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Peoria, AZ – Drivers in the West Valley are facing major delays this morning after westbound lanes of US 60 were shut down in Peoria following a crash near 77th Avenue.

According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), the closure was reported at approximately 7:35 a.m. and remains in effect as crews respond to a collision near the intersection of US 60 (Grand Avenue) and 77th Avenue. The crash forced officials to close all westbound lanes, impacting commuters traveling through Peoria and nearby Glendale during the busy morning commute.

The closure affects a key stretch of Grand Avenue, a heavily traveled corridor connecting multiple West Valley communities. Traffic maps show congestion backing up near Peoria Homes, Pinecrest, and areas approaching Glendale, with drivers being diverted onto local surface streets.

ADOT officials are urging motorists to avoid the area if possible and use alternate routes, including Northern Avenue, Olive Avenue, or Glendale Avenue, depending on their destination. Eastbound traffic was not reported as affected at the time of the alert.

No injuries or estimated reopening time have been announced as of this morning. ADOT crews and emergency responders remain on scene, and conditions may change quickly as the crash investigation and cleanup continue.

Drivers are encouraged to check AZ511.gov or the AZ511 mobile app for real-time traffic updates, detour information, and lane status before heading out.

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PEORIA, AZ (AZFamily) — A West Valley school district is starting the second semester of the school year with uncertainty regarding two of its schools.

The Peoria Unified School District posted online and sent an email to parents and families that it plans to discuss the following:

District officials emphasize that no decisions have been made. The Governing Board will hold a retreat on Thursday, starting at 9 a.m., to go over these issues, plus review the district budget and a new capital master plan.

Later that day, at 6 p.m., the Governing Board will have its first regular school board meeting of the year. That’s where officials could get the ball rolling on possibly closing the two schools with a call for a public hearing in the future.

“The public hearing is not only part of the legal process, but hearing from the community is the right thing to do before any Governing Board decisions are made,” Dr. Kenneth Christopher “KC” Somers said in the statement.

District officials said the proposals are just the first phase in a “multi-stage process” to address declining enrollment and budget troubles. The district said the schools that eventually send students to Cactus High, known as the Cactus High School Cluster, have seen the biggest drop in enrollment.

“This proposal for the first phase of changes will impact the least number of students, seamlessly transition transportation options, and create more choice for families,” PUSD said.

Peoria Unified School District, like many districts in Arizona, has seen a sharp drop in enrollment, which is partly due to aging neighborhoods and declining birth rates

But voters also rejected a budget override last November. The district said at the time it had to cut $33 million for the next three years. PUSD also said last year it used $5.3 million in reserves to help pay its staff.

PUSD could be on the road to join other Arizona districts in closing campuses. Last month, the Scottsdale Unified School District Governing Board voted to shut down two campuses. Days later, the Kyrene Elementary School District approved closing six schools by 2028.

In December 2024, the Roosevelt School District approved a plan to close five schools, and in February of that year, the Paradise Valley Unified School District Governing Board approved the closure of three schools.

Gilbert Public Schools is considering closing an elementary school.

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Hines, a global real estate investment manager, has closed on a 14.6-acre site to develop a multifamily property located in Peoria, Arizona. The site is located within The Trailhead, a 40-acre mixed-use master plan at 83^rd and Happy Valley Road. Pederson Group developed the Trailhead, and this transaction initiates the next and final phase of development within the master plan.

READ MORE: Here’s why the Arizona economy is poised to accelerate

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“We are excited to be part of this dynamic mixed-use master plan,” said Chris Anderson, senior managing director at Hines. “This multifamily property will not only elevate the community with a distinctive luxury living experience but also meet growing demand for high-quality housing in the Happy Valley Corridor. We anticipate strong interest from residents seeking comfort, style, and convenience in a thoughtfully designed setting that promotes connection and modern living.”

The multifamily property will be a three-story luxury community with 336 units. The units will be comprised of spacious one, two, and three-bedroom floor plans. Unit interiors will have luxury interior design finishes and high-end appliances. The community amenities will feature a clubhouse, fitness center, and Pilates rooms, an interactive landscape playground, a resort-style pool and spa, and more.

Surrounded by lush landscaping, the property will be within walking distance to retailers and dining options located in The Trailhead mixed-use master plan that is anchored by Safeway. Popular restaurants recently opened, such as Sparrow, a restaurant concept owned by Sky Restaurant Concepts that offers eclectic American cuisine. The Trailhead mixed-use master plan also features a nondenominational worship center and a community garden. In addition, it will have direct trailhead access to the Sunrise Mountain Preserve, a 4.0-mile hiking and biking loop.

The development will break ground in early 2026 and will begin leasing units in 2027.

To learn about The Trailhead mixed-use master plan, visit the Pederson Group at pedersoninc.com.

PEORIA, AZ (AZFamily) — Part of the holiday season can be troubling because it’s a time when some friends and family members suffer in silence, needing help.

A combination of factors that form the perfect storm is to blame. Experts say financial pressures, high expectations, busy schedules, and an increase in alcohol and drug use often escalate domestic violence behavior around the holidays.

A recent situation in Peoria highlights the problem.

On Sunday morning, a woman called 911 to report she was actively being sexually assaulted.

According to court records, the victim was crying and coughing as if someone was covering her mouth while she pleaded for help. 911 dispatchers called her back twice after the other calls disconnected.

During the struggle, police say her boyfriend, Gilbert Tamayo, took the phone and told the operator he was being attacked.

“We see things like this happen every day,” said Kate Thoene. She is the CEO of New Life Center, a domestic violence shelter in the West Valley. “We are here through the holidays. We are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

The most wonderful time of the year is often the most dangerous for domestic violence survivors.

“Abuse doesn’t pause for the holidays and in many cases, violence actually increases because survivors are spending more time at home with their abusers and they might feel they have less opportunities to seek help,” said Thoene.

Across the country, police report a 20% increase in domestic violence interventions in December.

“We are continuously at capacity. So the shelters don’t necessarily see an increase because we always have of a list of people that are waiting to access safe, stable housing,” said Thoene.

For the recent Peoria case, 25-year-old Tamayo is behind bars, charged with sexual assault, strangulation, and interfering with an emergency call.

The victim told officers it all started when she threatened to break up with him. Court records say she fought back and at one point “thought she was going to die because she couldn’t breathe.”

“Leaving is the most dangerous time and we really encourage people to call New Life Center. Call, get help before you decide to leave. We can help you safety plan and determine the most safe time to leave,” said Thoene.

She said many survivors choose to stay during the holidays to protect their children and try to keep the peace and avoid disrupting family traditions, but that doesn’t mean the abuse is not serious.

If you know anyone in your life in a situation like this, now is a good time to check in and show support. You can find additional resources at the links below.

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PHOENIX - The trend of school closures appears to have extended into 2026, as another school district in the Phoenix area is considering whether to close some of their schools.

Here's what to know.

What district is it this time?

According to a statement released on Jan. 5, officials with the Peoria Unified School District announced that during the Governng Board Retreat and a regular Governing Board meeting that is scheduled for Jan. 6, the board will "discuss a draft proposal that considers school closure(s), repurposing and boundary adjustments."

What does the plan entail?

Big picture view:

In their statement, district officials said the proposal includes the following:

"This is a draft proposal, and no final decisions have been made," read a portion of the statement.

Local perspective:

According to a presentation that is posted on the district's governing board website, the proposed changes target the so-called "Cactus Cluster" or "Area 2," as the area has seen the most dramatic drop in enrollment.

Figures provided by officials show that five of the six schools within the "Cactus Cluster" are not at capacity.

District officials also say the proposed changes in Area 2, if they are ultimately adopted, will impact the least number of students and families, allow for seamless transition in transportation options, and create more choices for families. They also said the changes will allow them to prepare for a second phase of their school consolidation and repurposing efforts.

How many schools are there within Peoria Unified School District?

By the numbers:

Per a presentation that was posted on the district's governing board website, there are 13 preschool programs, 33 K-8 schools, seven comprehensive high schools, one non-traditional school and an eCampus.

Why is the district considering school closures?

School district officials said they are in "a precarious financial position based on the very real impact of our failed override and declining enrollment."

Dig deeper:

on Peoria Unified's override ballot measure. During the November 2025 election, the district sought to exceed its Maintenance and Operation (M&O) budget limit by 15% of the revenue control limit for a period of seven years.

In their informational pamphlet for the failed ballot measure, the district said a 13% override was approved in 2020, and it provided about $33 million of funding annually.

"If approved by voters, the increase to a 15% override would provide approximately $5 million dollars of additional funding," read a portion of the pamphlet. "If the override does not pass, the school district will begin reducing its budget by approximately $11 million beginning in fiscal year 2027, with a total reduction of approximately $33 million dollars taking place over three years."

According to the final results from the Maricopa County Recorder's Office, 22,395 voters, or 51.43%, cast a "no" vote for the override measure.

Have there been other school closures in the Phoenix area?

In recent years, schools have closed in the Phoenix area as a result of decisions made by the governing board.

Timeline:

According to Gilbert Public School's website, they closed Houston Elementary due to low enrollment in 2021.

In 2024, we reported that Paradise Valley Unified School District voted to close two elementary schools and one middle school.

On their website, Phoenix Elementary School District said they closed Paul Laurence Dunbar School and Maie Bartlett Heard Elementary School at the end of the 2024-2025 school year.

The governing boards of Cave Creek Unified School District and Isaac School District also voted to close some of their schools in 2025. Kyrene School District also in December 2025.

What happens now?

As mentioned earlier, no final decisions have been made with regard to the proposed closures.

What's next:

According to the presentation, a website and feedback form will be made available during a feedback window that will start on Jan. 13, and end on March 11. A public hearing and community forum is scheduled for Feb. 19, and a vote on the plan could be held on March 12.

The Source: Information for this article was gathered from the Peoria Unified School District's website.