Latest news with #MesaGatewayAirport
UPI
2 days ago
- Climate
- UPI
Fire officials deploy more tankers to battle western wildfires
The remains of one of the thousands of structures destroyed by four Southern California wildfires in Los Angeles County is seen along the Pacific Coast Highway in Los Angeles in January. Hot, dry conditions across the West prompted officials to dispatch more crews to battle blazes Sunday. File photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo Aug. 10 (UPI) -- Four C-130 military aircraft equipped with firefighting equipment have been deployed to battle a series of wildfires in the western United States as triple digit temperatures and low humidity readings combine to create conditions for blazes to spark and spread rapidly, government officials reported Sunday. Two of the large tanker planes have been deployed from the Colorado Springs Airtanker base and the other pair from Mesa Gateway Airport in Mesa, Ariz. There are currently 37 large wildfires burning across the United States, which have prompted officials to deploy 374 crews, 975 engines, 125 helicopters and 13 incident management teams to battle the blazes, according to the National Interagency Fire Center. Nearly 43,000 fires have blackened more than 3.6 million acres across the country in 2025. That is nearly twice as many fires as last year, but the blazes this wildfire season have burned nearly half as many acres. Forecasters predict wind gusts of up to 25 mph and single digit humidity readings in the Four Corners area will persist into the first part of the week, heightening the danger, creating conditions for fires to spread. "Lighter winds, but still dry conditions are expected across the rest of the Great Basin and into the central Rockies," the NIFC said Sunday. "Hot, above normal temperatures and low (relative humidity) will spread across most of California and southern Oregon away from the coast." There are seven fires burning in California and Colorado, 6 in Arizona, 5 in Idaho and three fires each in Washington, Utah and Nevada. Firefighters routinely battle challenging terrain in addition to the weather, making it especially difficult to contain fires in the most remote areas.
Toronto Sun
13-05-2025
- Toronto Sun
Budget airline begins deportation flights for ICE with start of Arizona operations
Published May 13, 2025 • 4 minute read Passengers walk in front of Mesa Gateway Airport, where Avelo Airlines started making deportation flights on behalf of the federal government on Monday, May 12, 2025, in Mesa, Ariz. Photo by Ross D. Franklin / AP Photo PHOENIX — A budget airline that serves mostly small U.S. cities began federal deportation flights Monday out of Arizona, a move that's inspired an online boycott petition and sharp criticism from the union representing the carrier's flight attendants. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Avelo Airlines announced in April it had signed an agreement with the Department of Homeland Security to make charter deportation flights from Mesa Gateway Airport outside Phoenix. It said it will use three Boeing 737-800 planes for the flights. The Houston-based airline is among a host of companies seeking to cash in on President Donald Trump's campaign for mass deportations. Congressional deliberations began last month on a tax bill with a goal of funding, in part, the removal of 1 million immigrants annually and housing 100,000 people in U.S. detention centers. The GOP plan calls for hiring 10,000 more U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and investigators. Details of Avelo agreement with ICE not disclosed Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Avelo was launched in 2021 as COVID-19 still raged and billions of taxpayer dollars were propping up big airlines. It saves money mainly by flying older Boeing 737 jets that can be bought at relatively low prices. And it operates out of less-crowded and less-costly secondary airports, flying routes that are ignored by the big airlines. It said it had its first profitable quarter in late 2023. Andrew Levy, Avelo's founder and chief executive, said in announcing the agreement last month that the airline's work for ICE would help the company expand and protect jobs. 'We realize this is a sensitive and complicated topic,' said Levy, an airline industry veteran with previous stints as a senior executive at United and Allegiant airlines. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Avelo did not grant an interview request from The Associated Press. Financial and other details of the Avelo agreement _ including destinations of the deportation flights — haven't publicly surfaced. The AP asked Avelo and ICE for a copy of the agreement, but neither provided the document. The airline said it wasn't authorized to release the contract. Several consumer brands have shunned being associated with deportations, a highly volatile issue that could drive away customers. During Trump's first term, authorities housed migrant children in hotels, prompting some hotel chains to say that they wouldn't participate. Union cites safety concerns Many companies in the deportation business, such as detention center providers The Geo Group and Core Civic, rely little on consumer branding. Not Avelo, whose move inspired the boycott petition on and drew criticism from the carrier's flight attendants union, which cited the difficulty of evacuating deportees from an aircraft in an emergency within the federal standard of 90 seconds or less. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Having an entire flight of people handcuffed and shackled would hinder any evacuation and risk injury or death,' the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA said in a statement. 'It also impedes our ability to respond to a medical emergency, fire on board, decompression, etc. We cannot do our jobs in these conditions.' In New Haven, Connecticut, where Avelo flies out of Tweed New Haven Airport, Democratic Mayor Justin Elicker urged Avelo's CEO to reconsider. 'For a company that champions themselves as 'New Haven's hometown airline,' this business decision is antithetical to New Haven's values,' Elicker said in a statement. Protests were held outside airports in Arizona and Connecticut on Monday. In Mesa, over 30 protesters gathered on a road leading up to the airport, holding signs that denounced Trump's deportation efforts. In Connecticut, about 150 people assembled outside Tweed New Haven Airport, calling on travelers to boycott Avelo. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. John Jairo Lugo, co-founder and community organizing director of Unidad Latina en Accion in New Haven, said protesters hope to create a financial incentive for Avelo to back out of its work for the federal government. 'We need to cause some economical damage to the company to really convince them that they should be on the side with the people and not with the government,' Lugo said. Mesa is one of five hubs for ICE airline deportation operations Mesa, a Phoenix suburb with about 500,000 people, is one of five hubs for ICE Air, the immigration agency's air transport operation for deportations. ICE Air operated nearly 8,000 flights in a 12-month period through April, according to the advocacy group Witness at the Border. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. ICE contracts with an air broker, CSI Aviation, that hires two charter carriers — GlobalX and Eastern Air Express — to do most of the flights, said Tom Cartwright, who tracks flight data for Witness at the Border. Cartwright said it was unusual in recent years for commercial passenger carriers to carry out deportation flights. 'It's always been with an air broker who then hires the carriers, and the carriers have not been regular commercial carriers, or what I call retail carriers, who are selling their own tickets,' Cartwright said. 'At least since I have been involved (in tracking ICE flights), they've all been charter companies.' Avelo will be a sub-carrier under a contract held by New Mexico-based CSI Aviation, which didn't respond to questions about how much money Avelo would make under the agreement. Avelo provides passenger service to more than 50 cities in the U.S., as well as locations in Jamaica, Mexico and the Dominican Republic. Avelo does not operate regular commercial passenger service out of Mesa Gateway Airport, said airport spokesman Ryan Smith. In February 2024, Avelo said it had its first profitable quarter, though it didn't provide details. In an interview two months later with the AP, Levy declined to provide numbers, saying the airline was a private company and had no need to provide that information publicly. Toronto Maple Leafs Canada Editorials Toronto & GTA Toronto Maple Leafs
Washington Post
13-05-2025
- Business
- Washington Post
Budget airline begins deportation flights for ICE with start of Arizona operations
PHOENIX — A budget airline that serves mostly small U.S. cities began federal deportation flights Monday out of Arizona, a move that's inspired an online boycott petition and sharp criticism from the union representing the carrier's flight attendants. Avelo Airlines announced in April it had signed an agreement with the Department of Homeland Security to make charter deportation flights from Mesa Gateway Airport outside Phoenix. It said it will use three Boeing 737-800 planes for the flights.
Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The FBI says Arizona father–son duo made $280M with a ‘lie' meant to ‘exploit' investors. Here's how it worked
Arizona father and son, Randy and Chad Miller, have reportedly been indicted in an alleged scheme that targeted investors looking to fund a sports complex. The elaborate plot, which resulted in more than $280 million in defrauded funds, involved municipal bonds linked to a large sports complex in the city of Mesa. I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how Federal prosecutors allege the pair deceived investors about prospective interest in the use of Legacy Park (formerly Bell Bank Park). The Millers used forged documents to sell what were essentially worthless bonds, according to prosecutors. The father–son duo now face four major charges, with victims ranging from individuals to organizations, including one that promotes athletes living with disabilities. According to federal investigators, the Millers orchestrated an elaborate fraud centered on Legacy Park, a massive sports venue near Mesa Gateway Airport. The pair reportedly created fake demand by forging "binding" letters of intent from sports groups and customers, falsely claiming that the venue would be fully occupied and generate more than $100 million in its first year — more than enough to cover bond payments. In some instances, prosecutors allege that the Millers directed others to sign letters without permission or copied forged signatures onto fabricated documents. 'Essentially, the Millers made solicitations … particularly through bonds that were based on false statements and misrepresentations,' criminal defense attorney Jason Lamm told AZ Family. The fraudulent documents misled investors into believing the project had significant, credible backing. However, the project began unraveling soon after opening in 2022. By October of that year, the park had defaulted on its bond payments and filed for bankruptcy the following spring. Despite the estimated $284 million raised, federal officials say less than $2.5 million was ultimately used to repay bondholders. The complex was eventually sold for less than $26 million. The FBI's assistant director in charge, Christopher G. Raia, remarked to AZ Family: 'Randy and Chad Miller allegedly chose to use a planned sports complex as a means to exploit and defraud investors … the FBI will continue to ensure a level playing field by holding fraudsters accountable.' Prosecutors said the money was allegedly used to enrich the Millers personally, with things like a home, SUVs and inflated salaries. Read more: The US stock market's 'fear gauge' has exploded — but this 1 'shockproof' asset is up 14% and helping American retirees stay calm. Here's how to own it ASAP The father-son duo has been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and securities fraud, one count of securities fraud, one count of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. 'The Millers allegedly executed the scheme using fraudulent documents to lie about the status of the proposed project in order to raise hundreds of millions of dollars which they used to enrich themselves,' Raia said. Investment scams involving municipal bonds or large development projects often prey on good intentions, especially when tied to community efforts. Awareness and skepticism are your best defense. Here are some red flags and practical tips to avoid being deceived. Lack of transparency. If financial documents, contracts or project plans aren't readily available, that's a warning sign. Pressure to act quickly. Scammers often create a sense of urgency to discourage due diligence. Unrealistic returns or projections. Promises of high or guaranteed returns, especially on municipal bonds, should raise suspicion. Missing independent verification. If third-party audits or evaluations are unavailable, it may signal fraudulent intent. Follow these tips to protect yourself: Verify bond issuers. Check with the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board and Electronic Municipal Market Access database to confirm a bond offering's legitimacy. Consult financial advisors. Before investing significant sums, especially in unfamiliar financial products, speak with a licensed investment advisor or securities attorney. Research the project thoroughly. Look for third-party confirmations, such as news reports, planning commission documents or business filings. Don't rely on just the pitch. If the only source of information is the promoter, it's time to ask questions and dig deeper. Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
All-suite hotel is opening near this metro Phoenix airport. Here's what's coming
People flying to and from Mesa Gateway Airport will soon have more options for hotels close to their flights. A Springhill Suites by Marriott will be developed at Ellsworth Road and Gateway Boulevard, Mesa Gateway Executive Director J. Brian O'Neill said in his March 2025 executive director's report. The five-story, 125-room hotel will be adjacent to a retail and restaurant space in the Gateway East master-planned development near the airport. O'Neill mentioned the hotel was in the works in a December 2024 interview with The Arizona Republic, but the branding wasn't ready to be made public at the time. Here's what we know about the Springhill Suites by Marriott opening near Mesa Gateway Airport. Springhill Suites is a Marriott brand of upper midscale hotels where all the rooms are suites. Upper midscale hotels offer a higher standard of accommodations than standard hotels, but are a step below upscale. Marriott classifies Springhill Suites as one of its Select brands, which also include Courtyard, Fairfield, Aloft, AC Hotels, Four Points and Moxy. The hotel is projected to open in fall 2026, airport spokesman Ryan Smith said. The Springhill Suites near Mesa Gateway Airport will be built in the Gateway East development along Ellsworth Road and Gateway Boulevard. It will be across the street from Gulfstream's West Coast service center, the Arizona Athletic Grounds and the headquarters for Canadian air cooling company XNRGY. Officials with Arizona Athletic Grounds and XNRGY, in statements provided in the executive director's report, applauded the addition of the hotel. "Arizona Athletic Grounds hosts over 400 tournaments and games each year, welcoming more than 2.4 million visitors from across the country," said Meg Stevens, president of Arizona Athletic Grounds. "The new SpringHill Suites hotel, conveniently located just across the street, offers an ideal accommodation option for both teams and spectators." "XNRGY Climate Systems is excited to welcome the planned SpringHill Suites hotel by Marriott to Gateway East," said Wais Jalali, chairman and CEO of XNRGY Climate Systems. "This hotel and the associated retail development will provide many benefits for our employees and customers as we grow our Arizona operations in Mesa." The future Springhill Suites will be about 4.5 miles from the Mesa Gateway Airport terminal, according to Google Maps. It won't be the closest hotel to the airport. These hotels are closer: Four Points by Sheraton at Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport, 1.3 miles. Courtyard Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport, 1.4 miles. Holiday Inn Express Inn and Suites Gilbert-Mesa Gateway Airport, 2 miles. Spark by Hilton East Mesa, 2.4 miles. Where to fly this spring: All the new flights at Mesa Gateway Airport Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who's covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republic's consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at Subscribe to today. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: New Mesa Gateway Airport hotel: Here's what's coming
