11:03 AM, Jul 01, 2020PHOENIX — Editor's note: On Thursday, July 2, the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control announced that it had summarily suspended a liquor license at Life Time's North Scottsdale location. We've updated the story below to reflect that.The Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control has summarily suspended liquor licenses at two Life Time fitness centers and clubs around the Valley, which have remained open, defying for 30 days amid the COVID-19 pandemic.The suspensions involved Life Time's newly-opened fitness center at Biltmore Fashion...…11:03 AM, Jul 01, 2020PHOENIX — Editor's note: On Thursday, July 2, the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control announced that it had summarily suspended a liquor license at Life Time's North Scottsdale location. We've updated the story below to reflect that.The Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control has summarily suspended liquor licenses at two Life Time fitness centers and clubs around the Valley, which have remained open, defying for 30 days amid the COVID-19 pandemic.The suspensions involved Life Time's newly-opened fitness center at Biltmore Fashion...WW…

Varsity Tavern in Tempe is accused of allowing infected workers to continue to come to work.12:54 PM, Jul 02, 2020TEMPE, AZ — A Tempe bar is under investigation for allegedly allowing employees who had tested positive for COVID-19 to continue working, and for violating the governor's executive order to enforce social distancing measures, the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control said Thursday.According to a news release, Varsity Tavern, a bar and restaurant in downtown Tempe, reportedly told the Arizona Department of Liquor on Wednesday that it had closed in light of...…Varsity Tavern in Tempe is accused of allowing infected workers to continue to come to work.12:54 PM, Jul 02, 2020TEMPE, AZ — A Tempe bar is under investigation for allegedly allowing employees who had tested positive for COVID-19 to continue working, and for violating the governor's executive order to enforce social distancing measures, the Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control said Thursday.According to a news release, Varsity Tavern, a bar and restaurant in downtown Tempe, reportedly told the Arizona Department of Liquor on Wednesday that it had closed in light of...WW…

Reid Park Zoo/handout9:41 PM, Apr 20, 2020TUCSON, AZ — Days after a at the Reid Park Zoo in Tucson, zookeepers were welcomed with another birth, though one from a much smaller animal -- meerkats.On April 6, a 295-pound female African elephant was born at the zoo. Three days later, five newly-born meerkat pups were found in their habitat being cared for by their moms and dad.It is the first time that meerkats have been born at the Tucson Zoo. The meerkats came to the zoo in 2017 part of a recommended breeding program through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the zoo said.Adam...…Reid Park Zoo/handout9:41 PM, Apr 20, 2020TUCSON, AZ — Days after a at the Reid Park Zoo in Tucson, zookeepers were welcomed with another birth, though one from a much smaller animal -- meerkats.On April 6, a 295-pound female African elephant was born at the zoo. Three days later, five newly-born meerkat pups were found in their habitat being cared for by their moms and dad.It is the first time that meerkats have been born at the Tucson Zoo. The meerkats came to the zoo in 2017 part of a recommended breeding program through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the zoo said.Adam...WW…

12:27 PM, Jul 29, 2020TEMPE, AZ — The Steak 'N Shake along Tempe's Mill Avenue has closed, though another restaurant has already claimed the space to bring burgers, hot dogs, and some Detroit favorites to the area.David Najor, who owns Detroit Coney Grill, confirmed to ABC15 that he signed a lease earlier this week to take over the former Steak 'N Shake space at ASU's Brickyard building, which is located near Mill Avenue and 7th Street."I'm excited, very excited," he said. "Very excited. With what's going on, I'm nervous, but, ya know, it’s cliche, but this is the God’s honest...…12:27 PM, Jul 29, 2020TEMPE, AZ — The Steak 'N Shake along Tempe's Mill Avenue has closed, though another restaurant has already claimed the space to bring burgers, hot dogs, and some Detroit favorites to the area.David Najor, who owns Detroit Coney Grill, confirmed to ABC15 that he signed a lease earlier this week to take over the former Steak 'N Shake space at ASU's Brickyard building, which is located near Mill Avenue and 7th Street."I'm excited, very excited," he said. "Very excited. With what's going on, I'm nervous, but, ya know, it’s cliche, but this is the God’s honest...WW…

A new executive order up for review every two weeks.3:47 PM, Jul 23, 2020PHOENIX — Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey announced Thursday that he would extend his executive order that forced bars, gyms, movie theaters, fitness centers, water parks, and tubing operators across the state to close.The initial order was issued in June amid an uptick in COVID-19 cases and was set to expire on Monday, July 27. Under the new order, the closures are in place indefinitely and the order will be reviewed every two weeks for repeal or revision.Watch his full press conference below.“I’m not surprised, to...…A new executive order up for review every two weeks.3:47 PM, Jul 23, 2020PHOENIX — Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey announced Thursday that he would extend his executive order that forced bars, gyms, movie theaters, fitness centers, water parks, and tubing operators across the state to close.The initial order was issued in June amid an uptick in COVID-19 cases and was set to expire on Monday, July 27. Under the new order, the closures are in place indefinitely and the order will be reviewed every two weeks for repeal or revision.Watch his full press conference below.“I’m not surprised, to...WW…

Aldi, the discount grocery chain, has confirmed its plans to open four of its grocery stores in the Valley by the end of the year. Chandler and Peoria locations are slated to open in November. Gilbert and Goodyear locations are slated to open in December.7:52 AM, Jul 21, 2020PHOENIX — Update (Oct. 19): Aldi confirmed on Monday that its stores in Chandler and Goodyear would open on Thursday, Nov. 5. Both stores will be open every day from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Opening dates for its Gilbert and Peoria locations have not been announced.Original story:After years of not-so-quiet...…Aldi, the discount grocery chain, has confirmed its plans to open four of its grocery stores in the Valley by the end of the year. Chandler and Peoria locations are slated to open in November. Gilbert and Goodyear locations are slated to open in December.7:52 AM, Jul 21, 2020PHOENIX — Update (Oct. 19): Aldi confirmed on Monday that its stores in Chandler and Goodyear would open on Thursday, Nov. 5. Both stores will be open every day from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Opening dates for its Gilbert and Peoria locations have not been announced.Original story:After years of not-so-quiet...WW…

Golfland Sunsplash website/digital screenshot6:36 PM, May 06, 2020MESA, AZ — Update May 8, 2020: According to Golfland Sunsplash's website, the four water slides on the Golfland side of the venue did not open on Friday, as initially touted.Golfland Sunsplash said Wednesday that it would reopen some of its water slides and outdoor attractions on Friday, May 8, but later clarified that the "Sunsplash" side of the attraction -- the water park with larger rides and wave pool -- would remain closed.The attractions that will be reopening are mini golf, bumper cars, and race cars, as...…Golfland Sunsplash website/digital screenshot6:36 PM, May 06, 2020MESA, AZ — Update May 8, 2020: According to Golfland Sunsplash's website, the four water slides on the Golfland side of the venue did not open on Friday, as initially touted.Golfland Sunsplash said Wednesday that it would reopen some of its water slides and outdoor attractions on Friday, May 8, but later clarified that the "Sunsplash" side of the attraction -- the water park with larger rides and wave pool -- would remain closed.The attractions that will be reopening are mini golf, bumper cars, and race cars, as...WW…

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey ordered bars, gyms, movie theaters, water parks, and tubing to close for at least 30 days on Monday.9:33 AM, Jun 30, 2020PHOENIX — Within hours of Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey signing a for at least the next 30 days because of the uptick in COVID-19 cases, more cities in the Phoenix area have canceled their Independence Day fireworks displays.Prior to the order, the following cities and venues had either canceled their displays or decided against them because of the pandemic and social distancing concerns: Anthem, Avondale, Buckeye, Fountain Hills, Phoenix, and...…Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey ordered bars, gyms, movie theaters, water parks, and tubing to close for at least 30 days on Monday.9:33 AM, Jun 30, 2020PHOENIX — Within hours of Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey signing a for at least the next 30 days because of the uptick in COVID-19 cases, more cities in the Phoenix area have canceled their Independence Day fireworks displays.Prior to the order, the following cities and venues had either canceled their displays or decided against them because of the pandemic and social distancing concerns: Anthem, Avondale, Buckeye, Fountain Hills, Phoenix, and...WW…

Protesters can be seen using multiple items to break into a P.F. Changs in Scottsdale.11:55 PM, May 30, 2020Scottsdale fell into chaos Saturday night as a large crowd of people descended on Scottsdale Fashion Square and the Scottsdale Waterfront area and began damaging businesses and restaurants, including the Apple Store and P.F. Chang's, and seeming to loot stores inside the mall.Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane and officials are providing an update after groups looted shops near Fashion Square mall.Watch video in the player below:The events began as another group of people were protesting and...…Protesters can be seen using multiple items to break into a P.F. Changs in Scottsdale.11:55 PM, May 30, 2020Scottsdale fell into chaos Saturday night as a large crowd of people descended on Scottsdale Fashion Square and the Scottsdale Waterfront area and began damaging businesses and restaurants, including the Apple Store and P.F. Chang's, and seeming to loot stores inside the mall.Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane and officials are providing an update after groups looted shops near Fashion Square mall.Watch video in the player below:The events began as another group of people were protesting and...WW…

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey ordered bars, gyms, movie theaters, water parks, and tubing to close for at least 30 days on Monday.3:31 PM, Jun 29, 2020PHOENIX — Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey ordered bars, gyms, movie theaters, water parks, and tubing operators to close for at least 30 days on Monday, following weeks of steady increases in positive COVID-19 test results in the state.The Monday at 8 p.m. and lasts through at least July 27, comes a week after he issued a strong warning to bars and nightclubs, specifically in Scottsdale, that were not adhering to their social distancing...…Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey ordered bars, gyms, movie theaters, water parks, and tubing to close for at least 30 days on Monday.3:31 PM, Jun 29, 2020PHOENIX — Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey ordered bars, gyms, movie theaters, water parks, and tubing operators to close for at least 30 days on Monday, following weeks of steady increases in positive COVID-19 test results in the state.The Monday at 8 p.m. and lasts through at least July 27, comes a week after he issued a strong warning to bars and nightclubs, specifically in Scottsdale, that were not adhering to their social distancing...WW…