The persistence and determination I have shown in the past four years is about reform and getting us ready for the new world we live in. There is a bigger reason why I have been pushing so hard for change. It’s about getting Phoenix ready to compete in a global economy. If the council repeals the food tax it will be added to a long list of reforms we accomplished. There were three significant reforms toward the goal of getting us ready to compete in this new world market and getting government to operate more like your household

When I took office last year, I made three commitments about the city’s budget. I made the commitment to cut wasteful spending and build a smarter government that does more with less. I committed to use our savings and increased revenues from a recovering economy to lower taxes. And I made the commitment not to accelerate any tax cut if the result hurt our public’s safety.

The first image you see in "The Place Beyond the Pines" is of Ryan Gosling's shirtless torso, ripped and tatted atop a skin-tight pair of leather pants.

202 Adidas

Danielle Block pitches hungry.

After going through years of dialysis, a double transplant, and even while facing continual health problems, CK’s Ashley Abromavage takes it all in stride.

Aaron Windler had trouble sleeping Saturday night.

The path to the state wrestling tournament has been scrutinized with power pockets of teams at certain sectional tournaments.

“I join (Councilwoman Thelda Williams) in advocating for a tax that will expire in April 2013, saving taxpayers $100 million.” — Mayoral candidate Greg Stanton on Phoenix food tax, Ahwatukee Foothills News, Sept. 17, 2011 (http://www.ahwatukee.com/arts_life/article_36ed8874-dfea-11e0-b9c8-001cc4c03286.html).

For local gyms it’s easy getting new clients in January. The tough part is making sure those newcomers keep their New Year’s resolutions year-round.

Zach Miller came to Seattle in 2011 with a big contract and a penchant for catching a lot of passes.

The beginning of the wrestling season is so much different than the end.

All but one set of lights at Hamilton’s stadium was turned off Friday night, but the players and coaches in the Desert Vista team huddle were not taking the hint.

SCOTTSDALE - Desert Vista girls volleyball coach Molly West feels like the Thunder are poised to make a deep run in the postseason.

Minutes before toeing the starting line on Saturday, Dani Jones will take a moment, unfold a piece of paper and try to fill the void.

New moms looking to lose the last bit of baby fat won’t have to travel far for a workout geared just for them. Stroller Strides in Ahwatukee is starting fresh with new classes for Ahwatukee Foothills moms.

The Mountain Pointe football program has been out of sorts the last few weeks.

Desert Vista built a 31-0 halftime cushion and then emptied its bench in the second half in a 54-17 victory over Mesquite on Friday night.

Women across the Valley can “streak for a good cause” with a splash of pink hair when they make a $10 donation to support the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer at Brillare Hairdressing Academy through Oct. 31.

Thousands of local breast cancer survivors, volunteers, businesses and community members will walk together as a unified force to end breast cancer.

Swimming teams spend a lot of time with each other at invitationals on the weekends that seemingly drag on for hours and that doesn’t include the bus rides there and back.

Last year at this time the Mountain Pointe football team was 2-2 and although the Pride didn’t know it at the time they were staring 2-4 in the face.

Like any true celebrity, Uggie, the Jack Russell terrier from “The Artist” and “Water for Elephants,” puts in his time on the treadmill.

The state’s high school football schedules were released Friday, so it’s time to take a look at some of the most intriguing matchups of the fall.