If any piece of classic American literature should be depicted on film with wildly decadent and boldly inventive style, it's "The Great Gatsby." After all, who was the character of Jay Gatsby himself if not a spinner of grandiose tales and a peddler of lavish dreams?

With graduation just around the corner, Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton emphasized the importance of college and answered questions about city issues as he spoke to a classroom of seniors on Wednesday at Mountain Pointe High School.

Take note. This is an excellent question, and it may be the relief you and your family have been looking for.

Hospice of the Valley has received a $100,000 grant from the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community to enhance end-of-life care and grief support services for children and families in Maricopa County.

The city of Phoenix is celebrating Valley Bike Month throughout April with a variety of activities intended to get residents out on their bikes to share in the experience of cycling throughout the city. In partnership with Valley Metro, the city is encouraging seasoned cyclists and those new to biking to give it a try at one of these events:

Robert Redford does his most compelling work in some time as both actor and director in "The Company You Keep," a tense yet admirably restrained thriller about a fugitive forced out of hiding after 30 years to prove his innocence. Adapted with clarity and intelligence by Lem Dobbs from Neil Gordon's novel, and lent distinguishing heft by its roster of screen veterans, this gripping drama provides an absorbing reflection on the courage and cost of dissent.

The city of Phoenix is reaching out to residents over the next few months to get input on the city manager’s trial budget, which does not call for an early removal of the city’s food sales tax.

City elections

Desert Vista High School students recently launched a website that discusses the positives of public education.

Herb Zinn will be speaking at the 17th Annual Greater Southwest Aviation Maintenance Technician Symposium at the Williams Campus this week.

The DPR Foundation, a company-wide initiative of DPR Construction to help disadvantaged kids, has awarded East Valley youth program ICAN, with a $50,000 grant. The money was awarded to support ICAN’s youth development programs, which build necessary skills in youth to avoid substance abuse, gang activity and juvenile delinquency in high risk communities.

The Pension Reform Campaign Committee will provide information on the comprehensive pension reform for Phoenix and Proposition 201 during the Ahwatukee Foothills Chamber of Commerce Public Policy Committee meeting on Friday, Feb. 1 at noon at Dignity Health Urgent Care Community Room, 4545 E. Chandler Blvd.

Desert Vista High School will host the nationwide program, Rachel’s Challenge, on Monday, Jan. 28. Already a presence in Kyrene School District middle schools, the program is based on the life of Rachel Scott, the first person killed in the Columbine tragedy of 1999, and it is important for students to hear her message of kindness and compassion.

Catholic students to rally at Capitol Jan. 30

United Blood Services has announced an urgent need for donors with O-, A-, B-, AB- and O+ blood types.

The city’s Neighborhood Services Department is partnering with the Arizona Foreclosure Prevention Task Force to host a free foreclosure informational event from 3 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 23 at the South Mountain Community Center, Century Room, 212 E. Alta Vista Road.

United Blood Services has announced an urgent need for donors with O-, A-, B-, AB- and O+ blood types.

“Promised Land” offers an experience that’s alternately amusing and frustrating, full of impassioned earnestness as well as saggy sections.

Almost 70 years after leaving home in Illinois Midge Malyjurek never imagined she’d run into someone from the same town and same high school as her now living in the same retirement community in Ahwatukee Foothills.

South Mountain Community College is introducing a new Spanish class for Spanish speakers this spring, along with two other new Spanish classes.

The state Court of Appeals on Thursday rebuffed a request by Maricopa County to delay a medical marijuana dispensary.

The Phoenix Mayor’s Commission on Disability Issues (MCDI) and city of Phoenix Equal Opportunity Department created the “Save our Space” campaign to remind the public about the importance of saving accessible parking spaces for people who really need them.

The Phoenix Mayor’s Commission on Disability Issues (MCDI) and city of Phoenix Equal Opportunity Department created the “Save our Space” campaign to remind the public about the importance of saving accessible parking spaces for people who really need them.

The Phoenix Mayor’s Commission on Disability Issues (MCDI) and city of Phoenix Equal Opportunity Department created the “Save our Space” campaign to remind the public about the importance of saving accessible parking spaces for people who really need them. Partnering with the Phoenix Police Department, the campaign calls for a strong community commitment to following existing parking ordinances.