Have you seen a navy blue Cybertruck on Arizona’s roads with the license plate “THXELON”? 

The flashy vehicle belongs to Jay Feely, a former Arizona Cardinals player who is running for the US House in Arizona. 

Jay Feely poses with his campaign Cybertruck. (Provided by the Jay Feely campaign via Reuters Connect)

Here’s more from a story by Stephanie Murray of The Arizona Republic:

“The Tesla Cybertruck, a $70,000 electric pickup truck known for its futuristic, stainless steel exterior, is ubiquitous on the right despite President Donald Trump’s on-again, off-again relationship with the truck’s inventor [Elon Musk].

The benefits of the branded Tesla are twofold. Cybertrucks are so distinct that they catch attention easily and start a conversation, their drivers say. Plus, getting behind the wheel of a Cybertruck is an instant signal of support for Tesla CEO Elon Musk, the tech billionaire who poured $290 million into getting Trump elected.

‘Campaigns understand that visuals like this travel far faster than policy messages,’ said John Della Volpe, the director of polling for the Harvard Kennedy School’s Institute of Politics.”

What do you think about the Cybertruck as a form of campaign advertising? Let me know, and I’ll share some responses in tomorrow’s email. Please keep your comments free from profanity and name-calling.

P.S. On behalf of our parent company COURIER, check out this March 12 virtual event: MAHA & the Midterms aims to help break down how recent political choices are shaping health care access, affordability, and what families should know moving forward.

The conversation features author Hank Green, psychologist Dr. Mary Trump, US Rep. Lauren Underwood (a registered nurse), Shaughnessy Naughton of 314 Action, and medical analyst Dr. Vin Gupta.

👉 Save your spot here.

If you’re a young professional who’s new to metro Phoenix, here are the best areas of town to meet and mingle with other young people.

A specialized Phoenix school designed to acclimate immigrant children to the American education system is closing its doors as enrollment plummets, leaving behind a model for supporting vulnerable students. 

This weekend is packed full of events in Arizona, including a chili cook-off and a pet parade.

We’ve had a lot of readers ask how they can get involved in their communities, so we’re letting you know about upcoming opportunities. 

Here’s one event to consider this week:

Maricopa County StandDown
When: March 12-13, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Arizona State Fairgrounds, 1826 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix

Description: “A program of the Arizona Housing Coalition, the Arizona Veterans StandDown Alliance hosts the Maricopa County StandDown each year to serve veterans and their families who are experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity. Attendees receive complimentary resources in the form of housing assistance, veterans’ benefits support, haircuts, employment opportunities, hot meals, clothing/surplus, medical/vision assistance, veterans’ court assistance, mental health support, personal care/hygiene products, veterinary care, disability assistance, survivors’ benefits, and so much more.”

Want more? We post weekly roundups of ways to get involved. Our friends at Collective Phoenix also keep a running list of events related to civics, advocacy, and volunteerism—follow them on Instagram. 

Share yours: What’s something you’ve done so far this year to better your community? Let me know, and I may share some responses!

Here’s what Les R. is doing for their community:

“I just requested a ballot for the Salt River Project Board of Directors election.”

Learn more about the SRP election—which far-right group Turning Point USA has gotten involved in—on April 7 and how to cast a ballot. 

🎤 Kehlani will headline a free concert in downtown Phoenix next month as the NCAA Women’s Final Four comes to town. (Arizona’s Family)

🤠 A new Tombstone attraction combines target shooting, zip lining, and the spirit of the Wild West. (KGUN)

🍷 A Willcox winery called Tirrito Farm received a federal grant of nearly $70,000 to expand its operations. (KTAR)

Do you want to support The Copper Courier’s mission while showcasing your products or services to an engaged audience of 125,000+ subscribers?

Email advertise@couriernewsroom.com for more information.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Jessica Swarner with stories from Sahara Sajjadi, Audrey Lippert, and USA Today Network via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Kimberly Lawson.

The Copper Courier is free for everyone. Your support makes our work possible.