Jeff Rutledge, a former player and coach in the NFL and NCAA Champion quarterback at the University of Alabama, has been hired as the head football coach at Valley Christian High School.

Critics have dubbed Dwight Yoakam a music sponge for transcending the country genre and absorbing different musical styles, making his brand of hip, honky-tonk music accepted among rock audiences. His latest album -- his first original recording in seven years -- is a testament to that.

Ross Lucas has been appointed southwest regional manager and leader of the Phoenix office of Littlejohn Engineering Associates. Lucas relocated from the Nashville office of Littlejohn to Phoenix two years ago as part of the merger with Evans Kuhn & Associates.

It’s no surprise that Chelsea Bain has been attending NASCAR races since she was 5 years old. Her dad, Emmett “Buddy” Jobe, brought NASCAR to Phoenix International Raceway in 1987. Now, Bain is more involved in NASCAR than she ever has been, but not as a spectator — as a rockin’ country musician.

When competing in speech and debate, Desert Vista High School senior Kohi Gill has one surefire remedy for stage fright.

A local singer-songwriter, pianist and regular performer at Ruffino’s in Ahwatukee Foothills is taking the next big step in her career and heading to Nashville to record an album at the RCA Studio A.

Here are The Associated Press’ reviews of selected holiday albums:

It’s getting harder and harder for Carrie Underwood to leave home.

Gigi’s Cupcakes, a popular cupcake store from Nashville, Tenn., is making its way to the Phoenix market with its first location in Ahwatukee Foothills.

When you see the photo of Ann Patchett on the book jacket of her latest book, “State of Wonder,” it’s hard to believe someone so lovely and feminine could write a book describing some horrific images. I guess that is the power of imagination and skillful writing which she has proven in her previous books, most notably “Bel Canto” (2001 Winner of PEN/Faulkner Award).

In Phoenix, as graffiti has become a challenge in parts of our community, we have leveraged the power of volunteers to help the city remain a beautiful place to live and work.

In Phoenix, as graffiti has become a challenge in parts of our community, we have leveraged the power of volunteers to help the city remain a beautiful place to live and work.

Pop-country band Firefly is comprised of three Gilbert sisters from a musically inclined family of nine.

Miranda Lambert was just 19 when the Lindale, Texas, native was introduced to country-music fans on the debut season of the USA Network’s “Nashville Star” nine years ago. She finished third behind Buddy Jewell and John Arthur Martinez, but there is no doubt who has made the most from exposure on the show.

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) has received a 2012 Summit Award from United Way in recognition of its outstanding record of volunteer engagement. United Way presented the award to Wells Fargo at the organization’s Community Leadership Conference in Nashville on May 3. Wells Fargo was one of six companies, and one of two banks, receiving Summit awards. Wells Fargo received Summit awards in 2005, 2009, and 2010.

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) has received a 2012 Summit Award from United Way in recognition of its outstanding record of volunteer engagement. United Way presented the award to Wells Fargo at the organization’s Community Leadership Conference in Nashville on May 3. Wells Fargo was one of six companies, and one of two banks, receiving Summit awards. Wells Fargo received Summit awards in 2005, 2009, and 2010.

Tim McGraw has chosen a new record label run by an old friend.

Protecting her privacy helps Nicole Kidman be a better actress.

New York  •  Broadcast television networks are determined to make you laugh.

The college class of 2012 is in for a rude welcome to the world of work.