News Beats
DTPHX Farmers Market
At the Downtown Phoenix Farmers Market, Alexys O’Coyne, a vendor working with R. City and Mill in Florence, Arizona, and shopper Gibrail Atiyeh help explain why local markets continue to hold value in downtown Phoenix. O’Coyne says the mission behind the business is to keep food out of the landfill and help regenerate Arizona soil. She also explains that many customers want to do the right thing, and that keeping food local often leads to the best outcome. Atiyeh provides the shopper perspective, describing what makes the market feel more personal and worth returning to. In downtown Phoenix, the market remains a place where food, community and local values come together.
Tempe Transit
In Tempe, buses and light rail give riders another way to move through the city and connect with the rest of the Valley. Transit rider Kayla Malloy explains how public transportation helps her avoid traffic and save money, while also pointing out that timing can affect whether riders get where they need to be on time. Almustafa Aljawad, an ASU student who takes the light rail, says the system is useful but could improve with better reliability and cleaner spaces. Johnny Martinez, a Valley Metro route cleaner, adds a worker’s perspective, explaining how he helps keep light rail platforms ready for riders each day. But reliability, cleanliness, heat and access still shape whether it feels like a realistic option.