Cruise wants to test self-driving vehicles across California

General Motors’ Cruise autonomous vehicle unit has asked California for permission to test the cars across the entire state. The GM subsidiary is already running an autonomous ride-hailing service …
Education

Great Hearts Academies will open 2 faith-based schools 

Arizona-based charter-school chain Great Hearts Academies is expanding its school network to include Great Hearts Christos, private, faith-based academies set to open this fall in Gilbert and …

Gun used in kidnapping of Americans in Mexico came from US

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (AP) — A man who admitted to purchasing firearms that he knew would be going from the U.S. to a Mexican drug cartel has been arrested in Texas after the discovery that one of the …
Valley & State
Community

Ostrich Festival draws thousands to Chandler for rides, shows, more

The Chandler Chamber of Commerce's 2023 Ostrich Festival attracted thousands of Arizonans of all ages to Tumbleweed Park over the weekend for four days of fun. In addition to an enclosure …

Man pleads guilty to assaulting 2 border agents in Arizona

Authorities say a 26-year-old man from Mexico has pleaded guilty to assaulting two U.S. Border Patrol agents last year on the Tohono O’odham Nation. Federal prosecutors announced Monday that Miguel …
EVENTS

Hundreds will gather this week to remember the life of Lori Piestewa

It's been 20 years since Arizona lost U.S. Army Specialist Lori Piestewa in combat. To honor her sacrifice, the Gold Star Families, Tribal organizations, and others will host events this week.
Education

Maricopa County students encouraged to apply for scholarship by May 1

PHOENIX — As part of the community-focused missions of both the Phoenix IDA and the Phoenix Community Development & Investment Corporation, the organizations are jointly funding the Verma …

Fountain Hills night sky to be featured in Smithsonian exhibit

WASHINGTON — The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History’s new “Lights Out: Recovering Our Night Sky”, which about the global loss of the night sky to light …
Subscriber Exclusive

Phoenix makes plans for $3.5 million in annual opioid settlement funds

The city of Phoenix is making plans for how to spend the several millions of dollars per year it will receive from the state’s opioid settlement funds to help curb opioid and substance abuse in …
SUPREME COURT

Supreme Court hears Navajo water rights case with potentially big impact

WASHINGTON – When the U.S. Supreme Court hears arguments Monday in Arizona v. Navajo Nation, it will be considering fairly technical legal questions, but the answers could have a large impact on water allocation in the Colorado River basin.
HOUSING BILL

Kavanagh: Phoenix Republican's plan would have ‘kneecapped’ local zoning control

PHOENIX - A Phoenix lawmaker is attempting to salvage at least part of his controversial plan to override local zoning rules in the name of affordable housing, a proposal one Scottsdale legislator …

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Calendar of events
Opinions: Highlighting Valley Voices & Encouraging Civility
(Unsplash)

Balto: Congress must protect consumers from predatory drug middlemen

Patients rarely get better by adhering to the belief that an infected wound will heal on its own without medical intervention.
Rep. Analise Ortiz

Ortiz: Let’s put the games aside and find real solutions on housing, water

When I was knocking on doors to win my election to the Arizona House of Representatives, I heard one consistent complaint from voters: “Nothing ever changes.”

Menefee: Stall on theater in Sun City continues today

When I moved to Sun City in 2002 a proposal for a large theater was shot down.

Pember: There is no definitive test for transgender

There is no definitive test for transgender; no blood test, no DNA test, no MRI, no ultrasound.

State lawmakers: rethink bills that take away local control

The very essence of Arizona is rooted in local control. The Arizona Constitution is different than other states, designed to protect cities and towns – and the citizens who live in them …
Your Nonpartisan Daily News Source
West Valley

The Maricopa County Community College District has opened registration for seven bachelor’s degree programs that will begin in August 2023.

Nothing can bring her son back after losing him in the Vietnam War, but on Winnie Ortals’ 100th birthday, March 18, she watched her son being recognized for his service and sacrifice for his …
Trump-backed Republican Rep. Paul Gosar opened a new office in Goodyear on March 14. The controversial congressman is known for refusing to certify the presidential election for President Joe …
Nearly every seat was occupied to hear the smooth sounds of Cal’s Jazz Combo playing orchestral music for a Lunchtime Theater program, presented by the Surprise Arts and Cultural Advisory Commission.
Surprise’s long-awaited signature event is finally here.
Phoenix

The Offspring’s Let The Bad Times Roll Tour – with special guests Sum 41 and Simple Plan – will stop in Phoenix this summer.

Dr. Stacie J. Stephenson along with Richard J. Stephenson received the 2023 Unsung Hero Award on March 16 at a gala in Beverly Hills, Calif., benefiting the Women’s Cancer Research Fund, a …
Phoenix is considering increases in water and wastewater rates and will discuss the need for the hikes in a series of public meetings. The Phoenix Water Services Department proposes the increase …
Slow-starting Gonzaga finally started playing like a title contender, then wore out Grand Canyon 82-70 behind 28 points and 10 rebounds from Julian Strawther in the NCAA Tournament. Zags senior Drew …
Phoenix native Stevie Nicks and Billy Joel will appear together at Chase Field on Friday, Dec. 8.
East Valley

The Phoenix Holocaust Association (PHA) will hold its annual community-wide Holocaust Remembrance Day, also known as the Yom HaShoah commemoration to honor the memory of those who perished during the …

The two-time Grammy Award-winning Old Crow Medicine Show will make a stop in Chandler this summer.
Getting involved in the community was a major part of Cesar Chavez’s life. The city of Mesa has several volunteer opportunities to celebrate the legacy of the labor leader, civil rights icon …
The town of Gilbert is seeking applicants for three volunteer positions on the Parks and Recreation Board.  The Parks and Recreation Board strives to ensure that citizens of every segment of …
The Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce honored local business and residents with its Business and Community Excellence Awards.Businesses that not only have succeeded in the marketplace but also …
Arizona & National Sports Coverage
Local sports

Gilgeous-Alexander scores 40 as Thunder top Suns 124-120

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 40 points, and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Phoenix Suns 124-120 on Sunday. Luguentz Dort added 20 points for the Thunder, who have won four of five as they try …

Sunday's Transactions

BASEBALL Major League Baseball American League MINNESOTA TWINS — Optioned RHPs Louie Varland and Trevor Megill to St. Paul (IL). …

Oklahoma City puts home win streak on the line against Phoenix

Oklahoma City looks to prolong its four-game home win streak with a victory over Phoenix. The teams meet Sunday for the third time this season. Oklahoma City is 20-23 against the Western Conference, …
National sports

Braves make apparent SS decision; Díaz focusing on Reds role

The Atlanta Braves have apparently decided who will replace the departed Dansby Swanson as their starting shortstop. It's not who most people expected it to be. Vaughn Grissom and Braden Shewmake …

Panthers retooled offense designed to help No. 1 pick win

The Carolina Panthers aren’t making any secrets about their plans to select a quarterback with the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft, even if they aren’t saying which one. So, this offseason has been …

Confident Mayfield excited about fresh start with Buccaneers

Baker Mayfield is excited to have an opportunity to try to win Tom Brady’s old job with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The No. 1 overall pick from the 2018 draft signed a one-year deal worth up to $8.5 …

AP source: Magic Johnson joins Harris' bid for Commanders

A person with knowledge of the situation tells The Associated Press that Magic Johnson has joined Josh Harris' bid to buy the NFL's Washington Commanders. Johnson is already involved in sports …

Antoine Davis ends chase for Maravich's NCAA scoring record

Antoine Davis has ended his pursuit of the “Pistol” Pete Maravich’s NCAA scoring record. The Detroit Mercy guard finished four points shy of surpassing Maravich earlier this month in a loss …
Most recent

WASHINGTON (AP) — Bruce Springsteen has a Presidential Medal of Freedom and a coveted Kennedy Center Honor. He has won multiple Grammys and Golden Globes, plus an Academy Award and a special Tony …

EyeCare4Kids Arizona is expanding to assist more children in the Valley.
An event that would have been unthinkable not even a decade ago is coming to Las Vegas this week. That's March Madness. The NCAA Tournament avoided the city for many years because sports betting is …
The Las Vegas Raiders have signed unrestricted free agents Jordan Willis and O.J. Howard. Willis is a defensive lineman who played for the San Francisco 49ers the past 2 1/2 seasons. He has 92 …
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The federal government ruled Monday that the last wild Atlantic salmon in the country can coexist with hydroelectric dams on a Maine river, dealing a blow to …
Hyperlocal News Just For You
Valley business

Sleep system store celebrates 10-year anniversary

In honor of its 10-year milestone, the Sleep System Store will be holding an exclusive private event this month at its Seville showroom In addition, they are proud to announce the opening of a …

St. Paddy's Day alert: Gilbert among cheapest places for beer

Gilbert is among the cheapest places in the United States to get a beer, according to a study from an online betting site.  Just in time for St. Patrick’s …

Gold Canyon chamber seeks $86K grant in tribal gaming compact funds

The Gold Canyon Chamber of Commerce is seeking an $86,000 grant to in part educate visitors to the area of the dangers of hiking in the Tonto National Forest and ATV use in the desert. The Pinal …

Rose Law Group names new co-chairman to cannabis law department

The Rose Law Group has named Dan Gauthier as the new co-chair of its cannabis law department. Rose Law Group has been advising clients on cannabis law for more than 13 years, prior to the …

Neighbors

Book by Scottsdale icon gives a peek 'Behind the Scenes'

Scottsdale icon Jim Bruner has been a city council member, a Maricopa County supervisor and, to hear him tell it, he could have been a U.S. Congressman if it wasn’t for the Arizona …

Anasazi Chapter DAR donates to Glendale children’s hospital

The Anasazi Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, collected and delivered boxes of children’s toys and books to children at Banner Thunderbird Hospital in Glendale.

'Runway for Research' kicks off agenda to benefit cancer survivors

The third annual Runway for Research, a fashion show and fundraising event supporting women’s cancer research at the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), part of City of Hope, is set for 8:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 13, at Neiman Marcus, Scottsdale Fashion Square.

Hedges affiliates with Mesa Gilbert Office of Coldwell Banker Realty

Deanna Hedges has associated with the Mesa Gilbert office of Coldwell Banker Realty as an affiliate agent. The business is at 6402 E. Superstition Springs Blvd. Suite No. 100 in Mesa. “I …

Things to do

Family weekend with The J coming up April 1–2

The Valley of the Sun JCC in Scottsdale will host a special “Family Fun Weekend” on Saturday, April 1 and Sunday, April 2. The public is invited to attend, both members and non-members. …

Chat with ranger March 23 at Usery Mountain Regional Park in Mesa

An informal drop-in session to chat with Ranger Steve about the geological, cultural and biological history of the Sonoran Desert will be held 2-4 p.m. Thursday, March 23, at the Nature Center at …

Tempe high school students' art show ends run on March 21

One day remains to see student artwork on display at the Tempe Center for the Arts as part of the 50th Anniversary Art 6 exhibition. All six Tempe Union High School District schools are …

Gilbert holding 'Bunny's Night Out' egg hunt, movie March 31

Gilbert is hosting "Bunny's Night Out," an egg hunt and movie event, at the Cactus Yards Fieldhouse on March 31. Participants will race around the soccer field collecting as many eggs as they can. …

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Obituaries & Memorials

Miss Sandra Lee “Sandy” Baile

Miss Sandra, age 83, went home to be her Lord and Savior at 9:49 A.M. on Friday, January 27, 2023 in Sun City, Arizona. Born in Flatwoods, Kentucky on January 19, 1940. She was the daughter of the …

Terry & Mike Guzek

Terry Guzek moved into heaven on March 13, 2023 where her husband (Ranger) Mike has been waiting for her since June 30, 2022. They had grown up together near Pittsburgh, PA. Terry was a well known …

Sandra Lee "Sandy" Baile

6:15 3 Miss Sandra Lee "Sandy" Baile, age 83 went home to be her Lord and Savior at 9:49am on Friday, January 27, 2023 in Sun City, Arizona. Born in Flatwoods, Kentucky on January 19, 1940. She …

Ruthie M. Motes

Ruthie M. Motes, 80, passed away March 14, 2023 in Flagstaff, Arizona. She was born July 13, 1942 in Oklahoma to Robert and Lola Ritchardson. Ruthie married Harold Motes December 4, 1961. Harold …

Richard Allen Catlin

Richard, 93, passed away on March 10th, 2023. He was born July 17, 1929 in Cleveland, Ohio, to Leslie Arnold and Vivian Irene Catlin (Nee:Marvin). He was raised in E. Cleveland, Ohio, where he …
The Latest News Around The Globe
Nation

Court inclined toward government view in water rights case

The Supreme Court seems inclined to side with the federal government and a group of states in a dispute with the Navajo Nation over water from the drought-stricken Colorado River. The high court was …

Police: Dentist used rush order cyanide to poison wife

DENVER (AP) — Investigators say a Colorado dentist intent on killing his wife put poison in her protein shakes before finally succeeding with a rush order dose of potassium cyanide powder he said …

WH economic report: Money for child care would help growth

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House is making the case for more government support for child care programs in an economic report being released Monday, drawing on extensive research to say additional …

$9.25 million settlement announced in 2020 protest lawsuits

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia officials announced a $9.25 million settlement Monday with hundreds of people over several lawsuits challenging the police response to the protests and civil …

It’s the first day of spring: Here’s what that really means

NEW YORK (AP) — Spring has sprung! Monday marked the spring equinox — at least for those in the Northern Hemisphere. But what does that actually mean? WHAT IS THE SPRING …
World

Biden pays tribute to Iranian women at Nowruz celebration

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden used a White House event to mark Persian New Year on Monday to pay tribute to Iranian women and girls who took to the streets of Iran to protest following the …

Putin warns Russia could drop grain deal after 60 days

MOSCOW (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed on Monday that Moscow has agreed to extend a deal allowing the exports of Ukrainian grain to global markets only for 60 days and could drop …

N. Ireland unionists say no to Sunak's Brexit deal, for now

LONDON (AP) — Northern Ireland’s main British unionist party said Monday it will vote against a deal struck by Britain and the European Union to resolve a thorny trade dispute that vexed U.K.-EU …

Man arrested after windows smashed at Indian mission in UK

LONDON (AP) — Windows at India’s High Commission in London were smashed and two security guards were slightly injured during a demonstration by Sikh protesters, police said Monday. London’s …

South Africans demonstrate and call for president to resign

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — South African police on Monday monitored protests by the country’s leftist Economic Freedom Fighters party, which is demanding the resignation of President Cyril …
Entertainment
Suspected shooting accomplice Trayvon Newsome enters the courtroom while the jury deliberates in the XXXTentacion murder trial at the Broward County Courthouse in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Friday, March 10, 2023. Emerging rapper XXXTentacion, born Jahseh Onfroy, 20, was killed during a robbery outside of Riva Motorsports in Pompano Beach in 2018, allegedly by defendants Michael Boatwright, Newsome and Dedrick Williams. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP, Pool)

Jury convicts 3 of murder in death of rapper XXXTentacion

A Florida jury has convicted three men of murder in the 2018 killing of star rapper XXXTentacion, who was shot during a robbery that netted $50,000. The jury deliberated a little more than seven days …
Mae Muller, representing the United Kingdom in the Eurovision Song Contest poses for a photographer, in London Tuesday, March 14, 2023. (Photo by Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP)

Mae Muller wrote a song, now represents UK at Eurovision

Was it destiny that led Mae Muller to compete in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest? She says she wrote the perfect track for the competition a few days before she was asked to take part. Now “I …
FILE - Jeremy Scott appears at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party on Sunday, March 12, 2023, at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, Calif. Scott is stepping down as creative director of Italian luxury house Moschino after a decade of wild and wacky fashion shows and his elegant dressing of numerous celebrities.The company made the announcement Monday in an email statement. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)

Jeremy Scott leaves Moschino after 10 years at fashion house

Jeremy Scott is stepping down as creative director of Italian luxury house Moschino after a decade of wild and wacky fashion shows and his elegant dressing of numerous celebrities. The company made …
FILE - Jason Sudeikis arrives at the season three premiere of "Ted Lasso" on March 7, 2023, at Regency Village Theatre in Los Angeles. President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden will host the cast of “Ted Lasso” at the White House on Monday, March 20, to promote mental health and wellbeing. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File)

Bidens to host 'Ted Lasso' cast to promote mental health

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden will host the cast of the TV series “Ted Lasso” at the White House on Monday to promote mental health and well-being. Jason …
Books are displayed at the Banned Book Library at American Stage in St. Petersburg, Fla., Feb. 18, 2023. In Florida, some schools have covered or removed books under a new law that requires an evaluation of reading materials and for districts to publish a searchable list of books where individuals can then challenge specific titles. (Jefferee Woo/Tampa Bay Times via AP)

School library book bans are seen as targeting LGBTQ content

Longstanding disagreements about content in school libraries often focus this year on books with LGBTQ themes. Iowa's Republican governor is backing a bill that could result in the removal of books …