Lawmakers Debate Small-Scale Nuclear

Arizona’s rural counties could soon lose their authority to block small nuclear reactors from being built in some areas under a bill that cleared the state Senate.

Supporters of the bill tout the benefits of rural economic development, with one data center powered by a small modular reactor able to generate $70 million to $90 million a year in property taxes.

Others are skeptical, including state Rep. Walt Blackman of Snowflake, who said he may vote against the bill if the net effect is overriding local decisions.

Many Democrats are raising concerns over safety and nuclear waste, while bill sponsor state Sen. Frank Carroll said the technology has advanced significantly.

The bill would strip 13 rural counties—everywhere but Maricopa and Pima—of zoning authority over small modular reactors in certain areas, including former coal plant sites and parcels next to data centers.

Historic Home Takes On ASU

Arizona State University filed an eminent domain lawsuit to seize the 124-year-old Louis Emerson House in downtown Phoenix, the last parcel needed for its new health campus and medical school.

ASU made multiple purchase offers to 89-year-old owner Robert Young, who said he’s open to moving the home but that the school’s last offer of about $999,000 was too low because it did not include relocation costs estimated at $2 million or more.

The Arizona Board of Regents approved the lawsuit, citing the rejection of its offers and seeking immediate possession of the property in the city’s Evans-Churchill neighborhood.

Historians note the house predates Arizona statehood and carries “layer upon layer of stories” woven into its walls. Preservationists and neighbors have rallied behind Young, with a petition circulating online.

Sky Harbor Back in Top 10

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport landed at No. 9 among U.S. airports in new global rankings for on-time performance, passenger service, and facilities.

With the ranking, the airport returned to the top 10 of the nation’s airports. Last year, the airport slipped to No. 12 from No. 7.

The rankings come from AirHelp, a passenger rights firm that scored 279 airports worldwide based on quality. Portland International Airport claimed the top U.S. spot in the rankings. 

AirHelp weighted on-time flight arrivals most heavily at 60% of the score, with service quality and comfort making up the rest.

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➤ Northern Arizona: Organized cargo theft crews are hitting rail corridors in the region up to a dozen times monthly, including a recent heist of $500,000 in merchandise that resulted in two arrests. Congress is now weighing anti-theft legislation. (More)

➤ Mohave County: Health officials declared the nearly year-long measles outbreak along the Arizona-Utah border communities over. (More)

➤ Phoenix: A federal jury convicted a Casa Grande man who threatened violence against Donald Trump and Kamala Harris during the 2024 presidential election cycle. He faces up to five years in prison on each count at a Sept. 1 sentencing. (More)

➤ Statewide: The state Department of Education landed a $300,000 grant to help fund apprenticeship and mentorship programs amid a teacher shortage. (More)

➤ Tucson: The city council approved a more than $1.8 million transit safety plan to add ambassadors, upgraded cameras, and police and security patrols at bus stops. (More)

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➤ Arizona State sophomore outfielder Landon Hairston was named one of three finalists for the Golden Spikes Award, given annually to the top amateur baseball player in the country. (More)

➤ Mike Bolland, a 61-year-old Mesa man born without his right hand, is training for a PBA event next month, more than 30 years after he became the first person with limb loss to compete on the professional bowling tour. (More)

➤ Arizona Cardinals rookie defensive lineman Kaleb Proctor tore his meniscus and could miss the entire 2026 season. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: World Cup | NHL | MLB | WNBA | Golf

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➤ Tucson City Council approved the creation of an Office of Community and Economic Impact, seeking to improve the city’s strategy for attracting outside investment. (More)

➤ Waymo paid $220 million for nearly 5,500 acres of former Apple and Chrysler proving grounds in Surprise. (More)

➤ Colorado-based Mountain Capital Partners agreed to buy Tubac Golf Resort & Spa, Sedona Golf Resort, and Rancho Mañana Golf Club in Cave Creek. (More)

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➤ Expanded fireworks restrictions will take effect June 20 in Phoenix, including an extension of the city’s fireworks ban to a mile around mountain preserves. (More)

➤ State lawmakers are embroiled in “chickengate” after a senator complained about the quality of a lobbyist-funded $1,500 chicken dinner and allegedly demanded the order be remade. (More)

➤ A Snowflake retiree stumbled onto a collection of chirotherium tracks on his property, now drawing scientists eager to learn more about the reptiles that predated dinosaurs. (More)

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Do you shoot off fireworks for July 4th?

1. Yes
2. Neighbors do
3. Attend a show
4. No
5. Other

Yesterday’s Results:

Do you plan to visit Buc-ee’s once it opens?

1. No interest: 24%
2. Probably not: 23%
3. Maybe: 19%
4. Sometime this summer: 16%
5. Sooner rather than later: 10%
6. Opening weekend: 8%

How old are the oldest fossils found in the Grand Canyon?

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