PHOENIX — From Katie Hobbs knocking Republican primary candidates for the 2026 gubernatorial race to a Chandler park getting overdue renovations, here are some of the top Arizona news stories from Dec. 19-21.
Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs calls Republican primary ‘a race to the bottom’
When asked about her potential opponent in the 2026 election, Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs called the Republican primary “a race to the bottom.”
“I don’t see a difference between any of them. This primary right now is kind of a race to the bottom,” the Democrat told KTAR News 92.3 FM’s Outspoken with Bruce and Gaydos on Thursday.
Three high-profile Republican candidates have entered the race to face Hobbs as she seeks a second term: U.S. Reps. Andy Biggs and David Schweikert and 2022 GOP primary runner-up Karrin Taylor Robson.
“All three of the Republicans are focused on cheerleading Trump’s tariffs, the Medicaid cuts and all the other cuts in the Washington budget. And I’m going to spend the next eight months while they’re fighting it out focused on Arizonans.”
Lockdown lifted after reports of active shooter at Luke Air Force Base in West Valley
Authorities found no evidence of an active shooter at Luke Air Force Base on Friday after locking down and searching the West Valley military installment.
The lockdown was lifted just after 11:20 a.m., nearly an hour after it began.
Personnel were told to shelter in place while law enforcement and emergency personnel investigated reports of an active shooter, according to a 10:40 a.m. statement from the base.
The public was advised to avoid the area and refrain from spreading unverified information during the lockdown, which was implemented just before 10:30 a.m.
It’s not clear where the active shooter reports originated.
American Airlines adds 6 new routes from Phoenix Sky Harbor beginning in 2026
American Airlines announced Thursday that it is adding six new routes from Phoenix Sky Harbor in 2026.
Some of the added flights will be year-round and others seasonal. Currently, the airline has more than 330 daily departures from Sky Harbor to more than 100 destination.
“Phoenix is a hub for adventure, and these new routes make it easier than ever for our customers to reach incredible destinations across the country,” American Airlines Vice President of PHX Hub Operation Sophia Philis-Ortiz said in an announcement. “Whether it’s creating new business connections, supporting regional industries or traveling for leisure, we’re proud to offer more nonstop flights than any other airline serving the state and connecting Arizona to the world.”
Chandler park undergoing first renovations in 40 years
Dr. A.J. Chandler Park in downtown Chandler is scheduled for major renovations in January.
The park, located just off Arizona Avenue and Buffalo Street, is being updated nearly a decade after a 2017 master plan identified significant infrastructure needs.
In 2024, the city council approved a construction services agreement with Phoenix-based Willmeng Construction, with Dibble Construction Management and Dig Studio supporting project development.
Local business owners also contributed to the design process and helped determine the best timing for construction impacts.
Named after Chandler’s founder and first mayor, the park hasn’t seen major upgrades since 1986.
Fazoli’s opens 4th location in the Valley since Phoenix return
Italian fast food restaurant Fazoli’s continued its resurgence in the Phoenix area as it opened a new location in Surprise this week.
The new location, located near Litchfield and Waddell roads, marks the fourth location the Kentucky-based chain has opened since its return to the Valley in 2023.
Other Valley locations include Mesa, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and another location in Glendale.
Fazoli’s is opening the new restaurant in partnership with Arizona-based restaurant group Kind Hospitality.
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