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In the past two decades, nearly 6,000 soldiers died in the line of duty. In that same time, more than 40,000 military veterans have taken their own life. It’s a sobering statistic – and one that Phoenix businessman James Stratman is trying to change. In January, the founder and CEO of local supplement store Peak Nutrition founded Winter Warrior, a nonprofit in honor of former Mesa police officer and U.S. Marine Mitch Winters. In November...

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Photo courtesy Gabby Usinger/Egyptian It’s safe to say what’s old is new again – bell bottoms are making a big comeback and retro-cool restaurants are springing up across the country. The Valley is no exception to this vintage revival, with the arrival (or rather reincarnation) of a hip hotel in the heart of the Grand Avenue Arts District. The Egyptian Motor Hotel has sat on historic Grand Ave for the better part of 70 years....

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Phoenix mayor Kate Gallego and members of city council recently approved two actions that would bolster sustainability education and foster the talent needed for the next generation of environmentally conscious leaders. Phoenix’s one-of-a-kind Student Council Sustainability Officer Program allows Phoenix Union High School District students to implement eco-friendly events and enhance sustainability education on their campus and beyond. The city council voted to expand this unique and important program, as well as introduce an urban...

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The Mosquito Squad of Greater Scottsdale recently partnered with AquaSafe Swim School to provide 10 swim school scholarships for children ages 1 to 4 years old as part of a communitywide effort to educate families about safe swimming. Parents will have the opportunity to submit a letter explaining their desire to participate for a chance to win two months of swimming lessons with an AquaSafe instructor at the school’s Scottsdale or Gilbert locations. “As a...

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Motherhood shouldn’t be an obstacle to exercising in comfort. That’s the philosophy behind Phoenix-based Senita Athletics, which is bringing its popular women’s athleticwear to mothers and mothers-to-be. “What we’re really hoping to accomplish is to just make women feel great… in what can be a very challenging and intense journey,” CEO Liz Pogue says. “Make them feel as comfortable as they possibly can when they’re working out, [from] when they’re 38 weeks pregnant to when...

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If you’re a music lover, you’ve probably seen author Ryan Clark snapping pictures at local shows, which he posts on his blog, Keep the Greasy Side Down. When the pandemic put the scene on hold, he started Hookworm Records, which released Hookworm One, a vinyl-exclusive compilation of four songs from Valley bands curated by Clark and available on the label’s website (hookwormrecords.com). We spoke with Clark about what else Phoenix music lovers can expect this...

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The Haymarket Squares | Photo by Rachael Smith Every week, we present a curated list of live music in a wide range of genres all around the Valley. This week’s focus is on musical trailblazers. April 4 Billie Eilish The actions of a certain rapper have dominated the headlines surrounding the Academy Awards. But one overlooked item was that Billie Eilish became the first person born in the 21st century to win an Oscar for...

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Jared Mattson | Photo courtesy Embry Rucker Jared Mattson, who is one half of jazz duo Mattson 2 and is best known for his work with chillwave virtuoso Toro Y Moi, is coming to Last Exit Live in Phoenix on April 3 in support of his new solo project. The catch? He hasn’t released an album yet. “In a very 1980s fashion, I will be touring and grinding shows as a power trio before any...

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As curtains continue to rise on stages across the Valley after a longer-than-anticipated pandemic pause, it’s difficult to gage who is more eager for the return of in-person productions – audiences or actors. Perhaps no one is more excited than the cast and crew of Phoenix Theatre Company’s production of the iconic feel-good musical Singin’ in the Rain, which runs through April 3. The production team has made it possible for it to rain on...

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Rachaad White | Photo by Troy Beckman – Team IFA Rachaad White is on a lot of people’s radars. The Arizona State University senior was one of the most prolific running backs in college football last year, with more than 1,500 total all-purpose yards and 16 touchdowns. He made a splash at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine in March and is poised to be one of the most sought-after running backs in the NFL Draft...

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Giselle Ruggeberg has always had a deep love of two things: plants and giving gifts. These penchants were the inspiration behind Jade & Clover, a plant and gift shop that features a wide range of lifestyle products. She opened her first location in the hip Deep Ellum neighborhood in Dallas, Texas, in 2016. “It wasn’t just something that happened overnight,” Ruggeberg says. “I was just trying to make it super interactive, and it evolved and...

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Need a hit of beautiful weather and clear blue ocean water? Head to Los Cabos, on the southernmost tip of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula (visitloscabos.travel). Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort This property just underwent a multi-million-dollar renovation. The resort now has six new places to eat and drink and 14 private plunge pools. For family fun, try the new splash zone and kids club. For adults, a private infinity pool and top-shelf margaritas...

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While the big story on Oscar night was, of course, The Slap, among the minor stories was the winner for Best Picture: Sian Heder’s comedy-drama CODA. As with Mesa native Troy Kotsur’s award for Best Supporting Actor for that same film, the win has a local angle here in the Valley: CODA was the Opening Night selection in last year’s Phoenix Film Festival. As PFF Executive Director Jason Carney crowed on Facebook after the win:...

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Phoenix-born and -bred author Peng Shepherd (The Book of M) is back with another page-turner. The Cartographers (HarperCollins, $27.99) is a thriller that follows cartographer Nell Young as she attempts to solve a mystery left behind by her late father, himself a legend in their shared field. Her journey is complicated by an enigmatic yet destructive map collector and a race against time. Through her fast-paced narrative, Shepherd introduces uninitiated readers to “phantom settlements,” intentional...

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Antigua wasn’t Dawson Fearnow’s initial vacation destination, but with COVID-19 continually canceling his family trip to Tahiti, he pivoted. The PR pro and freelance writer, along with his wife and son, chose the tiny Caribbean island – located in the Lesser Antilles island chain about 300 miles east of Puerto Rico – to escape the crowds and relax. Fearnow and his wife, Maggie, who are avid scuba divers, didn’t even have time for the activity...