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International journalists visit Scottsdale as part of US Department of State program

A group of 16 international journalists met with board members of Global Ties Arizona, members of the U.S. State Department and Scottsdale Mayor David D. Ortega on Sept. 30 for a Citizen Democracy Luncheon. …

Man found guilty of murder, kidnapping of Tucson girl

A man accused of abducting and killing two young Tucson girls separately and dumping their bodies in the desert has been convicted of first-degree murder and kidnapping in the first of his two …

ELECTION 2022

Trump to visit Mesa in support of Lake, Masters

Donald Trump will visit Mesa on Sunday, Oct. 9, to rally support for Republican gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake and Blake Masters, the GOP nominee for U.S. Senate. The event will take place at …

FIRST RESPONDERS

Tempe police, DPS arrest 6 after home invasion call

Tempe police with some assistance from state troopers arrested six people at two locations early Friday morning following a home invasion report. Tempe police officers responded at about 1:30 a.m. …

Things to Do

West Valley Arts calling on artists for upcoming events

The West Valley Arts Council, a nonprofit and arts advocacy group, wants west-side artists to know that there are plenty of ways to get involved as the group announces several upcoming …

EDUCATION

Huge Arizona school voucher plan in effect after foes fail

A huge expansion of Arizona's private school voucher system has taken effect and the parents of all 1.1 million school-age children can use state tax money to pay for private school tuition and other …

Transportation

I-17, Loop 101 see closures this weekend

The Arizona Department of Transportation has listed several West Valley freeway closures this weekend. Southbound I-17 scheduled to be closed between Loop 101 and Cactus Road from 10 p.m. Friday …

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Arizona Election guide

FILE - Voters deliver their ballot to a polling station in Tempe, Ariz., Nov. 3, 2020. An Arizona judge is declining a request by the state Republican Party to block most mail ballots for the 2022 election, preserving the voting method used by the overwhelming majority of voters. Mohave County Superior Court Judge Lee Jantzen ruled Monday, June 6, 2022, that nothing in the Arizona Constitution prohibits the Legislature from allowing citizens to vote by mail. (AP Photo/Matt York, File)

Arizona candidates on the ballot

Arizona has a slew of contested elections in November whether that’s statewide races or contests for the Legislature. Voters will have some choices when they start early ballots in October. …

FILE - An election worker sorts ballots, Oct. 21, 2020, at the Maricopa County Recorder's Office in Phoenix. Arizona's largest county is facing a repeat of #SharpieGate, the social media uproar that erupted after the 2020 election based on the false claim that Sharpie pens provided at the polls would ruin ballots. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Key dates ahead for general election

The Arizona general election has key dates to pay attention to as voters decide who will take office in federal, state, county and local races in November. In Maricopa County, 17 justice of the …

Rep. Athena Salman, left, opposes one of the main voter initiative propositions on the ballot this fall, while Sen. Vince Leach is the sponsor of one bill that the legislature narrowly voted to put on the ballot.

Two Arizona ballot items could affect how laws are passed, challenged

Two propositions, if passed in the November election, could have a large impact on how such propositions are passed in Arizona. A yes vote on Proposition 128 would amend the Arizona constitution …

Q&A: Deer Valley Unified school board candidates

The Glendale Independent has caught up with the four candidates running for two open seats on the Deer Valley Unified School District’s Governing Board.

Democrat Brandy Reese (left), Republican Travis Grantham (center) and Republican Laurin Hendrix are vying for the Arizona Legislative District 14 seats.

LD-14 candidates give their views on state's issues

The newly created Arizona Legislative District 14 covers most of Gilbert but also includes some of Chandler and a small piece of Queen Creek. In the Senate, incumbent Republican Warren …

Read more state and local election coverage

Around the Region

West Valley

Donations keep Sun Cities posses going

As the eyes and ears of the Sun Cities, the Sun City and Sun City West posses are only able to provide service due the gracious communities.

Kluch: Knights celebrate drive success

Knights of Columbus Our Lady of Lourdes Council 11809 in Sun City West collected 4,084 pounds of food and $2,155 in cash donations to support the Valley View Community Food Bank, 10771 W. Peoria Ave., Sun City.

Kush: Scottsdale’s housing crisis needs to be addressed

One cannot pick up a newspaper without seeing an article covering the severe housing shortage that currently plagues the nation. Scottsdale is not immune to this problem with housing and growth …

How to help spot signs of suicide

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, which offers a good time to raise awareness to help reduce the stigma around mental health issues. This could be an important step to lowering suicide rates over the coming years.

Milhaven: Supporting Scottsdale's schools benefits city numerous ways

Vote yes and support the Scottsdale Unified School District’s Additional Assistance Override. Your yes vote continues the previous voter-approved funding to support our schools’ …

Syms: It’s time to re-fund the police to keep us safe

As a mother, my heart breaks for the children of Eliza Fletcher, the Tennessee mom and teacher brutally murdered while innocently out for her morning jog. As a policy maker and advocate who has …

Valley sports

Giants host the Diamondbacks on home winning streak

The San Francisco Giants host the Arizona Diamondbacks aiming to extend a four-game home winning streak.

Longoria 2 HRs, 5 RBIs, Giants win 10 of 11, beat Dbacks

Evan Longoria homered twice and drove in five runs as the San Francisco Giants beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 10-4 for their 10th win in 11 games. Mike Yastrzemski and Austin Wynns also went deep as …

DUSD athletics offers half price family passes

The four high schools in the Dysart Unified School District offer GoFan for digital ticketing into athletic events. But what many families and community members may not know is the option to …

Local sports

Panthers' McCaffrey returns to practice after missing 2 days

Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey returned to practice on Friday after missing the last two days with a quad injury. McCaffrey ran and cut during the 20 minutes of practice that were open to …

Giants take on the Diamondbacks on home winning streak

The San Francisco Giants, on a three-game home winning streak, host the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Rams WR Ben Skowronek thriving in unlikely new fullback role

Ben Skowronek has been given an unlikely role as a fullback in the Los Angeles Rams' offense. The second-year receiver is embracing the opportunity to make an impact all over the field. Skowronek was …

US women win fourth straight gold at World Cup, top China

A’ja Wilson scored 19 points, Kelsey Plum added 17 and the United States beat China 83-61 to win its fourth consecutive gold medal at the women’s World Cup. This was one of the most dominant …

Thompson-Robinson leads UCLA past No. 15 Washington, 40-32

Dorian Thompson-Robinson passed for 315 yards and three touchdowns and UCLA beat No. 15 Washington 40-32 in a Friday night matchup of unbeaten Pac-12 teams at the Rose Bowl. The fifth-year senior — …

Jackson caps career with bronze, Australia beats Canada

Lauren Jackson capped her storied international basketball career with another bronze medal and scored 30 points to lead Australia to a 95-65 win over Canada in the third-place game at the women’s …

Friday's Sports In Brief

PRO FOOTBALL MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said Friday there is no timetable for the return of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who suffered a concussion when he hit …

Mariners' 21-year playoff wait ends on Raleigh's walk-off HR

Cal Raleigh hit a game-winning home run with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning and the Seattle Mariners ended the longest playoff drought in baseball with a 2-1 victory over the Oakland …

Most recent

India launches 5G services, Modi calls it step in new era

NEW DELHI (AP) — Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched 5G services in India on Saturday, calling it a “step towards the new era.” The launch in select cities will cover the entire country …

Thank You For Supporting Local Journalism

Valley business

Phoenix Realtors tennis tournament to fund charities

Buzz Carr, managing broker of the north Scottsdale branch of Walt Danley Christie’s International Real Estate, is calling all realtors to join a doubles tennis tournament to raise funds for …

Valley Metro job fair coming to Glendale

Valley Metro is hosting a job fair in Glendale.

Mountain Vista Medical Center in Mesa implants leadless pacemaker

Mountain Vista Medical Center, a Steward Health Care Family Hospital at 1301 S. Crismon Road in Mesa, has implanted a single-chamber leadless pacemaker that offers a unique mapping capability for …

Arizona Cardinals, 72SOLD seal deal before upcoming season

After a successful first year as the Arizona Cardinals’ exclusive partner in real estate, 72SOLD has extended its contract with the local NFL team to a multi-year deal that will take them …

Neighbors

Mesa museum curator contributor to ‘African Paleoecology and Human Evolution’ book

Dr. Emily Early, curator of anthropology for Arizona Museum of Natural History, 53 N. Macdonald in Mesa, is a significant contributor to a new book, “African Paleoecology and Human …

Gilbert hosts Hispanic celebration ¡Viva! on Sept. 30

The town of Gilbert will mark Hispanic Heritage month with ¡Viva! — a celebration of Hispanic heritage and culture on Friday, Sept. 30.

Dunkin’ Joy foundation delivers grant to Banner Health in Mesa

The Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood team on Sept. 16 presented Banner Children’s at Desert, 1400 S. Dobson Road in Mesa, with a $7,500 check as part of its Iced Coffee Day Campaign. On May …

Glendale author’s novel earns writers association accolade

A Glendale author was honored by the American Christian Fiction Writers’ Association’s annual fiction contest for pre-published authors.

Things to do

Illuminate Film Festival, in Sedona, returning in November

The annual Illuminate Film Festival will return with a gathering in Sedona in November.

Big Band music coming to Glendale for outdoor show

The AZ Swing Kings Jazz Orchestra will feature jazz singers Sherry Roberson and Vito Maynes in “Swingin’ in the Park,” a program of swing and jazz classics of the Big Band Era.

2nd Annual Paranormal Day Oct. 22 in Apache Junction

The Superstition Mountain Museum, 4087 E. Apache Trail in Apache Junction, is hosting its Second Annual Paranormal Day on Oct. 22 with the help of the Arizona Paranormal Investigation and Research …

Work written by Glendale playwright staged this week

Glendale Community College faculty member, and acclaimed playwright, Kirt Shineman is having one of his works performed at the ASU Kerr Cultural Center this week.

Entertainment

The flame of a gas burner helps inflate a hot air balloon as part of a re-enactment of the first Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in 1972 during a special event at Coronado Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on Friday, Sept. 30, 2022. Hundreds of hot air balloons will be lifting off over the nine-day annual fiesta that has drawn pilots and spectators from across the globe for 50 years. (AP Photo/Susan Montoya Bryan)

Annual hot air balloon festival draws global audience to US

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Hundreds of hot air balloons are scheduled to lift off Saturday morning, marking the start of an annual fiesta that has drawn pilots and spectators from across the globe to …

This combination of photos shows, from left, Demi Lovato, Jack Harlow and Dua Lipa, who will perform in the 2022 Jingle Ball tour. (AP Photo)

Jack Harlow, Dua Lipa, Demi Lovato headline Jingle Ball tour

iHeartRadio has unveiled a starry rotating lineup for its winter 2022 Jingle Ball tour, including sets by Jack Harlow, Dua Lipa, Backstreet Boys, Demi Lovato, Lizzo and Charlie Puth. The 11-city tour …

FILE - Naomi Judd poses at the Hero Dog Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif., Oct. 6, 2012. Whether police reports and video recordings made during the investigation into the country singer's death are public records remains undecided after the Tennessee Supreme Court on Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022, vacated a lower court's ruling. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File)

Tennessee high court reverses Judd death investigation order

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee’s high court on Thursday vacated a ruling that required police to publicly release their investigation of country singer Naomi Judd’s death. The state …

FILE - Wynonna, Naomi, and Ashley Judd appear during Wynonna's concert in Ashland, Ky., on Jan. 19, 2002. Fans will have a chance to say goodbye to Naomi Judd, the late matriarch of the Grammy-winning country duo The Judds, on a tour starting Friday. Wynonna Judd will helm the 11-city tour. (John Flavell/The Daily Independent via AP, File)

Judd sisters on mom Naomi, redemption, advocacy and grief

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The family of the late country music matriarch Naomi Judd is reflecting on her legacy ahead of an 11-city tour that will give fans a chance to say goodbye and rejoice in the …

This image released by Netflix shows Ty Dolla Sign as Ky, from left, Timothée Chalamet as Jimmy and Scott Mescudi, better known as Kid Cudi, as Jabari in a scene from the animated film "Entergalactic." (Netflix via AP)

Kid Cudi's songs come to life in 'Entergalactic' TV feature

LOS ANGELES (AP) — When Scott “Kid Cudi” Mescudi recorded the bulk of his new album, the melodic rapper wanted to visually highlight the project’s songs without depending on short music …

Obituaries & Memorials

Rachel McLeod Donohoe

RACHEL MCLEOD DONOHOE Rachel McLeod Donohoe passed peacefully away, surrounded by family, on September 18, 2022, at the age of 93, in Sun City West, AZ. She was born April 7, 1929, in Bellingham, …

Carolyn Alice Hatch Bellerive

Carolyn Alice Hatch Bellerive 10-4-1926 to 8-28-2022 Carolyn passed away on Sunday August 28, 2022 in the company of her St. Christopher’s pastor. She was 95 years old and ready to join her …

Catherine M Robbins (Kay)

Catherine M Robbins (Kay) Kay, 99, passed away peacefully at Freedom Plaza Memory Care, Peoria, Az., on September 22, 2022, with her nephew John and his wife, Diane, by her side. Kay was born on …

Helen Marie Marshall

Helen Marie Marshall, 92, passed away peacefully at her home on September 22, 2022. Helen was born in Massachusetts and moved to Arizona with family in 1948 and settled in Apache Junction in 1959. …

Russell Wallace Larson

Russell, son of Arnold and Sara (Erickson) Larson, was born on March 27, 1926 in Seymour, Wisconsin. Russ went to be with his Lord Jesus on September 20, 2022. Russ was brought into the Kingdom of …

Nation

Hack puts Latin American security agencies on edge

MEXICO CITY (AP) — A massive trove of emails from Mexico’s Defense Department is among electronic communications taken by a group of hackers from military and police agencies across several Latin …

US defense chief in Hawaii amid distrust after fuel spill

HONOLULU (AP) — U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visited Hawaii this week amid lingering community frustration and distrust after jet fuel from a military storage facility last year spilled into …

Newsom relaxes refinery rules as California gas prices soar

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has called on state regulators to relax rules on oil refineries in an effort to lower soaring fuel prices. According to AAA, the average cost of a gallon of gas in …

AP Week in Pictures: Global | Sept. 23-30, 2022

Sept 23-Sept. 30, 2022 From Hurricane Ian barreling through the Caribbean and slamming into the coast of Florida, to the continuing tragedy of the war in Ukraine, to a devastating drought in …

Vegas survivors signal hope even as mass shootings march on

Saturday marks five years since a gunman rained bullets into an outdoor country music festival crowd on the Las Vegas Strip. The grim drumbeat of mass shootings has only continued in the years since, …

Supply chain issues could slow fix of Florida electric grid

Crews are beginning to repair — and in some cases, rebuild — Florida's power grid after the state was pummeled by Hurricane Ian. Florida Power & Light says it stockpiled enough poles, …

World

North Korea fires 4th round of missile tests in 1 week

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea on Saturday fired two short-range ballistic missiles toward its eastern waters, South Korean and Japanese officials said, making it the fourth round of weapons …

U.S. captives 'prayed for death' on brutal ride from Ukraine

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Even after three months of captivity that included execution threats, physical torture, solitary confinement and food deprivation, it was the ride to freedom that nearly …

Russia vetoes UN resolution calling its referendums illegal

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — Russia vetoed a U.N. resolution Friday that would have condemned its referendums in four Ukrainian regions as illegal, declared them invalid and urged all countries not to …

Booking.com adds travel warnings for West Bank settlements

JERUSALEM (AP) — The online travel agency Booking.com added warnings on Friday to listings in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, following years of pressure from Palestinian officials and human rights …

Analysis: Russia's war in Ukraine reaches a critical moment

LONDON (AP) — There are moments in history that appear as critical to the world as they are terrifying. Just this century: the 9/11 attacks in 2001; the U.S. “shock-and-awe″ war on Saddam …

With pomp, bluster and ceremony, Putin defies West in speech

MOSCOW (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday cast his move to absorb four Ukrainian regions as part of an existential battle for Russia's very survival against an aggressive West, a …

Calendar of events

Day Retreat 3 Meditations on Impermanence

Sonoran Desert Chorale Opens 29th Concert Season …

Sonoran Desert Chorale Opens 29th Concert Season …

Advanced Bridge

Mitzvah Monday

Arizona's Fastest Growing Industries

Talk and guided meditation with Buddhist Monk

Beginning Mahjong: Session 1