Military
‘Remember Arizona’: Survivor’s granddaughter pays tribute at ceremony for namesake sub 
Griner for Bout
Brittney Griner freed in US-Russia prisoner swap
NONPROFIT
One Step Beyond’s culinary center a booming catering service
Valley & State
Events

Barrett-Jackson gears up for Scottsdale auction

Barrett-Jackson, one of the big draws of collector car auctions in Arizona, is gearing up for another big event in January. The Scottsdale-based company is planning its 2023 Scottsdale Auction …
BAND

West of the Blues to perform in Sun City West

West of the Blues will bring blues and 60's rock to the west valley.
ELECTIONS

Arizona GOP seeks end to early voting

PHOENIX — The state Republican Party is making a new bid to end the ability of Arizonans to vote from the comfort of their own kitchen.
Government

Scottsdale adopts green building code as mandatory 

The Scottsdale City Council voted Dec. 6 to adopt updates to its building and energy construction codes and to make mandatory a green construction code it also adopted for new …
ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE

Execution warrant sought for an Arizona death row inmate

The Arizona Attorney General’s Office has requested the state Supreme Court issue a warrant of execution for death row inmate Aaron Gunches. The 51-year-old Gunches was originally sentenced to …
municipal law

Chandler Council gives final approval to single-family home chickens ordinance

CHANDLER — An ordinance allowing chickens to be kept at any single-family home was approved by the Chandler City Council at its Dec. 5 meeting. Ordinance No. 5035, which has been worked on …
FIRST RESPONDERS

Scottsdale firefighters encounter ‘small explosions’ in smoky blaze

Smoke billowed from a four-car garage fire Tuesday in Scottsdale that forced first responders to use defensive tactics because of explosions coming from the  building. Firefighters responded …
Events

Gilbert-sponsored USS Arizona submarine to have keel-laying ceremony

The town of Gilbert is hosting a viewing Wednesday, Dec. 7, for the keel-laying ceremony for the USS Arizona nuclear submarine, which has the town as its municipal sponsor.  The town’s …

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Around the Region
West Valley

There will be a change of command at the Sun City Posse.

The Buckeye City Council approved rezoning plans for light industrial and multifamily housing on Tuesday night. Two agenda items involve the same project, the Westpark development that uses a master plan including 79 acres with a five-phase plan.
Work is going full steam on Veritas Hall, the new Ottawa University Arizona residence hall building on the campus next to City Hall.
Big Lots will open its newest store at 24760 N. Lake Pleasant Parkway, Dec. 10.
Umbrellas were part of picturesque sights as residents posed in front of holiday decorations and lights during the annual Surprise Founder’s Day Party commemorations.

More from the West Valley

Phoenix

The 45th Annual Indian Market at Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park will be this weekend, showcasing more than 100 local and regional artists and more. It will take place 9 a.m. to 4 …

President Joe Biden touted manufacturing jobs and what some call an entire ecosystem as the country’s leader visited Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. in Phoenix on Tuesday …
The Phoenix Youth and Education Office is accepting applications for the 2023 Outstanding Phoenix Youth Leader of the Year awards. The awards honor the achievements of young people, “enhance …
Sky Harbor officials remain opposed to building residential units under flight paths in the proposed Tempe entertainment district but are “grateful” for the work that has been done to …
President Joe Biden on Tuesday plans to visit the building site for a new computer chip plant in Phoenix, using it as a chance to emphasize how his policies are fostering job growth in what could be …

More from Phoenix

East Valley

The United States Postal Service is having a job fair from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, at the Tempe Post Office, 233 E. Southern Ave. There are immediate openings for mail handlers, …

The Valley STEM Festival, organized by Firebird Robotics from Chaparral High School, will be held outdoors on Jan. 14, 2023, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. with no charge for participants or attendees.
Board members Patty Beckman and Jann-Michael Greenburg have completed their last meeting as part of the Scottsdale Unified School District’s governing board.
Newcomers Megan Weagant and Jeff Carr won four-year seats on the Florence Unified School District’s Governing Board.  Votes certified after the Nov. 8 election show Weagant led the pack …
A major shakeup has taken place on the Queen Creek Unified School District’s Governing Board with a long-time incumbent losing his seat and a parent who homeschools his children being …

More from the East Valley

Opinions: Highlighting Valley Voices

Shall: What was cost for Sun City's Duffeeland Dog Park

I would like to know how much Recreation Centers of Sun City officials spent to reconfigure the doors and the cost of the tokens at the dog park.
Kristi Hillebert

Hillebert: Education, collaboration key pillars in enforcing short-term rentals

There has been no shortage of news about short-term rentals in Paradise Valley over the past few years. In fact, the town council just finalized new ordinances to strike the right balance between the needs of our community and the STR industry and hosts.

Grant: Leadership lacking from Sun City board president

If you want to witness complete incompetence of a chairperson, watch the Nov. 17 Recreation Centers of Sun City Board of Directors meeting.
Rebecca Durfey is a Peoria-based Realtor with Keller Williams Realty Professional Partners.

Realtor: Peoria has returned to a buyer's market

Peoria is back in a buyer's market.
(Unsplash)

Posse wants toys for Aguila

How valued and memorable life will be for the children of Aguila when they find not only toys under their trees this year, but styling clothing.

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Valley sports
Local sports

Tatum, Brown lead Celtics to easy 125-98 win over Suns

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown each scored 25 points, Malcolm Brogdon added 16 off the bench and the Boston Celtics embarrassed the sloppy Phoenix Suns 125-98 on Wednesday night. The Celtics won for …

NBA-leading Celtics embarrass sloppy Suns in blowout

PHOENIX (AP) — Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown each scored 25 points, Malcolm Brodgon added 16 off the bench and the Boston Celtics embarrassed the Phoenix Suns 125-98 on Wednesday night. The …

McDavid's 4-point game leads Oilers to 8-2 rout of Coyotes

Connor McDavid had two goals and two assists and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scored twice and had an assist as the Edmonton Oilers defeated the Arizona Coyotes 8-2. Derek Ryan, Leon Draisaitl, Bret Kulak and …

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National sports

A look at Brittney Griner's career on, off basketball court

Brittney Griner has been freed from a Russia prison in a high-level prisoner exchange. Here's a look at the WNBA All-Star and two-time Olympic gold medalist's career on and off the basketball court.

Emmert's advice: Next NCAA president needs 'lot of patience'

Outgoing NCAA President Mark Emmert had some advice for his replacement in his first public appearance since announcing in April he was stepping down after 12 years. Emmert says the job requires a …

Pettersson's overtime goal gives Canucks 6-5 win over Sharks

Elias Pettersson scored on a breakaway at 4:25 of overtime, giving the Vancouver Canucks a 6-5 win over the San Jose Sharks. Dakota Joshua scored twice for the Canucks and Nils Hoglander, Ilya …

Rangers use 4-goal 3rd period to beat Golden Knights 5-1

The New York Rangers scored three goals in 1:54 in the third period to beat the Vegas Golden Knights 5-1. New York's Mika Zibanejad had two goals and an assist. Teammate Artemi Panarin reached 600 …

AP source: Bogaerts to Padres for 11 years, $280 million

The San Diego Padres and Xander Bogaerts have agreed to a blockbuster $280 million, 11-year contract, adding the All-Star slugger to an already deep lineup. A person familiar with the negotiations …

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Most recent

PARIS (AP) — Families of the 228 people killed on a Rio-Paris flight that crashed in 2009 were hoping for justice at last. Instead, they're wracked with anger and disappointment as a long-awaited …

Celine Dion has put a halt on all performing after being diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder. In video messages posted in French and English on Thursday on Instagram, Dion said stiff person …
WASHINGTON (AP) — Slightly more Americans filed for jobless claims last week but the labor market remains one of strongest parts of the U.S. economy. Applications for unemployment benefits rose …
LONDON (AP) — This was the year war returned to Europe, and few facets of life were left untouched. Russia’s invasion of its neighbor Ukraine unleashed misery on millions of Ukrainians, …
LONDON (AP) — Google has to delete search results about people in Europe if they can prove that the information is clearly wrong, the European Union's top court said Thursday. The European …
Calendar of events
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Valley business

Torchy’s Tacos opens Queen Creek location next week

Queen Creek residents looking to get their Torchy’s Tacos fix won’t have to wait much longer. The Austin, Texas-based Torchy’s Tacos, known for its “Damn Good Tacos” …

Florence benefits from continued SRP development

There’s good economic news for Florence. The SRP board of directors this week approved the second phase of continued development at the Copper Crossing Energy and Research Center in …

Peoria shifts to buyer’s market

The Valley housing market has “glided” into a buyer’s market for the first time in 12 years, according to Tina Tamboer of the Cromford Report.

Scottsdale PR firm marks milestone in growth

For the past 12 years, Scottsdale's Evolve PR and Marketing has worked with local and national businesses to promote and enhance their message to the world.

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Neighbors

Apache Junction falls short in basketball home opener vs. Bulldogs, game against Coyotes

The Apache Junction Prospectors (0-5) matched up against the Goldwater Bulldogs (0-1) for their home opener on Thursday, Dec. 1, at Apache Junction High School. Both teams were trying to finally …

VFW recognizes Apache Junction students for placing in Patriot Pen Essay Contest

Three students from Cactus Canyon Junior High School, 801 W. Southern Ave. in Apache Junction, were recently recognized by VFW Post 7968 for placing in the Patriot Pen Essay Contest. The theme of the …

VFW recognizes Bryne as Apache Junction teacher of the year

Jamie Bryne, who teaches Structured English Immersion, English Language Arts and Advancement Via Individual Determination at Cactus Canyon Junior High School, 901 W. Southern Ave., has been selected …

Plexus Worldwide makes $5,000 Veterans Day donation

Plexus Worldwide, a Scottsdale health and wellness company, made a $5,000 donation to the Veterans Heritage Project in honor of Veterans Day.

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Things to do

Blues legend Carvin Jones to play Glendale gig Tuesday

Legendary Valley blues man Carvin Jones has a gig in Glendale Tuesday evening.

Seasonal Witchcrafted Yule Market coming to Glendale

The seasonal vendor market, Witchcrafted Yule Market, makes its return to Glendale.

Arizona Lecture Series in Apache Junction starts in January

Are you interested in learning more about the culture and history of Arizona and the U.S.? If so, attend the 2023 season of the Arizona Lecture Series at the Performing Arts Center, 2525 S. Ironwood …

What to do in Scottsdale this holiday season

This holiday season, Scottsdale residents can look forward to enjoying an array of holiday programming throughout the city and Valley.

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Entertainment
Sculptor Veronica Ryan after being announced the winner of the Turner Prize at St George's Hall in Liverpool, England, Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022. (Danny Lawson/PA via AP)

Veronica Ryan wins Turner Prize for evocative sculptures

LONDON (AP) — Artist Veronica Ryan has won the prestigious Turner Prize for work that transforms materials including fruits, seeds and volcanic ash into elusive and evocative sculptures. The …
Charlize Theron arrives at The Hollywood Reporter's Women in Entertainment Gala on Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022, at Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Charlize Theron honored at Women in Entertainment gala

LOS ANGELES (AP) — For once, Charlize Theron has begun to witness more women in power roles with the film industry. “Women are tearing down the whole … building,” Theron said after she …
2 Chainz poses for a portrait on Friday, Nov. 4, 2022, in Los Angeles. The Grammy Award-winning rapper is bringing his star appeal as host of Amazon Music Live - a weekly live-streamed concert series featuring today’s biggest stars including Lil Baby, Megan Thee Stallion, Lil Wayne and Kane Brown. The series streams on Prime Video after Thursday Night Football and filmed each week in Los Angeles in front of a live audience. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

2 Chainz hosts Amazon Music live concerts using NFL platform

2 Chainz wants to capitalize off the NFL’s huge “Thursday Night Football” platform to feature some of the world’s most popular musical performers on Amazon Music’s new live concert series. …
This year's White House Christmas ornament is in the shape of a gingerbread White House. It's a nod to former first lady Pat Nixon who was the first to include a gingerbread house as part of the White House holiday decorations. (Dec. 7)

Christmas ornament honors gingerbread White House tradition

This year's White House Christmas ornament gives a nod to former first lady Patricia Nixon. It's in the shape of a gingerbread White House, and Nixon was the first first lady to include a gingerbread …
FILE - In this Nov. 10, 2014, file photo, James Toback arrives at the 2014 AFI Fest "The Gambler" in Los Angeles Mo More than three dozen women have filed a lawsuit in New York against writer and director James Toback, accusing him of sexual abuse. The lawsuit, filed in state Supreme Court in Manhattan on Monday, Dec. 5, 2022, comes after New York state last month instituted a one-year window for people to file lawsuits over sexual assault claims even if they took place decades ago, waiving statutes of limitations. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP, File)

38 women accuse James Toback of sexual misconduct in lawsuit

More than three dozen women have filed a lawsuit in New York against writer and director James Toback, accusing him of sexual abuse. The lawsuit comes after New York state last month instituted a …

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Obituaries & Memorials
SONY DSC

Jay Howard Leve

Jay , 66, passed away on December 5, 2022 at his home in Sun City West, AZ.Beloved Father of Sarah Leve of Philadelphia, PA, Dear Brother of Karen Leve Braverman of Louisville, CO, Loving Uncle to …

Elaine R. Granucci

Elaine Reimer Granucci - beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend of many - passed away on November 29, 2022 at her home in Sun City Arizona surrounded by family. Elaine was born in Wichita, …

James David Hann

James was born on 7 July, 1931 to James Berry and Mary Jane Hann. His early years were spent in Overland Park, Kansas and Bailey, Colorado. He was a child of the depression era, an event that would …

Marilee Eshelman

Marilee, 79, of Surprise, Arizona, passed away unexpectedly on November 9, 2022, at her home.Marilee was born December 31, 1942, in Peoria, Illinois, to Otha and Emma (Binkele) Eshelman. She was …

Glenn L. Jensen

We are sad to announce the passing of Glenn L. Jensen of Sun City, Arizona. Glenn was 97 years old when he died on November 18, 2022 from complications of surgery for a broken femur in the …

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Nation

On the money: Yellen's next milestone is name on US currency

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Faith in the U.S. dollar has often hinged in part on what Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen says. On Thursday, the focus will be on what she writes, as the government churns …

Biden releasing nearly $36B to aid pensions of union workers

President Joe Biden on Thursday is announcing the infusion of nearly $36 billion to shore up a financially troubled union pension plan, preventing severe cuts to the retirement incomes of more than …

Ex-Wirecard boss on trial in fraud case that shamed Germany

BERLIN (AP) — The former chief executive of financial services company Wirecard and two other ex-managers went on trial Thursday over the firm's collapse in what has been described as the biggest …

Police to reveal identity of Philly's slain 'Boy in the Box'

Nearly 66 years after the battered body of a young boy was found stuffed inside a cardboard box, Philadelphia police are set to reveal the identity of the victim in the city’s most notorious cold …

South Korea widens back-to-work orders on striking truckers

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea’s government expanded its back-to-work orders Thursday against thousands of cargo truck drivers who are staging a nationwide walkout over freight fare …

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World

Portugal stepping out of Ronaldo's long shadow at World Cup

A future for Portugal's national team without Cristiano Ronaldo could be a daunting prospect to the country’s up-and-coming generation of internationals. They respect and even revere him with Bruno …

Climate activists stage protests at 2 German airports

BERLIN (AP) — Climate activists briefly disrupted traffic at Munich airport in southern Germany Thursday, in a protest against the environmental impact of air travel. The group Last Generation …

Nobel laureate: No lasting peace in Ukraine without justice

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — There will be no lasting peace in Ukraine until there is justice and human rights, the head of the Ukrainian Center for Civil Liberties said Thursday as she arrived in …

WHO: COVID disruption resulted in 63,000 more malaria deaths

The coronavirus pandemic interrupted efforts to control malaria, resulting in 63,000 additional deaths and 13 million more infections globally over two years, according to a report from the World …

China begins implementing relaxed anti-COVID-19 measures

BEIJING (AP) — China began implementing a more relaxed version of its strict “zero COVID” policy on Thursday amid steps to restore normal life, but also trepidation over a possible broader …

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