Weekend wrap-up: Here are the biggest Arizona stories from Dec. 31 – Jan. 2

PHOENIX — The Arizona Attorney General’s Office is warning that individuals are using Apple’s new AirTags to track people, the National Park Service announced which days people can get free admission this year, and a crash in Phoenix on Saturday caused three deaths and sent five to the hospital.

Here are some of the biggest stories that headlined the Arizona news cycle over the weekend.

Arizona AG warns of unwanted tracking with Apple’s new AirTags

Apple’s new AirTags help keep track of personal items like purses or keys but it’s also being used by individuals to track people without their knowledge, the Arizona Attorney General’s Office said in a warning on Thursday.

There have been cases where the small, circular-shaped device has been attached to cars and used to follow people to their homes from malls and other public places, according to a press release.

“As technology allows us to do these things, we’re now part of a surveillance state or surveillance technology and people have to be constantly aware,”  Joe Sciarrotta, the office’s civil litigation division chief, said in a video.

Apple said its products will notify nearby Apple devices that an AirTag is following them after some time, and the tag will eventually make noises if separated from its original owner.

Grand Canyon among national parks to offer 5 free-entry days in 2022

Visitors to the Grand Canyon and other national parks will get five days of free admission in 2022.

The National Park Service said earlier this week entrance fees will be waived at about 110 parks. Admission ranges from $5 to $35.

The majority of the more than 400 parks do not charge for entry, the park system said.

Dates for free admission are Jan. 17, MLK Jr. Day; April 16, the start of National Park Week; Aug. 4, the anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act; Sept. 24, National Public Lands Day; and Nov. 11, Veterans Day.

2 car rollover on Phoenix freeway causes 3 deaths, sends 5 to the hospital

A two-car rollover crash on a Phoenix freeway Saturday night caused three deaths and sent five to the hospital, authorities said.

Arizona DPS after 9 p.m. responded to the incident at the eastbound lanes of the Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway at 40th Street in Ahwatukee.

Impairment was suspected in the collision, authorities said.

All eastbound lanes were closed at 40th Street due to the incident before reopening.

Chandler International Film Festival set to return for 6th year this month

The Chandler International Film Festival will feature over 120 movies made in 35 countries when it takes place later this month at LOOK Dine-In Cinema.

The 2022 event will occur Jan. 18-23 and host full theaters after having limited capacity last year, according to a press release.

People will be able to view films of various genres, award ceremonies, movie-making workshops, guest appearances, Q&As and after party experiences, according to the release.

Woman dies in New Year’s car crash involving suspected drunk driver

A 27-year-old woman was killed early Saturday morning in Phoenix when she was struck in her car by a suspected drunk driver, authorities said.

Officers responded to a traffic collision around 12:30 a.m. near 38th Street and Greenway Road, the Phoenix Police Department said in a press release.

Authorities said that a man driving an SUV, accompanied by a woman and three juveniles, collided with a sedan.

The woman and driver of the sedan, identified as Crystal Garcia, was taken to a hospital but was later pronounced dead.

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