Meet In CommonNews

Local news in and around Surprise, AZ

jewishaz.com · Sun City West, AZ

Nearby: Sun City West, AZ

Beth Emeth Congregation of the West Valley hosts installation for Rabbi Lev Ettelson

Rabbi Marc Soloway, right, recites the installation blessing for Rabbi Lev Ettelson, left, at Ettelson’s installation ceremony at Beth Emeth Congregation of the West Valley on Oct. 25. Courtesy of Jewish News Rabbi Lev Ettelson, who was ordained in May, was installed on Oct. 25 at Beth Emeth Congregation of the West Valley in Sun City West before more than 100 congregants and guests.According to congregaton co-president Arnold Becker, the ceremony was “certainly among the most significant events that we’ve had here at Beth Emeth Congregation. It is not often that such an event occurs, so we welcome everyone here with us to share this significant event.”Rabbis Marc Soloway and Charna Rosenholtz of Congregation Bonai Shalom in Boulder, Colorado, both close friends of Ettelson’s and fellow students of the late Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, helped lead the ceremony.“I’m overjoyed to be here today with family, friends and fellow rabbis and clergy,” Ettelson said.

West Valley View · Goodyear, AZ

Nearby: Goodyear, AZ

Goodyear approves backup water delivery agreement

The Goodyear City Council unanimously approved an agreement with the Central Arizona Water Conservation District to secure backup water supplies. (City of Goodyear/Submitted) The Goodyear City Council unanimously approved an agreement with the Central Arizona Water Conservation District to secure backup water supplies as ongoing Colorado River shortages are expected to reduce the city’s water allocation in 2027.During its Nov. 2 meeting, the council voted 7-0 to approve the Firming Water Delivery Agreement, establishing a process for recovering previously stored water to offset an anticipated reduction of 1,504 acre-feet in the city’s Central Arizona Project allocation.Goodyear Water Services Director Barbara Chappell said the agreement provides flexibility in accessing water reserves maintained by the Arizona Water Banking Authority, which has stored millions of acre-feet underground in preparation for shortages.

West Valley View · Goodyear, AZ

Nearby: Goodyear, AZ

Young aviation enthusiast’s wish takes flight

Boyu traveled to Goodyear, Arizona, for an up-close look at aviation and pilot training. (Make-A-Wish/Submitted) For 11-year-old Boyu, airplanes have been more than a passing interest since kindergarten. From identifying aircraft models to teaching his parents about aviation, his fascination with flying has fueled his aspiration to one day become a pilot.That passion recently brought the Houston-area boy to Goodyear, where United Airlines and Make-A-Wish partnered to grant his wish of experiencing the world of aviation firsthand at United Aviate Academy.“My first favorite was getting into the airplane,” Boyu said through Ivy Cheng, a Make-A-Wish volunteer and interpreter. “The second favorite was definitely the control tower.” During his visit, Boyu explored aircraft, toured a maintenance hangar, experienced an airplane taxiing on the ground, visited an air traffic control tower and practiced flying in a flight simulator.

West Valley View · Buckeye, AZ

Nearby: Buckeye, AZ

Buckeye adopts updated city strategic plan

The Buckeye City Council unanimously approved an updated strategic plan designed to guide the city’s growth, strengthen public services and establish measurable goals for community development through 2029.During its Nov. 3 meeting, the council adopted the 2026-29 City of Buckeye Strategic Plan, outlining five focus areas, 25 initiatives, 103 objectives and 56 key performance indicators to help city officials prioritize investments and track progress.Buckeye Deputy City Manager Jared Askelson said the updated plan provides a framework for addressing the needs of one of Arizona’s fastest-growing communities while ensuring city resources align with council priorities. “Our strategic plan will give us clear direction as we continue to grow and service our community,” Askelson said.The plan builds on the city’s original strategic framework, adopted in 2022 and updated annually until March 2025.

arcadianews.com · Buckeye, AZ

Nearby: Buckeye, AZ

Editor's Note November 2026

Did you know that, in an hour’s drive outside of Phoenix (depending of course on the time of day), you can find a field of sunflowers in Buckeye? I recently discovered this and my first thought was, ‘Wow, what a perfect backdrop for Christmas cards!’ And then I thought, ‘Oh no… I’m already thinking about Christmas!’The holidays creep up pretty quickly, and with it are all the fun stories your neighborhood newspaper loves to share. We’ve got an extensive list of places to donate for the season of giving, a solid list of spots to celebrate our Veterans and Turkey Day… it’s safe to say there’s no shortage of stuff going on in the Valley in November.This edition also includes two stories about the scenery in our neighborhood: Bimson Park and the Cross Cut Canal. Both explain the who, where and what – but it’s up to our neighbors to help come up with solutions that benefit all who utilize both spaces. The best thing to do is stay informed, and we’re here to help!

Phoenix New Times · Phoenix, AZ

Nearby: Phoenix, AZ

Map: These are the parts of Phoenix where police shootings happen

Police & Law EnforcementMap: These are the parts of Phoenix where police shootings happen We've mapped every police shooting — fatal and non-fatal — involving a Phoenix officer since 2019. By Clarissa SosinNovember 12, 2026 Body-cam footage showed the moment Phoenix police officers shot and killed Joseph Mendez on April 29, 2026. Phoenix Police Department Add New Timesas a preferred source on Google Audio By Carbonatix Wherever We're Needed. We're There. From the stories making headlines to the restaurants, music and culture that make Phoenix one of a kind, New Times is there. Help us raise $25,000 by December 31 to keep independent local journalism going strong in 2027. Support us today Progress to goal $2,850 $25,000 You’re more likely to be shot by a cop in some parts of Phoenix than others. Phoenix New Times mapped all documented shootings by Phoenix police officers from 2019 to the present using, data from the police department and the county attorney’s office.

Ahwatukee Foothills News · Phoenix, AZ

Nearby: Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix mulling higher water alert stage

Phoenix’s current water reuse system collects and cleans wastewater for irrigation, industry, and environmental restoration. By the end of the decade, the city Water Services Department says, “recycled water will undergo advanced purification to become a vital new source of drinking water, helping us maximize every drop.” (City of Phoenix) Phoenix residents could face new water conservation requests and higher bills for heavy water use as city officials prepare for substantial reductions in Colorado River supplies that could force the city to declare a more serious stage of drought.The Phoenix City Council was to receive an update Tuesday, Nov. 10, on the city's water supply outlook, including the possibility of moving to Stage 2 of its four-stage drought management plan.Phoenix has remained at Stage 1, designated a "Water Alert," since June 2022.

Farm Talk · Phoenix, AZ

Nearby: Phoenix, AZ

Vinn Strupp Family: Ranching and military service

Vinn & Debbie Strupp Vinn Strupp has been a rancher most of his life. He grew up on a western ranch, attended college for a year, then joined the Navy and became a machine repairman on a ship for four years. Later, he worked in a couple of states on various ranches before he and his wife Debbie came back to the ranch. At one time they had 250 sheep, but have cattle now. They also raised 4 children, and 3 of them have been in the military. Their son Vinn Adam spent 22 years in the Navy and retired last year to come back to the ranch. His wife Jennifer was also military.Vinn Adam helped on the ranch growing up but wanted to see the world. “I joined the Navy because my father and uncle had been in the Navy. My sister joined the Air Force, and my brother was in the Army, but I thought I could do more traveling in the Navy and see more places,” he says. “I was an electrician in the Navy.

Ahwatukee Foothills News · Phoenix, AZ

Nearby: Phoenix, AZ

Some Phoenix Council members wary of police claims

Phoenix Police officials said last week they have completed most of the reforms approved by City Council two years ago, but council members questioned whether the changes will be enough to restore public confidence in the department.Those concerns surfaced during an Oct. 27 council policy session that examined the city's progress on 37 public safety initiatives, including new policies, civilian oversight, mental health crisis response and efforts to improve relations with residents.The discussion also produced a timetable for an internal audit of the South Mountain Precinct following allegations of misconduct involving officers assigned there. The allegations primarily stem from the arrest of two officers on multiple felonies in a violent, unreported traffic stop on Aug. 5, involving a man and a woman in South Phoenix.

Ahwatukee Foothills News · Phoenix, AZ

Nearby: Phoenix, AZ

Parades in Ahwatukee region honor generations of veterans

This youngster’s note of appreciation at last year’s East Valley Veterans Parade fittingly captures what today is all about – thank those who serve. Veterans Day parades abound today, with events scheduled in Phoenix, Mesa and Tempe. (East Valley Veterans Parade) Three Veterans Day parades will bring thousands of spectators to Phoenix, Mesa and Tempe Nov. 11, honoring generations of Americans who served in the military as the nation marks its 250th anniversary.The celebrations will feature military veterans, marching bands, community organizations and public officials, with honorees ranging from a 100-year-old World War II veteran who witnessed the flag-raising at Iwo Jima to a retired Air Force general who flew 130 combat missions in Vietnam.Phoenix will celebrate the 30th anniversary of its parade with a new route, while Mesa will recognize the nation's 250th birthday and Tempe will continue a tradition that dates back half a century. All three parades are free to spectators.