Rey Covarrubias Jr.

Phoenix

Breaking News Intern at The Arizona Republic

Lifelong Arizonan — Journalist — Bylines in @azcentral & @LegendNewspaper. Have a question or a story Idea? Reach out: [email protected]

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Articles

Trump's strikes on Iran splinter Arizona political leaders

6 days ago | azcentral.com | Laura Gersony |Rey Covarrubias Jr.

Arizona’s political leaders were divided over President Donald Trump’s decision to bomb three nuclear enrichment facilities in Iran on June 21 — a pivotal move that pushes the United States into war in the Middle East. The strikes drew widespread praise from many of Trump’s Republican allies in Arizona, who called for "trust" in the president, while sparking strong opposition from two Democrats — U.S. Rep. Yassamin Ansari and U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego.
'Piece of us was lost': All about fallen Apache Junction police officer Gabriel Facio

2 weeks ago | azcentral.com | Rey Covarrubias Jr. |Perry Vandell |Stacey Barchenger

Apache Junction police officer Gabriel Facio, 46, died June 8 from injuries sustained in a June 2 shooting. Facio was shot in the face by Roger Nunez, 37, after responding to reports of Nunez brandishing a firearm. Nunez, who used a "ghost gun," was also injured in the exchange of fire and will face homicide charges. Facio was a 3-year veteran of the department and the first Apache Junction officer killed in the line of duty.
2 teens killed northeast of Phoenix add to list of murders at campsites since 1970s

2 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Rey Covarrubias Jr.

The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office continued to investigate the shooting deaths of two Phoenix area teenagers found dead near a campsite northeast of the Valley. The two were shot and killed by an unknown assailant on May 26, their bodies found by deputies the next day, according to the families of the two victims.
Chihuahua sent to Gilbert animal hospital after being bitten in the face by a rattlesnake

3 weeks ago | azcentral.com | Rey Covarrubias Jr. |Wren Smetana

A Chihuahua named Murphy was bitten by a rattlesnake in his Gold Canyon backyard and successfully treated with antivenom at a Gilbert animal hospital. Dogs are particularly vulnerable to rattlesnake bites due to their curiosity, and immediate medical attention is crucial if bitten. Pet owners should take precautions such as using short leashes and avoiding snake-prone areas to prevent bites.
Chihuahua sent to Gilbert animal hospital after being bitten in the face by a rattlesnake

3 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Rey Covarrubias Jr. |Wren Smetana

Veterinarians warned rattlesnakes and dogs shouldn't be friends after an incident sent a Chihuahua to a Gilbert hospital. Twelve-year-old Murphy was bitten by a venomous rattlesnake in April 2025, according to Arizona Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care Center in Gilbert. Murphy was enjoying some outside time in his Gold Canyon backyard when his owner realized a rattlesnake had bitten the dog on the right side of his face.
'I helped him pack': AZ teens found dead off SR 87 were camping, families say

3 weeks ago | usatoday.com | Rey Covarrubias Jr.

Two teenagers found dead northeast of the Phoenix area were on a camping trip when they were killed, according to their families. Pandora Kjolsrud, 18, and Evan Clark, 17, were found with gunshot wounds just off State Route 87 near Mount Ord, north of Sunflower, according to the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, who found the bodies May 27.
Parts of Mill Avenue in Tempe will be restricted for 5 days as art is installed

3 weeks ago | azcentral.com | Rey Covarrubias Jr.

Mill Avenue traffic will be restricted to one lane in each direction between 13th Street and Broadway Road from June 2 to June 6 for a public art installation. Access to HonorHealth Tempe Medical Center and Tempe High School will be modified due to the construction. The installation of the "Sun Garden" sculptures will restrict left turns at Mill Avenue and Bonita Way and Mill Avenue and 14th Street.
Parts of Mill Avenue in Tempe will be restricted for 5 days as art is installed

3 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Rey Covarrubias Jr.

Traffic on Mill Avenue will be restricted for five days due to the installation of a public art project, the city said in a news release. The railroad underpass on Mill Avenue between 13th Street and Broadway Road will be confined to one lane in either direction for installation of the Sun Garden, according to the city. Installing the sculptures will also cause other traffic restrictions and impacts, the city said.
Police officer injured, suspect in custody after shooting in Apache Junction

3 weeks ago | azcentral.com | Rey Covarrubias Jr.

A suspect is in custody after a shooting in Apache Junction left one police officer injured, according to Apache Junction police spokesperson Rayna Steffen. The Apache Junction Police Department reported the incident at Ironwood Drive and Ray Avenue in the southeast Valley around 10 a.m. in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. Police would later confirm it was a police shooting. Southbound Ironwood Drive was limited to one lane as authorities remained on scene, Steffen said.
'Very uncommon': Early June rain is rare, with not much more expected

3 weeks ago | azcentral.com | Rey Covarrubias Jr.

Unusual June rain showered the Phoenix area, with lingering chances expected northward. Over 0.25 inches of rain fell across most of metro Phoenix, a rare event attributed to an unusual combination of moisture. The storm caused power outages and freeway closures in the Phoenix area. The weather system was set to move north, bringing rain and cooler temperatures to northern Arizona, including the Grand Canyon and Flagstaff.