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Articles by Steve Nielsen
30-year sentence handed down in 2024 fatal shooting of Gila River police officer
The Brief A 19-year-old man has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for a deadly 2024 shooting that killed a Gila River police officer and a young woman. Court documents filed in a co-defendant's case provide new insight into the chaotic night, including descriptions of police body camera and bystander video. The shooter's brother, who was paralyzed after being shot multiple times in the back by police during the incident, faces a federal trial set for February.
30-year sentence handed down in 2024 fatal shooting of Gila River police officer
A man has been sentenced to federal prison for the 2024 deadly shooting of a Gila River police officer, and new court documents are now giving better insight into what happened that night. Robert Enos was just 16 years old when he shot three people, killing two and injuring another. In May, the now 19-year-old pleaded guilty. He was sentenced last week to 30 years in federal prison. Because this is a federal case, many of the court documents are sealed, but one document was obtained.
30-year sentence handed down in 2024 fatal shooting of Gila River police officer
Follow 30-year sentence handed down in 2024 fatal shooting of Gila River police officer Wed, October 14, 2026 at 7:41 PM EDT A 19-year-old man has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for a deadly 2024 shooting that killed a Gila River police officer and a young woman. Court documents filed in a co-defendant's case provide new insight into the chaotic night, including descriptions of police body camera and bystander video.
Arizona high schoolers train for semiconductor and manufacturing careers Original
A class at West-MEC is meeting the needs of Arizona's manufacturing future. Thousands of jobs will be opening soon that require important skills. Arizona students are preparing for the future. "It was just a whole new world that I stepped into," said Lilo Taputu, a West-MEC student. "I really thought, this is something I could do in my future," said Maxim Casillas, a West-MEC student. At West-MEC, they are learning advanced manufacturing.
Teen violence: Phoenix area leaders, families meet to combat problem Original
It has been nearly three years since Preston Lord was beaten and killed at a Halloween party in Queen Creek. His death brought to light the serious problem of teen violence in the East Valley, and on Sept. 25, state and local leaders gathered together to try to find solutions. Mark Jocobo lost his son Stephen to teen violence in 2022. "Losing a child by any violence is unexplainable," Jacobo with the SBJ Foundation said. "There are no words in a dictionary that can explain it.
Teen violence: Phoenix area leaders, families meet to combat problem
State and local leaders gathered at the Stronger Together Summit to address teen violence in the East Valley. • The summit follows Preston Lord Day on Sept. 23, marking what would have been the 16-year-old victim's 19th birthday. • Data revealed at the summit shows Gilbert police have responded to 260 calls for teen-on-teen violence since 2022. GILBERT, Ariz. - It has been nearly three years since Preston Lord was beaten and killed at a Halloween party in Queen Creek.
ASU launches safety review after hockey player Matthew Mayich collapses
Arizona State University is forming an advisory panel on outdoor training safety after a report detailed the collapse and hospitalization of hockey player Matthew Mayich during a workout on the Tempe campus. • Arizona State University is establishing a blue-ribbon advisory panel and launching a review of its outdoor athletic training practices following the Aug. 20 hospitalization of hockey player Matthew Mayich.
From tragedy to celebration: 9/11 survivor reflects on son born on anniversary
After 25 years, many survivors are returning to Ground Zero to wrestle with what happened. Derek Difani was inside Tower 2 on his second day of a three-week training session. After the plane hit the building, he did not think he would live. His family was losing hope, too. "I don't know, it's hard to describe the feeling, actually. Really is," Difani said. "It's just so incredible to see it here now, and I'm wondering why it's taken me this long to come back. I don't know if there's something to that.
From tragedy to celebration: 9/11 survivor reflects on son born on anniversary
Derek Difani returned to the 9/11 Memorial Plaza 25 years after surviving the attack on Tower 2 of the World Trade Center. • Difani was on his second day of a three-week training program at Morgan Stanley when United Airlines Flight 175 struck the South Tower. • After navigating down 61 flights of stairs to safety, Difani later reconnected with his family, who initially feared he had died. NEW YORK - After 25 years, many survivors are returning to Ground Zero to wrestle with what happened.
Life-size Lego Sparky statue coming to Tempe's Mill Avenue
The countdown to the Arizona State University football season is on, and one professor is already focusing on the homecoming game, where a project months in the making will be unveiled in hopes of serving as a good luck charm for the team. Brick by brick, Tim Gomez builds. His creation this time is a six-foot-tall Sparky the Sun Devil. "It will be 30,000 pieces when it's all said and done, and hopefully it will be unveiled at homecoming," Gomez said.
Life-size Lego Sparky statue coming to Tempe's Mill Avenue
Steve Nielsen Sun, August 30, 2026 at 5:24 PM EDT 2 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Add Yahoo on Google The Brief An Arizona State University professor is constructing a six-foot-tall Lego statue of Sparky the Sun Devil for the upcoming football season. The life-size creation uses a welded metal frame and roughly 30,000 Lego pieces in shades matching ASU maroon and gold colors.
Arizona ranchers react to 660 million pounds of tariff-free beef imports
Thousands of tons of ground beef are being imported to America without any tariffs. It is an attempt to lower the price on store shelves, but there are concerns about quality and whether it undercuts local ranchers. Nick Addante shares the products they sell at the Arcadia Meat Market. "Top round, bottom round, high round sits here, and this is the sirloin," said Addante. The prices they pay are a lot different than they were when they opened less than a decade ago.
Arizona ranchers react to 660 million pounds of tariff-free beef imports
Thousands of tons of tariff-free ground beef are being imported to the U.S. over 90 days to lower grocery prices. • Some Arizona industry experts warn the move could create price volatility and harm long-term herd growth. • U.S. cattle herds are at their smallest size since the 1950s due to drought and government regulation. PHOENIX - Thousands of tons of ground beef are being imported to America without any tariffs.
U.S.-Canada trade war: Arizona's agricultural industry braces for impacts
Lettuce farmers in Yuma are watching the trade war with Canada closely. Soon, they will need to harvest leafy greens, and right now, they do not know what the cost will be to send them to Canada. Yuma is covered in vast green fields, with lettuce as far as the eye can see. This is where the region's salad is grown.
U.S.-Canada trade war: Arizona's agricultural industry braces for impacts
Follow U.S.-Canada trade war: Arizona's agricultural industry braces for impacts Tue, August 25, 2026 at 8:33 PM EDT U.S.-Canada trade war: Arizona's agricultural industry braces for impacts Arizona agriculture faces mounting uncertainty as a US-Canada trade war triggers 50% tariffs on goods. Yuma farmers produce over 90% of US and Canadian leafy greens during the winter months. The Arizona Farm Bureau is warning that long-term planting commitments make rapid agricultural shifts impossible.
Arizona police cancel Flock contracts over data misuse while Axon expands surveillance tech
The Brief Multiple Arizona law enforcement agencies have canceled contracts with automated license plate reader company Flock following concerns over data misuse and investigations. Scottsdale-based Axon reports a surge in law enforcement agencies switching to its platform, citing enhanced privacy controls and guardrails. Civil liberties advocates argue the issue stems from broad government surveillance of movements rather than specific technology vendors.
Arizona police cancel Flock contracts over data misuse while Axon expands surveillance tech
Multiple Arizona law enforcement agencies have canceled contracts with Flock this month over police misuse of data. Now, a major local company says it is stepping in to fill the void. Scottsdale-based Axon, well known for its Tasers and body cameras, says it is building artificial intelligence tools to prevent misuse of its license plate readers. With a lot of agencies nationally turning to Axon, questions remain over whether its license plate reader data is any different.
Arizona police cancel Flock contracts over data misuse while Axon expands surveillance tech
Follow Arizona police cancel Flock contracts over data misuse while Axon expands surveillance tech Mon, August 24, 2026 at 8:22 PM EDT Multiple Arizona law enforcement agencies have canceled contracts with automated license plate reader company Flock following concerns over data misuse and investigations. Scottsdale-based Axon reports a surge in law enforcement agencies switching to its platform, citing enhanced privacy controls and guardrails.
Top Arizona junior golfer Aubrey Hilgers set to compete for Team USA in Europe
An Arizona teen has just found out she earned a spot to represent the United States of America in a golf match-up with Europe. What we know: Just as the men play the Ryder Cup every two years, the women play the Solheim Cup. A born and raised Arizona golfer will tee off in the junior international competition. Soon her swing will represent the United States of America in the 2026 PING Junior Solheim Cup. It pits the best 12 junior girls golfers in the U.S. against the 12 best in Europe.
Top Arizona junior golfer Aubrey Hilgers set to compete for Team USA in Europe
The Brief An Arizona teen earned a spot on the U.S. team to compete against Europe in the junior international golf competition. Aubrey Hilgers was named as one of the final four captains' picks for the 2026 PING Junior Solheim Cup. The top 25-ranked golfer in the nation will head to Amsterdam for the elite event held every two years. SURPRISE, Ariz. - An Arizona teen has just found out she earned a spot to represent the United States of America in a golf match-up with Europe.
Arizona winery damaged by 88 mph winds and hail during severe storm
An Arizona winery faced hail and damaging winds on Aug. 3 just before the grapes were set to be harvested. What we know: The morning after the storm, Mark Phillips walked around the Willcox farm, home to dozens of acres of grapes. "There's a whole bunch of silos that collapsed a lot of power poles down on the road," said Mark Phillips of Old Pueblo Cellars. Phillips is the winemaker for Old Pueblo Cellars, and the farm is where they have grown their grapes.
Arizona winery damaged by 88 mph winds and hail during severe storm
A severe storm brought hail and 88 mph winds to Willcox on Aug. 3, causing extensive damage to a local vineyard. Old Pueblo Cellars witnessed collapsed silos, downed power poles, and tipped vineyard structures right before harvest. The winemaker noted that the harvested grapes are already fermenting, with the storm becoming part of the wine's vintage story. WILLCOX, Ariz. - An Arizona winery faced hail and damaging winds on Aug. 3 just before the grapes were set to be harvested.
Globe film on historic 1910 double murder hits Amazon Prime
The Brief An Arizona-made movie based on an infamous 1910 double murder and subsequent Old West car chase in Globe is now available to stream on Amazon Prime. The film highlights a pivotal moment in local history, bringing national exposure to the rural city. Directed by local filmmakers, the award-winning production aims to boost interest and tourism in Globe by featuring real local landmarks like the historic 1910 jail.
Globe film on historic 1910 double murder hits Amazon Prime
We were there as filming began in 2023, telling a real-life Old West story about the so-called "Dog Bite Murders." The writers and directors sat down to tell how it all began in 1910. "There were two hunters that came to stay at that station while they hunted for deer," Clint Clarkson said. "And in the process of all that, the hunters stepped on the dog's tail of one of these men and kicked the dog because the dog bit him.
How Scottsdale plans to help residents live to 100 with Blue Zone initiative
Scottsdale is already one of the healthiest places to live in the country, but a global health initiative says the city can do even better. It is part of a push to transform Scottsdale into a certified "Blue Zone" where living a longer, healthier life is built into daily routines. Want to live to 100? There are a few select places in the world where that happens at a much higher rate, and Scottsdale is now trying to steal their secrets.
Colorado River cuts to drive up Arizona water prices as cities invest in infrastructure
The Brief Arizona cities dependent on the Colorado River face impending federal water cuts, driving up local utility costs. Infrastructure investments, including expanded treatment plants and advanced wastewater purification, are required to secure future water supplies. Municipalities like Apache Junction maintain underground groundwater reserves and long-term storage credits to maintain service during reductions.
Colorado River cuts to drive up Arizona water prices as cities invest in infrastructure
Water experts state that no matter what happens with cuts along the Colorado River, water will start getting more expensive. There are many reasons for that, with much on the line as federal officials announce Colorado River water cuts. In Apache Junction, local officials rely entirely on the river for their water supply. While residents will still have water, many water solutions require infrastructure, which requires funding.
Colorado River cuts to drive up Arizona water prices as cities invest in infrastructure
Follow Colorado River cuts to drive up Arizona water prices as cities invest in infrastructure Mon, August 17, 2026 at 8:17 PM EDT Arizona cities dependent on the Colorado River face impending federal water cuts, driving up local utility costs. Infrastructure investments, including expanded treatment plants and advanced wastewater purification, are required to secure future water supplies.
Powerful storms cause widespread damage, power outages across Glendale, Avondale
Severe storms battered parts of the West Valley late Sunday, Aug. 9, knocking out power to heat-stricken residents, littering Apollo High School with debris on its first day of class, and hurling heavy construction pipes into an Avondale neighborhood. Glendale faced powerful winds that knocked down trees and cut off power, leaving many residents outside sweating in the heat while waiting for electricity to return. The damage stretched for miles along Northern Avenue.
Arizona summer utility assistance demand surges as heat drives up electric bills
Demand for summer assistance programs is sky-high as high temperatures create a massive backlog of residents asking for help to stay cool. Angelle Allen knows how hot it can get inside her apartment. "The last two summers we've had very, very strong summers as far as the heat and the bills go up very high. It's hard to keep up with paying for it," Allen said. Paying for it is a challenge that Dr. Charnise Moore at All Thrive 365 sees every day. "So many days we have, each year, over 100 degrees.
Arizona summer utility assistance demand surges as heat drives up electric bills
Follow Arizona summer utility assistance demand surges as heat drives up electric bills Mon, August 10, 2026 at 12:20 AM EDT Demand for summer assistance programs in Arizona is surging as extreme heat drives utility bills up. Non-profit organization All Thrive 365 offers utility payment assistance, fresh food access, transportation, and home weatherization services. High demand has created a massive backlog, forcing All Thrive 365 to temporarily pause accepting new applications.
Flagstaff retired mathematician turned artist honored with permanent gallery display
It is not every day a mathematician becomes a successful painter. For one Flagstaff resident, he turned to painting in retirement, and his community is now honoring him with a permanent space to display his work. John Van Ness could never dream of his paintings hanging in an exhibit. Growing up, the opportunity was never a possibility. "Some painting, but I was so poor we couldn't afford paint, so we didn't have paint," Van Ness said.
Arizona deputy uses fatherly instincts to care for rescued infant after highway traffic stop
A sheriff's deputy rescued an 11-day-old baby near Williams, Arizona, following a statewide search that spanned more than 170 miles from the child's home in Surprise. Authorities reported that the infant's father had no custodial rights and took the child without the mother's permission. Who is the Deputy?: The deputy who made the recovery is a father of four whose youngest child is 3 months old, making him experienced in feeding infants with a bottle.
Arizona father and daughter join Massachusetts bike ride to raises funds for cancer research
Thousands of cyclists rode for hundreds of miles in Massachusetts over the weekend to raise money for cancer research, including a local family riding in honor of a beloved brother and uncle. Riding together every Saturday morning, and following up with a pancake breakfast, is a weekly ritual for Chris Hunt and his daughter Molly Miller. "We ride every Saturday morning together for a couple hours followed by a pancake breakfast," Miller said.
Arizona nonprofit partners with local businesses to prevent food waste
An Arizona nonprofit is celebrating 40 years of saving meals, highlighting the latest businesses making sure no food goes to waste. What It Is: Brent has a passion for fresh healthy meals, so he created the Brento Box— which delivers meal kits, and even has vending machines of fresh meals. "We put them in gyms, office buildings, apartment complexes, police stations and city halls to make healthy food available to everybody," Brent Imbornoni, founder of Brento Box, said.
Spacecraft bound for Mars takes stunning photo of Earth, moon using Arizona-made camera
A spacecraft is headed to Mars and is expected to arrive in less than a year. An Arizona-based team ensured the spacecraft is equipped with a camera to capture never-before-seen pictures of the Red Planet. Before saying goodbye to Earth, the spacecraft captured several images from space. What we know: An incredible image shows the crescent shape of Earth on the left and the moon on the right. The camera that captured the image onboard the spacecraft was built at Northern Arizona University.
Arizona man survives heart attack at 14 thanks to specialized heart pump Original
An Arizona man got a chance to meet the team that saved his life. Without their specialized heart pump, this would be a tragic story. What we know: Playing a video game is a perfectly ordinary moment for a 21-year-old. But Anthony Rojas savors every moment, no matter how small, because he should not have them. "They told me my coronary arteries turned into aneurysms," Rojas said. Before spending a day walking his dog, Rojas was a 14-year-old kid in Arizona with a cold that was not clearing up.
Arizona dad turns heartbreak into national movement with Million Mile Challenge
A Gilbert father went to great lengths for his son's last walk, sharing that journey in hopes of inspiring others to tell their story, one step at a time. Barry Adkins says it was his son Kevin's high school graduation where he really bonded with him. "At the high school graduation ceremony he whispered to me 'thanks for not giving up on me dad'," Adkins said. Kevin was admittedly not a great student, but he was a great kid who got his grades up. After graduation, he moved out.
2026 Election: Maricopa County Recorder highlights quick ballot turnaround
Follow 2026 Election: Maricopa County Recorder highlights quick ballot turnaround Thu, July 23, 2026 at 12:53 AM UTC Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Maricopa County Recorder staff completed signature verification on tens of thousands of late early ballots ahead of schedule. Bipartisan election teams began tabulating election day verified mail-in ballots by 1 p.m. Wednesday.
2026 Election: Maricopa County Recorder highlights quick ballot turnaround
Tens of thousands of votes still need to be counted in Maricopa County, but one step of this election is wrapped up well ahead of schedule. While residents slept, dozens of Maricopa County Recorder employees poured through mail-in ballots to review every signature. The new process promised greater oversight alongside faster verification. On the afternoon of July 21, Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap promised the work would be done by July 22.
Maricopa County election changes: New dynamic could speed up results
The primary election is July 21, and this year, a major change on Election Day might mean initial results are released a lot faster. Maricopa County has been under a microscope nationally for how long it takes to count votes. A lot of that is because of how long it takes to verify the signatures of mail-in ballots. More than 40,000 signature-verified mail ballots were brought in to be tabulated on July 20 by election workers, marking the last batch before primary Election Day.
Banner Air deploys antivenom helicopter teams: 'Time is tissue' Original
A behind-the-scenes look reveals what happens if a person gets bitten by a rattlesnake on a trail or far from a hospital, as Banner Air demonstrates why every second counts. There are a drill of an elite team that is ready to go anywhere to save a life. "We've got a 35-year-old male who has been bitten by a rattlesnake," a team member announced during the drill. "Make sure we have bilateral gauge and bilateral IVs and antivip ready.
"Lords work moved it": Phoenix family grateful to survive massive monsoon tree collapse
Arizona has experienced four days of the monsoon in a row, bringing wind, dust, rain, lightning, and even power outages, with the latest storm making its way across most of the region. July is starting off pretty active when it comes to the weather, and those storm chances continue to increase throughout the week.
"Lords work moved it": Phoenix family grateful to survive massive monsoon tree collapse
"Lords work moved it": Phoenix family grateful to survive massive monsoon tree collapse The Brief Arizona has experienced four consecutive days of monsoon weather including wind, dust, rain, lightning, and power outages. A severe storm cell dropped 1.38 inches of rain in a targeted pocket north of Sky Harbor International Airport, causing a massive tree to collapse onto a family home.
Cyclosporiasis outbreak: Some Arizona consumers turn to local farms Original
As cases of an intense digestive sickness continue to spread across the country, some are turning to locally grown produce. While no cause has been determined yet for what is causing the cyclosporiasis outbreak, it is making some think a little more about where they buy their food. Why you should care: The illness, caused by the microscopic parasite cyclospora, can lead to weeks of gastrointestinal illness.
Free Arizona semiconductor training program launches as chip industry expands Original
The semiconductor industry in Arizona needs employees, and fast. But training the thousands of Arizonans for these complex chip-making jobs will be a challenge. "NAU wants to support growth in Arizona so it is an important project," Northern Arizona University professor Dr. Tom Dory said.
Navajo cultural experience: Hubbell Trading Post event coming to Petrified Forest National Park Original
A beautiful place you may never have heard of is getting a special spotlight in Arizona. What we know: The Hubbell Trading Post is the longest continuously operating trading post in the Southwest. This is a place where people have come together for a long time in Ganado, Arizona.
Chandler Police unit to tackle illegal fireworks during July 4th weekend
Follow Chandler Police unit to tackle illegal fireworks during July 4th weekend A dedicated Chandler police unit is targeting illegal airborne firework launches to maintain city efficiency during holidays. Officials are reminding residents that launching illegal airborne fireworks carries a thousand-dollar fine. Authorities urge the public to report illegal fireworks using non-emergency lines to keep 911 lines open for emergencies. CHANDLER, Ariz.
Chandler Police unit to tackle illegal fireworks during July 4th weekend
A Chandler police unit is going to try to catch illegal firework launches in action. They are taking it seriously and reminding people of the hefty fines associated with it. According to the city's website, use of the following fireworks are banned: Violators could be fined, according to the city. What we know: No matter the opinion on fireworks, one thing that will be true for police departments is that their phones will be flooded with calls on the night of the fourth.
Chandler Police unit to tackle illegal fireworks during July 4th weekend
Thu, July 2, 2026 at 1:05 AM UTC Chandler Police unit to tackle illegal fireworks during July 4th weekend The Brief A dedicated Chandler police unit is targeting illegal airborne firework launches to maintain city efficiency during holidays. Officials are reminding residents that launching illegal airborne fireworks carries a thousand-dollar fine. Authorities urge the public to report illegal fireworks using non-emergency lines to keep 911 lines open for emergencies. CHANDLER, Ariz.
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