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PHOENIX — Arizona is filing is own lawsuit against TikTok and its affiliated companies accusing the social media platform of violating state consumer protection laws by concealing its mental health … more By Howard Fischer Mail | X: @azcapmedia | 10/8/26 Even a month after the Chandler Unified Governing Board voted to have a land acknowledgement video played at both board meetings and district graduation ceremonies, it’s still a topic at least a … more By Jason W.
School for the Arts has lasting impact
It’s extremely rare when someone who attends a high school summer program grows up to eventually lead the very organization that made the experience possible. But that is exactly what Kim Baker did. She’s the current president and CEO of Kentucky Performing Arts. While in high school, she attended the inaugural class of Kentucky’s Governor’s School for the Arts in 1987. The Governor's School for the Arts, now a signature program of KPA, was born in 1987 from Gov.
Governor’s School for the Arts makes lasting impacts
It’s extremely rare when someone who attends a high school summer program grows up to eventually lead the very organization that made the experience possible. But that is exactly what Kim Baker did. She’s the current president and CEO of Kentucky Performing Arts. While in high school, she attended the inaugural class of Kentucky’s Governor’s School for the Arts in 1987. The Governor's School for the Arts, now a signature program of KPA, was born in 1987 from Gov.
Shaping Kentucky: One student at a time.
It’s extremely rare when someone who attends a high school summer program grows up to eventually lead the very organization that made the experience possible. But that is exactly what Kim Baker did. She’s the current President and CEO of Kentucky Performing Arts (KPA). While in high school, she attended the inaugural class of Kentucky’s Governor’s School for the Arts in 1987.
LD9 primary candidates advanced automatically
Arizona Legislative District 9 candidates were unopposed in this week’s primaries and automatically advance to the Nov. 3 general election. (Independent Newsmedia/Steve Stockmar) Neither the Arizona House or Senate primaries in Legislative District 9 were competitive this year, meaning each candidate intends to win a seat in the general election on Nov. 3. But at least two candidates thanked their supporters this week after the July 21 primaries.
Shaping Kentucky: One Student at a Time
It’s extremely rare when someone who attends a high school summer program grows up to eventually lead the very organization that made the experience possible. But that is exactly what Kim Baker did. She’s the current President and CEO of Kentucky Performing Arts (KPA). While in high school, she attended the inaugural class of Kentucky’s Governor’s School for the Arts in 1987.
Opinion: Governors Schools are an investment in Kentucky
Opinion: Governors Schools are an investment in Kentucky GSA invests in the future of Kentucky as the program receives funding from private donors and the General Assembly. This investment has been paying dividends for nearly 40 years. If you know a creative high schooler, tell them about GSA.
Where to find cheap gas in Apache Junction and Gold Canyon
OPINION — Wildfire season has arrived in Arizona and can change daily life quickly. Residents may face smoky skies, reduced air quality and the possibility of evacuation during periods of elevated wildfire activity. The price of everything seems to be up. Gasoline and air fares are rising. Lodging and dining out have become pricey. Many Valley resorts, hoping to generate out-of-season revenue, have created … OPINION — We live in an era of normalized boorish behavior.
Where to find cheap gas in Mesa
Arizona gas prices still sliding as national prices rise Gas prices rose slightly across Arizona the week of July 9, according to a AAA spokesperson. Independent Newsmedia/Jason W. Brooks Weeks of sliding gas prices nationwide have concluded as the future of the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran remains uncertain, according to a spokesman with AAA. But in Arizona, the average for a gallon of regular gasoline is down 7 cents from the week of July 2, AAA stated in a news release.
See where you can get the cheapest gas in Queen Creek
Independent Newsmedia/Jason W. Brooks Gas prices rose slightly across Arizona the week of July 9, according to a AAA spokesperson. Posted Saturday, July 11, 2026 8:00 am Jason Brooks and Janet Perez Weeks of sliding gas prices nationwide have concluded as the future of the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran remains uncertain, according to a spokesman with AAA. But in Arizona, the average for a gallon of regular gasoline is down 7 cents from the week of July 2, AAA stated in a news release.
Photos: 31 Fountain Hills kindergartners move on to first grade
EDUCATION Fifteen of Selina Reisig’s kindergartners and 16 students from Gillian Levin’s class walked up to get their “diplomas” May 19 in the McDowell Mountain Elementary School gym. Students learned songs for the occasion and were praised for the progress made during the school year by the Class of 2038. Students and families enjoyed refreshments afterward. E-mail Password Non-subscribers Click here to see your options for becoming a subscriber.
Fountain Hills board recognizes spring sports standouts
Nathaniel Schlossberg was the lone Falcon of the Month to attend the Fountain Hills Unified School District Governing Board’s June 3 meeting to claim a certificate. Schlossberg was recognized in a celebration of spring sports student-athletes as part of the Fountain Hills High School track and field program.
Chandler school board: Track resurfacing, 13 more action items on meeting agenda
Visit Chandler, the official destination marketing organization for the City of Chandler, has launched the Choose Chandler Summer Pass, themed around summer nights. The free digital pass … When Jody Crago spoke about Betsy Ross becoming a widow in her mid-20s during a June 2 presentation, he added as much historical context to the death of John Ross as he could think of. Arts and crafts and other daytime activities are available this summer at the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass, near Chandler.
CD5: Opponent blasts Lamb for skipping debate
Visit Chandler, the official destination marketing organization for the City of Chandler, has launched the Choose Chandler Summer Pass, themed around summer nights. The free digital pass … When Jody Crago spoke about Betsy Ross becoming a widow in her mid-20s during a June 2 presentation, he added as much historical context to the death of John Ross as he could think of. Arts and crafts and other daytime activities are available this summer at the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass, near Chandler.
Fountain Hills H.S.: Caps off to the class of 2026
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Admins praise students, faculty, dog as ‘Falcons of Month’
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Fountain Hills district budget adjusted; more enrollment decrease
A planned budget adjustment and the discussion that went with it included mention of statistics that show how enrollment continues to decline across the Fountain Hills Unified School District. Arizona school districts are required to make at least two board-approved budget adjustments each budget year, with Fountain Hills’ happening this year in September and May.
New Fountain Hills superintendent takes over with many things in flux
Like many educators, one of Val Reichler’s mantras is to never stop learning. That’s why she not only went back and finished her second master’s degree in September of last year — and it’s why she’s in the process this spring of learning what it takes to be a successful district superintendent. Reichler was chosen in March by the Fountain Hills Unified Board to succeed the retiring Cain Jagodzinski July 1 as the next superintendent.
Fountain Hills winter sports student-athlete standouts honored
Some Fountain Hills Unified School District winter sports student-athletes were recognized by the FHUSD Governing Board at its April 8 meeting. Falcons wrestling coach Luke Salzman praised his team’s 16 wrestlers and four state qualifiers — Reece Beers, Ava Bourne, Tyker Trapani and George Tobias.
Fountain Hills 'hovercraft' exercise: team-building, problem solving
“Three ... two ...one ... on!” That was Matt Chase’s countdown April 27 each time a group turned on the leaf-blower motors meant to inflate vehicles they’d built. In what the McDowell Mountain Elementary School described as a team-building and problem-solving exercise, MMES fifth-graders were joined in their gymnasium by Fountain Hills Middle School sixth-graders for much of the school day, working together to learn STEM concepts hands-on.
Robotics makes a middle-school comeback in Fountain Hills
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Fountain Hills school board hears about new ‘Wonders’ curriculum
While the Fountain Hills Unified Governing Board still has to take formal action to approve a new reading curriculum, a lot of the analysis and other preparation is done. A great deal of that work was presented April 8 at the board’s regular meeting. McDowell Mountain Elementary School Principal Valerie Reichler and a team of teachers and others spoke about why a McGraw Hill curriculum package and five-year license called Wonders is the team’s recommended choice for the K-5 school.
Fountain Hills High gears up for Senior Recognition Night
It’s the busiest time of the year for those involved with one of the Golden Eagle Education Foundation’s signature annual projects. GEEF’s Senior Recognition will be held on a Monday evening this year. The 6 p.m., April 20, event will be held at the Fountain Hills Community Center, 13001 N. La Montana Drive, where dozens of Fountain Hills Unified School District seniors will be acknowledged and scholarships will be announced.
La Muerte De Blanca Nieves (The Death of Snow White)
Género: Terror Duración: 110 minutos Clasificación: 12 Años Director: Jason Brooks Actores: Sanae Loutsis, Chelsea Edmundson, Tristan Nokes, Meredith Binder, Risa Mei, Jeremy Hallum, Ali Chapman, Colin Miller, Dillon Moore, Michael DeSanto II y Eric Pope Fecha de estreno Abr 9 / 2026 sinopsis Perseguida por su malvada madrastra que busca la belleza eterna, Blancanieves huye al bosque repleto de criaturas aterradoras y malignas donde conoce a siete enanos asesinos y sedientos de venganza.
Fountain Hills essay winners take home more than $1,700
The Fountain Hills Protect Our Youth Coalition has announced its 14th annual student essay contest winners. As has been the case in the past, the Coalition’s Program Manager Elizabeth Watters was impressed by the effort Fountain Hills youth put into the essays. “This year’s submissions were thoughtful, honest and inspiring, making the selection process highly competitive,” Watters said. “I am incredibly proud of these young adults and their willingness to step outside of their comfort zones.”
Democrat candidates hope to fill Biggs’ seat in Congress
Blake Bracht of San Tan Valley is one of the four challengers seeking the Democratic Party nomination in the July 21 U.S. House of Representatives Arizona District 5 primary. Courtesy of Blake Bracht Brian Hualde of Mesa is one of the four challengers seeking the Democratic Party nomination in the July 21 U.S. House of Representatives Arizona District 5 primary.
Fountain Hills district finds tenant for 1 facility
In an effort to make the most of facilities as it downsizes and adjusts for a shrinking enrollment, Fountain Hills Unified’s superintendent has found a growing organization that can take over one facility. Superintendent Cain Jagodzinski told the district’s Governing Board at its March 4 meeting that an attorney is still reviewing a proposed lease agreement for Behavior Ally to use the Fayette Drive campus currently home to Little Falcons Preschool, as early as mid-July.
Fountain Hills district staff get 2% raise, help with health insurance increases
Two weeks after the Fountain Hills Unified Governing Board decided on the maximum number of positions it might have to nix this year, the board OK’d contracts that were to be sent out by this month’s deadline. Superintendent Cain Jagodzinski said the reduction in force and budget cuts already approved by the board will be addressed after the deadline for signing contracts for the 2026-27 school year, which is Monday, April 13.
Fountain Hills students learn about drug awareness, much more in D.C.
Among the many topics two Fountain Hills students covered during a March 4 presentation was an unexpected one during a recap of a Washington, D.C. trip: fentanyl. “The Faces of Fentanyl” memorial exhibit, located at the DEA Headquarters Museum in Arlington, Va.,was part of the healthy living mission that brought Fountain Hills Middle School students Henry Good and Peyton Jochens to the nation’s capital in early February.
Fountain Hills district to draft override resolution
The Fountain Hills Unified Governing Board hasn’t officially moved to place an override item on the November election ballot yet. But things have moved significantly in that direction. The board voted unanimously March 4 to direct administration to bring a resolution to the board sometime before a June deadline. A likely approval of that resolution would put an extension of the district’s 15% maintenance and operations budget override on the Nov. 3 ballot.
La Muerte De Blanca Nieves (The Death of Snow White)
Género: Terror Duración: 110 minutos Clasificación: 12 Años Director: Jason Brooks Actores: Sanae Loutsis, Chelsea Edmundson, Tristan Nokes, Meredith Binder, Risa Mei, Jeremy Hallum, Ali Chapman, Colin Miller, Dillon Moore, Michael DeSanto II y Eric Pope Fecha de estreno: Ago 13 / 2026 sinopsis Perseguida por su malvada madrastra que busca la belleza eterna, Blancanieves huye al bosque repleto de criaturas aterradoras y malignas donde conoce a siete enanos asesinos y sedientos de venganza.
Boys Hoops: Liberty hoists 6A trophy in Phoenix again
Liberty seniors T.J. Harris, center, and Jacob Hunter guard Perry’s J.J. Howard in the 6A boys championship game March 7, 2026 at Veterans Coliseum. Liberty outlasted Perry in overtime, 69-65, to win its second 6A title in three seasons. Courtesy Picture Lady Photography/For West Valley Preps Liberty freshman Trevin Davis puts up a layup in the 6A boys championship game March 7, 2026 at Veterans Coliseum. Liberty outlasted Perry in overtime, 69-65, to win its second 6A title in three seasons.
School board OKs staff, budget cuts
After the Fountain Hills Unified Governing Board decided last spring to eliminate 14 teaching positions prior to issuing contracts for this school year, District Superintendent Cain Jagodzinski said he would have preferred the number be zero. The superintendent had the same sentiment March 4 when he asked the board to approve budget cuts totaling $1.4 million that involve a reduction in force of six teaching positions for 2026-27.
Fountain Hills wrestling: No titles, but tough battles at state
PHOENIX — Even though none of the four Fountain Hills wrestlers brought home state titles from the state championships this year, each one battled and competed. Two seniors brought home medals from Veterans Coliseum the weekend of Feb. 19-21, earning praise from coach Luke Salzman. Ava Bourne placed third at 147 pounds in girls Division II, while Tyler Trapani reached the finals at 177 pounds in boys Division IV, earning runner-up status.
Deadline for Fountain Hills superintendent apps is March 5
The Fountain Hills Unified Governing Board took a few more steps Feb. 18 in one of the most thorough and critical processes undertaken by school boards. The board approved Thursday, March 5, as the deadline for applicants to apply online to be the next district superintendent. It also approved some of the framework by which it will handle the applicant information, once it comes in, and the posting.
Fountain Hills school board starts search for new superintendent
EDUCATION Since the Fountain Hills Unified Governing Board doesn’t have much time to work with in its search for a new superintendent, special meetings will likely be a feature of that process. One such meeting was held Feb. 11, when the board and outgoing Superintendent Cain Jagodzinski went over quickly compiled survey results and directed staff to put together an ad-hoc advisory committee as part of its search.
Fountain Hills superintendent: more about why he’s leaving
education Not all the questions about the future plans for the departing Fountain Hills Unified top school district administrator were about the man himself. Some questions were about his dog. FHUSD Superintendent Cain Jagodzinski said his dog, Frank, beloved by the school community, will still be around, and the superintendent has no plans to move his family out of the area.
Fountain Hills recognizes students, faculty as January ‘Falcons of Month’
education Fountain Hills Unified School District faculty and students were recognized as “Falcons of the Month” at the Jan. 21 FHUSD Governing Board meeting. Little Falcons Preschool Director Denise Matus said student Wade Murray has grown emotionally, socially and academically and always brings a positive attitude.
Questers: 60 books for Fountain Hills students
With the cost of educational materials always of concern, Fountain Hills Unified School District gladly accepted 60 books from Arizona Questers at a Jan. 15 ceremony. And just before Nell Bigley of Arizona Questers handed over the basket to Fountain Hills Middle School Principal Kim Weeldreyer in the FHMS library, a member of the local Four Peaks Questers read off some of what the donation was about.
Fountain Hills district could send override to voters this year
When the Fountain Hills Unified Governing Board decided last spring that 2025 was a time to recover from “election fatigue,” that meant 2026 was going to be a year where the board makes at least one election decision. The board decided to not ask voters to approve what’s called override spending. And at their Jan. 7 meeting. District Superintendent Cain Jagodzinski explained why the board is probably going to call for an election this November.
Chandler Chamber breakfast: Unique statements made
Latest Opinions on YourValley.net OPINION — State Sen. Petersen comparing Charlie Kirk to one of the founding fathers is antithetic to what Kirk stood for. Kirk was a Christian Nationalist who believed in only one faith for this country. Journalist Howard Fischer’s report that the president of the Arizona Senate wants to wants to rename a portion of the Loop 202 freeway for assassinated Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk continues to spark comments from Independent readers.
Fountain Hills youth coalition celebrates year of safe encouragement
EDUCATION In Fountain Hills, youth substance abuse prevention is more than a program — it is a community commitment, according to one volunteer. Leading that community effort is the Fountain Hills Protect Our Youth Coalition, according to the coalition’s Program Manager Elizabeth Watters. The coalition is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young people and families to make healthy, drug-free choices.
Fountain Hills district still looking for ‘roof money’
education Posted Friday, January 2, 2026 9:00 am Like many school district administrators, Fountain Hills Unified Superintendent Cain Jagodzinski uses metaphors about stopping leaks. But that’s no metaphor when it comes to roofs that leak and have other problems at Fountain Hills High School and other district facilities. Jagodzinski and a handful of other FHUSD leaders have worked on ways recently to find state or other money to make both short-term and larger long-term roofing projects.
Fountain Hills board to review outdated high-school AP textbooks
EDUCATION Posted Wednesday, December 24, 2025 12:00 pm One of the tasks Fountain Hills Unified school administrators and the Governing Board must take on in early 2026 will involve books. Textbooks, to be specific, used in Fountain Hills High School advanced-placement (AP) math courses. Teachers want to use more recent editions, explained Superintendent Dr. Cain Jagodzinski when the discussion-only item came up at the Dec. 3 board meeting.
Canyon View football reaches first title game
By Jason W. Brooks Mail | X: @JasonWBrooks2 GILBERT — Canyon View’s football team didn’t need to play a perfect 5A semifinal Nov. 28 at American Leadership Academy. The Jaguars just needed to make a few big plays in the fourth quarter. They made almost all of them — and got some lucky bounces, too. The Jaguars (11-2) took the lead and hung on to beat the Eagles, 34-24, to advance to their first championship game in program history.
View fullscreen Jason W. Brooks/Independent Newsmedia O’Connor senior Kaylee Woodruff competes in the 100 butterfly final at the Division I swimming championships Nov. 8 in Mesa. Woodruff closed her Eagle swim career with an eighth-place finish in the butterfly and a third-place medal in the 50 freestyle. Jason W. Brooks/Independent Newsmedia O’Connor senior Kaylee Woodruff, right, poses next to 50 freestyle champion Remington Willard of Chaparral at the Division I swimming championships Nov.
Chandler budget: More unknowns in the cycle
By Jason W. Brooks Mail | X: @JasonWBrooks2 It’s still unclear if Chandler will be able to do at least most of the things in fiscal 2027 that it has bragged about doing this fiscal year and in the recent past. After a budget kickoff event, it was clear the city should be able to take most of the positive budget steps forward in fiscal 2027 as it took this year — although the wild card of federal funding streams and program status is as unpredictable as ever.
EVIT still a topic for Chandler schools
By Jason W. Brooks Mail | X: @JasonWBrooks2 Chandler Unified School District’s Governing Board didn’t have career and technical-ed spending and the East Valley Institute of Technology as specific items on its most recent meeting agenda, but those topics were discussed anyway. CUSD board member Kurt Rohrs said, after Chandler Unified chief finance officer Lana Berry had finished her Oct. 8 study-session presentation on the annual financial report, that a Sept.
Downtown Chandler alley improvements continue
By Jason W. Brooks Mail | X: @JasonWBrooks2 Kim Moyers says whenever Downtown Chandler sees an opportunity to make things safer and increase visibility for visitors and residents, it’s time to consider putting a project together. You must be a member to read this story. Join our family of readers for as little as $5 per month and support local, unbiased journalism. Current print subscribers can create a free account by clicking here Otherwise, follow the link below to join.
Chandler: Code changes needed for new state housing laws
By Jason W. Brooks Mail | X: @JasonWBrooks2 Four newly created state laws related to housing development are causing Arizona municipalities around the state to enact corresponding local ordinances. Judging by the swipes city and other … You must be a member to read this story. Join our family of readers for as little as $5 per month and support local, unbiased journalism. Current print subscribers can create a free account by clicking here Otherwise, follow the link below to join.
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