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Arizona grand jury indicts pair for alleged school voucher fraud

An Arizona grand jury has indicted two out-of-state residents for allegedly applying to the state’s private school voucher program as parents to 50 children — 43 of whom did not exist. The office …
GOOD CAUSE

Rise Up! Glendale will join upcoming Bowls of Hope festival

Rise Up! Glendale Coalition, a drug prevention outreach program, will join the 11th Annual Bowls of Hope Festival and Fundraiser in Surprise this week.
ARTS

Phoenix Ballet to stage weekend of ‘Nutcracker’ shows

Adding to the holidays, Phoenix Ballet, along with dancers from Master Ballet Academy, will present “A Holiday Spectacular, The Nutcracker” in December in downtown Phoenix.
Utilities

SRP looks at rate hike for transmission, generation growth

Salt River Project is starting the process to raise its electric rates an estimated 3.5% over current levels for average residential users. The utility, which provides electricity and water …
LIVE MUSIC

Billy Gibbons, Sheila E. among Phoenix Musical Instrument Museum concert series

Newcomers and familiar faces are among the more than 50 concerts coming to the Musical Instrument Museum’s concert series which kicks off in January.
Government

Grijalva stepping down from House committee

Congressman Raul Grijalva is stepping down as the ranking Democrat on the Housing Natural Resources Committee, sidestepping a fight for the post with a California lawmaker. In a prepared …
Community

County prosecutor calls for death penalty study in Arizona

PHOENIX — The top prosecutor in Pima County, the state’s second largest county, said it’s time for a real study of the death penalty and not just looking at improving the procedures …
Legal

Phoenix woman sentenced to nearly 3 years in prison for smuggling immigrants

A Phoenix woman was sentenced in November to nearly three years in prison after he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transporting illegal aliens earlier this year. Tonya Durinda Romero, 37, was …
SUSTAINABILITY

Peoria examines new rules for large water users

Peoria leaders’ attempt to evolve the city from a bedroom community to an economic hub will change the way future water demands are projected.
Community

Mesa court, community college partner to help curb homelessness through education

PHOENIX — Mesa Community Court is collaborating with Mesa Community College to refer some of the city’s unhoused people to enroll in the school, giving them access to a multitude of …

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Opinions with Civility
Charles Wallace

Wallace: Moving beyond the court — why you may need an attorney

When hiring an attorney, most people envision courtroom scenes from movies or television. And while they are experts on going to trial, attorneys provide much more to their clients than trial work …

Plencner: Concerning the Office of Tourism resignation

Shocking to read that Katie Hobbs’ selection of director of the Arizona Office of Tourism had to resign. Those who are appointed to serve in government should never be allowed to use their …
Thomas A. Hemphill

Hemphill: Domestic policy challenges for the new administration

The coming Trump administration faces significant issues that the president-elect has campaigned on — controlling inflation, closing the border, rebuilding the U.S. military and ending military …
David Camp

Camp, Wiley: The vulnerable win when electronic health records work with Social Security

When patients can’t get their Social Security disability eligibility determination quickly because they can’t share their medical records, everyone loses. Every year, disabled Americans …
Jessica R. Towhey

Towhey: Will Trump protect drug discount program that serves his rural base?

In its zeal to shrink the federal government, will the coming Trump administration disrupt a discount drug program that underpins the rural hospitals serving the communities that gave him their …
Calendar of events
Entertainment
Sebastian Stan attends The Gothams Film Awards at Cipriani Wall Street on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)

Dark comedy 'A Different Man' surprisingly triumphs at Gotham Awards

NEW YORK (AP) — In a surprise that stunned the audience of Hollywood’s first big awards-season bash, “A Different Man,” a dark comedy about doppelgängers, deformity and authenticity in …
Australian actor Ian Smith, left, poses for a photograph with his wax figure in the character of Harold Bishop from Australian soap "Neighbours" at Madame Tussauds waxworks in Sydney, April 16, 2012. (April Fonti/AAP Image via AP)

Australian actor Ian Smith, who played Harold Bishop in 'Neighbours,' retires due to cancer

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Actor Ian Smith, who has played the character Harold Bishop in the iconic Australian soap opera “Neighbours” since 1987, has announced his retirement after being …
The City of Scottsdale is holding a parents’ night out event for kids in grades 1 through 5 on Dec. 6 at the Horizon Community Center.

City of Scottsdale offers parents’ night out

Youth in grades 1 through 5 are invited for an evening at the Horizon Community Center, 15444 N. 100th St., Scottsdale from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday, Dec. 6 for a parent’s night out event. The …

Harvey Weinstein hospitalized after 'alarming blood test,' attorney says

NEW YORK (AP) — Harvey Weinstein was hospitalized Monday following an “alarming blood test,” his attorney said, less than a week after the disgraced movie mogul filed a legal claim alleging …
This image released by The Philadelphia Orchestra shows Matías Tarnopolsky in Philadelphia. Tarnopolsky will become president and CEO of the New York Philharmonic on Jan. 1 after four years heading the Philadelphia Orchestra. (Jeff Fusco/The Philadelphia Orchestra via AP)

Matías Tarnopolsky to become New York Philharmonic CEO, teaming with Gustavo Dudamel

NEW YORK (AP) — Matías Tarnopolsky will become president and CEO of the New York Philharmonic on Jan. 1 after six years heading the Philadelphia Orchestra, a hiring boosted by his long friendship …
Arizona & National Sports Coverage
Local sports

Arizona State Sun Devils face the San Diego Toreros on 5-game win streak

Arizona State takes on San Diego aiming to continue its five-game win streak. Tuesday's matchup is the first of the season for the teams. Arizona State is 3-0 at home, and San Diego is 0-0 on the …

Seattle U Redhawks to visit Arizona Wildcats Monday

Taisiya Kozlova and the Seattle U Redhawks play the Arizona Wildcats. Monday's meeting is the first this season between the teams. Arizona is 4-0 at home, and Seattle U is 0-3 on the road.

Wembanyama, Spurs take on the Suns

The Suns will play host to conference foe San Antonio. Tuesday's matchup is the first this season for the squads. Phoenix is 9-5 against the Western Conference, and San Antonio is 10-9 against …
National sports
BOSTON (AP) — Jaylen Brown scored 29 points, Jayson Tatum had 18 points and 11 rebounds and Payton Pritchard scored 25 off the bench on Monday night as the Boston Celtics beat the Miami Heat …
Julius Randle scored 18 points and Rudy Gobert had 17 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Minnesota Timberwolves past the Los Angeles Lakers 109-80. Naz Reid and Nickeil Alexander-Walker each scored …
Josh Giddey had 20 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists, helping the Chicago Bulls beat the Brooklyn Nets 128-102. It was Giddey’s first triple-double of the season and No. 12 for his career. Nikola …
Your Nonpartisan Daily News Source
Valley business

Arizona business leaders see Trump tariffs as potential negotiating tactic

FILE - President-elect Donald Trump speaks at meeting of the House GOP conference, Nov. 13, 2024, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)

Some local business leaders believe potential U.S. tariffs against countries such as Mexico and Canada could be a negotiation tactic rather than an inevitability once President-Elect Donald Trump …

Central Music adapts to changes in retail from Phoenix shop

Central Music has operated in Phoenix for more than 70 years, catering to musicians and more. (Special to Independent Newsmedia/Mira Preston)

With its retro checkered storefront and aisles of sheet music, Central Music has remained a Phoenix staple for the 70 years its doors have been open. A local music shop at 5038 N. Central Ave. …

Curling and cocktails are available as Scottsdale’s Lane Park

Old Town Scottsdale’s Lane Park mixes craft cocktails and food with games like curling, duckpin bowling and axe throwing.

You know that sport you always see in the Olympics where people slide big ol’ rocks with handles on them across the ice toward a bullseye? It’s called curling. It originated in …

Pima Center Walk contributes $136,500 to Phoenix Children’s

The 7th Annual Pima Center Walk raised $136,500 for Phoenix Children’s this year.

Plexus Worldwide, a Scottsdale-based health and wellness company, hosted the 7th Annual Pima Center Walk for Phoenix Children’s, bringing together more than 600 participants from across the …

Neighbors

Arizona Jews for Justice hosts immigrant rights solidarity rally

The community is invited to join Arizona Jews for Justice’s immigrant rights rally Dec. 5.

Arizona Jews for Justice invites the community and allies to the immigrant rights solidarity rally Thursday, Dec. 5th, from 4:00 p.m. to 4:30 PM, at the southeast corner of Scottsdale Road and …

Garden grows international community alongside plants in Glendale

Gloria, a Glendale resident originally from Guatemala, waters a bed in the Heart for the City Community Garden in southern Glendale Oct. 30.

An international nexus, organic produce treasure trove and spot of serenity lies hidden behind a south Glendale fire station. The Heart for the City Community Garden brings together gardeners, …

Phoenix native serving with Navy in North Pacific

Electrician's Mate 2nd Class Brennon Ybanez, from Phoenix, monitors the ship's fuel and propulsion on a universal control console aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Preble in the North Pacific Ocean on Nov. 16.

Valley animal shelters benefit during holiday giving season

Animal welfare shelters around the Valley often bring in enough donations during the holidays to get them through the lean summer months.

The holidays are a time of giving, right? People buy extra turkeys and other food stuffs to donate to homeless shelters as Thanksgiving approaches, and there are countless children’s toy …

Things to do

West Valley has a sleigh full of ways to celebrate the season

The 11th annual Hometown Christmas Parade starts at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14 in Historic Downtown Glendale.

You’ll need a lot more than 12 days to experience all the Christmas celebrations around the West Valley this month.

Stage Left to present comedy ‘The Cottage’ at new Glendale site

“The Cottage” opens Feb. 21 at Stage Left Productions’ new location in Glendale.

Stage Left Productions will again celebrate its new Glendale-based theater with its second production of 2025.

Vocal trio to bring Christmas show to Herberger in Phoenix

Terry Barber, Victor Valdez, and Vincent Connor, as EleMenTrio, will perform Dec. 10 in downtown Phoenix.

The three-man vocal group EleMenTrio will bring the sounds of the holidays to downtown Phoenix in December.

Chicago-based blues group Nick Moss Band to play Phoenix

The Nick Moss Band and Dennis Gruenling will perform at The Rhythm Room in Phoenix on Dec. 17.

The winner of the prestigious Blues Music Award for Band Of The Year is coming to Phoenix.

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Obituaries & Memorials

John Robert Drake

John (Jack, Jake) passed away on November 6, 2024, at Banner Boswell Hospital, in Sun City, AZ of natural causes. He was 80 years old. He was born on January 23, 1944, in Chicago, IL to Eldon …

Ronald Ray Brown

RONALD RAY BROWN -- (RON) Ron Brown, 71, from Sun City Grand went to be with the Lord on November 23, 2024. Ron was born to Henry Brown and Virginia Cottrill in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Graduated …

Dolores Frances (Carroll) Balding

Dolores, born on August 5, 1942 in San Francisco, CA to Noel and Lorainne Carroll passed away on October 16, 2024 under Hospice Care at Royal Oaks Lifecare Facility in Sun City, AZ. She grew up in …

John Albert Will

Jack was born on March 7th, 1931 to Albert and Sylvia Will during the early part of the Great Depression. Brother Jim was 3, Tom came along 11 years later. At age two his family moved to the Norwood …

Sharon Lee Christenson

A Celebration of Life will be held on December 7, 2024, at Church of the Psalms in Sun City, AZ (14808 N Boswell Blvd. Visitation 2pm, Service 2:30). Sharon Lee Christenson, 85, of Sun City AZ …
The Latest News Around The Globe
Nation

Alaska Airlines tech issue briefly grounds planes in Seattle, disrupts bookings on Cyber Monday

SEATTLE (AP) — A technology issue at Alaska Airlines resulted in the temporary grounding of flights in Seattle on Monday morning and problems into the afternoon for people trying to book flights on …

Some Atlantic City casino workers call on union boss to resign for opposing a smoking ban

Workers seeking an end to smoking in Atlantic City casinos say the main employee union has been won over by tobacco companies seeking allies in the fight against smoking restrictions. They called …

General Motors to sell its stake in Lansing, Michigan, battery factory to LG Energy Solution

DETROIT (AP) — General Motors has reached an agreement to sell its stake in a nearly completed electric vehicle battery plant in Lansing, Michigan. The company said Monday that it has a …

FTC opens Microsoft antitrust investigation that Trump administration must carry on or drop

Antitrust enforcers with the Federal Trade Commission have opened a wide-ranging investigation into Microsoft's business practices, starting a big legal project that an incoming Trump administration …

Better drugs through AI? Insitro CEO on what machine learning can teach Big Pharma

WASHINGTON (AP) — Artificial intelligence is changing the way companies do business — helping programmers write code and fielding customer service calls with chatbots. But the pharmaceutical …
World

Police in Georgia move again to disperse protests over the suspension of EU talks

TBILISI, Georgia (AP) — Police in Georgia's capital again moved to disperse thousands of demonstrators on Monday after over 200 people were detained during four previous nights of protests against …

Trudeau told Trump Americans would also suffer if tariffs are imposed, a Canadian minister says

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has told Donald Trump that Americans would also suffer if the president-elect follows through on a plan to impose sweeping tariffs on Canadian products. That's according …

A small migrant caravan sets out from southern Mexico but it's unlikely to reach the US border

TAPACHULA, Mexico (AP) — A small migrant caravan has set out from southern Mexico, heading north, but is unlikely to reach the U.S. border after authorities broke up two other small caravans headed …

Trump demands immediate release of Oct. 7 hostages, says otherwise there will be 'HELL TO PAY'

NEW YORK (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump is demanding the immediate release of Israeli hostages still being held in Gaza, saying that if they are not freed before he is sworn into office for a …

Georgia's protests lay bare a clash of values and interests as it navigates a Russia-West standoff

TBILISI, Georgia (AP) — Georgia is convulsed by political upheaval again after its pro-Moscow government, fresh off parliamentary elections denounced as rigged by its critics, decided to suspend …