Philip Haldiman
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Phoenix Independent,
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and
Covers:
municipal politics, local elections, municipal council, municipal policy, community, community events, local economy, economic development
Award winning journalist for the Peoria Independent. Reach me at phaldiman@iniusa.org.
Articles by Philip Haldiman
Sounds at Sunrise marching band competition returns to Sunrise Mountain High
Philip Haldiman Senior News Editor | Peoria phaldiman@iniusa.org Meet Philip Haldiman is an award-winning journalist who most recently took first place for investigative reporting in 2023 from Arizona Newspapers Association. He joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in 2015, covering Sun City West his first year. Since 2016, he has covered the city of Peoria. Prior to coming to INI, he was a reporter with The Arizona Republic for seven years, covering numerous cities throughout the Valley.
Scottsdale joins Arizona cities in lawsuit against fire truck manufacturers
Experts claim anticompetitive mergers have inflated costs, caused substantial delays of critical fire fighting equipment The City of Scottsdale has joined a lawsuit claiming firetruck manufacturers, the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association and the private equity firm American Industrial Partners have conspired to create a monopoly in the firetruck industry and hike prices over 100%.
Scottsdale joins Arizona cities in lawsuit against fire truck manufacturers
Experts claim anticompetitive mergers have inflated costs, caused substantial delays of critical fire fighting equipment The City of Scottsdale has joined a lawsuit claiming firetruck manufacturers, the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association and the private equity firm American Industrial Partners have conspired to create a monopoly in the firetruck industry and hike prices over 100%.
Dancing to heal the pain from domestic violence in Peoria
One way to heal pain is through the expression of dance. And nearly 200 people stepped out at a recent event in Peoria to do just that. Chicanos Por La Causa De Colores domestic violence program hosted Dancing Toward Healing to End Domestic Violence Oct. 10 at Centennial Plaza, which was dedicated to ending domestic violence, and part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, happening throughout October.
Peoria updating its zoning code regulating data centers
By Philip Haldiman | Your Valley Peoria’s current regulations on data centers date to 2002, when floppy disc drives, cell phones without cameras and dial-up internet were in full rotation, a time when they were more associated with servers in back office rooms rather than sprawling tech farms. A lot has changed since then, so the city is updating its zoning code to add additional regulation on data centers as a land use.
Where to find the cheapest gas in Peoria
Continued volatility in the crude oil market sent gas prices soaring again in the Valley this week, according to AAA Arizona on Friday. Prices at the pump jumped 8 cents this week to settle at $4.69 a gallon, which is up $1.17 a gallon over a year ago at this time. “Crude oil remains high, averaging $100 per barrel amid continued volatility in the Strait of Hormuz,” said David Caltabiano, AAA Mountain West Group spokesperson in a release on Thursday.
Where to find the cheapest gas in Peoria
Gas prices in the Valley dropped slightly despite more instability in the Middle East, as a gallon of gas averaged $4.62 a gallon, down one cent from last week, according to AAA Arizona. “Pump prices are currently comparable to early June of this year,” said David Caltabiano, AAA Mountain West Group spokesperson in a release on Thursday.
Where to find the cheapest gas in Peoria
For those traveling this Labor Day weekend, gas price will hit an all-time high for this time of year, AAA Arizona said in a release Friday. Despite prices in the Valley dropping 7 cents a gallon this week to $4.62 a gallon, the price represents an 85 cent increase over last year’s $$3.77 a gallon. “Continued volatility in the Strait of Hormuz has pushed crude oil prices in the $90 per barrel range,” said Aldo Vazquez, AAA Mountain West Group spokesperson.
Here's where you can find the cheapest gas prices in Peoria this week
Gas prices in the Valley rose 10 cents this week to settle at $4.54 a gallon, according to AAA Arizona on Friday. A year ago at this time, consumers were paying $3.52 a gallon. The national average, at $4.10 a gallon, which is up 4 cents a gallon over last week, means this is the highest gas has ever been in the month of August. So far, the monthly average is $4.06, currently surpassing 2022 when the monthly average for August was $3.97.
New mixed-use development will bring Whole Foods to north Peoria
A new mixed-use project that will include a 30,000-square-foot Whole Foods as its anchor is planned for about 22 acres of infill property at the southeast corner of Lake Pleasant Parkway and Yearling Road. To facilitate the project, City Council recently approved a rezone from Suburban Ranch to Travesio Mixed-Use Planned Area Development.
Heavy winds down trees leaving Peoria cleanup crews busy after storm
While much of the central and east Valley got hit with heavy rain last night, Peoria stayed relatively dry, but city street crews reported a busy night of removing downed trees from roadways. Those heavy hit areas experienced a cluster of severe thunderstorms with widespread gusts of 55-65 mph winds, according to the National Weather Service. Winds in the Peoria area peaked in the 45-55 mph range last night, enough to keep city workers on their toes.
Fire hydrant program experiences budget shortfall due to Peoria Innovation Core projects
public safety The fire hydrant and valve replacement program in Peoria experienced a budget shortfall of just under $100,000 due to a multimillion dollar reallocation of funds last March to accelerate two wastewater projects in the Peoria Innovation Core. The city council Aug. 11 approved a budget transfer of $99,684 from a water line assessment and replacement program to the fire hydrant and valve replacement program.
Former Peoria Unified candidate speaks up about her withdraw from race
election 2026 A former candidate for Peoria Unified governing board has spoken up about her withdraw from the race. Natalee Sticht at a pre-trial hearing last month withdrew her name from the race after Eileen Mueller, a former West Valley Republican precinct chair, filed an election challenge claiming Sticht had insufficient signatures to qualify for the ballot.
Peoria looks to capture momentum from recent tech corridor developments
Over the last month, the tech corridor in the north Valley has seen a number of major developments that experts say will benefit Peoria in the coming years. Most recently, the Arizona Commerce Authority in partnership with the city of Peoria, Amkor and others led an economic development delegation visit to the Republic of Korea Aug. 12-14.
Peoria looks to capture momentum from recent tech corridor developments
OPINION — We have already seen many days of extreme heat in Phoenix. When that happens, hiking trails at Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak and three trails at South Mountain — Holbert Trail, Hau’pal Loop Trail and access to the National Trail from Pima Canyon Trailhead — are closed. OPINION — It’s time for all Arizonans to get serious on how we want our state government managed. After four years of Katie Hobbs, we desperately need a change.
Peoria gives city attorney 8% raise
Peoria City Council has approved a raise for City Attorney Emily Jurmu. At their public meeting Aug. 11, the council approved an annual base salary of $280,106, which is an increase of 8% from $259,250 Officials say the contract amendment provides an alignment of benefits with other Peoria non-represented department directors and an increase in base salary, which more closely aligns the city attorney with peer counterparts in the Valley.
Here are the cheapest gas prices in Peoria this week
Gas prices rose 2 cents a gallon in the Valley during the past week to settle at $4.44 a gallon, according to AAA Arizona on Friday. “While gasoline demand is down, crude oil prices are keeping pump prices higher than normal for this time of year,” said Aldo Vazquez, spokesperson for AAA Mountain West Group in a release. “So far, this is the highest August on record when it comes to the national gasoline average.” In Peoria, gasbuddy reports the lowest per-gallon price is at the Arco at 9102 W.
Peoria Unified addresses 'book ban,' NAACP weighs in
District prohibits educators from teaching 3 books written by people of color Members of the West Valley NAACP spoke at the Peoria Unified public meeting Aug. 13 about three books written by people of color that have been prohibited to be taught to 6-8 graders.
Peoria Unified governing board to discuss prohibited books
The Peoria Unified governing board at the next public meeting will discuss banned books. Independent Newsmedia/Philip Haldiman The Peoria Unified School District recently banned three books from being taught in the classroom, and at the next public governing board meeting Aug. 13 staff will discuss how they determined their prohibition.
Peoria violates drinking water standard
Officials: Not an immediate health risk Peoria's water system exceeded the maximum contaminant level for trihalomethanes, but officials say it poses no immediate health threat. Metro Creative The city of Peoria water system has exceeded the maximum contaminant level for total trihalomethanes, violating a drinking water standard, according to a notification sent to city water customers.
New for-sale townhomes are planned in north Peoria
Peoria City Council approved plans at their Aug.11 public meeting to bring a 154-lot single-family attached residential community to the area of El Mirage Road and Lone Mountain Parkway. The plan included a rezone of 74 acres from suburban ranch to planned area development and a general plan land designation for the site. The site is bounded on three sides by two of the city’s largest master planned developments — Lake Pleasant Heights/Mystic, and Vistancia.
Peoria Unified prohibits literature works based on ‘No DEI’ policy
Policy was approved by school board last year Three books have been banned from use in teaching grade 6-8 students in Peoria Unified School District classrooms Metro Creative Three books have been banned from use in teaching grade 6-8 students in Peoria Unified School District classrooms under a “No DEI” policy approved by the governing board last year. And not everybody is happy about it.
Peoria Unified prohibits literature works based on ‘No DEI’ policy
The Minnesota Vikings have chosen Kyler Murray as their starting quarterback over J.J. McCarthy in the widely expected conclusion to what coach Kevin O’Connell pledged was a true competition. The … The Carolina Panthers’ newest backup quarterback has a history with head coach Dave Canales.
Professional Peoria cornhole player finishes strong at world tournament
Peoria resident Brittany Ethridge participated in the 2026 Cornhole World Championships in Rock Hill, South Carolina, July 27-Aug. 2. Submitted photo Peoria resident Brittany Ethridge became a professional player with the American Cornhole League earlier this year, and already she is finding success as a rookie. At the 2026 Cornhole World Championships in Rock Hill, South Carolina, July 27-Aug.
City Council to consider 2 zoning cases for north Peoria
Peoria City Council will consider two zoning cases at their Aug. 11 public meeting. This first is a rezone of 74 acres from Suburban Ranch 43 to planned area development to allow for the development of a 154-lot single-family attached residential community. This includes a general plan land use designation for the 74-acre site from
Peoria Unified candidate withdraws name from ballot
Comes after West Valley Republican challenges her signatures Peoria Unified candidate Natalee Sticht has withdrawn her name from the Nov. 3 race. Metro Creative A Peoria Unified School District governing board candidate has withdrawn her name from the race after a West Valley Republican challenged the validity of her signatures in court.
What was the police presence at Peoria High this morning?
Driving by Peoria High School this morning, people may have noticed a police presence on campus. In a letter sent to Peoria High families Principal Sammy Chagolla said a student got into an altercation with a school resource officer in the front office. "In alignment with our safety protocol, our administration immediately notified the Peoria Police Department, who dispatched additional officers. As a result, you may have seen emergency vehicles entering our campus.
Amkor $1.5B partnership with Nvidia to benefit Peoria
With the current construction of Amkor's newest fab in Peoria, the city stands to benefit from the company's recent partnership with Nvidia to develop advanced semiconductor packaging and test technologies for next-generation AI and accelerated computing platforms. The $1.5 billion multi-year agreement will support the expansion of Amkorās U.S. packaging capacity, according a news release.
Here is what is being built near Harkins at P83
Larry Fitzgerald, one of the greatest receivers in NFL history, is set to enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday. He spent his entire 17-year career with the Arizona Cardinals, where he … There are a handful of NFL teams with varying levels of competition for their season-opening starting quarterback.
Here is what is being built near Harkins at P83
A new business is coming to the P83 Entertainment District. An Aero Financial branch is being built adjacent to the Harkins movie theater and Abuelos. The new location will be about 54 feet tall and include a drive-through banking lane and ATM lane, according to the Peoria Planning and Zoning Department.
Peoria Unified creating new pathways with repurposed school
As district experiences first day back, Peoria Pathways alternative school opens at former Pioneer Elementary Peoria Pathways is planned to be a hub of alternative education for the district with a number of different programs under one roof. Independent Newsmedia/Philip Haldiman Thousands of students flooded into Peoria Unified schools today, a bustle of educational activity from Peoria Avenue in the south to Speckled Gecko Drive in the north.
Here's where you can find the cheapest gas in Peoria this week
Gas prices in the Valley rose another 25 cents this week, climbing to $4.37 a gallon according to a release from AAA Arizona on Thursday. “Rising crude oil prices are behind the spike at the pump,” said Aldo Vazquez, spokesperson for AAA Mountain West Group.
Rooks calls for administrative leave of 2 Peoria district leaders
Peoria Unified governing board member Heather Rooks requested the board consider placing Interim Superintendent Tahlya Visintainer and Chief Communications Officer Danielle Airey on paid administrative leave, during a recent board meeting. Rooks also sought to bring back former Interim Superintendent Ryan LaDouceur while police continue their investigation into two Centennial teachers who have sexual misconduct charges being reviewed by Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.
New left-turn lane and light now up and running at Liberty High School in north Peoria
A long awaited left-turn lane in north Peoria leading into Liberty High School opened today. The new infrastructure allowing for a left turn off Lake Pleasant Parkway and Speckled Gecko Drive is a welcome addition to the area, which will aim to make access to the school more efficient as the first day of school approaches, city officials said.
Community helps professional Peoria cornhole player prepare for world tournament
By Philip Haldiman Mail | X: @PhilipHaldiman Peoria resident Brittany Ethridge thought she was good at cornhole until she was invited out in 2021 to play in a tournament at Mavrix in Scottsdale’s Talking Stick Entertainment District. She had only played the lawn game in backyards with friends and at Country Thunder, and admits she was awful that night at Mavrix, and didn’t win a single game.
Community helps professional Peoria cornhole player prepare for world tournament
Philip Haldiman Senior News Editor | Peoria phaldiman@iniusa.org Meet Philip Haldiman is an award-winning journalist who most recently took first place for investigative reporting in 2023 from Arizona Newspapers Association. He joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in 2015, covering Sun City West his first year. Since 2016, he has covered the city of Peoria. Prior to coming to INI, he was a reporter with The Arizona Republic for seven years, covering numerous cities throughout the Valley.
New principal has been appointed to Raymond S. Kellis High School
The assistant principal of Raymond S. Kellis High School has become the new principal. Christopher Contreras replaces Tony Vining, who served as the school’s principal since July 2021. Officials say Contreras has worked to improve campus culture and the learning environment by prioritizing student safety and attendance.
Preliminary results show Fike taking early lead in LD 28 House Democratic primary
Preliminary results show Barbara Fike is taking an early lead on Marc Graham in the democratic primary for Legislative District 28. The district covers parts of northern Maricopa County, including Peoria, Surprise, and Sun City. Fike has 54.36% of the vote and Graham has 45.64%, according to unofficial results.
Preliminary results show Fike taking early lead in LD 28 House Democratic primary
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported nearly 1,700 confirmed cases of “explosive diarrhea” across 34 states as of mid-July, including at least 20 in Arizona, … OPINION — Oshkosh, Wisconsin, is considering a one-year moratorium on data centers due to water consumption and land use.
Preliminary results show Fike taking early lead in LD 28 House Democratic primary
The Arizona primary election for 2026 is on July 21. Metro Creative Preliminary results show Barbara Fike is taking an early lead on Marc Graham in the democratic primary for Legislative District 28. The district covers parts of northern Maricopa County, including Peoria, Surprise, and Sun City. Fike has 54.36% of the vote and Graham has 45.64%, according to unofficial results. You must be a member to read this story.
Preliminary results show Greene-Placentia taking early lead in CD 8 democratic primary
OPINION — Two events I saw on TV that I believe are major moments in all of our lives occurred recently. OPINION — Re: My suggestions for curbing prostitution in Arizona — drugs, gambling and prostitution are inherently and constitutionally legal individual behavior and cannot be outlawed in that context. When unconstitutionally outlawed, it only worsens the lives of those who do it and society at large.
Incumbents taking early lead in LD 28 House Republican primary
The primary election for 2026 is on July 21. MetroCreative Connection Preliminary results show incumbents Beverly Pingerelli and David Livingston are taking an early lead for the two open seats in the Republican primary for the House of Representatives in Legislative District 28. The district covers parts of northern Maricopa County, including Peoria, Surprise, and Sun City. Pingerelli has 41.72% of the vote and Livingston has 39.44%, according to unofficial results.
Preliminary results show Greene-Placentia taking early lead on Keeler in CD 8 Democratic primary
The primary election for 2026 is on July 21. Preliminary results show Bernadette Greene-Placentia taking an early lead on Raymond Keeler in the Democratic primary for Congressional District 8. The two candidates are hoping to unseat incumbent Rep. Abe Hamedeh from the reliably red district that covers a good portion of the Northwest Valley, including Peoria, Sun City, Sun City West, Glendale, Surprise, and parts of Phoenix.
Republican files election complaint against Peoria Unified school board candidate
A West Valley Republican has filed an election complaint against a Peoria Unified School District governing board candidate. Metro Creative A West Valley Republican is alleging a Peoria Unified School District governing board candidate filed invalid signatures in her nomination petition. Eileen Mueller, a former West Valley precinct chair, has filed an election challenge claiming candidate Natalee Sticht has insufficient signatures to qualify for the ballot.
Come here for important newsworthy stories, leave with feel-good vibes
Philip Haldiman Senior News Editor | Peoria phaldiman@iniusa.org Meet Philip Haldiman is an award-winning journalist who most recently took first place for investigative reporting in 2023 from Arizona Newspapers Association. He joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in 2015, covering Sun City West his first year. Since 2016, he has covered the city of Peoria. Prior to coming to INI, he was a reporter with The Arizona Republic for seven years, covering numerous cities throughout the Valley.
Campaign finance reports: Most LD 28 candidates focus on consulting leading up to primary
Livingston continues to have deepest pockets Campaign finance numbers are in for the second quarter reporting period, which ran April 1-June 30. While incumbent Rep. David Livingston continues to have the deepest pockets heading into the Legislative District 28 primary election July 21, most of the three-person Republican ticket spent the last campaign finance period spending money on political consulting rather than fundraising.
TSMC’s additional $100B investment in Arizona bodes well for Peoria
Experts say city is well positioned to capture significant momentum Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. announced an additional $100 billion investment in Arizona during its second quarter earnings call July 16. Courtesty TSMC Arizona With a testing and packaging fab rising up in north Peoria, the city stands to benefit from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.’s recent announcement that the microchip manufacturer will invest another $100 billion in Arizona.
Here's the cheapest gas in Peoria this week
After a slight increase last week, gas prices took a sharp upward turn this week as prices jumped 33 cents to land at $4.13 a gallon on average around the Valley, AAA Arizona said in a release late Thursday. “Instability along the Strait of Hormuz is contributing to the increase at the pump,” said Aldo Vazquez, spokesperson for AAA Mountain West Group in the release.
Report: Peoria ranks 6 for first-time homebuyer affordability
Peoria is the place for first-time homebuyers, at least according to a recent study. The city ranked No. 6 out of the top 100 most affordable places for first-time buyers, according to a new report from online financial site WalletHub. In recent years, people are being priced out of buying homes, which includes first time home buyers — last year, they made up just 21% of the market, compared to the historical average of 40%.
New principal appointed to Centennial High School
Schoolcraft steps in amid ongoing investigation of sex scandal The Peoria Unified School District governing board has appointed Darien Schoolcraft as the new principal of Centennial High School. Independent Newsmedia/Philip Haldiman A new principal has been appointed to Centennial High School after former principal Scott Hollabaugh resigned May 22, amid alleged sexual misconduct by teachers formerly employed at Centennial.
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