TUESDAY, APRIL 22, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1919, the government opened its case in the Phoenix trial of two Cocopah Indians charged with slaying their tribal medicine man for failing to halt a flu outbreak. This 1929 photo shows a Hopi medicine man.

Arizonans react to the death of Pope Francis in Top Stories.

We have a new sponsor today: Amass Brands Group, which is offering an investment opportunity in today’s edition.

Arizonans React to Pope Francis’ Death

Diocese of Phoenix Bishop John Dolan on Monday paid tribute to Pope Francis, praising his “deep concern for the oppressed, the poorest of the poor, and those who struggle with mental health.”

Others in Arizona joined in mourning Francis, including attendees at an early morning mass at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Phoenix. Watch.

The Vatican confirmed Francis’ death early Monday in an announcement made by Cardinal Kevin Ferrell. Francis died of complications from pneumonia at age 88.

Dolan called Francis “a shepherd to the world,” who “listened—truly listened—not only to the faithful within the Church but to people of all faiths and goodwill.”

Hobbs Bypasses Voters, Signs Axon Bill

Gov. Katie Hobbs signed into law a measure that allows Axon to sidestep a planned 2026 public vote on the taser maker’s proposed massive factory complex in north Scottsdale.

In the weeks leading to Hobbs’ decision, more than 25,000 Scottsdale residents signed a petition to oppose the development, which includes plans for 1,900 apartments, a hotel, and a spaceship-themed headquarters.

Scottsdale residents say they will now consider legal action in response to state lawmakers’ decision, which former Scottsdale councilman Bob Littlefield called “totally predictable and totally outrageous.”

The new law allows companies of a certain size to offer housing to their employees, enabling Axon to avoid a public vote on its planned project.

Broadcaster Apologizes to Suns Owner

Television sports personality Stephen A. Smith apologized to Phoenix Suns owner Mat Ishbia for comparing him to former Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling, who was banned from the NBA for life in 2014 over racist comments.

Smith issued the apology on ESPN’s First Take, saying, “I certainly did not mean to compare him to a person that was thrown out of this league and has been widely recognized as a racist.”

Smith said his comments that Ishbia is “on the verge of being recognized as the worst owner” were based on Ishbia’s performance as an owner.

The Suns failed to make the playoffs despite fielding a star-studded roster that was the most expensive in NBA history.

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➤ Capitol: State Democratic Party Chair Robert Branscomb II accused Democratic U.S. senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego of attempting to intimidate him over his choice for the state party’s executive director. (Details)

➤ Oak Flat: President Trump placed the Oak Flat copper mine on a fast track for permit approval. Local tribes opposed to the permit have filed a petition to protect what they say is sacred land. (More)

➤ Lake Pleasant: A 43-year-old man died after his jet ski overturned on Sunday afternoon. (Watch Report)

➤ Statewide: Rep. Yassamin Ansar, D-Phoenix, joined lawmakers from other states on a trip to El Salvador to visit Kilmar Abrego Garcia, whom the Trump administration deported in March. (Video)

➤ Holbrook: A fugitive wanted on murder charges out of Las Vegas was arrested Friday in northern Arizona. (Video)

➤ Mt. Lemmon: A missing woman’s vehicle was found at Windy Point on Sunday. (Video)

➤ The Arizona Diamondbacks squeaked out a 3-2 win over the Chicago Cubs in an 11-inning game with two rain delays. (Highlights)

➤ A list of athletes to watch in the upcoming NFL Draft includes Arizona State University running back Cam Skattebo and Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan. (See List)

➤ Voting is open to select the season’s best high school softball hitter. The online poll closes April 28. (Vote)

➤ Arizona Public Service customers paying an environmental surcharge might be eligible for a one-time bill credit in May. The proposal awaits approval from the Arizona Corporation Commission. (More)

➤ Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. completed construction of its second factory in north Phoenix ahead of schedule, responding to growing demand for artificial intelligence chips. (Details)

➤ Taylor Morrison Homes paid $21 million for 218 single-family lots on 131 acres in Queen Creek. (More)

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➤ A man who bought a classic Camaro at an auction discovered the car was stolen 40 years ago, and he worked with police in an attempt to find the original owner. (Video)

➤ Results of February’s state bar exam show that half of the 253 applicants passed. (More)

➤ Three bunnies from the Arizona Humane Society will undergo training to be animal ambassadors for the Phoenix Zoo’s educational outreach programs in the community. (More)

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