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First Responders
Phoenix Fire makes online testing, virtual interviews available to bring in more applicants
HOUSING
New apartments usher in residents in downtown Mesa
Aviation
Local aviation schools teach students to fly high amid pilot shortage

Louisiana lawmakers reject adding exceptions of rape and incest to abortion ban

Despite pleas from Democrats and gut-wrenching testimony from doctors and rape survivors, a GOP-controlled legislative committee rejected a bill Tuesday that would have added cases of rape and incest …

FDIC report outlines 'misogynistic,' 'patriarchal' 'good ol' boys' workplace culture

WASHINGTON (AP) — An independent review of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. 's workplace culture describes an environment that fostered “hostile, abusive, unprofessional, or inappropriate …
ARIZONA LOTTERY

Phoenix Fantasy 5 ticket worth $695K

A Bashas’ Food City in Phoenix sold a Fantasy 5 ticket for the May 6 drawing that is worth $695,000, Arizona Lottery officials said Tuesday. The ticket was sold at the store located at …
Valley & State
Education

Arizona schools chief forms task force on dangers of fentanyl

PHOENIX — State schools chief Tom Horne announced the formation of a task force Tuesday designed to warn teens of the dangers of fentanyl. But this one is designed to be different than the …
Government

Pinal County Elections Department offices returning to Florence

After many years in Coolidge, the Pinal County Elections Department is returning to Florence in June. The new 53,000-square-foot facility at 320 W. Adamsville Road will be shared by the county …
Election

Surprise mayoral candidate investigated for removing sign

It turns out Aly Cline is battling more than one opponent in this year’s Surprise mayoral election.
SUNDAY SHOOTING

DPS identifies Mesa man shot, killed by trooper on Loop 101 in Tempe

A 44-year-old Mesa man has been identified as the person shot and killed by an Arizona trooper early Sunday along Loop 101 in Tempe, authorities said. Lemonte Anthony Knobelock died after …
TEEN VIOLENCE

Chandler Council could decide on teen safety ordinances Thursday

Months of work by Chandler council members and city staff will be put on display in a pair of ordinances scheduled for discussion and a potential vote on Thursday evening. The 6 p.m. regular …
Election 2024

Six to vie for three open seats on Arizona Corporation Commission

Candidates for the Arizona Corporation Commission won’t have to worry about a primary election for the three seats up for grabs in November. Three Republicans and three Democrats are …
finance

Peoria’s proposed fiscal year 2025 budget just under $1 billion

Peoria City Council at its public meeting May 7 will consider their proposed fiscal year 2025 $995 million tentative budget, which is a 4.7% increase from last year. Officials say the increase is …
DEAN LINDSEY

ADOT dedicates I-10 Deck Park Tunnel to project engineer

The Interstate 10 Deck Park Tunnel has been dedicated to the civil engineer who managed its development along with the final segments of the Papago Freeway north of downtown Phoenix. The …
education

Bond options to be addressed by Chandler school board Wednesday

According to Chandler Unified School District administration, it’s time to talk about a bond election again. Wednesday’s 5:45 p.m. Governing Board work session is where the …

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Opinions with Civility
For once, Washington has been grappling with issues nearly as big as those faced by their constituents.
Another reader expresses her concern about the Independent’s civility checklist for opinions, arguing that it can constrain free speech. I respectfully disagree.  There are plenty of …
Some extraordinary events affecting our local elections have occurred over the past two weeks. Because of that, I feel compelled to share my thoughts with all of you. During the month April an …
I am writing to express my concern for your publication’s emphasis on civility over content.
Gov. Katie Hobbs won’t let Republican lawmakers strip away the right of Attorney General Kris Mayes to sue the owners of corporate farms whose groundwater pumping dries up the wells of their neighbors.

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Calendar of events
Arizona & National Sports Coverage
Valley sports
Local sports

AP Sports Week in Pictures: Acrobatic Machado, Madrid Open, Mystic Dan wins by a nose at Derby

Associated Press photographers were there for San Diego Padres’ Manny Machado’s acrobatic play in the infield against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Andrey Rublev of Russia triumphs at the Madrid …

Reds host the Diamondbacks on home losing streak

The Cincinnati Reds play the Arizona Diamondbacks looking to stop a four-game home skid.

After Barstool Sports sponsorship fizzles, Snoop Dogg brand is attached to Arizona Bowl, fo shizzle

Rapper and media personality Snoop Dogg is putting his name on the Arizona Bowl for what will be the first partnership between an alcohol brand and a college bowl game. The “Snoop Dogg Arizona Bowl …

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National sports
Marcus Semien had four hits and five RBIs, and the Texas Rangers scored 10 times in the second inning of a 15-8 victory over the Oakland Athletics. Jonah Heim added four hits and two RBIs as Texas …
Rudy Gobert made some history. Victor Wembanyama nearly did. Gobert, the Minnesota center, was announced Tuesday night as the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year for a record-tying fourth time. He …
The San Jose Sharks won the draft lottery and earned the right to have the No. 1 pick in the NHL draft for the first time in franchise history. The Sharks finished last in the overall standings and …

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Your Nonpartisan Daily News Source
Valley business

LON’s at The Hermosa Inn 'most romantic restaurant' on OpenTable

Hermosa Inn restaurant Lon’s is the driver of property.

LON’s at The Hermosa Inn has received two new accolades from OpenTable. For the fourth consecutive year, LON’s at the Hermosa has been named by OpenTable one of the Top 100 Brunch …

Build-to-rent bonanza: Communities continue to pop up Valley-wide

Sobremesa Villas has built-to-rent properties available now in Surprise and is in the later stages of construction, as seen in this late April photo (Independent Newsmedia/Richard Smith)

As demand for rental properties in the Valley remains acute, the build-to-rent category continues to boom in ways unique to metro Phoenix.

Trader Joe's coming to Chandler

Chandler's planning administrator, Kevin Mayo, points out during a social media video that helping the city land a Trader Joe's was one of his first assignments as a city intern 25 years ago. The city and Trader Joe's both recently confirmed a South Chandler shopping center will have a vacant space occupied within the next few years by the popular specialty grocer.

A Trader Joe’s market is going to be built in a shopping center on the northeast corner of Ocotillo Road and Arizona Avenue in South Chandler. Not many details, including an opening date, …

Housing on Chandler zoning board agendas

This map shows where 76 homes are planned in a housing development called Viviendo. Rezoning and preliminary plan approval for the project is one of a handful of items on the consent agendas for both the Chandler Planning and Zoning Commission’s study session and regular meetings Wednesday, May 1.

​The next steps in approvals for a 76-home housing subdivision are included in an item the Chandler Planning and Zoning Commission is set to address Wednesday. A study session is set for 5 …

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Neighbors

Larry Fitzgerald Jr.’s 14 Annual Fitz’s Supper Club success in Scottsdale

The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation held it’s 14th Annual Fitz’s Supper Club to raise money for breast cancer research and the Larry Fitzgerald Foundation Future Stars Coding Labs at Scottsdale’s Dominick’s Steakhouse April 29.

The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation commemorates another year of achievement at the 14th Annual Fitz’s Supper Club, in collaboration with Dominick’s Steakhouse. This year’s event was …

National Prevention Week May 13-16

National prevention week spotlights substance use prevention May 13-16.

National Prevention Week serves as a vital national public education platform spotlighting the efforts of communities and organizations nationwide committed to raising awareness about substance use …

Scottsdale’s beat the heat outreach program accepting donations

The City of Scottsdale’s beat the heat outreach program is accepting donations like Brita water pitchers and filters and reusable water bottles for homebound residents.

The City of Scottsdale is now taking donations for its beat the heat program. You can bring summer relief to low-income, homebound and isolated seniors by donating to the Beat the Heat outreach …

DUET honors volunteer from Scottsdale

Scottsdale resident Sue Bai was honored by the nonprofit Duet for all the volunteer hours she has put into the organization since 1990.

Duet: Partners In Health & Aging had a Volunteer Appreciation Event on Sunday, April 14 at Church of Beatitudes in Phoenix with over 80 volunteers in attendance. Each year, the celebration …

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Things to do

L.A. actor will join live podcast taping at Sun City West theater

“Scaredycast” podcast hosts, from left, Brian Young, Tony Gautier and Kelsey Dickerson are pictured at their first live show at Ghostlight back in 2022. They’re coming back for a new taping before a live audience on June 15 in Sun City West.

Ghostlight Theatre is taking a one-night pause from its usual busy schedule of plays for a special presentation in June.

Phoenix Symphony to fuse rap, classical music in May concerts

Guest conductor Steve Hackman will lead The Phoenix Symphony in performances this month of “The Resurrection Mixtape.”

With guest conductor Steve Hackman, The Phoenix Symphony is fusing Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac Shakur with classical music in a groundbreaking performance this month.

Arizona Opera’s new season to blend classics, expanded recital series

La Bohème opens at Symphony Hall in Phoenix on Jan. 25, 2025.

Arizona Opera has announced its lineup for the upcoming 2024-25 season.

Scottsdale Princess offers summer day camp for kids

Day Camp at the Princess for kids 6 through 12 this summer will include activities like Lagoon fishing, mini golf and swimming.

This summer, kids 6-12 will have the opportunity to enjoy day camp at the Princess. The brand new luxury camp experience at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, 7575 E. Princess Drive, Scottsdale, AZ …

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Obituaries & Memorials

Charles Ray Shriver

Charles, 87, of Fountain Hills, Arizona, passed away on Thursday, April 25, 2024. He was born in Kansas City, Missouri. Charles, known as “Charlie” to his loved ones, was a beloved …

Lloyd E. Schill

Lloyd, age 92, of Sun City West, Arizona passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, after a long illness. Lloyd was born in Cleveland, Ohio on September 24, 1931. He graduated …

Doris Louise Boneham Engle

In Loving Memory of Doris Louise Boneham Engle, beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, peacefully passed away in her sleep on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at The Colonnade Assisted …

Suzanne Carol May

Suzanne passed away on April 30, 2024 after suffering a stroke as a complication of heart valve surgery 5 months earlier. Her loving husband of 56 years, John May, was by her side as she left her …

Robert (Bob) Fredrick Rosenthal

Robert (Bob), 91, passed away on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 after suffering complications from dementia. He and his family moved to Fountain Hills, Arizona in 1976, and loved the desert community and …

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The Latest News Around The Globe
Nation

Katy Perry and Rihanna didn't attend the Met Gala. But AI-generated images still fooled fans

NEW YORK (AP) — No, Katy Perry and Rihanna didn't attend the Met Gala this year. But that didn't stop AI-generated images from tricking some fans into thinking the stars made appearances on the …

Dali crew will stay on board during controlled demolition to remove fallen bridge from ship's deck

BALTIMORE (AP) — The crew of the Dali will remain on board the grounded container ship while demolition crews use explosives to break down the largest remaining span of the collapsed Francis Scott …

Met Gala hauls in record sum of more than $26 million to fund Costume Institute

The 2024 Met Gala raised more than $26 million, a record sum for the party that has become an annual gathering for mega-celebrities in fashion, film, TV, sports, music, business and more. Monday …

Too much water, and not enough: Brazil's flooded south struggles to access basic goods

PORTO ALEGRE, Brazil (AP) — The mayor of a major city in southern Brazil on Tuesday pleaded with residents to comply with his water rationing decree, given that some four-fifths of the population …

Key takeaways from Stormy Daniels' testimony in Trump hush money trial

NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump paid porn actor Stormy Daniels for her silence before the 2016 election. Now he's forced to confront her testimony about their alleged sexual encounter in the midst of …

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World

Scenes from Israel and Gaza reflect dashed hopes as imminent cease-fire seems unlikely

JERUSALEM (AP) — An announcement by Hamas late Monday that it had accepted a cease-fire proposal sent people in the streets of Rafah into temporary jubilation, as Palestinian evacuees in the …

Biden hosts Romanian leader at the White House to celebrate NATO partnership

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden hosted Klaus Iohannis, the president of Romania, on Tuesday at the White House, with the two leaders celebrating their joint cooperation on issues including …

From flooding in Brazil and Houston to brutal heat in Asia, extreme weather seems nearly everywhere

In sweltering Brazil, worst-ever flooding killed dozens of people and paralyzed a city of about 4 million people. Voters and politicians in the world's largest election in India are fainting in heat …

Anguish as Kenya's government demolishes houses in flood-prone areas and offers $75 in aid

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Kenya's government has begun bulldozing homes built in flood-prone areas and promising evicted families the equivalent of $75 to relocate after a deadline passed to evacuate …

Arrested US soldier awaiting hearing in Russia on theft charges

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Army soldier arrested in Russia last week is being held in a pretrial detention facility waiting for a hearing, the Army said Tuesday. Staff Sgt. Gordon Black flew to …

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Entertainment
FILE - Harvey Weinstein appears at Manhattan criminal court for a preliminary hearing on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 in New York. (Steven Hirsch/New York Post via AP, File)

Harvey Weinstein is back at NYC's Rikers Island jail after hospital stay

One-time movie mogul Harvey Weinstein was returned to a New York City jail in what his publicist said was a move resulting from a published report saying he was getting VIP treatment during his …
Rapper Kendrick Lamar appears at the MTV Video Music Awards, on Aug. 27, 2017, in Inglewood, Calif., left, and Canadian rapper Drake appears at the premiere of the series "Euphoria," in Los Angeles on June 4, 2019. (AP Photo)

Drake and Kendrick Lamar's feud — the biggest beef in recent rap history — explained

Rappers Drake and Kendrick Lamar are feuding — to the point that police were asked about it after a security guard was shot outside Drake’s Toronto mansion on Tuesday. It wasn’t always this …
This image released by the Metropolitan Opera shows conductors Speranza Scappucci, from left, Marin Alsop and Oksana Lyniv at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York in April 2024. (Muriel Steinke/Metropolitan Opera via AP)

Met Opera hosts 4 female conductors in landmark week. From its founding to 2016, there were only 4

NEW YORK (AP) — Oksana Lyniv, Speranza Scappucci, Marin Alsop and Xian Zhang filled their lockers in the guest conductors’ dressing room off the Metropolitan Opera’s orchestra pit. Just four …
FILE - Drake poses at the Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas on May 1, 2019. Police are investigating a shooting outside rapper Drake’s mansion that left a security guard seriously wounded. Authorities did not confirm whether Drake was at home at the time of the shooting, but said his team is cooperating. The shooting happened around 2 a.m. Tuesday in the affluent Bridle Path neighborhood of Toronto. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP, File)

Police investigating shooting outside Drake's mansion that left security guard wounded

Police are investigating a shooting outside rapper Drake’s mansion that left a security guard seriously wounded. Authorities did not confirm whether Drake was at home at the time of the shooting, …
Women's Wear Daily editor Leigh Nordstrom discusses the most entrancing looks at this year's Met Gala, where the dress theme was "The Garden of Time;" Zendaya, Tyla, and Lana del Rey were some highlights for the fashion expert. (May 7)

The Met Gala's flowery theme went in all directions

Who won the Met Gala? Nature and its many blooms, along with some far-flung princesses. It was anybody’s guess exactly how the celebrity crowd on the steps of The Metropolitan Museum of Art would …

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