Weekend Wrap: Here are the biggest Phoenix news stories from Dec. 6-8
Dec 8, 2024, 8:00 PM
The first cases of bird flu in humans in Arizona were announced on Dec. 6, 2024. (Photo by Paula Bronstein/Getty Images)
(Photo by Paula Bronstein/Getty Images)
PHOENIX — From the first cases of bird flu found in Arizona residents to a high-end Mexican restaurant coming soon to Phoenix, here are some of the Valley’s top news stories from Dec. 6-8.
Health officials report 1st Arizona cases of bird flu in humans
Health officials on Friday reported the first Arizona cases of bird flu in humans, stemming from a poultry outbreak at a Pinal County farm last month.
The Arizona Department of Health Services (AZDHS) said two humans contracted avian influenza while working at the commercial facility. Poultry at the farm tested positive for bird flu on Nov. 15.
Both of the infected people reported mild symptoms, received treatment and have since recovered, according to AZDHS.
Price tag for Desert Diamond Arena increases as Glendale venue reimagined
The final price tag for the renovations of Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale will end up being higher than expected.
The arena, which was built to host an NHL team in the early 2000s, is getting a makeover intended to make it more conducive for concerts than sports. The Arizona Coyotes were booted as the building’s primary tenant in 2022.
“Without a major sports team, we feel like we can sort of reimagine the way the building is presented,” said Doug Thornton, the executive vice president of arenas, stadiums and theaters for ASM Global, the company that manages and operates Desert Diamond Arena. “But we can still make it just as usable for an NCAA or other sporting event.”
Desert Diamond Arena’s renovations include updating concession stands, adding more luxury seats and creating venues within the arena like the Bassline Bar, which will be open before and after shows.
Additional water restrictions implemented at Grand Canyon South Rim
Grand Canyon National Park officials are increasing water restrictions at the South Rim after a second recent pipeline break.
The latest Transcanyon Waterline break was discovered Wednesday along the North Kaibab Trail.
As a result, the Mather Campground water spigots will be turned off Saturday and fire restrictions will be implemented.
In addition, the Camper Services building operated by Delaware North, which has showers and laundry machines, will close Saturday until further notice.
ADOT leadership group formed to guide study of Phoenix-Tucson passenger rail service
The Arizona Department of Transportation is continuing to explore the possibility of a passenger rail service between Phoenix and Tucson.
The proposed service spans approximately 160 miles between Tucson and Buckeye and would make three round trips each day.
ADOT announced the formation of an Executive Leadership Team on Friday to examine the feasibility of the project in what is being termed as the Phoenix to Tucson Intercity Passenger Rail Corridor Study.
Red light cameras coming to 14 Tempe intersections in 2025
An East Valley suburb is planning to install red light cameras next year as part of its road safety initiative.
The city of Tempe will equip 14 intersections with full-time speed and red light cameras as part of its Vision Zero plan, Mayor Corey Woods announced during Wednesday’s State of the City address.
“As a driver, I pretty much hate the idea of getting a ticket,” Woods said. “But as the mayor of a city that needs to save lives, we know that this will get results.”
The Tempe Vision Zero plan has the ambitious goal of eliminating fatal and serious injury crashes in a city with around 190,000 residents.
Restaurant group behind Blanco to open upgraded version of the Mexican staple in Phoenix
Fox Restaurant Group will soon open an ungraded version of Blanco, a popular Mexican restaurant chain in Phoenix.
Blanco Reserva, the sixth Blanco restaurant in Arizona, will open on Dec. 13 at the $2 billion redeveloped former Paradise Valley Mall site in Phoenix.
After Flower Child opened its doors earlier this year, Blanco Reserva is one of the first tenants to open at the new development near Tatum Boulevard and Cactus Road.
The new upscale version of the popular restaurant is inspired by the communal traditions of Spanish ranchos.
