Denial of appeal clears way for Dominium apartments in Surprise

The Arizona Court of Appeals ruled on Feb. 7 against an appeal filed on behalf of the Voice of Surprise Facebook group, clearing the way for an affordable housing complex in Surprise. Voice of Surprise

All for Love: Animal rescue organizations reunite, re-home pets Valley-wide

When Asa Clements, 33, of Scottsdale, recalls being reunited with his loved pet, Stella, it has all the makings for a good Valentine’s Day story.

No contest: WM Phoenix Open holds up just fine against Super Bowl

SCOTTSDALE – Not every PGA Tour stop would welcome its tournament coinciding with the Super Bowl. The WM Phoenix Open embraces it. “Adding the Super Bowl clearly adds an element of …

Grid Mesa sign permit approved by adjustment board

A special use permit has been approved for a comprehensive sign plan for the Grid Mesa mixed-use development west of South Mesa Drive and south of East Main Street. The Mesa Board of Adjustment on …
Valley & State

Arizona lawmakers avert school closures with funding fix

Arizona lawmakers have voted to let public school districts spend all the money they were promised by the state. The vote on Wednesday eliminates the risk that schools would abruptly lay off teachers …
Super Bowl 57

Super Bowl Experience gears up for final weekend

The NFL's Super Bowl Experience is gearing up for its final weekend at the Phoenix Convention Center this Thursday through Saturday. The event, presented by Lowe's, is a massive roadshow of all …
Legal

Maricopa County opens new courtroom to support mental health hearings

Maricopa County Superior Courts in partnership with Valleywise Health has now opened a second mental health courtroom in the community of Maryvale.
SUPER BOWL

Authentic Kansas City, Philly grub right here in Glendale

Calling all Super Bowl fans visiting Glendale. More specifically, calling all visiting Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles fans.
Development

Landsea Homes closes on 65 Estrella home sites

Landsea Homes has closed on 65 home sites in the Estrella master planned community in Goodyear. The company also has broken ground on 616 new homes at Citrus Park, both of which will begin …
Adapted Sports

USA Wheelchair Football League plays championship game in Glendale

The USA Wheelchair Football League played its championship game in Glendale on Tuesday as part of a slate of NFL events held during Super Bowl week. Athletes with disabilities, including …
SCHOOLS

Scottsdale school board considers policy changes

It’s time to streamline the process that students with special needs get services, according to Scottsdale Unified School District Governing Board Member Carine Werner. Werner requested at …
Government

Julie Karins bids ‘bittersweet’ farewell as Goodyear city manager

Since 2018, City Manager Julie Karins held the top unelected leadership position at the city of Goodyear. But shortly after her fifth-year anniversary with the city this month, Karins will bid the …

Read more

E-newspaper

E-newspaper

Read the latest print edition here.


View this issue

Browse other issues

Sun Life Latest Issue

Sun Life Magazine

Read the latest print edition here.


View this issue

Browse other issues

Read more

Your nonpartisan digital daily news source
West Valley

It started as an online Facebook group evolved to a chartered Recreation Centers of Sun City club because it outgrew its meeting locations.

South Peoria is about to see smoother roads.
The city of Buckeye has been honored with the “Distinguished Budget Presentation Award” for the fourth year in a row for its Fiscal Year 2022-2023 City Budget ending June 30, 2023.
 Glendale Community College will host a Black History Month celebration on campus throughout the month of February to focus student attention on the remarkable accomplishments and contributions …
Liberty boys basketball had just finished its best season in its history in 2021 and was losing eight seniors to graduation. The Lions needed new players, and an incoming star or two wouldn't hurt.

More from the West Valley

Phoenix

This year the Super bowl won’t be the only event making big plays. The Super Bowl Host Committee partnered with the National Football League to donate more them $2 million combined this year to more than 50 organizations across the region.

Both Super Bowl teams — the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles — converged under one roof for Super Bowl Opening Night on Feb. 6 The opening night event was held at …
A self-proclaimed pro-life Spiderman has been taken into custody after climbing the former Chase Bank tower in Phoenix. Maison DesChamps  on Tuesday morning scaled the tower in Phoenix as a …
The Phoenix Police Foundation will have its third annual Honor Walk/Run in March. The event, which recognizes 41 Phoenix police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, will take place …
Excitement is in the Valley of the Sun air as the road to Super Bowl LVII enters its final days. “It’s going to be a fantastic week,” said Arizona Cardinals President and …

More from Phoenix

East Valley

Each year, the Central Arizona College Learning Support Department holds a poetry contest in celebration of the contributions of African Americans. This year the theme for the Black History Poetry …

Queen Creek’s 2023 State of the Town was presented last night with a video highlighting the accomplishments made in 2022. The presentation was made in partnership with the Queen Creek …
For the first time, Scottsdale Sister Cities Association is building a youth ambassador exchange around the game of golf, a sportvitally important to both Scottsdale and Killarney, Ireland, …
Since 1951, Scottsdale celebrates its Western heritage every year with the Parada del Sol parade and festival. Joan Fudala, who is an author and local historian who spoke at a presentation during …
Tempe History Museum looks to extend the run time of its featured exhibit, “Guadalupe: Where Three Cultures Flourish,” which delves into the town of Guadalupe and was created in partnership with the Guadalupe Historical Society and the Pascua Yaqui Tribe.

More from the East Valley

Opinions: Highlighting Valley Voices
Photo By Arianna Grainey/Independent Newsmedia

Pace: Proposed bill could eliminate town’s 1 home per acre zoning

The By-Right Zoning bill is back and worse than ever. Last year many of us wrote about and worked hard to educate all residents and communities about the dangers and destruction of by-right zoning …

Provateare: Sun City center parking lot, 99th Avenue needs repair

I’ve noticed the strip center on 99th Avenue and Bell Road where Arby’s is located has a terrible parking lot.
Jerry Weiers

Weiers: Glendale mayor will run on record, not attacks

For as long as I can remember, Glendale voters have had choices when it comes to voting for Mayor, and I think that’s a healthy thing. But Glendale voters certainly deserve better than Paul Boyer’s already negative and personal campaign.

Hobert: Who are groups taking up prime Sun City golf tee times?

I welcome the opportunity to state my position on (“Sun City golfers frustrated over tee times,” Sun City Independent, Jan. 18, 2023).
Paul Boyer

Boyer: Why I am running for Glendale mayor

Two things in my life have remained constant since childhood. The son of a pastor, I learned at a young age the value of servant leadership. As a West Valley and Glendale resident for most of my life, I have loved and served our community for decades. I share your frustrations, your hopes, and your sense that our local government must do more to listen to its ultimate boss – the residents who call Glendale home.

Read more

Calendar of events
Valley sports
Local sports

California Golden Bears face the No. 4 Arizona Wildcats on 7-game skid

Cal aims to stop its seven-game skid when the Golden Bears play No. 4 Arizona. Thursday's meeting will be the second of the season between the two teams. Cal is 2-10 against the Pac-12, and Arizona …

Stanford takes home win streak into matchup with Arizona State

Stanford comes into a matchup against Arizona State as winners of four games in a row at home. The teams meet Thursday for the second time this season. Stanford is 4-8 against the Pac-12, and Arizona …

Suns face the Hawks, look for 4th straight victory

Phoenix heads into a matchup with Atlanta as winners of three consecutive games. The teams meet Thursday for the second time this season. Atlanta is 13-11 at home, and Phoenix is 11-17 on the road.

Read more local sports

National sports

AP source: Lakers trading Westbrook to Utah in 3-team swap

The Los Angeles Lakers are trading Russell Westbrook to Utah and reacquiring guard D’Angelo Russell from Minnesota in a three-team, eight-player deal, a person with knowledge of the trade told The …

Kreider, Chytil lead Rangers to 4-3 win over Canucks

Chris Kreider and Filip Chytil got New York off to a strong start in the first period and the Rangers held on to beat the Vancouver Canucks 4-3 for their third straight win. Alexis Lafreniere and …

UConn women lose 2nd straight game for 1st time since 1993

UConn lost back-to-back games for the first time in three decades after the fourth-ranked Huskies were beaten 59-52 by Marquette on Wednesday night. The Huskies, who were playing three nights after …

Vandy stuns No. 6 Tennessee on Lawrence's buzzer-beating 3

Tyrin Lawrence knocked down a 3-pointer from the right corner at the buzzer as the Vanderbilt Commodores snapped an 11-game skid against its in-state rival by upsetting sixth-ranked Tennessee 66-65 …

Staley Statue: Gamecocks coach to be honored with statue

South Carolina's capital city is planning a statue honoring two-time national championship coach Dawn Staley. Officials from Columbia say they're working with the group, Statues for Equality, which …

Read more

Most recent

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden sparked a firestorm in energy circles when he said in Tuesday's State of the Union address that the United States will need oil “for at least another …

A tiny California mouse now has a big title after winning a Guinness World Records title for longevity. A Pacific pocket mouse named Pat — after “Star Trek” actor Patrick Stewart received the …
EAST PALESTINE, Ohio (AP) — A broadcast reporter was pushed to the ground, handcuffed and arrested for trespassing Wednesday while covering a news conference about the derailment of a train …
With concerns about war, drought and the environment raising new worries about food supplies, the UN's Food and Agricultural Organization has christened 2023 as the “Year of Millets” — grains …
CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Australia’s Defense Department will remove surveillance cameras made by Chinese Communist Party-linked companies from its buildings, the government said Thursday after …
Facebook
Thank You For Supporting Local Journalism
Valley business

Mark-Taylor Residential to manage three new luxury, single-family communities

Mark-Taylor Residential, a manager of luxury multifamily communities based in Scottsdale, has introduced BB Living at Civic Square, Banyan at South Mountain and Banyan Preserve to its …

Meet Your Business: Allen owns Abrazo Funeral Home and Cremation

Your Name: David Allen Business Name: Abrazo Funeral Home and Cremation Town/Neighborhood: East Valley-Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler, Apache Junction, San Tan, Florence, Queen Creek. Hours of …

Shady Rays set to open Scottsdale location

Shady Rays, a shaded eyewear company, is opening a new storefront at Scottsdale’s Kierland Commons this spring. This will be the eyewear company’s largest retail footprint to date, …

Gilbert-based business gets investment stake, sales boost on 'Shark Tank'

The founders of Slick Barrier, a Gilbert-based pest product business, received a $500,00 funding deal on ABC’s Shark Tank episode Jan. 27.    Shark Tank is a …

Read more

Neighbors

Mesa’s Beljan details struggles with anxiety ahead of Phoenix Open qualifier

PHOENIX – Pro golfer Charlie Beljan has experienced many career-defining moments, none more impactful than when he played in the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Classic. In the …

Octogenarian tourney coming next month

The Sun City Octogenarian Golf Tournament is back on its regular schedule.

Support your Peoria Hometown Heroes with a sponsorship today

Here is a great opportunity to make a difference and support those who give back to your Peoria community.

VIDEO: Palmer drops historical knowledge

Norman Palmer weaves a yarn.

Read more

Things to do

Cave Creek art gallery celebrates the work of 50 Arizona artists

The Finer Art Gallery will host a special “Art Affaire” artist reception from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 17 to showcase its expanded 4,000-square-foot gallery space and celebrate …

'Frozen' cast member to host Arizona Broadway Theatre’s Master Class

A Broadway actor is about to lay down some knowledge in Peoria.

48 fighters at United Fight League MMA event in Mesa

United Fight League’s inaugural Grand-Prix Quarterfinal 1 card — with 48 top mixed martial arts fighters across six weight classes from six countries — will be held Feb. 18 at Bell …

Art on the Boardwalk coming to Talking Stick entertainment district

Art on the Boardwalk outdoor festival will celebrate the renewal of spring in Scottsdale’s Talking Stick entertainment district 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Friday, March 10, to Sunday, March 12, with …

Read more

Entertainment
FILE - Filmmaker Ken Burns walks with inmate Rahsaan Thomas at San Quentin State Prison in San Quentin, Calif., on July 24, 2019. Thomas, a co-host of Ear Hustle, the Pulitzer Prize-nominated podcast produced behind bars, was released from San Quentin State Prison on Wednesday, Feb. 8,2023, a year after California's governor commuted his sentence. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg, File)

'Ear Hustle' podcast co-host is free from San Quentin prison

A co-host of “Ear Hustle,” the Pulitzer Prize-nominated podcast produced behind bars, has been released from San Quentin State Prison, a year after California’s governor commuted his sentence. …
President Joe Biden delivers the State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress at the U.S. Capitol, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023, in Washington.(AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, Pool)

Biden's State of the Union draws audience of 27.3 million

NEW YORK (AP) — An estimated 27.3 million people watched President Joe Biden's State of the Union address on television, the second smallest audience for the annual event in at least 30 years, the …
FILE - Sheryl Lee Ralph arrives at AARP's 21st annual Movies for Grownups Awards on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023, at the Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. Ralph is living a career dream: The “Abbott Elementary” star won her first-ever Emmy in 2022 and will lend her powerful vocals as a Super Bowl pregame performer this weekend, Sunday, Feb. 12. (Photo by Allison Dinner/Invision/AP, File)

At Super Bowl, Sheryl Lee Ralph seeks to ‘Lift Every Voice’

Sheryl Lee Ralph is living a career dream: The “Abbott Elementary” star won her first Emmy last year and lends her powerful vocals as a Super Bowl pregame performer this weekend. With all her …
Nathan Chasing Horse stands in court. Monday, Feb. 6, 2023, in North Las Vegas, Nev. Nathan Chasing Horse appeared in court for the second time after his arrest on charges of sexual assault and human trafficking. (AP Photo/Ty O'Neil)

Bail $300K for former 'Dances With Wolves' actor in sex case

Bail has been set at $300,000 for a former “Dances With Wolves” actor charged in Nevada with sexually abusing and trafficking Indigenous women and girls. The judge said Wednesday that Nathan …
FILE - Composer John Williams poses on the red carpet at the 2016 AFI Life Achievement Award Gala Tribute to John Williams at the Dolby Theatre on Thursday, June 9, 2016, in Los Angeles. Work to digitize a series of more than 200 Boston Pops radio broadcasts conducted by Williams from 1979 until 1991 is almost complete, the Boston Symphony Orchestra announced Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023 on Williams' 91st birthday. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File)

BSO plan to digitize John Williams concerts almost complete

BOSTON (AP) — An effort to digitize more than 200 Boston Pops radio broadcasts conducted by John Williams from 1979 until 1991 is almost complete, the Boston Symphony Orchestra announced Wednesday, …

Read more

Obituaries & Memorials

Robert (Bob) Mirando Cirulli

Robert Mirando Cirulli, age 90, of Phoenix, Arizona passed away on Thursday, February 2, 2023. Bob was born August 7, 1932 to the late Mirando and Monica (Obalek) Cirulli in Elmira, NY. Bob graduated …

Laverne Marie Krezel

On Monday, January 30, 2023, Laverne Krezel, passed away at the age of 92. She was a loving mother to 5 children, Frank Jr., Kathy, Debra, Karen Clay (Al) and Ken. She has 11 grandchildren & 19 …
Rolf and Beverly Strahm

Rolf C. Strahm

Rolf Christian Strahm was born January 21, 1932, in Calexico, California. The son of Swiss immigrants, he grew up in San Bernardino, California. He joined the United States Navy while in high school, …

Shirley Ann Metz Beyer

Shirley passed away at age 90 on January 14, 2023, in Sun City West after a brief illness.Shirley was born in Mitchell, South Dakota, and raised in Chicago. She attended Hirsch High School there and …

Ruby May Reynolds Csuy

Ruby was born in Andersonville, Tennessee, January 18, 1928 to Louis Alcain Reynolds and Lelia Mae Jones Reynolds. She is preceded in death by her brothers, Conda Lee Reynolds, William Carl Reynolds, …

Read more

Nation

Biden's fentanyl position sparks criticism from 2 sides

President Joe Biden’s calls in his State of the Union speech for strong criminal penalties in response to soaring deaths linked to the potent opioid fentanyl are being rebuked by harm reduction …

Twitter scrambles to fix meltdown as many unable to tweet

Many Twitter users found themselves unable to tweet, follow accounts or access their direct messages on Wednesday as the Elon Musk-owned platform experienced a slew of widespread technical problems. …

Driver in strange Tesla crash apparently moved to rear seat

National Transportation Safety Board investigators apparently have solved the mystery of why no one was found behind the wheel of a Tesla that crashed in a Texas two years ago, killing two men. The …

California bill would protect native western Joshua tree

A bill backed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom's administration would provide protections to the western Joshua tree, a native desert plant known for its distinct appearance. The bill's proposal comes …

Netflix steps up its effort to get paid for account sharing

Netflix has a plan to deal with rampant account sharing: a program that lets subscribers pay extra to share their account with people outside their household. The streaming giant introduced paid …

Read more

World

North Korea's Kim Jong Un presides over big military parade

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has presided over a huge military parade in the capital, where troops rolled out the latest hardware of his fast-growing nuclear arsenal …

How long can people survive in the rubble of an earthquake?

How long can trapped people survive in the rubble of an earthquake? Up to a week or more, experts say, but it depends on their injuries, how they are trapped and weather conditions. Search …

Earthquake stuns Syria's Aleppo even after war's horrors

For years, the people of Aleppo bore the brunt of bombardment and fighting when their city, once Syria’s largest and most cosmopolitan, was among the civil war’s fiercest battle zones. Even that …

Earthquake takeaways: Hope fading in frigid Turkey, Syria

GAZIANTEP, Turkey (AP) — The search for survivors of the earthquake that toppled thousands of buildings in Turkey and Syria reached a critical stretch on Wednesday, with rescue teams from two dozen …

Germany's Merkel receives UNESCO peace prize in Ivory Coast

YAMOUSSOUKRO, Ivory Coast (AP) — Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel received a UNESCO peace prize Wednesday for her decision to welcome more than 1.2 million migrants to Germany despite …

Read more