Weekend wrap-up: Here are the biggest Arizona stories from April 29 – May 1
May 1, 2022, 6:00 PM
FILE - Maricopa County Attorney Allister Adel speaks at a news conference in Phoenix on Jan. 31, 2020. Former Maricopa County Attorney Adel, who recently resigned amid controversy over her performance in office, died Saturday, April 30, 2022, at age 45. Adel is survived by her husband and two children. (AP Photo/Jacques Billeaud, File)
(AP Photo/Jacques Billeaud, File)
PHOENIX — Former Maricopa County Attorney Allister Adel died due to health complications, a new report says Arizona’s air quality has worsened over the last couple of years, and the Tempe Streetcar will begin service this month.
Here are some of the biggest stories that headlined the Arizona news cycle over the weekend.
Former Maricopa County Attorney Allister Adel dead at 45
Former Maricopa County Attorney Allister Adel died due to health complications on Saturday, according to a statement by made by her family.
Adel was 45 years old.
Adel assumed office as Maricopa County Attorney in 2019 and resigned in March.
She is survived by her husband, David DeNitto, and two children.
“This May we would have celebrated 20 years of marriage. My family and I are utterly heartbroken by this unimaginable loss,” DeNitto said in a statement.
“I am heartbroken to learn of Allister’s passing. Her many years of service to our community leaves a legacy that impacted crime victims, first responders, and animals, just to name a few. My thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends, and this community that she so dearly loved,” Interim County Attorney Rachell Mitchell, who replaced Adel, said in a statement.
Arizona’s air quality has worsened the past couple of years, report says
Arizona’s air quality has worsened over the last couple of years, while it cut fewer unhealthy days for ozone pollution, according to a new report.
The Phoenix metropolitan area came in at fifth in the nation for unhealthy ozone days, relatively unchanged since the 2018-2020 reports, but still recorded 61.9 less high ozone days compared to 1996, according to an American Lung Association press release.
Maricopa, Gila, Pima and Pinal counties received an “F” grade in the State of the Air 2022 report for the number of high level ozone days. Yuma County received a “C,” an improvement from last year.
The capital of Arizona was unchanged at eighth in the nation for particle pollution year-round but still recorded 6.5 more days of unhealthy particle pollution in the year compared to 2000.
Maricopa, Santa Cruz and Pinal counties received “F” grades for the amount of recorded high particle pollution days.
Ride on: May date set for debut of Tempe Streetcar service
After four years of construction, the Tempe Streetcar will start shuttling riders through the East Valley city’s downtown area on May 20.
The $200 million Valley Metro project spans 3 miles near Arizona State University along Rio Salado Parkway, Ash Avenue, Apache Boulevard and Mill Avenue.
The line has 14 stops and two connections to Valley Metro light rail. Each stop was designed with unique public art and landscaping.
The Tempe Streetcar route includes Tempe Beach Park, ASU Gammage and Sun Devil Stadium and provides access to many restaurants and businesses along the way.
Wayback Burgers to open first Arizona location in Gilbert
Connecticut-based franchise Wayback Burgers announced Friday it will open its first Arizona location in the East Valley later this year.
The fast-casual restaurant will be located in Gilbert near Warner and Gilbert roads and is expected to open in the fall of 2022, according to a press release.
Once completed, the location is expected to add about 30 new jobs to the area.
The 1,807-square-foot dine-in restaurant will have a kitchen visible through glass windows, with upholstered banquettes, booths and community tables.
The menu features cooked-to-order burgers, as well as cheesesteaks, chicken sandwiches and sides, including onion rings and mac and cheese bites.
Phoenix City Council meetings reopen to public starting Tuesday
After public involvement at Phoenix City Council meetings transitioned to speaking remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic in May 2020, those interested in attending Council Chambers sessions will be able to do so starting Tuesday.
The city announced Thursday in addition to the return of in-person attendance, kiosks will be stationed for Phoenicians to submit a request to speak. Previously, a written request to speak on a paper card was the standard.
The option to attend meetings virtually and speaking, such as on Webex, or by phone, will remain available.
Attendees are asked to arrive an hour before the meetings starts to submit their request, while those registering online or by phone are asked to do it at least two hours prior.
