Matthew Hendley

CBS 5's Morgan Loew Got Stat Wrong in Medical-Marijuana Report, DHS Director Will Humble Says

Ninety percent of medical-marijuana cardholders didn't qualify for nothing but "chronic and severe pain," as Channel 5's Morgan Loew reported last week, the director of the Arizona Department of Health Services told us this morning. New Times writer Matthew Hendley wrote several articles recently a ... More >>

Mesa Woman, 78, Drives Into Fabric Store, Runs Over Four People

A 78-year-old woman who thought she put her Toyota SUV into park outside a Mesa fabric store yesterday was incorrect, and ended up driving quite a distance into the store, hitting three people.

Will the Joe Arpaio Recall Effort Get Enough Signatures?

With the May 30 deadline looming, the effort to recall Sheriff Joe Arpaio has stopped its paid petition-gathering, for the second time, due to donors' unwillingness to cough up the cash.Stephen Lemons reported last week that Respect Arizona found "the sticking point [for donors] was the lack of a de ... More >>

Mexican Man Busted Smuggling $100,000 Out of U.S. Either Lied or Is Bad at Counting

A Mexican national was busted trying to smuggle more than $100,000 from the United States into Mexico, and he may have been caught only because he either lied or is bad at counting.See, U.S. Customs and Border Protection says 54-year-old Gamaliel Gonzales De Dios declared $1,000 in cash when he trie ... More >>

Phoenix Gun-Buyback Program Takes in Another 937 Guns

This gun-buyback program in Phoenix appears to be pretty popular.After taking in almost 1,000 guns in exchange for grocery-store gift cards in the first two weeks, the program's $100,000 donation ran dry, but another anonymous $100,000 donation came in, and it was exhausted again this weekend.See al ... More >>

Border Agents Find a Ton (Literally, 2,000 Pounds) of Weed Hidden in Charcoal

Today in Found at the border: A Mexican national tried to smuggle 2,000 pounds of weed into the United States by hiding the stash in bricks of charcoal.Thanks to Wilhelm Röntgen's 1895 discovery of the X-ray, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers were able to see late last week that the 1,000 ... More >>

Worst Recent Decision by an ASU Frat Boy?

We're sure the frat boys at Arizona State University make poor decisions on an hourly basis, but there have been some extraordinarily poor decisions made recently by the bros.One might imagine that a fraternity member's accidental death late last year might be a bit of a wake-up call for the frat bo ... More >>

More Than 200 Pounds of Cheese Seized at U.S./Mexico Border, for Second Time This Year

For the second time this year, U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized hundreds of pounds of cheese from someone trying to drive a cheese-load into the United States from Mexico.Federal authorities say not only was this cheese undeclared, but it also was unpasteurized.See also:-230 Pounds of Chees ... More >>

Dropping the Blood-Alcohol Level for DUIs From .08 to .05: Yay or Nay?

Yesterday, the National Transportation Safety Board recommended that a blood-alcohol level of .05 should be the new threshold for DUIs, instead of the .08 level in current state laws.It's just a recommendation, but you'll note that thanks to grant money, all 50 since have implemented limits of .08 f ... More >>

Phoenix Gun-Buyback Program Lives, After Another Anonymous $100,000 Donation

Phoenix police and Mayor Greg Stanton have announced that another $100,000 from an anonymous donor will keep the gun-buyback program going.The funds for the program ran dry in the middle of the second of three scheduled dates for the buyback, which started with an initial $100,000 donation. An addit ... More >>

Bigger Clown: Joe Arpaio or Ted Nugent?

Ted Nugent's recent column suggesting that undocumented immigrants be treated like "indentured servants," a nice way of saying "slaves," had us wondering if he's the biggest jackass in the United States of America.Of course, one of his chief rivals in this department would be his ol' buddy, Sheriff ... More >>

Marijuana Legalization Supported by More Than Half of Arizonans, Poll Says

It shouldn't be illegal to possess a little marijuana, according to more than half of Arizona's residents.This Behavior Research Center poll, released today, shows that 56 percent of the Arizonans surveyed are in favor of "legalizing the possession of small amounts of marijuana for personal use," wi ... More >>

Ex-Phoenix Firefighter Mark Nehrenz Gets Jail Time for Drunk-Driving Into a Teenager

A former Phoenix firefighter who was driving drunk when he hit a teenager and drove away in 2011 will spend a little time in jail.Mark Nehrenz was sentenced to 45 days in jail and three years on probation for the incident, which left the teenager with a broken hip.See also:-Phoenix Firefighter Mark ... More >>

Weirdest Arizona Crime of the Week?

Some weeks just tend to bring out the criminal weirdness more than others, and this was one of those weeks.From a chubby fellow's attempt to smuggle drugs in his belly button, to an "irate" woman at the airport threatening that her boyfriend will have sex with a cop's daughter, to a truck driver tyi ... More >>

Pricey Colt AR-15 Assault Rifle Among Guns Turned in at Phoenix Police Buyback Event

After New Times writer Matthew Hendley reported that Phoenix police took in an assault rifle at last weekend's "buyback" event, we were curious what kind of gun it was. Turns out that, in exchange for a $200 gift certificate, an anonymous donor gave up a Colt AR-15 believed to be good condition, a ... More >>

Border Agents Find Heroin Stuffed in a Guy's Belly Button

Ladies and gentlemen, the above photo is a man's belly button stuffed with heroin, in an attempted smuggling attempt in Nogales.See also:-Bell Peppers Will Not Disguise 2,000 Pounds of Weed, Mexican National Discovers-Border Agents Find Women With Buckets of Chicken: Half Original Recipe, Half Meth- ... More >>

Arizona Has a Higher Percentage of Global-Warming Believers Than Any Other State

People in Arizona are more likely to believe that global warming is a real thing than people in any other state.It may be easy to believe, since a large portion of the state is essentially a Crock-Pot that cooks humans during the summer, but it may also be difficult to believe, given the conspiracy- ... More >>

Jodi Arias Trial: The Jury Has Reached a Verdict

UPDATE: Jodi Arias Guilty of First-Degree Premeditated Murder, Jury FindsThe jury has reached a verdict in the murder trial of Jodi Arias.According to a spokesman for the Maricopa County Superior Court, the verdict will be read at 1:30 p.m.See also:-Jury Deciding Arias' Fate-Psycho Killer-Jodi Arias ... More >>

Jan Brewer's Near-Redemption: Man Gets 14 Years in Prison for Cartel Beheading in Chandler

The man who kind of made Governor Jan Brewer's comments about headless bodies in the desert a reality was sentenced to 14 years in prison."Law enforcement agencies have found bodies in the desert either buried or just lying out there that have been beheaded," Brewer said back in June 2010.See also:- ... More >>

Arizona's New Law Preventing Guns Obtained in Buybacks From Being Destroyed: Yay or Nay?

People who wish to turn over guns to their local governments to have them destroyed won't have that option in a few months.Governor Jan Brewer recently signed the bill that prevents the government destruction of guns obtained in buyback programs, as the City of Phoenix and Phoenix Police Department ... More >>

Phoenix Police Took in at Least 800 Guns in Latest Buyback

Phoenix police estimate that more than 800 guns were turned in during this weekend's buyback event, billed as being the biggest gun-buyback event in the history of Arizona.Those guns will all be destroyed, since the new law preventing the destruction of guns turned over during buyback events in Ariz ... More >>

Is Having a "Redneck Day" at School a Poor Choice?

Students at Queen Creek High School, with the apparent blessing of the school's administrators, had a "Redneck Day" at school this week for the purposes of "school spirit."As you can probably imagine, things went a little sour when one student showed up draped in a Confederate flag.See also:-"Rednec ... More >>

Anti-Abortion Activists Hit Up Phoenix Clinic for Latest Undercover Video

A national anti-abortion group shot an undercover video "exposing" a "late-term abortion doctor" in Phoenix.The group, Live Action, does this by having a woman say she's 23 weeks pregnant, and go in this facility with a camera, apparently "exposing" the fact that the abortion process isn't the prett ... More >>

"Redneck Day" at Valley School, Complete With Confederate Flag, Turns Out to Be a Bad Idea

Gee, what could possibly go wrong with Queen Creek High School having a "Redneck Day," including one student draped in a Confederate flag?It turns out that African-American students, parents, and community leaders, as well as people of any race with cultural sensitivities have figured out exactly wh ... More >>

No Work Today at New MCSO Headquarters Due to Bomb Inside, Graffiti Claims

Sorry, construction workers -- despite what you may have read on the side of the pricey new headquarters for the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, you will not be getting the day off due to a bomb inside the building.See also:-Sheriff Arpaio's New Office Has 574 Square Feet-Joe Arpaio Scores $93M Bu ... More >>

Arizona Cardinals Choose Offensive Guard Jonathan Cooper With First-Round Pick

It might not be the most exciting pick as far as play-making is concerned, but the Arizona Cardinals selected offensive guard Jonathan Cooper with the team's first-round pick, the seventh pick overall.It's probably a good pick for the Cardinals, based on the anemic offensive-line play from last year ... More >>

Jordan Doneskey, Former P.V. Teacher, Going to Prison for Sex With a Student

The price of having sex with a 17-year-old student is a 3 1/2-year prison sentence for former Paradise Valley High School teacher Jordan Doneskey.As part of a plea agreement, Doneskey will spend the rest of his life on probation, will have to register as a sex offender, and agreed to forfeit his tea ... More >>

Arizona Sundogs Owner, Staff, and Captain Have Been in a Box in Mid-Air Since Sunday

On Sunday, several employees for Prescott Valley's minor-league hockey team, the Arizona Sundogs, went into a small lift, intent on staying there until they sold 300 hundred season tickets.As of about 1 p.m. today, they still had 24 more season tickets to sell.

The Term "Illegal Immigrant": Yay or Nay?

The term "illegal immigrant" has been the cause of some controversy, as some people and media outlets have changed their tones on whether it's offensive.The Associated Press recently decided it's not using the phrase and the New York Times said yesterday that it's encouraging reporters to "consider ... More >>

ASU Student, 19, Killed by Boyfriend Luis Soltero in Tempe, Police Say

A 19-year-old Arizona State University sophomore was found dead in her Tempe apartment yesterday, according to police.The student's name hasn't been released at this point, but police believe 22-year-old Luis Soltero, the woman's boyfriend, murdered her.

Fred DuVal Is Runnin' for Governor

Democrat Fred DuVal has made his candidacy for governor official, as one of only two Dems whose names have been tossed around in the media for the seat in 2014.DuVal has a lot of titles you could use to describe him, like former underling to President Clinton and Governor Bruce Babbitt, lobbyist, un ... More >>

Tucson Robber Disguised as Demon Is Exactly the Type of Person You Don't Want Sneaking Up Behind You

Having a robber sneak up behind you with a knife while you're at an ATM is undoubtedly scary as hell.If a robber sneaking up behind you with a knife looks like the guy in the photo above, we're guessing an involuntary bowel movement is the only logical reaction.

Valley Fever's 12 Most Popular Arizona News Stories of 2012

It seems like every year there's one local story that defines the news more than others. Last year, it was the shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords in Tucson (which we got a horrific reminder of with the recent mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary). This year, as far as actual readership g ... More >>

One Red Shoe Remains the Only Sign of Missing ASU Freshman Jack Culolias

A red shoe that appears to belong to 19-year-old ASU freshman Jack Culolias remains the only sign of the missing fraternity pledge since he was last seen Friday night.See also:-ASU Freshman Jack Culolias Has Been Missing Since Friday Night

Best Reader Caption for Joe Arpaio and a Guy in a Dog Suit: ecardferret

Congratulations to the New Times reader known as ecardferret, you've won this week's New Times You Write the Caption contest.

Best Reader Caption for Joe Arpaio's Master Birther Mike Zullo: RetiredArmy

Congratulations to the New Times reader known as RetiredArmy, you've won this week's New Times You Write the Caption contest. On Friday, we asked readers to write the caption for the above photo of Sheriff Joe Arpaio's lead birther "investigator," Mike Zullo. We picked the five best captions, and ... More >>

Best Reader Caption for Joe Arpaio and His Cake: knotanes

Congratulations to the New Times reader known as knotanes, you've won this week's New Times You Write the Caption contest.On Friday, we asked readers to write the caption for the above photo of Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, with his cake from Citizens for a Better Arizona's Randy Parraz.We pic ... More >>

Feedback from the Issue of Thursday, June 14, 2012

Best Reader Caption for Russell Pearce and a Baby: LD25 and not voting for Russ

Congratulations to the New Times reader known as LD25 and not voting for Russ, you've won this week's New Times You Write the Caption contest.On Friday, we asked readers to write the caption for the above photo of ousted state Senate President Russell Pearce -- who's actually trying to get elected a ... More >>

Best Reader Caption for Jan Brewer Not Pointing Her Finger at Something: Dynohmike

Congratulations to the New Times reader known as Dynohmike, you've won this week's New Times You Write the Caption contest.On Friday, we asked readers to write the caption for the above photo of Governor Jan Brewer, in honor of her trip to Washington for SB 1070's day before the Supreme Court.We ... More >>

Best Reader Caption for Andrew Thomas Complaining About His Disbarment: Tommy Collins

Congratulations to the New Times reader known as Tommy Collins, you've won this week's New Times You Write the Caption contest.On Friday, we asked readers to write the caption for the above photo of former Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas holding a press conference after his disbarment.We p ... More >>

Best Reader Caption for Joe Arpaio Bringing the "Birther" Brigade to Church: Eleanor

Congratulations to the New Times reader known as Eleanor Holguin, you've won this week's New Times You Write the Caption contest.On Friday, we asked readers to write the caption for the above photo of Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio rounding up the "birther" brigade at church for another explanat ... More >>

Best Reader Caption For Joe Arpaio Shaking A Carrot at Things: scobob

​Congratulations to the New Times reader known as scobob, you've won this week's New Times You Write the Caption contest.Last week, we asked readers to write the caption for the above photo of Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio shaking a carrot at things.We picked the five best captions, and put t ... More >>

Best Reader Comment For Paul Babeu's Self-Portrait: HermanKain

Courtesy photoThere's a new sheriff in town, pardner, and he's hardon crime​ Congratulations to the New Times reader known as HermanKain, you've won this week's New Times You Write the Caption contest.On Monday, we asked readers to write their own caption for the photo above, a self-portrait of Pi ... More >>

New Times Welcomes Matthew Hendley Back To the Valley

We'd like to take a moment to introduce the newest addition to New Times' stable of scribes -- please join us in welcoming Matthew Hendley back to the Valley.Loyal Valley Fever-ers may remember Hendley -- he did an internship with us last year and brought us some classic yarns about stupid politicia ... More >>

Major League Baseball and Arizona Diamondbacks Unveil Plans for All-Star Game Collector Cacti, Ballot Candidates, Glee and Whoopi Goldberg

Photo by Matthew Hendley From left to right, Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon, MLB Executive Vice President Tim Brosnan, Diamondbacks legend Luis Gonzalez, right fielder Justin Upton, Managing General Partner Ken Kendrick, team CEO Derrick Hall, and play-by-play TV announcer Darin Sutton in front of ... More >>

Phoenix DUI Suspect Makes it Easy for Cops -- By Driving Straight into Police Headquarters

Photo by Matthew Hendley​In a DUI even Governor Jan Brewer probably couldn't get away with, police say an allegedly drunk 56-year-old man crashed his truck straight into Phoenix police headquarters early Thursday. Phoenix police Sergeant Tommy Thompson tells New Times the man was driving his 2003 ... More >>

Tolleson Man Arrives Home to Find Robber(s); Gets Shot Several Times

Photo by Matthew Hendley Cops say the victim went from his driveway (right) to his neighbor's house (left) to get help.​A 21-year-old man was shot this afternoon as he pulled up to his Tolleson home to discover it was getting burglarized. Phoenix police Sergeant Tommy Thompson says about 1 ... More >>

Qwest Truck Crashes into Phoenix Home; 4-Year-Old Girl Hospitalized

Photo by Matthew Hendley​Forget Qwest's "Heavy Duty Internet" commercials -- the Qwest truck that crashed into a Phoenix home Tuesday morning seems pretty heavy duty as well. Phoenix police Sergeant Tommy Thompson tells New Times that a worker driving a Qwest utility truck crashed into a home at ... More >>