Weekend wrap: Here are the biggest Arizona news stories from May 29-31

From a six-car chain-reaction crash that sent multiple people, including three young children, to the hospital to a growing pet crisis, here are some of the top Arizona news stories from May 29-31.

Speed, impairment suspected in 6-car Phoenix crash that hospitalized 8, including 3 kids

Impairment and excessive speed are believed to be factors in a violent, six-car chain-reaction crash that sent multiple people, including three young children, to the hospital on Saturday evening, authorities said.

Phoenix Police Department officers responded to the scene just after 7 p.m. near the intersection of 16th Street and Thomas Road.

According to Phoenix police, a 26-year-old man driving a silver Toyota Tacoma was traveling northbound and speeding when he failed to stop for traffic waiting at a red light. The truck crashed into two vehicles stopped at the intersection.

Moments later, a second speeding driver, identified as a 33-year-old man in a silver Pontiac G6, was also heading northbound behind the truck and did not stop. His vehicle crashed into the rear of another stopped car, forcing it into oncoming traffic in the southbound lanes.

The 33-year-old driver of the Pontiac suffered life-threatening injuries. He was rushed to a local hospital, where he remains in critical condition, authorities said.

Paramedics transported the drivers and passengers of the other involved vehicles to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Among those hurt were three juveniles, ages 4, 6 and 8.

Police noted that there were no signs of impairment found in any of the other drivers.

The Phoenix Police Department’s Vehicular Crimes Unit is handling the ongoing investigation. Charges against both speeding drivers are pending the outcome of a full collision reconstruction and toxicology analysis.

Arizona offers 2 of the country’s top pizza shops, list says

Arizona is home to two of the top 50 pizza parlors in the United States, according to a recent list published by 50 Top Pizzas.

Scottsdale’s Craft 64 ranked 29th on the list, while Penelope Pizza in Tucson clocked in at No. 41 on 50TP’s list of 54 pizza joints (four placements have two options tied).

The top choice on the list was Una Pizza Napoletana in New York. The state famed for its pizza culture boasts three of the top 10 choices on the list.

Craft 64 has a Chandler location, but 50TP noted it’s the Scottsdale location near Indian School Road and Goldwater Boulevard that takes their cake.

The eatery is known for its wood-fired pie combined with craft brewery services. It fell a few spots on the list after coming in at 26th in 2025.

Penelope Pizza strives to encapsulate local flavors while staying true to the traditions of the Italian craft. Four of the five pizzas listed as a house favorite on its menu include jalapeños or hot honey drizzle to keep the heat on.

Its friendly and inviting environment make the option special.

Motorcyclist dies after early-morning collision on Phoenix freeway

A motorcyclist died following a crash on Interstate 17 in Phoenix early Saturday morning, according to the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

DPS troopers arrived at the scene south of Glendale Avenue just after 3 a.m.

The motorcyclist was thrown from the motorcycle onto the freeway after striking another vehicle, DPS said. The motorcyclist was taken to a hospital, where they were pronounced dead.

DPS added it is not yet known whether impairment was a factor in the collision.

Northbound I-17 was closed until around 7 a.m. as a result.

Arizona Humane Society sounds alarm on growing pet crisis

The Arizona Humane Society is warning of a worsening pet overpopulation crisis after taking in more than 25,000 dogs and cats in 2025, its highest intake in more than a decade.

AHS leaders say the number could rise to 28,000 animals this year without urgent action.

In response, Valley philanthropist Ann Siner, the CEO of My Sister’s Attic, has pledged $600,000 to launch a major spay and neuter initiative.

“The reality is that we cannot adopt our way out of this crisis,” Siner said in a Thursday news release.

Siner is calling on Arizonans to contribute. She will match donations of $1,000 or more, dollar for dollar, until her matching pledge reaches $600,000.

Why is Arizona’s pet overpopulation crisis so bad?

The surge is part of a broader national shelter crisis tied to several factors, including irresponsible breeding practices and rising veterinary costs.

“The only true solution is spay and neuter,” Siner said. “If these numbers continue to rise unchecked, more pets across Arizona will face euthanasia simply because there is nowhere for them to go.”

Shelter officials say the pause in routine sterilization procedures in 2020 created a ripple effect that continues to strain shelters.

“It breaks my heart to see so many pets in need with nowhere to go, so I decided to give $600,000 and challenge people in Arizona to step up and help,” said Siner. “Please donate. Every dollar helps, even $50.”

Those who want to help fight Arizona’s pet overpopulation crisis can donate online or call 602-997-7585 and pick Option 4 to give.

Japanese food hall concept with 15 eateries signs lease in Scottsdale development

A new food hall concept that will feature authentic brands and cooking from Japan has signed a lease at the Sydney, a rising development in Scottsdale just off the Loop 101.

Local restaurateur Huy Truong is bringing the concept, called Atashi Yokocho, to 14,000 square feet of space at the $100 million entertainment-driven retail development on a 26-acre site on Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Land near 90th Street and the 101.

Truong has found success in bringing high-quality Japanese restaurants to the Valley, including Mensho, a renowned ramen restaurant from Tokyo. Truong has opened two Mensho locations already – Mesa and Phoenix – and has another one coming to the West Valley.

He is also preparing to open another celebrated Japanese concept in Mesa. Later this summer, Udon Shin, a specialized Japanese noodle restaurant, will open in Mesa’s Asian District, around Main Street and Dobson Road.

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