Latest news with #Phoenix-area
USA Today
23-06-2025
- General
- USA Today
'Nothing short of a miracle': Arizona woman survives after fall into Sedona-area canyon
Janelle Banda, 32, endured daytime heat and pitch-black nights before a helicopter rescue from the treacherous Edge of the World area near Sedona, AZ. The treacherous area near Sedona, Arizona, where Janelle Banda and her father were camping as part of a dad-daughter outing is known as the Edge of the World. Banda went on a walk in the area, rough terrain carved with steep cliffs and covered with thick forest, and nearly lost her life with a misstep that dropped her hundreds of feet and out of reach for days. She was stuck for two-and-a-half days, about 400 feet into a narrow canyon near the southern end of Woody Mountain Road. She endured extreme daytime heat, cold and pitch-black nights before a Pima County sheriff's helicopter rescue at noon on June 16. Sarah Banda, 29, was jolted with anxious energy when she learned that her older sister, 32, had been saved. "This has been nothing short of a miracle," Sarah Banda told The Arizona Republic, part of the USA TODAY Network. The positive outcome inspired "an overwhelming amount of relief, joy" in her and the sisters' parents. She said that by the third day, her sister was missing, the Phoenix-area family was "very much mentally preparing for the worst." Skilled hiker startled during short walk, sister says The news of Janelle Banda's rescue came after a long stretch of uncertainty but was preceded by optimism — searchers had realized she was alive. The sisters "always had a love for the outdoors" and had hiked throughout the Phoenix area, including Camelback Mountain, and on trails in Sedona, Sarah Banda said. But this was Janelle Banda's first visit to Edge of the World. She and her father were in the area since around June 11, Sarah Banda said. Janelle Banda, an Arizona State University dual-degree graduate and Etsy store owner, appears to have walked a short distance from her campsite the evening of June 13, when she became "spooked by something" after getting lost in the darkened woods, her sister said. "If you walk the wrong way, down the wrong path, you could just end up walking and stepping where you shouldn't at the edge of the cliff," Sarah Banda said about the Edge of the World. Their father and a nearby camper began looking for her, and shortly after, they called authorities. The search drew in the Coconino, Maricopa, and Yavapai county sheriff's offices, as well as the Arizona Department of Public Safety. Sarah Banda said the family was "immensely thankful" for those efforts and for the volunteers who "tirelessly" worked hundreds of hours to find her sister. Injuries sustained in fall include sprained ankles, bruising Janelle Banda managed to avoid broken bones and head and spinal injuries, her sister said. However, she did endure two sprained ankles and sustained cuts, bruising and skin scraping resembling road burn. She also suffered from extreme dehydration, Sarah Banda said. "She can't really move," said Sarah Banda. "She's in a lot of pain." Sarah Banda said her sister was released from the hospital on June 17 after an overnight stay. Janelle Banda's physical recovery includes a lot of rest and limited movement while under the care of their parents, she said. There will also be other healing, Sarah Banda said. "There's obviously the mental toll of ... the trauma of not just falling but being in the canyon alone," she said. "That's a different battle that she'll have to deal with."
Axios
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Readers have spoken: These are the Valley's best Mexican restaurants
There was no consensus but plenty of mouth-watering recommendations when we asked for your favorite Phoenix-area Mexican restaurants. State of play: The top vote-getter among our 35 responses was New Mexico-style Los Dos Molinos, which has two Phoenix locations. Reader Amy Donahue's go-to is the machaca burro, while Ron Wested recommends anything with garlic roast pork. The other side: Keri said Los Dos Molinos is great but called it "sacrilege" to declare a New Mexico-style restaurant Arizona's best. She recommended Tacos Chiwas, Espiritu, El Horseshoe, Poncho's Mexican Food or Rosita's Place. And if you want New Mexican food, Barry Smith directed us to Gil's Taste of Taos in north Phoenix. Zoom in: Given the abundance of great Mexican restaurants here, only a few other places collected multiple votes from readers. Three readers recommended Mi Patio. Phoenix's Tee Pee Mexican Food and Casa Corazon, and local chains Ajo Al's and Valle Luna each got a pair of votes. El Mesquite Cocina Mexicana is a small, family-owned joint that's been in south Phoenix for nearly 40 years. José Gutierrez said his go-to meal is machaca and eggs, "but their homemade chorizo is nothing to sleep on." El Bravo in Sunnyslope is "true Arizona Mexican food," reader Audrey Taylor writes. They're known for green corn tamales with an "unforgettable green sauce," but her top order is a bean and cheese burro, green-style. Tacos Huicho in Phoenix is "straight out of Sonora," Jeff Jumpe wrote. Zoom out: Others recommended Taqueria Obson in Guadalupe, Isabel's Amor in Gilbert, Don Rubens Mexican Food in Surprise, Ghost Ranch and Casa Reynoso in Tempe, Tamales Guadalajara in Tolleson, Los Olivos in Scottsdale, Alebrijes Cafe & Grill in Litchfield Park, Cocina Madrigal and Just Tacos and More in Phoenix, and Carolina's and Tacos Calafia, with multiple locations. Yes, but: Former state lawmaker Steve Farley said Tucson has Arizona's best Mexican food, and he recommended Juanito's Taquería, which he said has great veggie burros and carnitas. Jeremy's thought bubble: I'm loyal to Los Dos Molinos — the adovada ribs are incredible — but I'm also a big fan of recommendations Mi Patio, and a friend recently introduced me to Las Glorias Grill, which was fantastic.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Portions of several freeways in metro Phoenix will close this weekend: What to know
A few closures and lane restrictions were scheduled for the weekend due to improvement projects along parts of Phoenix-area freeways, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. The right lanes of the east and westbound Loop 101 (Agua Fria Freeway) will be closed near 51st Avenue all weekend while the westbound Loop 202 was scheduled to be closed May 31 between Gilbert and Cooper roads. The northbound Loop 101 (Price Freeway) ramp to westbound Loop 202 (Red Mountain Freeway) was expected to be closed overnight June 1 to June 2. Drivers should allow extra travel time and plan on using detours as needed, ADOT said. Schedules were subject to change due to inclement weather or other factors, ADOT said. Motorists can check the AZ511 app or call 511 to see real-time highway conditions. Here's what you need to know about traffic closures from May 30 through June 2. The right lanes near 51st Avenue will be closed 10 p.m. May 30 to 5 a.m. June 2 for bridge work, ADOT confirmed. Plan for 51st Avenue to be closed in both directions at Loop 101. Detours: Consider using other nearby cross streets including 35th or 59th avenues. Westbound Loop 202 will be closed between Gilbert and Cooper roads from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 31 for work on a widening project, ADOT said. Westbound Loop 202 on-ramps at Santan Village Parkway, Val Vista Drive and Lindsay Road will be closed, along with the westbound Loop 202 frontage road between Lindsay and Gilbert roads. The eastbound Loop 202 HOV lane will additionally be closed between Cooper and Gilbert roads, ADOT confirmed. Detours: Consider using westbound Pecos or Germann roads to travel beyond the closure or taking westbound U.S. 60 (Superstition Freeway). The northbound Loop 101 ramp to westbound Loop 202 will be closed overnight from 9 p.m. June 1 to 4 a.m. June 2 for pavement maintenance, according to ADOT. Detours: Drivers can consider traveling onto eastbound Loop 202 and exiting at Dobson Road before turning to enter westbound Loop 202. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix area freeways affected by closures this weekend: What to know
Axios
28-05-2025
- Business
- Axios
Wealthy home renters increase in Phoenix area
The share of wealthy residents of the Phoenix metro who rent instead of own their homes is on the rise, per a Redfin analysis of the latest U.S. Census Bureau data. The big picture: Rich renters have increased in 35 of the 50 most populous U.S. metros, the real estate site reports. By the numbers: 7.9% of Phoenix-area renters in 2023 were considered wealthy, an increase of 0.1 percentage points from 2019, according to Redfin. Researchers defined wealthy renters as those with a household income in the top 20% of local incomes. In the Valley, that's a minimum of just under $160,000. The income needed to afford a house here in 2023 was $64,156. Zoom out: Nationally, 7.9% of renters qualified as wealthy, the same as in the Valley. Topping the list was San Jose, California, where 11% of renters are considered wealthy and the median home sale price in 2023 was over $1.4 million. The biggest increase in wealthy renters was seen in Raleigh, North Carolina, which experienced a jump of 2.9 percentage points to 7.7%. Tampa, Florida, had the biggest increase in median home sale price, spiking 67.4%. Meanwhile, Phoenix was third on the list with a 59.3% increase. Context: Nationally, the typical affluent renter earned more than they needed to afford a median-priced home, per Redfin. But homebuying costs have climbed faster than rents, making renting attractive for many, even those with deep pockets. Between the lines: Plenty of people also enjoy rental properties' amenities, flexibility and maintenance-free lifestyle. And some want to put extra cash toward other investments. Threat level: The Valley faces a severe housing shortage. As of 2022, Phoenix had a deficit of about 120,000 homes while experiencing substantial population growth. That shortage is driving up home prices in a city that for decades was famous for its cheap housing. Zoom in: Legislative efforts to alleviate the problem in Arizona have had mixed results. Gov. Katie Hobbs last year signed bills that open the door to more accessory dwelling units and "missing middle" housing. But efforts to encourage the building of starter homes by restricting cities' zoning authority have repeatedly faltered. Hobbs vetoed a starter homes bill in 2024, and this year's legislation stalled due to a lack of support. What we're watching: In a growing number of cities, even starter homes come with luxury price tags, according to Zillow.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
What to know about the free summer meals offered at many Phoenix-area schools
Although K-12 classes are out for the summer in many Arizona communities, there is still an opportunity for students to receive free meals via schools. The federal government, via the U.S. Department of Agriculture, offers a free summer food program for children. Many Arizona schools participate, and all kids need to do is show up — no application, identification or proof of income is needed. Some school locations reserve meals for enrolled students, but most do not. At some locations, adults can also eat for a low cost. Most locations in metro Phoenix are dine-in only. Several locations in more rural areas only offer grab-and-go food or have hybrid service, offering both dine-in and grab-and-go. To find the participating school closest to you, as well as service hours and dates, visit In addition to free summer meals at schools, low-income families with children who lose access to free or reduced-cost meals over the summer while their school is closed will automatically be enrolled in the SUN Bucks assistance program, which provides money for groceries. For more information, visit: Here are the details on the summer meals programs at three of the biggest Phoenix-area school districts. Phoenix Union High School District will host free summer meal programs for any child 18 or younger. Adults can also participate in the meal program at a charge of $2.75 for breakfast and $4.75 for lunch. The district will be providing meals Monday through Thursday on 16 different campuses beginning May 27 and ending June 24. Breakfast will be served from 7:30 a.m. until 8:15 a.m. and lunch from 11:45 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Here's a list of Phoenix Union schools where free meals will be offered: Alhambra High School, 3839 W. Camelback Road, Phoenix Betty Fairfax High School, 8225 S. 59th Ave., Laveen Bostrom High School, 3535 N. 27th Ave., Phoenix Bioscience High School, 512 E. Pierce St., Phoenix Carl Hayden Community High School, 3333 W. Roosevelt St., Phoenix Phoenix Coding Academy, 4525 N. Central Ave., Phoenix Cesar Chavez High School, 3921 W. Baseline Road, Laveen The Academies at South Mountain, 6401 S. 7th St., Phoenix Maryvale High School, 3415 N. 59th Ave., Phoenix Trevor G. Browne High School, 7402 W. Catalina Drive, Phoenix Franklin Police and Fire High School, 1645 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix Metro Tech High School, 1900 W. Thomas Road, Phoenix Camelback High School, 4312 N. 28th St., Phoenix Central High School, 4445 N. Central Ave., Phoenix North High School, 1101 E. Thomas Road, Phoenix Wilson College Prep, 3005 E. Fillmore St., Phoenix Mesa Public Schools will host summer meal programs free for any child 18 or younger. Adults can participate in the meal program at a charge of $3 for breakfast and $5 for lunch. Summer meal program dates and hours vary across campuses. Visit the Mesa Public Schools website for specifics. Here's a list of Mesa Public Schools campuses where free meals will be offered: Ralph Waldo Emerson Elementary School, 415 N. Westwood, Mesa Guerrero Elementary School, 463 S. Alma School Road, Mesa Hale Elementary School, 1425 N. 23rd St., Mesa Jefferson Elementary School, 120 S. Jefferson Ave., Mesa Kerr Elementary School, 125 E. McLellan Road, Mesa Longfellow Elementary School, 345 S. Hall, Mesa Lowell Elementary School, 920 E. Broadway Road, Mesa Mendoza Elementary School, 5831 E. McLellan Road, Mesa SHARP, 7302 E. Adobe St., Mesa Summit Academy, 1560 W. Summit Place, Chandler Webster Elementary School, 202 N. Sycamore, Mesa Kino Junior High School, 848 N. Horne, Mesa Rhodes Junior High School, 1860 S. Longmore, Mesa Stapley Junior High School, 3250 E. Hermosa Vista Drive, Mesa Mesa High School, 1630 E. Southern Ave., Mesa Mountain View High School, 2700 E. Brown Road, Mesa Red Mountain High School, 7301 E. Brown Road, Mesa Skyline High School, 845 S. Crismon Road, Mesa Westwood High School, 945 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Mesa Peoria Unified School District will host summer meal programs free for any child 18 or younger. Adults can participate in the meal program at a charge of $2 for breakfast and $4 for lunch. Summer meal program dates and hours vary across campuses. Visit the Peoria Unified website for specifics. More: If you are struggling, here's where to find help getting meals and groceries in Phoenix Here's a list of participating schools: Alta Loma Elementary School, 9750 N. 87th Ave., Peoria Canyon Elementary School, 5490 W. Paradise Lane, Glendale Copperwood Elementary School, 11232 N. 65th Ave., Glendale Cotton Boll Elementary School, 8540 W. Butler Drive, Peoria Country Meadows Elementary School, 8409 N. 111th Ave., Peoria Desert Valley Elementary School, 12901 N. 63rd Ave., Glendale Foothills Elementary School, 15808 N. 63rd Ave., Glendale Heritage Elementary School, 5312 W. Mountain View Road, Glendale Ira A. Murphy Elementary School, 7231 W. North Lane, Peoria Kachina Elementary School, 5304 W. Crocus Drive, Glendale Marshall Ranch Elementary School, 12995 N. Marshall Ranch Drive, Glendale Oasis Elementary School, 7841 W. Sweetwater Ave., Peoria Peoria Community Center, 8335 W. Jefferson St., Peoria Peoria Elementary School, 11501 N. 79th Ave., Peoria Peoria High School, 11200 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria Pioneer Elementary School, 6315 W. Port Au Prince Lane, Glendale Raymond S. Kellis High School, 8990 W. Orangewood Ave., Glendale Sahuaro Ranch Elementary School, 10401 N. 63rd Ave., Glendale Santa Fe Elementary School, 9880 N. 77th Ave., Peoria Sky View Elementary School, 8624 W. Sweetwater Ave., Peoria Sun Valley Elementary School, 8361 N. 95th Ave., Peoria Sundance Elementary School, 7051 W. Cholla St., Peoria These school offer meals to registered students only, Cactus High School, 6330 W. Greenway Road, Glendale Desert Palms Elementary School, 11441 N. 55th Ave., Glendale Ironwood High School, 6051 W. Sweetwater Ave., Glendale Coverage of education solutions on and in The Arizona Republic is partially supported by a grant from the Arizona Local News Foundation's Arizona Community Collaborative Fund. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Free summer meals offered at many metro Phoenix schools
