Arizona Courier News

11/09/2025

Editorial Reflection: The Charlie Kirk Tragedy

I’ll be honest—this one hurts.

I’ve been a Charlie Kirk fan for years. That doesn’t mean I’ve agreed with everything he’s ever said, but I’ve always respected him. What I enjoyed most was watching someone who was willing to stand in the middle of tough conversations and not shy away. He wasn’t pushy, he wasn’t rude—he debated because he believed in ideas, and he did it with respect. Love him or hate him, Charlie Kirk brought something refreshing: real conversations with real people.

That’s why this tragedy feels so heavy. The senseless act of violence that took his life should never have happened. And what makes it even worse is what comes after. My 12-year-old daughter, who also admired Charlie, can’t escape seeing his death replayed again and again online. Facebook. Instagram. TikTok. No matter where she looks—it’s there. A murder, raw and graphic, in plain sight. She didn’t ask to see it, and yet she can’t avoid it.

We talk a lot about limiting screen time, but at the end of the day, our kids didn’t choose to be flooded with violent videos. They deserve a world where ideas are debated without bullets, and where children don’t have to be confronted with gruesome images of real people dying on repeat.

What can be done? How do we protect the next generation from this cycle of violence and exposure? I don’t have all the answers, but I do know this: we can’t become numb to it.

—The AZ Courier News Editorial Team

02/09/2025

🎶 Ukuleles, Friendship & Healing in Mesa 🎶

On Monday afternoons at Superstition Springs Center, you might hear the gentle strum of ukuleles drifting through the halls. Step closer and you’ll find a circle of military veterans learning chords, swapping stories, and finding peace together.
This free grassroots class was started by East Valley veteran advocate and musician Lee Huff, with support from the Mesa Art League and the Mesa Chamber of Commerce. No music background is required, no equipment needed—just show up, grab a ukulele, and let the music do the rest.

Why the uke? It’s light, easy on the hands, and simple to learn—perfect for anyone, especially those working through injuries or just looking for a creative outlet. For many veterans, the class has become more than music; it’s a bridge back to community life.

✨ Other ways to get involved:
Try a Monday session at Superstition Springs Center (Mesa). Veterans and spouses welcome.

Check out Mesa Arts Center’s “Arts in Service” fall classes—photography, pottery, welding, printmaking & more.
Explore Mesa Art League’s free veteran classes at Aster Senior Center and the Mesa Veterans Resource Center (all supplies included!).

Lee Huff has been a longtime force in the veterans’ community, even earning the Copper Sword honor from the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Foundation for his work. His mission is simple: keep it free, keep it friendly, and let creativity bring people together.

👉 Veterans, families, and friends—if you’ve been looking for a way to connect, this might be the easiest first step: one easy C chord, a few new friends, and a whole lot of heart.

01/09/2025

September 2025 AZ Courier News Now Available!

27/08/2025

Is Mesa Haunted?

Some say no… but after stepping inside East Valley Paranormal, you may never see downtown Mesa the same way again.
Two Mesa women turned their lifelong passion for the paranormal into one of the East Valley’s most unique attractions—a haunted museum filled with eerie artifacts, ghost tours on decorated scooters, psychic readings, and stories that will give you chills.

Even skeptics leave with questions they can’t explain… and a few goosebumps.

Read the full feature on AZCourierNews.com ➡️ https://azcouriernews.com/east-valley-paranormal/

12/08/2025

🥐☕ Kolache Café is Redefining Breakfast in the Valley! 🌄✨
What happens when Czech tradition meets Texas flavor in the heart of Arizona? You get Kolache Café—a fast-growing local gem serving up warm, doughy goodness one cloud-like pastry at a time.
Sweet or savory, these aren’t your average breakfast bites. Think jalapeño sausage and cheese, cherry cheesecake, brisket, bacon & eggs—and yes, they’re all baked fresh daily! 😍

Born during the pandemic in Ahwatukee, Kolache Café now has 4 locations (and counting!), thanks to Arizona native Jose and his incredible team—including guest satisfaction expert Jessica and Mesa’s own Abby.

📍 Cozy dine-in vibes
🚗 Drive-thru at most locations
📦 Take-home & reheat-friendly
☕ Full coffee bar powered by Buzzed Goat Coffee Co.

Never heard of a Kolache? That’s part of the fun! Come taste what all the hype is about—and bring a box home while you're at it.

👉 Visit www.kolachecafe.com for locations, hours, and online ordering.
🔥 Pro tip: Grab the jalapeño sausage & cheese. Trust us.

11/08/2025

🧭 Can YOU “Guess That AZ Spot?” 🌄
Our readers absolutely crushed it in July’s challenge! 💪 Big shoutout to Eric Ledermann, Joni Langue, and Ester Bradley for nailing all four landmarks:
📍 Tonto Natural Bridge (Payson)
📍 Chiricahua National Monument (near Willcox)
📍 Mystery Castle (Phoenix)
📍 Sonoita-Elgin Wine Country (Southern AZ) ← That one was tricky!

🎉 Nice work, Arizona adventurers!

Now it’s time for August’s mystery landmarks... Think you’ve got what it takes?

🔎 Here are your clues:
1️⃣ Layers of red, pink, and purple stretch across the horizon in this surreal desert landscape.
2️⃣ If these walls could talk, they’d whisper tales of poker games, can-can dancers, and ghostly gunmen.
3️⃣ You might do a double take—yes, this historic European structure really was shipped piece by piece across the ocean and rebuilt right here in Arizona.
4️⃣ Legend has it a card game decided who got to name this town. Today, a life-sized statue downtown tells the story.

📬 Think you know them?
Email your guesses (top to bottom) to: [email protected]

🔍 Want bonus clues? Join us on Facebook Courier News and play along live!
Winners and answers will be featured in the September issue.

08/08/2025

TRI IT OUT – Mesa’s Sprint Triathlon is Almost Here!

Think you can train for a triathlon in just 4 weeks? You absolutely can — and Mesa’s Sprint Triathlon on Saturday, September 27th is the perfect chance to challenge yourself!

Whether you're already signed up or just tri-curious, here’s what you need to know:

✅ Swim: 400m in a pool
✅ Bike: 12-mile loop
✅ Run: 5k through Skyline Park
✅ Location: Skyline Aquatic Center
✅ Finishers earn medals, shirts & bragging rights

Not sure how to train? We’ve got tips in our latest article on how to go from zero to tri-ready in 30 days! 👇

🔗 Read the full article here: https://azcouriernews.com/tri-it-out/
📸 Check out our fun event graphic!
📝 Register at MesaSprintTriathlon.com

Tag a friend who should do this with you! 🏅

07/08/2025

🎉 GIVEAWAY TIME! 🎉

We’re giving away five (5) beautiful 2026 Gold Canyon Lions Club Charity Calendars to our wonderful readers and followers!
📅 These calendars aren’t just practical—they feature stunning photography by local legend Joanne West, capturing the breathtaking beauty of Gold Canyon and the Superstition Mountains like only she can. All proceeds from calendar sales support the amazing community work of the Gold Canyon Lions Club. 💛

Want one? Here's how to snag yours ⬇️

🦁 TRIVIA TIME:
The Superstition Mountains are full of legends, but here's one that might stump you:
👉 A well-known landmark in the Superstitions is called Weaver’s Needle. Legend has it that the location of the Lost Dutchman’s gold can only be found at a certain time of day in a specific spot…
💬 According to the tale, what time of day does Weaver’s Needle cast a shadow that supposedly reveals the mine’s location?

⏰ Think you know? Be one of the first FIVE people to DM us your answer (don’t comment below!) and we’ll mail you a free calendar.

📬 Good luck—and don’t forget to support the Lions Club by grabbing a calendar even if you don’t win!

📸: Joanne West

06/08/2025

🌵 Apache Junction is on the Rise! 🏗️✨
Once known as a quiet desert retreat, Apache Junction is stepping into the spotlight with a wave of new homes, new businesses, and new energy! From family-friendly developments to bustling local shops, this East Valley gem is growing faster than ever—without losing the small-town charm we all love.

🏡 New neighborhoods
☕ Thriving small businesses
🚧 Improved infrastructure
🌄 Still the same stunning views of the Superstitions

But with growth comes questions—and our latest article dives into it all. How is the city planning for the future? What do longtime residents think? And what makes AJ so attractive to new families and transplants alike?

📖 Read the full story at: https://azcouriernews.com/apache-junctions-boom-in-growth-a-small-town-on-the-rise

05/08/2025

San Tan Valley VOTES TODAY — Will It Become Arizona’s Newest Town?

Big news in the East Valley — San Tan Valley residents are heading to the polls TODAY to vote on Prop 495, a historic decision that could officially turn the area into a self-governed town for the very first time.

If passed, San Tan Valley would:
Keep $50M+ in local tax dollars for roads, parks & services
Get its own mayor and town council
Become the largest town incorporation in Arizona history

But not everyone’s on board. Some locals worry about possible new taxes and how well a brand-new town government could handle essential services like fire and emergency response.

Polls are open from 6am to 7pm. If you live in San Tan Valley, your vote today decides the future of your community.

https://azcouriernews.com/san-tan-valley-votes-on-prop-495-could-arizona-see-its-newest-town/

What do YOU think? Is it time for San Tan Valley to take control of its own future?

Drop your thoughts below 👇 or tag a neighbor who should know about this!

04/08/2025

The August issue of the AZ Courier News is here – and it’s packed with stories to keep you entertained, informed, and inspired through the summer heat!
azcouriernews.com/e-newspaper

22/07/2025