🔮 Axios Local's future

👋 Good to see ya, Tuesday!

Today's weather: High of 106.

🛠️ Help us continue to build our mission of local journalism by becoming an Axios Phoenix member today.

🎂 Happy birthday to our Axios Phoenix member Kelli Ryan!

Programming note: Our newsletters will be a little lighter this week while we're in Minneapolis to convene with other Axios Local reporters from across the country.

Today's newsletter is 812 words — a 3-minute read.

The loss of local news has an insidious effect on democracy.

Why it matters: The trend is "contributing to polarization, [and a] decrease in voting and government accountability," the nonprofit American Journalism Project found through an analysis of independent research.

Yes, but: Groups like the Knight Foundation see reasons for hope as newer journalism outlets take hold — some of which are increasingly funded by philanthropy.

Driving the news: A declining share of adults are following the news closely, and traditional media audiences for newspapers, TV and radio are shrinking, according to a recent Pew Research Center study.

By the numbers: Nearly 90% of adults say they often or sometimes get news from a smartphone, computer or tablet, per Pew.

• That's compared to around 65% for television, 42% for radio and 25% for print publications.

Stunning stat: There are roughly 6,000 newspapers left in the U.S., down from 8,891 in 2005, according to the Medill Local News Initiative at Northwestern University.

Threat level: More than 200 counties in the U.S. now have zero news outlets, per Medill's report.

What they're saying: Having a reporter monitor city hall, police or local businesses serves the public good by promoting civic engagement and helping communities make better decisions, according to Knight.

What we're watching: Axios' growth to 30 local markets in the last four years — with more on the way — is just one example of new investments in local journalism across the country.

• A collection of more than two dozen philanthropic groups, including Knight, pledged more than $500 million last year to a new initiative that has committed to support local journalism across the country.

The bottom line: Support local news.

• Our Axios Local membership program is just one way to do so.

👋 Hi there! Holly Moore, executive editor for Axios Local, here.

This week, 115 Axios employees from 30 cities across the U.S. are meeting in Minneapolis for our annual Local team retreat, including your newsletter authors.

Why it matters: Getting together allows us to share best practices, setting the foundation for our continued growth as we aim to prove that our model for local news is sustainable nationwide.

Between the lines: Axios Local launched four years ago, with 13 reporters covering five cities. We don't intend to waste our head start.

• With a newsroom that stretches from Seattle to Miami, in-person time is incredibly valuable.
• This week allows us to peel away from Zoom meetings and other distractions and focus on how our product best serves you.

What's next: Watch for more Axios Local cities in 2025.

The bottom line: Thank you for allowing us the time and space to do this.

• As a subscriber, you are part of the vanguard of our local news revolution, and we couldn't do it without you.

If you have feedback on your newsletter or want to brag on your reporting team, feel free to reach out at any time: Holly.Moore@Axios.com.

🗳️ Vice President Kamala Harris will return to Arizona Friday for a campaign event. (KTAR)

🤣 Legendary comedians Jerry Seinfeld and Jim Gaffigan are teaming up for a tour next year that will include a stop at Footprint Center on March 28. (Phoenix New Times)

🤑 Cardinals first-round draft pick Marvin Harrison Jr. purchased a Paradise Valley home for nearly $5 million. (Phoenix Business Journal)

Growth Partners Arizona and Hustle PHX are expanding Black-owned businesses and addressing the wealth gap with economic empowerment programs.

An example: Community development financial institutions — they're locally controlled and help revitalize underserved neighborhoods.

Here's how.

We're always on the lookout for new spicy chicken spots, so we headed to Tempe to try one of the Valley's recent additions.

State of play: Nashville Hot Chicken opened in April at 1628 E. Southern Ave.

• It was the chain's first Arizona restaurant, on top of its 14 locations nationwide.

Zoom in: Their chicken has four spice levels — Mildly Cyrus, Blazin, Punisher and Hail Mary — along with BBQ, Buffalo ranch and Plain Jane if you're looking to avoid spice.

• The guy who took my order described the Blazin as a 5 on a scale of 1-10, while the Punisher was an 8.
• Nashville Hot Chicken's goal is to give you plenty of spice, but not so much that you can't taste the flavors or enjoy the food, he explained.
• Pick from various sandwiches, tenders or wings, plus shrimp, jalapeno poppers, mac and cheese bites or other non-chicken options.

Best bites: I got the waffle sandwich plate with Punisher-level spice. I just couldn't bring myself to tempt fate with the Hail Mary.

• It was spicy, but with plenty of flavor, and the chicken was tender and juicy. When the heat got too intense, I drizzled some of the syrup that comes with the waffles.
• I also ordered the Hot Friends, a deconstructed version of the chicken sandwich and fries combo. Don't be afraid to get some spice on that chicken — the coleslaw keeps it in check.

The bottom line: Nashville Hot Chicken is a worthy addition to the Valley's hot chicken scene.

Have some chicken

Join a discussion with GPEC and the State of Black Arizona focused on building supportive ecosystems so Black entrepreneurs can ideate and thrive.

The strategy: Breakout groups will share insights and discuss needs surrounding financial literacy, local government and more.

Attend on Oct. 2.

👀 Jeremy is excited to be visiting the Twin Cities for the first time.

💗 Jessica is glad she got to spend time with her family in Wisconsin before traveling to Minnesota.

This newsletter was edited by Gigi Sukin.