Arizona

Tom Horne’s attack on DEI is a stunt, just like the Luigi Mangione musical | Letters

Published

1 year ago

May 11, 2025

Press Room

Tom Horne’s attack on DEI is a stunt, just like the Luigi Mangione musical | Letters

Before the Arizona schools chief cracks down on DEI, he should show us examples of where it went wrong. He can’t.

Arizona schools chief Tom Horne wants schools to sign a “No DEI” statement or else lose federal funding.
A readers goes nuts over early political ads by Karrin Taylor Robson, 18 months before the election.

Arizona schools chief Tom Horne has warned public schools they could lose federal funding if they don’t sign his “No DEI here” statement, even though the executive order that is the basis for this is neither enforceable nor clear.

Its language provides no specifics on what constitutes the dreaded DEI, yet Horne demands public schools sign to confirm they have nothing approaching it.

Of course, Horne should have plenty of examples, given that one of his first acts was to initiate a “Empower Hotline,” to allow parents to report objectionable material taught to their kids.

And, of course, this turned out to be at best a nothing burger and at worst a fiasco.

If Horne had examples, you would think he would trot them out. But he doesn’t, which suggests that Horne’s “No DEI Here” is just another performative stunt, trying to ingratiate himself with the Trumper crowd.

Mike McClellan, Gilbert

An open letter to Karrin Taylor Robson

I believe I speak for hundreds of thousands of Arizona voters when I say I am absolutely sick of politics and empty-suit double-talking politicians.

Why on earth would you start up with political ads a full 18 months before the election? I could not hit the mute button fast enough when I started seeing yours.

You may have very well just caused me, out of pure frustration, to vote for someone else.

Antonio Morales Jr., Glendale

Book bans put parents, not students, in the dark

When libraries put parental controls on books, students will find a way to access the books they want to read through friends, bookstores and Kindle.

Wouldn’t the parents rather know what their kids are reading?

Then perhaps they could open a dialogue about “sensitive” subjects.

Bekke Hess, Bullhead City

Ungrateful choice advocates would bankrupt public schools

I’m amazed that the homeschooling community is complaining about caps to their spending.

I am sure public-school students would love to bake with high-end equipment, design clothing with the best fabrics and buy the best tools.

Do you even realize that Arizona is spending nearly a billion dollars yearly on empowerment scholarship accounts? The budget isn’t going to be able to sustain that without raising taxes.

Public school districts are struggling to provide competitive salaries for teachers, resources to maintain buildings and programs that don’t charge students. They, too, would love a piece of the education dollars’ pie.

Wake up state leaders and Arizonans, we are bankrupting the public education system.

Alexis Reed, Anthem

They can’t be serious. A musical for Luigi Mangione?

Art imitates art?

Several years ago, Mel Brooks created a play called “The Producers” about a Broadway impresario and his accountant who scheme to get rich by fraudulently overselling investment interests in a Broadway musical they know will flop. Their scheme depends on the play going belly up on opening night so they can walk away with all the invested dollars.

To ensure its failure, they set about writing and casting the worst, most tasteless production they can imagine — “Springtime for Hitler.”

The play, however, turns out to be a comedy hit. Audiences love it. It goes on extended run and they lose their shirts and go to prison.

Today, producers in San Francisco are staging a musical called “Luigi” about Luigi Mangione, the man accused of murdering a health-care CEO in New York City.

Apparently, these real-life producers are serious.

Charles Lopresto, Phoenix

We are waging a fight against fascism

Thank you so much for featuring the Phoenix demonstration for May Day on the front page. Of course, there were other demonstrations in Arizona, including in Gilbert, Tucson, Tempe and Sedona.

It is important that mainstream media recognize the popular resistance to the current administration and its policies.

The 47th president and his followers are gleefully destroying the government, including essential programs for families, veterans, seniors and health care.

The separation of powers is dying. The administration’s lack of empathy and authoritarian impulses should be alarming to all citizens.

My father fought in World War II to defeat fascism. We may be called upon to do the same.

Gerri Chizeck, Chandler

Here’s my idea to reduce heat deaths

I can’t believe I’m writing this, but Phil Boas wrote a brilliant column. His analysis of the tragic death of an elderly woman whose power was shut off by APS was thoughtful and inquisitive.

While he acknowledged that her death shouldn’t have happened, he also suggested that APS is not a social service agency and shouldn’t bear sole responsibility for what happened. He closed with an important question: “So, what’s our next step?”

I remember first hearing about the woman’s death and blaming APS. It was a sudden and visceral reaction. But Phil’s piece made me sit back and think it through. By the time I got to his final question, I had come to a possible answer.

Before someone’s power is disconnected for nonpayment, APS or SRP must notify the city of residence. They must have a plan to conduct a wellness (physical and/or financial) check.

It could be through the police or other agency. The city would already know if the person is paying his or her utility bills. The process then needs to include a plan on how to help the person involved.

And the power companies can only stop service when authorized by the city. It would involve coordination, but it’s worth it.

Thanks, Phil.

Dan Peel, Scottsdale

What’s on your mind? Send us a letter to the editor online or via email at opinions@arizonarepublic.com.

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Arizona

8 best menus to try during Arizona Spring Restaurant Week 2026

Published

4 hours ago

May 12, 2026

Press Room

8 best menus to try during Arizona Spring Restaurant Week 2026

Restaurant Week is returning to Arizona, which means its time to try something new at some of the best locally-owned restaurants in the state for lower-than-usual prices.

Spring Restaurant Week lasts from May 15-24, and will return in the fall from September 18-27. During those weeks, three-course prix fixe menus are available at over 200 local restaurants for $33, $44 or $55.

Reservations are not required at most establishments to enjoy the Restaurant Week menus, but they are highly encouraged.

With so many to choose from, we combed through the offerings to find the stand out deals. Many of the participating restaurants have appeared on The Arizona Republic’s list of 100 essential restaurants. Others have received numerous national awards and recognitions, including several James Beard Foundation Awards semifinalists.

Here are 8 of the best menus to try during Arizona Spring Restaurant Week 2026.

Beginner’s Luck

When Beginner’s Luck opened in Old Town Scottsdale in December 2023, The Republic’s Bahar Anooshahr fell in love with chef Bernie Kantak’s brunch. The restaurant later earned him a spot on the semifinalist list for Best Chef — Southwest for the James Beard Foundation Awards in 2025.

Beginner’s Luck’s $55 Restaurant Week menu includes roasted corn and green chile chowder, pork belly, pan roasted Norwegian salmon, mole rojo short rib and blueberry bread pudding. Many options are gluten-free.

Details: 7240 E. Main St., Suite C100, Scottsdale. 480-571-0416, beginnersluckaz.com.

Cocina Chiwas

Multiple-time James Beard Award semifinalists and culinary power couple Armando Hernandez and Nadia Holguin opened Cocina Chiwas at Culdesac Tempe in 2023 as an upscale sister restaurant to their original Tacos Chiwas restaurants.

Cocina Chiwas’ $44 Restaurant Week menu includes ceviche, ribeye tacos, mole and pastel de elote. For an additional $14, guests can try the Roxxstar cocktail made with vodka, Cocchi Rosa, watermelon, lemon juice, yuzu and orange bitters.

Details: 2001 E. Apache Blvd., Tempe. 480-916-3690, cocinachiwasaz.com.

Espiritu

Espiritu is a chef-driven Mexican restaurant and cocktail bar from the teams behind Bacanora and Tacos Chiwas. It was named one of the best new restaurants in the U.S. in 2022, the year it opened in downtown Mesa.

Espiritu’s $55 Restaurant Week menu includes birria dumplings, K4 flat iron steak, pan seared red drum filet, vegan potato tacos and chile chocolate truffle.

Details: 123 Main St., Mesa. 480-272-6825, espiritumesa.com.

First & Last

First & Last is a contemporary neighborhood restaurant. Their sandwiches are Instagram-famous and got the stamp of approval from The Republic. The whole menu focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients.

First & Last’s $55 Restaurant Week menu includes roasted beet salad, Hiramasa crudo, bacon sourdough bolognese, grilled chicken piccata and pistachio tiramisu. The menu also includes recommended optional wine pairings for each course.

Details: 1001 N. Third Ave., Suite 1, Phoenix. 602-975-8297, firstandlastphx.com.

Indibar

Indibar was named one of USA Today’s Restaurants of the Year in 2025 for its fine dining twist on traditional Indian cuisine. It was also a semifinalist for the James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant in 2026.

Indibar’s $55 Restaurant Week menu includes avocado papdi chaat, paneer tikka, achari broccoli, crab curry with mango and dried chilies, veg korma and rasmali tres leches.

Details: 6208 N. Scottsdale Road, Paradise Valley. 480-219-9774, theindibar.com.

Latha

Latha is a pan-African restaurant led by Evelia Davis and chef Digby Stridiron in downtown Phoenix’s Heritage Square. The restaurant pulls inspiration from the entire Black diaspora, from Africa to the Caribbean to the American South.

Latha’s $55 Restaurant Week menu includes whipped goat cheese, Griot wings, dayboat moqueca, pineapple piri piri chicken, oxtail barbacoa and southern poundcake.

Details: 628 E. Adams St., Phoenix. 480-640-6183, lathaphx.com.

Tarbell’s

Tarbell’s is celebrity chef Mark Tarbell’s namesake restaurant and magnum opus. Described as a “neighborhood restaurant for the nation,” Tarbell’s has received numerous accolades since opening in 1994.

Tarbell’s $55 Restaurant Week menu options include a shrimp ceviche tostada, endive salad with tomato caper vinaigrette, pan seared chicken, beef rillette, charred tomato risotto, chocolate cake or whipped lemon curd and berries.

Details: 3213 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix. 602-955-8100, tarbells.com.

Warren’s Supper Club

Larry Warren White and Rasheeda White, the owners of Monroe’s Hot Chicken, Lo Lo’s Chicken & Waffles and Brunch and Sip, opened Warren’s Supper Club in 2025. Larry “Lo-Lo” is the grandson of beloved Phoenix restaurateur Mrs. White, the owner of Mrs. White’s Golden Rule Cafe.

Warren’s Supper Club’s $55 Restaurant Week menu options include lobster deviled eggs, charbroiled oysters, apple and walnut salad, wild mushroom campanelle, baby back Korean sticky ribs, blackened salmon and a half smoked chicken.

Details: 1040 N. 54th St., Chandler. 480-753-1040, warrenssupperclub.com.

Reach the reporter at eddie.fontanez@azcentral.com. Follow @ERFontanez on Instagram.

Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today.

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Arizona

Arizona Diamondbacks Gameday Thread, #40: 5/11 @ Rangers

Published

16 hours ago

May 11, 2026

Press Room

Arizona Diamondbacks Gameday Thread, #40: 5/11 @ Rangers

Any time we go to Globe Field, memories immediately go back to the 2023 World Series, when we faced the Texas Rangers in this ballpark. It’s interesting to note that neither team has made it back to the postseason since then. Indeed, at least the D-backs have come close: the Rangers failed to post a winning record in 2024 or 2025, missing out on the playoffs by eight and six games respectively. The two sides have similar records right now as well, with Texas’s 19-21 a mere half a game behind Arizona’s 19-20. However, in the mediocre AL West, that’s good enough for the Rangers to be in second, two games back of… the Athletics? Wait, what?

Yeah, the last time before this year the A’s had sole possession of first was June 19, 2021 – y’know, back when they were in a different city, and weren’t embarrassed to name it. But, then, the AL as a whole is strikingly mediocre, with only three teams above .500: the Yankees, Rays and A’s. It’s because just four teams have winning records in interleague play, and none of those are better than 5-4. Right now, the National League is 25 games above .500 in interleague play, at 315-290. Texas are 7-8, taking two of three from the Cubs, Phillies and Pirates, but losing to the Dodgers and getting swept by the Reds (y’know back when they didn’t suck).

Last time the Diamondbacks were here was in August last season, and we took two out of three. We lost the opening game on a walkoff, 7-6, but rebounded to take the next two contests, by margins of 3-2 and 6-4. Andrew Saalfrank got the save in the final game. How long ago that all seems. We’ll see if Michael Soroka can keep the sterling streak of starts going. He was certainly a hard-luck loser last time, allowing just the one run over 6.1 innings. But that was enough in a 1-0 loss. In his last three start, the D-backs have scored a total of two runs, so hopefully he gets a bit more support tonight.

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Arizona

Where to watch Arizona Diamondbacks vs Texas Rangers: TV channel, start time, streaming for May 11

Published

1 day ago

May 11, 2026

Press Room

Where to watch Arizona Diamondbacks vs Texas Rangers: TV channel, start time, streaming for May 11

Baseball is back and finding what channel your favorite team is playing on has become a little bit more confusing since MLB announced plans to produce and distribute broadcasts for nearly a third of the league.

We’re here to help. Here’s everything you need to know Monday as the Arizona Diamondbacks visit the Texas Rangers.

See USA TODAY’s sortable MLB schedule to filter by team or division.