Paradise Valley Town Council voted May 23 allowing negotiations to proceed with RedFlex Traffic Systems for the future usage of photo radar traffic enforcement within town limits over the next five years.  The municipal vote of confidence comes on the heels of bribery-like allegations stemming from an unethical relationship -- and knowledge of subsequent actions -- between senior RedFlex officials and … Read more

Scottsdale Unified School District officials say they have bridged the $11.9 million budget gap they’re facing in fiscal year 2013-14, but that doesn’t mean continual financial challenges will disappear.  The district’s figurehead says the educational entity faces a continued financial challenge that, when everything is said and done, will create a more efficient organization while maintaining its No. 1 priority -- … Read more

Congratulations to the Apache Junction High School Prospectors 2013 Senior Class. The commencement ceremony started at 7 p.m., Thursday, May 23, on the high school’s Davis Field.  The following is a list of the graduates. Note: students whose name are preceded by a * are honor students; those with a + are students in the top 5 percent.  Lelena Lynn Abbott Jesus Santiago … Read more

Who knew that being a STAR meant you could duct-tape your principal to a wall.  That’s what Falcon Hill Elementary School students had a chance to do May 21.  Students who were recognized for being a STAR – which stands for self-control, teamwork, attitude and respectful – were given yellow tickets that they could place in one of three jars.  “It’s an incentive … Read more

PHOENIX – Few, if any highway closures are slated as the Memorial Day weekend continues in Arizona. There will be a funeral procession Saturday, May 25, that will temporarily shut a section of Loop 101 in Phoenix and Glendale, state transportation officials said. The eastbound lanes of the freeway will be closed between 75th and 7th avenues starting around 10 … Read more

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- The Sun City GrandBoard of Directors has appointed Martha Bails to fill a 1-year vacancy. The board’s selection of Ms. Bails give the panel seven working members, its full compliment. She will serve until April 1, 2014, when four board members will begin new terms following next year’s annual elections. Ms. Bails ran unsuccessfully for the board … Read more

An independent horror film shot last fall in Apache Junction will make its world premiere Friday, May 24 in Tempe.  “Speak No Evil” will be shown at 10:30 p.m. Friday (*see Editor's note) at Harkins Valley Art Theater, 509 S. Mill Ave. Its stars, Gabrielle Stone and Carl Jensen IV, will attend.  A second showing is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. Saturday, May … Read more

Phoenix’s elite business professionals, emerging community leaders, and dedicated Heart Ball supporters are invited to whet their appetite of food and music on Thursday, May 30, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., at “Heart Rock” a fundraiser to benefit the American Heart Association’s annual Heart Ball.   Set against the beautiful backdrop of Hotel Palomar’s pool top deck located at 2 … Read more