Ex-chief had past experience with no-confidence votes
Former Surprise police chief said he organized one while he served as police union president.

ASU and Dysart Unified School District work for win-win solution
Partnership hopes to bring up test scores, lower the teacher-student ratio at El Mirage Elementary.

Surprise aims to land new jobs - a few hundred at a time
Surprise's Top 5 employers are mostly retailers, but better jobs may be on the way.

Phoenix area has slight chance of rain today
Valley temperatures are expected to remain below 100 from Wednesday until Saturday.

Recent crime trends in Surprise
Here are some of the top crimes reported to Surprise police during the week of Aug. 22. Detailed information is available at www.crimemapping.com/Map/az/surprise.

Business, planning meetings in Surprise
Business and planning meetings in Surprise

Surprise council debates mayor's role, Mayor Truitt's conduct
Two council members accused Mayor Truitt of violating rules adopted by the council in January.

Surprise Dysart Unified School District to allow some cellphone use in class
Students will be allowed to use cellphones in the classroom for research purposes.

Judge issues release of Sun City pediatrician in child-porn case
Dr. Emilio Luna, 40, is charged with distributing child pornography.

Glendale man found dead after Sun City couple smells stench
Sun City couple driving behind the pickup of David Ian Wile's roommate noticed a horrible smell.

Staffer: Council more active at Ariz. league
Surprise intergovernmental relations director says members were engaged during mega summit.

Phoenix area under excessive heat warning for today
Phoenix area residents are advised to keep hydrated and stay in the shade if outdoors.

Surprise Willow Canyon High School volleyball hopes for improved 2010 season
The Willow Canyon girls volleyball team is looking to bounce back from a 5-26 showing last season.

Surprise Westwind Harmony Chorus seeks singers
The Westwind Harmony Chorus is looking for women to join the group.

Patriot Golf Day in Sun City West
Northwest Valley briefs.

Sun City pediatrician accused of distributing child pornography
Dr. Emilio Luna arrested on suspicion of sharing thousands of photos depicting child pornography.

Waddell man pleads guilty in Sky Harbor luggage thefts
Keith King accused in November of stealing up to 1,000 luggage bags from Sky Harbor.

El Mirage councilman files $500K claim over ethics probe
Roy Delgado was accused of violating 17 ethics policies; investigation was dropped in February

Surprise Police Department: Property crime slightly down
Police stats show decrease in burglaries, thefts in first half of 2010; violent crimes remains steady

Valley cities find residency requirements hurting recruitment for top managers
Officials are worried that skilled applicants won't apply for jobs that would force them to relocate.