PHOENIX — From a tree trimmer being rescued from a 50-foot palm tree to two new restaurants opening at The Switchyard in Queen Creek, here are some of the Valley’s top news stories from May 9-11.
Tree trimmer in critical condition after being rescued from 50-foot palm tree in Phoenix
A tree trimmer is in critical condition after being rescued from a 50-foot palm tree in Phoenix on Saturday, authorities said.
Around 9:30 a.m., firefighters responded to call near 65th and Virginia avenues, according to the Phoenix Fire Department.
Firefighters used rope systems with drone technology, ladders and chainsaws to rescue the man from the tree.
Bryce Fire in eastern Arizona could force evacuations
Crews have been battling the Bryce Fire burning in eastern Arizona since Wednesday, and evacuations could be on the horizon, according to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management.
By Sunday morning, the human-caused fire between Fort Thomas and Pima near US 70 and the Gila River had reached 2,290 acres with 25% containment, and two groups faced potential evacuations.
It was up from the 850-acre mark reported Saturday morning, but fire officials said the increase was more due to more accurate mapping than it was the fire growing.
US makes ‘substantial progress’ in China tariff talks, treasury secretary says
U.S. negotiators said Sunday that “substantial progress” was made and “perhaps the differences weren’t so large” after two days of negotiations with a high-ranking Chinese delegation on ways to ease a trade war sparked by President Donald Trump’s steep tariffs.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who led the U.S. delegation during talks in Geneva, said there was “a great deal of productivity.”
“I’m happy to report that we’ve made substantial progress between the United States and China in the very important trade talks,” Bessent said.
Dead body found in Sun Lakes, investigation for suspicious death underway
A dead body was found in Sun Lakes early Saturday morning, prompting an investigation by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded to the area near Cherrywood Drive and Dobson Road, which is south of Chandler, at about 5:30 a.m. where the deceased adult was located, authorities said.
Detectives are investigating the case as suspicious.
The Switchyard in Queen Creek adds 2 new restaurants to tenant lineup
Shake Shack and Snooze are the two newest restaurants that will be opening at The Switchyard in Queen Creek, according to a Thursday news release.
The two restaurants join Postino and The Porch as the latest tenants of the mixed-use development in Queen Creek as construction began this week. Opening dates for the restaurants have yet to be revealed.
The Switchyard, located on the northeast corner of Ellsworth and Ocotillo roads, is a 54,000-square-foot mixed-use development by real estate company Creation Equity. The development will open in phases with the first phase expected to be completed in 2026, according to the release.
The post Weekend wrap: Here are the biggest Arizona news stories from May 9-11 appeared first on KTAR.
