I had a lot of fun walking around downtown Phoenix two weekends ago when the NCAA Women’s Final Four was in town.

Our reporter Alyssa Bickle wrote last week about attending the free Super Saturday concert at Hance Park featuring Kehlani.

I didn’t go to that event, but I did go to a live taping of the “A Touch More” podcast at the Orpheum Theatre. 

A live taping of “A Touch More” at the Orpheum Theatre in Phoenix. (Jessica Swarner/The Copper Courier)

“A Touch More” is hosted by WNBA icon Sue Bird and her partner Megan Rapinoe, a legendary soccer player. They and their guests, WNBA player Chelsea Gray and Vanderbilt coach Shea Ralph, talked about the evolution of women’s basketball and shared memories—which included hilariously roasting some of their past outfits. 

It was so cool to see a group of superstars like this in my home city, knowing they were here because Phoenix has made itself into a regular host for major sporting events. Hopefully there will be many more!

Over the past few months, we’ve talked a few times in this newsletter about this year’s SRP election and what it means for Arizona. 

The election finally happened last week, and the slate of candidates supporting renewable energy made some gains. 

A sign directing voters sits outside the headquarters of Salt River Project on Monday, March 30, 2026, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Jonathan J. Cooper)

Here’s more from The Associated Press:

“The election … saw a surge of interest from voters amid rising household electricity prices and pushback against massive data centers in the battleground state and elsewhere, as national politics gives a jolt to once-low-profile elections for control over utilities.

It also drew the attention of Turning Point Action—better known for its role mobilizing young conservatives behind President Donald Trump—which attacked the renewable energy advocates as ‘radical environmentalists.’

The slate of clean energy advocates picked up two seats on the 14-member utility board, giving them an 8-to-6 majority in votes that come before the board. However, incumbents backed by construction firms and data center developers held on to the offices of president and vice president, keeping their agenda-setting power over what votes are presented to the board.”

What do you think of these election results? Did you vote? Let me know, and I’ll include some responses in Wednesday’s newsletter!

Harkins Theatres is bringing a whole new movie-watching experience to its theaters later this summer.

Bryan Patrick Miller was arrested in 2015 for the murders of Angela Brosso and Melanie Bernas. Their killings in Phoenix are often referred to as the “Canal Murders.”

Some of these Zillow listings for Phoenix rentals are more practical, while others may be just for dreaming. But hopefully they’re all at least entertaining to look through.

⚾️ A University of Arizona grad and his dad are cycling across the US with a goal to visit every major ballpark. (Arizona Luminaria)

🎡 The Arizona Boardwalk in Scottsdale plans to open an 80-foot, climate-controlled Ferris wheel this month. (ABC 15)

🍹 Here are five basement bars and speakeasies to visit in Tucson when you want an extra cool spot for a drink. (This Is Tucson) 

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Jessica Swarner with stories from The Associated Press, USA Today Network via Reuters Connect, and Maura Derr. It was edited by Brook Bolen.

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