Three years ago, in the wake of a new Arizona law aimed at those in the country illegally, tens of thousands converged on the Capitol with a message: Today we march, tomorrow we vote.

With the onslaught of Oscar contenders that debuted last November, there’s a good chance that a little-seen indie gem, “Starlet,” managed to fall off your radar during its short, theatrical run. Winner of the Special Jury Prize at the 2011 SXSW film festival, “Starlet” explores the unlikely friendship between a cheerful, aspiring actress (played by the winsome Dree Hemingway) and a cantankerous, elderly widow (the late Besedka Johnson).

Responding to recent absurd arguments... speeding, stealing and insider trading are not rights guaranteed by the Constitution... the right to bear arms IS!

Last week, the Division I and II baseball state tournaments moved to spring training stadiums across the Valley.

Another Italian eatery is preparing to open in the recently closed Anzio Landing restaurant space in Mesa.

In Bryan Brinkley’s letter to the editor (“Richardson’s arguments are absurd,” AFN, May 3) he indicates that he is a man of the law. Then let him try this one on: “The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.”

Arizonans have devised a variety of ways to retreat from the scorching summer heat, including relaxing indoors or poolside, or escaping it entirely for a summer vacation. However, there’s one thing that can’t escape from the sizzling temperatures — your ride.

Darkness can be paralyzing.

Jodi is estimated to be about 2 years old. She’s a blend of some kind, perhaps a Spitz/Chow. She weighs approximately 35 pounds, so she’s on the smaller side. Word on the street is that someone saw Jodi being pushed from a car.

It's not a big breakthrough.

When Victoria Burton heard about a girl in preschool at St. John Bosco Interparish School in Ahwatukee, she immediately wanted to help.

If you watch the trailer for “Renoir” – a new period drama from French filmmaker Gilles Bourdos – a variety of adjectives are bound to come to mind: conventional, humdrum, lackluster. Sure, they’re trying to sell the story of one of the all-time great painters in a mere two minutes, but nothing about it grabs your attention – let alone, compels you to sit through the actual film. Luckily, this is not exactly the case for the movie itself, which is exquisite to look at but unfortunately devoid of any real insight into Pierre-Auguste Renoir. You come wishing to learn about the artist and his work, but instead leave dwelling on the film’s more engaging supporting characters.

Congratulations to the winter guard teams from Corona del Sol High School and Desert Vista High School for taking first and second place in the Arizona State Winter Guard Championship on April 6. These two teams have been competing all season and have forged what can best be described as a “friendly rivalry.” On the floor, they gave their best and used the competition to push each other to higher performance levels. When each competition was over, they could often be seen hanging out together and forming friendships. The season is over with a terrific showing on behalf of Tempe Union High School District. This level of achievement is only possible with a strong commitment to excellence and willingness to put in many hours of hard work week after week.

An Andean bear cub recently had its first check-up with Phoenix Zoo vets. After patiently waiting for more than three months, they found out the cut is a boy. Rio, the mother bear, is doing an excellent job raising her young cub. Recently, for the first time in the presence of zookeepers, Rio let go of the cub, stepped away and allowed the cub to be briefly on its own. Keepers were able to capture video of the cub taking some of his first steps, which you can watch at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkwv-n9KspU.

It's a boy!! Our Andean bear cub recently had its first check-up with Phoenix Zoo vets. After patiently waiting for more than three months, we received the exciting news that we have a bouncing baby boy! Rio, our mother bear, is doing an excellent job raising her young cub. Recently, for the first time in the presence of our zookeepers Rio let go of the cub, stepped away and allowed the cub to be briefly on its own! Our keepers were able to capture video of the cub taking some of his first steps.Rio quickly returned to the cub after taking some food from her keepers but this marks a huge moment in the cub's development. At this time we still believe we are a few months away from the cub going out on exhibit as our keeper staff continues to take their cues from Rio allowing her to let us know when she feels comfortable and ready to leave her den.Be sure to subscribe to us for future bear updates!http://www.phoenixzoo.org -- Visit us!http://www.facebook.com/PhoenixZoo - Like us!http://www.twitter.com/PhoenixZoo - Follow us!http://www.instagram.com/PhoenixZoo - See fun Zoo photos!

Gun rights

Lottery confidentiality

Between the two of them, filmmakers Lucien Castaing-Taylor and Véréna Paravel have explored sheepherding in Montana, auto shops and junkyards in Queens and most recently, the fishing industry in the North Atlantic. Their experimental documentary “Leviathan” is both visceral and gritty, in no way spoon-feeding its audience information, but rather, completely immersing them in the gruesome, often dangerous environment aboard a commercial fishing liner.

Rick McConnell didn’t intend to spend the last 28 years coaching boys basketball at Dobson.

This weekend marks Josh Mendoza’s first time to have a film screening at the Phoenix Film Festival, but there’s a hunch that this is just the start for the Ahwatukee Foothills native.

The transition to a new coach is never as simple as the athletic director and principal introducing the new leader of the program to the players.

Up there with “Stoker” and “Like Someone in Love” as one of the best films to hit theaters this spring, “War Witch” is devastating, beautiful and truly not to be missed. An Oscar nominee for Best Foreign Language Film, this gut-wrenching tale of a child soldier has been reeling in the accolades: Best Actress awards for young star Rachel Mwanza at both the Berlin and Tribeca film festivals, along with a whopping 10 honors (including Best Picture) at this year’s Canadian Screen Awards.