the U.S. between 2011 and 2020.Driving the news: The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration's proposed rule for employers...
Voting begins for July 30 Arizona primary election
Voting is officially underway for the July 30 Arizona primary election.The big picture: Maricopa County is mailing ballots to voters on the Active Early Voting List and opening 11 in-person vote centers across metro Phoenix Wednesday.More vote centers will open closer to Election Day.Zoom in: The primary allows voters to select which candidate should represent their party in the November general election.What we're watching: There are a handful of uber-competitive primaries this year, including:CD 1: Six Democrats are sparring to take on incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. David Schweikert, who's seen as vulnerable in this district that spans parts of north Phoenix and Scottsdale.CD 3: Former state lawmaker Raquel Terán and former Phoenix Council Member Yassamin Ansari are the front-runners for this open and safe Democratic seat in south and west Phoenix.CD 8: Six Republicans are running for the open seat, including pals-turned-foes Abe Hamadeh and Blake Masters.How it works: Registered Democrats, Republicans, Green Party and Libertarian voters can participate in their party's primary.Voters who are registered as "independent" or "no party declared" can select which ballot they'd like to cast.
Get free CBD dog treats ahead of 4th of July at this Phoenix dispensary
The Fourth of July is ruff for many dogs, so one Valley cannabis company is giving out calming canine treats to help them endure the fireworks.Why it matters: Higher numbers of dogs run away and get lost on Independence Day, data suggests.Driving the news: Bring your pup to any of Mint Cannabis' six Valley locations through Thursday for a free CBD treat.The big picture: A Cornell study found that 83% of dogs given CBD before a stressful event showed a decrease in anxiety-related behaviors.Yes, but: It's worth checking with a veterinarian first.The bottom line: Dog behavior experts told Axios there are other ways to protect your pet during the holiday, including:Making sure your pup is microchipped and indoors ahead of the fireworks.Doing something positive — like petting or feeding — to make them feel good when the noises begin.Playing music or turning on the TV to help drown out loud bangs.
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...
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,...
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...
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:
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