When the (Kyrene School District Governing Board) decided to go to the 68-minute class schedule (3 to 2 vote), it was justified by statistics from an outside group the former superintendent brought in. Their claim was in order to compete with other districts, the students needed more academic time.

Nicole Kazan, a 2012 graduate of Desert Vista High School and current Arizona State University freshman, has been chosen as a state finalist in the National American Miss Arizona Pageant, which will take place June 29. The winner of the pageant will receive a cash award, official crown and banner and air transportation to compete in the National Pageant in California where she will receive a tour of Hollywood and two complimentary tickets to Disneyland. Emphasis is put on the importance of developing self-confidence, learning good sportsmanship as well as setting and achieving personal goals.

Ahwatukee second-grader Dustin Henry loves random acts of kindness.

Jack Skellington and many old favorites from “Halloween Town” have taken over “Ahwatukee Town” once again at the Powers home.

The students at Bethany Christian School in Tempe are gearing up for their biggest project yet: making over a thousand apple pies from scratch.

As a community organizer I have hosted debates and town halls for more than 30 candidates for elected office and I have not written an editorial about why an elected official should not be reelected, until now.

Babe Ruth and the Red Sox. King Tut’s tomb. James Dean’s Porsche.

Kids and teens around Arizona are gearing up for another fun week at summer camp.

Kids and teens around Arizona are gearing up for another fun week at summer camp.

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Disneyland is not just for sugar-soaked kids. Consider, all you grown-up women out there, going for a gals’ day out.

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Disneyland is not just for sugar-soaked kids. Consider, all you grown-up women out there, going for a gals’ day out.

Hunter Rodriguez has been to the Holy Land.

Hunter Rodriguez has been to the Holy Land.

In just 12 weeks, the 2011-2012 Mesa United Way Pledge Campaign will end with what officials hope will be $2,825,000 they can use to fund 26 nonprofit agencies that help homeless families, low-income senior citizens, people with disabilities, children in foster care, and others in need of assistance throughout the East Valley.

In just 12 weeks, the 2011-2012 Mesa United Way Pledge Campaign will end with what officials hope will be $2,825,000 they can use to fund 26 nonprofit agencies that help homeless families, low-income senior citizens, people with disabilities, children in foster care, and others in need of assistance throughout the East Valley.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Arizona's Season of Wishes offers families, neighbors, co-workers and friends ways to give the best gift of the holiday season: granting the fondest wish of a child with a life-threatening medical condition. The campaign will continue through Jan. 2.

President Obama came out with his "No Minority Needs to Learn" program (his plan to allow states to seek a waiver around key provisions, including a 2014 deadline, in President Bush's No Child Left Behind program).

President Obama came out with his "No Minority Needs to Learn" program (his plan to allow states to seek a waiver around key provisions, including a 2014 deadline, in President Bush's No Child Left Behind program).

On Saturday, Transitions for the Developmentally Disabled, will be hosting a fashion and talent show from 1 to 4 p.m., along with a silent auction to raise funds for a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood.

On Saturday, Transitions for the Developmentally Disabled, will be hosting a fashion and talent show from 1 to 4 p.m., along with a silent auction to raise funds for a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood.