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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.
"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.
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.
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...
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