Monument Valley, Utah – The Navajo Nation’s Monument Valley on the Arizona-Utah border had a sunset spectacle this week featuring two mitten-shaped rock formations.

Twice a year, in late March and mid-September, spectators, photographers and videographers get their hands on some visual treats. As the sun sets, the shadow of West Mitten Butte crawls across the desert valley floor and climbs the flanks of East Mitten Butte.

The spectacle draws people from all over the world to Monument Valley Tribal Park, which is already a tourist attraction.

Television and film critic Keith Phipps once described Monument Valley as “defining what decades of filmgoers think when they imagine the American West.”

It’s also a frequent filming location for the 1994 Oscar-winning film Forrest Gump, as well as Westerns directed by the late John Ford. In the film, the character played by Tom Hanks is seen running his way to Monument Valley. In the background is the impressive landscape of the park.

Boy arrested in accident that killed five family members

Peoria – Peoria police have arrested a teenager in connection with a November car crash that killed five people, including three children.

Police in Peoria found the 17-year-old boy in neighboring Glendale on Thursday morning, officials said.

The teenager, whose identity has not been identified because of his age, was jailed on five counts of second-degree murder.

Investigators say speed and obstacles are believed to be factors in the crashes, and traffic-related investigations often take months.

On the night of November 20th, a Jeep SUV collided with a Mazda van making a left turn.

The Mazda was carrying two adults and four children. All were wearing seat belts or appropriate restraints. However, her 36-year-old Elizabeth Simpson of Glendale and her 31-year-old Jace Hoxtetler of Phoenix died at the scene. Her three children, including a 14-year-old girl, have since died.

The Jeep’s teenage driver suffered minor injuries.

Arizona governor vetoes bill banning tents in public places

PHOENIX – Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs on Thursday vetoed a bill that would ban people from setting up tents or tarps in public places.

Senate Bill 1024 would have prohibited anyone from building makeshift shelters on sidewalks, alleys, streets, parkways, and other public right-of-way.

The Power of Veto comes as Phoenix deals with the rise in homelessness.

A Maricopa County senior judge has ordered the city to clear a homeless encampment spanning nearly 10 blocks in the downtown area.

Business owners sued the city over a homeless camp known as “The Zone.” About 700 people have lived in this camp in recent months.

They cite an increase in crime, public drug use, biohazards, and break-ins.

According to the lawsuit, Phoenix should not set up tents on public property.

“Arizona’s housing and homelessness crisis must be addressed comprehensively,” Hobbes wrote in a veto letter sent to Congress. “Rather than solving these problems in any meaningful way, this bill will only obscure them.”

Some Republican lawmakers opposed the Democratic governor, saying the veto would allow homeless people to continue living on the streets.

Officials warn of orange liquid in old Arizona mine

WALKER – Arizona environmental officials are warning that orange liquid and dirt are beginning to appear in Yavapai County near former mining sites.

On Friday, the State Department of Environmental Quality issued a news release urging the public to stay clear of the Walker area that surrounds where the Sheldon mine was located.

They say local residents notified them of the orange liquid and soil. Official inspectors confirmed it on Thursday.

Officials say the orange liquid could occur in other nearby areas. It could all have been caused by the recent snow and rain in northern and central Arizona.

Meanwhile, the department is trying to determine what the orange substance is and whether cleanup operations are required.

People who experience side effects after coming in contact with orange liquid or dirt should talk to their healthcare provider.

Walker is about 100 miles north of Phoenix.