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Sentenced

Thomas receives consecutive life sentences for murder of 2 in Mesa

Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell recently announced the sentencing of 55-year-old Aaron Aldric Thomas to two consecutive natural life sentences for the murder of two people in Mesa. …

The Taliban warn journalists and experts against cooperating with Afghanistan International TV

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) — The Taliban on Thursday warned journalists and experts against working with Afghanistan International TV, saying they would be committing a crime if they cooperated with …

Supreme Court sides with music producer in copyright case over sample in Flo Rida hit

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court sided with a music producer in a copyright case Thursday, allowing him to seek more than a decade's worth of damages over a sample used in a hit Flo Rida song. …
Valley & State
Subscriber Exclusive

Surprise mayor candidates square off in forum

Aly Cline highlighted her record as a city councilmember over the last four years, while Kevin Sartor said he hopes voters want a different voice to lead the city of Surprise.
POLICE

1 dead in Chandler officer-involved shooting

A suspect is dead after being shot Wednesday afternoon in a Chandler neighborhood, police said. Chandler officers responded just after 1:30 p.m. May 8 to Carla Vista and Los Feliz drives for …
Government

Arizona Senate moves forward with bill allowing casitas

PHOENIX — The Arizona Senate passed a measure Wednesday that will require all larger cities to allow owners of single-family homes to build at least one attached and one free-standing accessory …
Elections 2024

Meet the Arizona Senate candidates for Legislative District 5

The election for state senator for Arizona’s Legislative District 5 will likely come down to the general election, with just one candidate from each major party qualifying for the ballot. …
Government

Arizona GOP looks to send border enforcement measure to voters

PHOENIX — Rejecting claims it will lead to racial profiling, House and Senate panels dominated by Republicans on Wednesday were moving to ask voters to let state and local police arrest some …
HYDRATION CAMPAIGN

United Food Bank launches annual hydration donation campaign as scorching summer approaches Mesa

In advance of another Mesa summer that is expected to bring sweltering heat and intense temperatures, United Food Bank has teamed up with the city of Mesa and various other local organizations to …
INVESTIGATION

Motorcycle rider dies in West Valley collision

Phoenix police detectives are investigating a collision that left a motorcycle rider dead Tuesday night near 91 st Avenue and Osborn Road. Officers arrived at the scene about 7:20 p.m. May 7 to …

Remains found nearly 50 years ago in Arizona identified as a Vietnam veteran from Minnesota

Human remains found nearly 50 years ago in Arizona have been identified as a Vietnam veteran originally from Minnesota. Coconino County Sheriff’s officials say the remains are those of Gerald …

Chandler to vote on reduced budget later this month

The city of Chandler is on track to have a slightly smaller budget next fiscal year than this year, but there remain challenges and unknowns in the coming years regarding city finances, staff said. …

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Opinions with Civility
As Scottsdale and other Arizona cities grapple with the chaos caused by invasion of mini hotels into our residential neighborhoods, the Arizona Legislature now threatens to double the number of short-term rentals (STRs) on single-family lots.
Awhile back there was a notice to change the Vistancia commercial core zoning that would allow different uses than previously allowed.
A judge fined Trump a puny $9,000 for contempt of court during his Manhattan hush money/business crime/election interference trial.
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 …
Calendar of events
Arizona & National Sports Coverage
Local sports

Montgomery throws 7 solid innings and Diamondbacks hold off Reds 4-3. Cincy's skid now 7 games.

Jordan Montgomery allowed two runs through seven innings, Eugenio Suárez homered and the Arizona Diamondbacks held on to beat Cincinnati 4-3, extending the Reds skid to a season-high seven. The …

Today in Sports - Steph Curry returns from a sprained knee to score an NBA-record 17 points in OT

Today in Sports, May 9 - Steph Curry returns from a sprained knee to score an NBA-record 17 points in OT

Reds come into matchup against the Diamondbacks on losing streak

The Cincinnati Reds aim to stop a six-game slide when they take on the Arizona Diamondbacks.
National sports
Oakland Athletics fans are few but mighty at the moment, with small crowds of longtime diehards trying to relish every chance to see their beloved A’s before they relocate to Sacramento for the …
The Philadelphia Phillies are off to one of their hottest starts in years and have the best winning percentage in baseball. The Phillies are 26-12 and their .684 winning percentage was tops in …
The start of the Regions Tradition has been delayed by bad weather, the second straight weekend rains have impacted a PGA Tour Champions event. Tournament officials are hoping to start the first …
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 …

Neighbors

UMOM hosts Rock the Block to end homelessness at Phoenix Zoo on Saturday

UMOM New Day Centers is hosting its Rock the Block to End Homelessness event 6-9 a.m. Saturday at the Phoenix Zoo, 455 N. Galvin Parkway. (Courtesy UMOM)

PHOENIX — UMOM New Day Centers is thrilled to announce its 60th Anniversary Celebration with our Rock the Block event. As UMOM celebrates this significant anniversary, the group invites …

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 …

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

Thomas (Tom) Hiram Smith

Thomas (Tom) Hiram Smith - dedicated husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, godfather and friend - passed away in his sleep at home in Gold Canyon, Arizona on Sunday, May 5, 2024. Tom was …

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 …
The Latest News Around The Globe
Nation

Despite numbers showing a healthy economy overall, lower-income spenders are showing the strain

NEW YORK (AP) — Cracks are showing in one of the main pillars keeping the economy out of a recession: resilient spending by U.S. households. Consumer goods giants from PepsiCo to Kraft Heinz …

Chevrolet Malibu heads for the junkyard as GM shifts focus to electric vehicles

DETROIT (AP) — The Chevrolet Malibu, the last midsize car made by a Detroit automaker, is heading for the junkyard. General Motors confirmed Thursday that it will stop making the car introduced …

AP Week in Pictures: Global

May 3 - 9, 2024 People in Jerusalem observed a two-minute silence in memory of victims of the Holocaust; Russia marked the 79th anniversary of the end of World War II with a Victory Day military …

World Food Prize goes to 2 who helped protect vital seeds in an Arctic Circle vault

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Two men who were instrumental in the “craziest idea anyone ever had” of creating a global seed vault designed to safeguard the world's agricultural diversity will be …

Boeing 737 catches fire and skids off the runway at a Senegal airport, injuring 10 people

DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — A Boeing 737 plane carrying 85 people skidded off a runway at the airport in Dakar, Senegal's capital, injuring 10 people, according to the transport minister, an airline …
World

Ukraine's Zelenskyy says Russia has the initiative in the east but new Western aid is on the way

POKROVSK, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Thursday his country's army is facing “a really difficult situation” in eastern regions where troops are battling to hold at …

Thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters march in Malmo against Israel's Eurovision participation

MALMO, Sweden (AP) — Not everyone in Malmo was welcoming the Eurovision Song Contest to town. Thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators protested in the Swedish port city on Thursday against …

Trump-affiliated group releases new national security book outlining possible second-term approach

A research group that's trying to lay the groundwork for a second Trump administration if the former president wins in November is out with a new policy book that aims to articulate an “America …

What are the latest obstacles to bringing humanitarian aid into Gaza, where hunger is worsening?

JERUSALEM (AP) — One major land crossing into Gaza was shut down after a Hamas rocket attack, another by an Israeli incursion. And only a trickle of aid is entering through a third crossing that …

Award-winning director Mohammad Rasoulof sentenced to prison in Iran ahead of Cannes

The award-winning Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof has been sentenced to eight years in prison and lashings just ahead of his planned trip to the Cannes film festival, his lawyer told The …
Entertainment
FILE - Andy Serkis appears at the BAFTA Nominees Party in London, Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024. (Photo by Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP, File)

‘Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum’ in development with Andy Serkis to direct and star

Andy Serkis is going back to Middle-earth to play Gollum in two new “Lord of the Rings” films. Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group’s Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy said Thursday that Peter …
FILE - Writer Rod Serling holds the Emmy for best writing of a drama series for his work on "The Twilight Zone," at the Emmy Awards in Los Angeles on May 16, 1961. (AP Photo, File)

Rarely seen Rod Serling story, "First Squad, First Platoon," draws upon his World War II service

NEW YORK (AP) — In a famous “Twilight Zone” episode from the early 1960s, a bloodthirsty World War II commander stationed in the Philippines finds himself transported into the body of a …
Swiss entrant Nemo - one of the favorites to win the Eurovision Song Contest - says they're "honored" to be one of two non-binary contestants this year. (May 6)

Nemo, among the favorites at Eurovision, is finding acceptance onstage and off

LONDON (AP) — No matter whether Nemo wins the Eurovision Song Contest this weekend — which would make them the first nonbinary contestant to take home the crystal microphone — the singer is …
FILE - Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) waves after the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024, in Las Vegas. The tight end has been cast on FX's "American Horror Story: Grotesquerie" season. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II, File)

Travis Kelce lines up another TV job joining FX's 'American Horror Story: Grotesquerie' season

Travis Kelce continues to work in the NFL off season. The Super Bowl winner has booked a role on “American Horror Story: Grotesquerie.” Fellow cast member Niecy Nash posted a series of Instagram …
FILE - Travis Scott performs at the Astroworld Music Festival in Houston, Nov. 5, 2021. The start of the first civil trial stemming from the 2021 Astroworld festival, at which 10 people were killed in a crowd surge, has been delayed. Jury selection had been set to begin Tuesday, May 7, 2024, in the wrongful-death lawsuit filed the family of Madison Dubiski, a 23-year-old Houston resident who was killed during the crowd crush at Scott's November 2021 concert. (Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP, File)

9 of 10 wrongful death suits over Astroworld crowd surge have been settled, lawyer says

HOUSTON (AP) — Nine of the 10 wrongful death lawsuits filed after deadly crowd surge at the 2021 Astroworld festival have been settled, including one that was set to go to trial this week, an …