Hiking trails built in South Mountain won’t be destroyed by the South Mountain Freeway but many hikers fear they will never be the same.

Editor’s note: This is part one of a continuing summer series on the proposed South Mountain Loop 202 Freeway.

The Phoenix City Council will vote on the final draft of the city’s 2013-14 budget, which includes new efficiencies in the city’s public information office, parks and public transit, on May 21 but Councilman Sal DiCiccio says the city could have increased even more services if staff didn’t get any raises or bonuses.

In the wake of last week’s tragedy in Boston, what are the images that stayed with you? The pillowing smoke? Blood on the streets? Shell-shocked victims in wheelchairs? Our hearts have been broken again. And since the footage is shown over and over, we’re traumatized each time, just like when the twin towers burned on 9/11.

Ahwatukee Foothills residents called for increased transparency and increased accountability Thursday night as city of Phoenix staff presented the 2013-14 budget.

DreamWorks Animation has always strived to tell stories that can appeal to all ages. Its latest animated comedy, “The Croods,” will surely be enjoyed by anybody who is under 10. Unlike “Shrek” and “Kung-Fu Panda” though, it lacks the wit and innovation for older audiences. Compared to most Saturday morning cartoons, the film won’t passionately annoy parents who get dragged to the theater. But in an era where more and more adults are attending animated features without accompanying children, “The Croods” feels like a step backwards for DreamWorks.

DreamWorks Animation has always strived to tell stories that can appeal to all ages. Their latest animated comedy, “The Croods,” will surely be enjoyed by anybody who is younger than 10. Unlike “Shrek” and “Kung-Fu Panda” though, it lacks the wit and innovation for older audiences. Compared to most Saturday morning cartoons, the film won’t passionately annoy parents that get dragged to the theater. But in an era where more and more adults are attending animated features without accompanying children, “The Croods” feels like a step backwards for DreamWorks.

Grammy-winning country icon Kenny Rogers performs hits like “The Gambler,” “Lucille,” and “Islands in the Stream.”

Hosted for the second year at the Ahwatukee Recreation Center, the American Legion invites the community to the state finals for an oratorical speech contest on the Constitution tomorrow.

On Feb. 2, volunteers from Harmon Solar installed a donated solar system on a Habitat for Humanity home that is under construction for the Sabbara family, a family of four headed by a single mother in north Phoenix. This will be the fourth Habitat home that Harmon Solar will have installed with a cost-saving, solar system in Central Arizona.

Acclaimed jazz musicians Eddie Daniels and Roger Kellway recreate their famous 2010 Library of Congress concert for Valley jazz lovers.

On Feb. 2, volunteers from Harmon Solar installed a donated solar system on a Habitat for Humanity home that is under construction for the Sabbara family, a family of four headed by a single mother in north Phoenix. This will be the fourth Habitat home that Harmon Solar will have installed with a cost-saving, solar system in Central Arizona.

Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton stood near the front of a large crowd in Las Vegas Tuesday as President Barack Obama announced his plans to make comprehensive immigration reform a priority.

Anita Marra of Foothills Family Dental

James Hasse, 67, of Ahwatukee peacefully passed away on Jan. 4 after a courageous battle with cancer. His fortitude and strength will forever be an inspiration to his family and friends.

In the eight years I’ve taken on the regular duty of reviewing movies, 2012 just might have been the best. It wasn’t easy compiling a top 30 list for a 12-month period of so many diverse, outstanding films. I found myself having to make some absolutely painful snubs, including “Flight,” “The Sessions,” “The Hobbit: An Expected Journey,” and a little cinematic masterpiece by the name of “21 Jump Street.” In the end though, I managed to narrow the list down to the 20 titles that best encompass 2012 in all its glory. If you’re still behind on the movies of yesteryear, consider this your ultimate movie guide to 2012.

Roger Michell’s “Hyde Park on Hudson” often feels like two separate movies. One film is about Franklin Roosevelt’s love affair with his sixth cousin. The other is about King George VI and his first visit to the United States. The problem is that “Hyde Park on Hudson” can never decide which of these stories is supposed to be the A plot and which is the B plot. The narrative as a whole thus suffers with neither storyline meeting their full potential. The fact that the film centers on several fascinating real-life individuals only makes the results more disappointing.

Even people without coffee tables enjoy coffee table books as gifts, especially if they’re thoughtfully chosen rather than hastily snatched from a store shelf at the last minute.

‘Wreck-It Ralph’

Peppered with fun facts and cheeky asides, actor Roger Moore’s book looking back on the golden anniversary of James Bond on screen is a treat for 007 fans. He takes us on a lively spin around the milestones of cinema’s longest-running franchise in “Bond on Bond: Reflections on 50 years of James Bond Movies” (Lyons Press).

Iron Boy Promotions’ recent Boxing Continues fight card at Celebrity Theater showcased the best of up and coming Phoenix boxers.