Weekend wrap-up: Here are the biggest Arizona stories from April 23-25
Apr 25, 2021, 6:03 PM
(Angry Crab Shack Photo)
(Angry Crab Shack Photo)
PHOENIX — Angry Crab Shack announced it will open its first restaurant in Scottsdale next month, Grand Canyon University’s COVID-19 vaccination site will close at the end of the day Monday and Arizona Democrats are calling for an investigation into the state Senate’s audit of Maricopa County election results.
Here are some of the biggest stories that headlined the Arizona news cycle over the weekend.
Angry Crab Shack set to debut first Scottsdale location in next month
It’s going to get messy in Scottsdale in the next month when Angry Crab Shack opens its first restaurant in the city.
The hands-on Mesa-based seafood chain is set to open its 13th Arizona location at the Pavilions at Talking Stick on Indian Bend Road west of the Loop 101 Pima Freeway.
The Angry Crab Shack menu features crab, shrimp, crawfish and lobster boils served on butcher paper, with bibs for diners but no plates or utensils.
The opening is slated for May without a set date, according to a press release.
Grand Canyon University COVID-19 vaccination site to end operations
Grand Canyon University’s COVID-19 vaccination site will host its final day of operations Monday after three months and more than 100,000 shots.
The GCU point of dispensing site was operated by university staff, faculty and student volunteers for free.
“We didn’t ask to be reimbursed for the expenses of operating the vaccination site because we know our faculty, staff and student volunteers would step up in a big way,” Brian Mueller, GCU president, said in a press release. “They are so proud that they could be part of the COVID-19 solution in our neighborhood.”
The university’s POD made efforts to reach more vulnerable populations in the community.
Arizona Democrats call on Ducey, Brnovich to investigate Senate audit
Arizona Democrats are calling on the state’s top Republican leaders to investigate the state Senate’s audit of Maricopa County election results.
Arizona Democratic Party Chair Raquel Terán urged Gov. Doug Ducey and Attorney General Mark Brnovich to take steps to end the audit, which got off to a rocky start this week.
An Arizona judge cited deep concerns about ballot secrecy on Friday, but the process will move forward after Democrats decided not to put up a $1 million bond to fund any increase in costs from the delay.
“We are calling on Governor Doug Ducey and Attorney General Mark Brnovich to put an end to this madness and protect our election systems from conspiracy theorists,” Terán said in a statement.
Phoenix Veterans Day Parade, honor heroes competition to return this year
Honoring America’s Veterans announced Tuesday the return of the Phoenix Veterans Day parade to the Valley.
After last year’s was held online due to the pandemic, parade organizers are planning their return to the streets.
The annual event will take place on Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. in Phoenix, marking the 25th anniversary of the event.
“We are moving ahead with plans for an in-person parade in 2021 and we look forward to seeing all the beautiful floats and matching exhibits once again,” HAV Executive Director Paula Pedene said in a press release.
Arizona health department recommends resuming J&J vaccine
The Arizona Department of Health Services said it is advising providers to resume use of the one-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine after scientific advisers decided its benefits outweigh a rare risk of blood clot.
The CDC and U.S. Food and Drug Administration expressed confidence in a press release on Friday that the vaccine is safe and effective in preventing COVID-19.
The two federal agencies recommended pausing the use of the J&J vaccine on April 13 after six reported U.S. cases, out of 6.8 million doses administered nationally, of a rare and severe type of blood clot on vaccinated individuals.
“After recommending a pause out of an abundance of caution, we join our federal partners in encouraging everyone to get vaccinated against COVID-19 with the vaccine available to you,” AZDHS Director Dr. Cara Christ said in a press release.
