ARIZONA NEWS

Weekend wrap-up: Here are the biggest Arizona stories from Aug. 26-27

Aug 27, 2023, 6:00 PM | Updated: 6:55 pm

Downtown Phoenix skyline...

View of the downtown Phoenix, Arizona city skyline as seen from South Mountain Park, August 28, 2018. (Photo by Robyn Beck/Getty Images)

(Photo by Robyn Beck/Getty Images)

PHOENIX — A Scottsdale woman was killed in a shooting at a California bar, a Valley Japanese restaurant is one of the top spots in the country and 911 dispatchers can get unlimited mental health services after Gov. Hobbs signed a bill.

Here are some of the biggest stories that headlined the Arizona news cycle over the weekend.


Scottsdale woman among those killed by retired police officer in California

A Scottsdale woman was among those killed Wednesday when a retired police sergeant opened fire at a popular Southern California biker bar, officials revealed Friday.

Tonya Clark, 49, of Scottsdale was dining with the wife of the shooter, according to authorities.

John Snowling, 59, traveled from Ohio to confront his estranged wife, Marie Snowling, shooting her in the face before turning his gun on the crowd, authorities said. His wife survived and is hospitalized.


Japanese restaurant in Phoenix ranks among top ramen spots in US by Yelp

A Japanese restaurant tucked away in the Moon Valley Towne Center in Phoenix was ranked among the top 25 spots in the United States by Yelp.

Located near the intersection of 7th Street and Bell Road, Yutaka Japanese Restaurant comes in at No. 17 on the list and No. 7 among restaurants west of the Mississippi River.

The list was determined through a variety of factors, including the amount of reviews and ratings posted to Yelp from Jan. 2021 through July 2023.


Gov. Katie Hobbs signs bill giving Arizona 911 dispatchers unlimited mental health services

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs signed House Bill 2717 which will provide the state’s 911 operators unlimited mental health services.

Operators can use services without the fear of running out of sessions or having to pay for extra sessions out of pocket.

The signing of the bill gives 911 operators the same mental health benefits as police officers and firefighters.


Canadian company moves helium plant from Arizona site to New Mexico gas field

A Canadian company announced last week it’s moved a helium processing operation from Arizona to a gas field in New Mexico’s Permian Basin just over a month after buying the field for over $2 million.

Desert Mountain Energy Corp. (TSX: DME), headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, closed an approximately $2.5 million deal to acquire the West Pecos Slope Abo Gas Field in Chavez County on July 6.

It took over operations at the 77,500-acre field upon the purchase, according to a release from the company.


YCSO: New DNA breakthrough solves homicide cold case that haunted Prescott for decades

Officials finally cracked a homicide cold case that “rocked” Prescott back in 1987, according to a recent announcement.

The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office said they identified the man who killed a 23-year-old college student in the Prescott National Forest 36 years ago.

“This case has so many incredible twists and turns,” Sheriff David Rhodes said during a Saturday news conference.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap has downsized his external communications staff from seven to ...

Associated Press

New Maricopa County recorder signals shift away from combating disinformation

Maricopa County Recorder Justin Heap is moving away from the office's previous efforts to combat misinformation.

1 hour ago

2025 flu season worse than it's been in 15 years, data shows...

Serena O'Sullivan

Arizona nurse practitioner says this flu season is worse than last

The 2025 flu season is hitting Arizonans hard, with some patients staying sick for a whole week, according to a Banner Health nurse practitioner.

3 hours ago

climate change, young people, Mesa...

Roxanne De La Rosa

Young adults and teens combat climate change through Mesa initiative

A new Mesa grant initiative will allow young adults and teens to compete for funding for projects and ideas that address climate change.

4 hours ago

Fountain Hills law enforcement...

Roxanne De La Rosa

Fountain Hills announces drop in law enforcement costs without reduced service

A law enforcement contract between Fountain Hills and the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office will drop in cost in the upcoming year without any reduction in service.

4 hours ago

Investigators look at a crashed Learjet at Scottsdale Airport after it collided with a parked plane...

Associated Press

1 killed, 3 injured in Scottsdale Airport runway crash involving Mötley Crüe singer’s plane

One person died and three others were hurt when a plane owned by Mötley Crüe's singer collided with another plane the Scottsdale Airport runway.

12 hours ago

drug bust...

Roxanne De La Rosa

Police arrest 5 suspects in social media drug ring

Five suspects took part in a social media drug ring and were arrested for trafficking military style weapons, firearms and drugs.

12 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Collins Comfort Masters

Collins Comfort Masters: Your go-to plumbing experts in Arizona

Collins Comfort Masters, a trusted name in HVAC, water and plumbing since 1985, is you go-to plumbers for the residents of Phoenix and the Valley.

...

The UPS Store

How The UPS Store is giving back to the community

PHOENIX -- As 2024 nears a close, The UPS Store is looking to give back to the Arizona community with the holiday season approaching.

...

Day & Night Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing

Why a Heating Tune-Up is Essential Before Winter

PHOENIX, AZ — With cooler weather on the horizon, making sure your heating system is prepped and ready can make all the difference in staying comfortable this winter.

Weekend wrap-up: Here are the biggest Arizona stories from Aug. 26-27