By Recker McDowell — There is still a lot of uncertainty regarding when and how schools and colleges will reopen for the new school year. There is also a lot of uncertainty for many students on when and how they will continue their educations including going to college. The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on jobs, livelihoods, and of course … Read More

By Recker McDowell — Arizona now has more than 150,000 COVID-19 cases and is closing in on 3,000 deaths from the virus. Those are important for the media and social media influencers to report as we traverse the pandemic and its impacts on health and the economy. The challenge is getting the national and local media to report on COVID-19 … Read More

By Recker McDowell — It can be easy to point out when the government (at all levels) overreaches its bounds or is not working for the ‘little guy’. We all know the ‘You Can’t Fight City Hall’ refrain. This is not the case at all with the city of Phoenix and the Good Samaritan work being down by the Planning … Read More

By Recker McDowell — School districts and universities across Arizona and the country are all wrestling with when and how to reopen for classes. Those decisions are not easy with COVID-19 and Arizona posting the second highest number of cases per capita in the U.S. Teachers and staff are worried about returning to classrooms. Some parents and students are also … Read More

By Recker McDowell — The Chandler Chamber of Commerce hosted its second virtual job fair last week helping to link prospective job applicants with employers including Microchip Technology, Toyota Financial Services and Walgreens in the age of COVID-19. Other business groups, including the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce and Valley Partnership, have also held virtual events helping connect and inform members. … Read More

By Recker McDowell — It was great to see Scottsdale City Councilwoman and Mayoral Candidate Suzanne Klapp and Scottsdale Police Chief Alan Rodbell at a forum this week hosted by the HeroZona Foundation focused on greater racial and social understanding. We have also noticed Klapp and Rodbell getting some grief on social media for a photo opp at the event … Read More

By Scottsdale Pinetop and Robin Roadrunner — As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, building a strong immune system through proper nutrients, physical activity and overall wellness can often be overlooked. But one local entrepreneur and wellness coach believes it is more important than ever before. And she is sharing her personal journey to help others. A mom, entrepreneur, cancer survivor … Read More

By Recker McDowell — The COVID-19 pandemic has hit arts groups, galleries, and venues extremely hard. Performances, showings, fundraising events, and festivals have been canceled or postponed. Gerd Wuestemann, president and CEO of Scottsdale Arts said during a recent digital forum that most arts organizations across the state have had to lay off workers or furlough staff because of COVID-19 … Read More

Staff Report — We came across a feature in Trendsetters magazine from 2017 on a certain Scottsdale City Council candidate who was in a ‘Sizzling Singles’ feature. City Council wannabe Michael Auerbach talked to the magazine about what he was looking for in a significant other – his ideal woman. “The woman I am searching for enjoys intellectual challenges and … Read More

By Recker McDowell — Candidates for Scottsdale Mayor and City Council have started filing campaign finance reports for the second quarter. The reports outline candidate fundraising from April 1st through June 30th. Mayoral candidates are looking to succeed term-limited Mayor Jim Lane. There are three Scottsdale City Council seats being contested. The primary election is August 4th with potential and … Read More