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Local students from Goodyear, including Basis students Nicholas A.

Encina and Cole O. More and Millennium student Maya Kochar, are among 16,000 semifinalists for the 2027 National Merit Scholarship Program. They took the 2025 Preliminary SAT test + now aim to become finalists and earn a Merit Scholar title.

Today, Goodyear City Council approved a special use permit for the Desert Rainbow Solar Project.

The 5,050-acre site south of Queen Creek Road will feature solar panels and battery storage, create up to 800 construction jobs, and generate millions in tax revenue, with construction possibly beginning in 2029.

Agua Fria Union High School District partnered with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona and Accelerate ASU to allow high school students to take ASU Universal Learner nursing courses, addressing West Valley’s health care worker shortage with a $40,000 investment — the program eases entry into college nursing pathways.

Litchfield Park resident Sharon Brown volunteers twice weekly at Banner Olive Branch Senior Center after shifting from a Sun City meal delivery route.

She recently celebrated one year of service, giving seniors regular help in our community (according to independent reports).

Coach Nicole Hoff starts her first season coaching Millennium girls volleyball in Goodyear as she draws on her Tigers experience from winning a state title in 2018 (she played a key role) to guide a squad now with 11 seniors.

On Sept. 4, Millennium overwhelmed Cactus at the Tigers’ stadium in Goodyear.

Senior D'Mari Bryant made a key 52-yard run in the fourth quarter while both teams faced personal foul penalties in the second half.

AAA data show that, as of Sept.

4, Arizona gas prices averaged $4.53 per gallon ahead of Labor Day weekend, with Scottsdale at $4.73 + Pima County at $4.35, giving drivers clear price guidance.

Goodyear Parks & Recreation received two statewide Best of the Best Awards on Sept.

1 from the Arizona Parks & Recreation Association. The Goodyear Sharks Swim Team was honored for its Outstanding Aquatics Program serving 320 young athletes, and the Moving Forward adaptive vocational program, run with Agua Fria High School District, won for outstanding adaptive programming.