Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Hope you remembered to wear green today. ☘️

Yesterday we talked about gas prices rising since President Donald Trump entered the US into conflict in the Middle East.

According to AAA, prices have already risen significantly since the weekend—as of Friday, the average price for regular gas in Phoenix was $4.38 a gallon. On Monday, it was $4.63. The state’s average is $4.33, up from $3.14 a month ago. 

Issues with refineries in California are also contributing to Arizona’s high prices. 

Salad And Go is offering a promotion in response to rising costs. By presenting a gas receipt or saying “fuel up” at the window, customers can receive a free quesadilla with any purchase. The deal will run through Friday from 4 p.m. to close each day.  

I asked what you all think about gas prices and the Iran war. Here’s what you said. 

💬 “I would much rather have gas prices go up (which they are already coming down) than to have been nuclear bombed—but hey … then some people wouldn’t have to worry about gas prices…” — Claire F.

Editor’s note: As noted above, gas prices are continuing to rise. Also, experts have said Iran was further away from developing nuclear weapons than Trump has claimed.

💬 “I would rather pay these higher gas prices for going to war against a Theocratic Dictatorship that is the worlds greatest supporter of international terrorism.” — Cliff G.

💬 “The gas prices are only temporary.” — Joyce B. 

Want to join the conversation? Keep sending comments my way, and I’ll post some to our website later today.

Pop Mart, a global company known for its collectible designer toys and “blind box” figures, is opening its first Arizona store.

Median home prices in metro Phoenix were flat overall in 2025, but some area—including Apache Junction and central Phoenix—saw double-digit increases.

The average regular gas price in Phoenix proper on March 12 was 84 cents more than the day before the conflict in the Middle East broke out Feb. 27, according to figures listed by AAA.

Local news is essential for democracy.

Our reporting cuts through false narratives, documents what’s actually happening in our communities, and provides voters with the clear, factual information they need—especially when the stakes are high.

🖼️ U of A’s art museum is hosting a new exhibit featuring 80 works from the late professor Margaret “Bailey” Doogan. (The Daily Wildcat)

🌴 Part of Phoenix’s Margaret T. Hance Park revitalization project includes a grand entryway from Central Avenue and more plants. (KTAR)

⛏️ “Mine inspector” is an elected position in Arizona—and a Democratic challenger is running for it for the first time since 2018. (KJZZ)

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Jessica Swarner with stories from Sahara Sajjadi, Copper Courier Staff, and 

USA Today Network via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Kimberly Lawson.

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