It’s been a long and frustrating road that Ahwatukee residents Carrie McNeish and Jill Ostendorp are traveling in their quest for a 16-court pickleball complex at Desert Foothills Park.

Lawyers in the Ahwatukee Lakes hearing got into the weeds – and the lakes, trees, irrigation valves and sand – as owner Wilson Gee’s right-hand man said he expects nine holes on the beleaguered course to be open for play by Thanksgiving.

The Arizona Supreme Court has agreed to hear arguments about whether the ban on mask mandates at public schools was legally enacted, but the mandate in Kyrene and Tempe Union school districts likely will remain throughout October at a minimum unless COVID-19 transmission levels subside.

Phoenix officials have allocated $12 million for distribution to needy families, likely through some form of debit card that will be good for $500 to $1,000 a month for 12 months.

As if online-driven vandalism isn’t enough of a challenge, Tempe Union High School District is struggling to curb increasing discipline issues at its high schools.

Like an astronaut preparing for takeoff, Kristie Levy of Ahwatukee is checking her gear and limbering up for a ride next week into the unknown.