Spring sprang, and now summer has set in.

Here is a collection of thoughts and stories from those who've crossed paths (personally or professionally) with former Higley district athletic director Art Wagner, who died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound on May 15.

In this dugout is the three-time defending state champions of softball, with a significant portion of the 2012 title team playing prominent roles again. Red Mountain is a No. 6 seed oozing with confidence, has gotten lights-out pitching from junior ace Bre Macha, went through the winner's bracket for a second consecutive year and outscored its opponents 30-4 in this tournament, including a win over its next opponent.

The football coaches evidently can’t wait until August for their first showdown of the year.

It took a black-and-blue kind of semifinal battle between Mountain View and Chaparral to set up an all-red-and-black championship game in the Division I girls softball state tournament.

Saying she's run out of patience, Gov. Jan Brewer will veto any bills sent to her until she sees movement on a new state budget and her pet Medicaid expansion project.

President Obama’s new “religious tolerance” consultant to the Pentagon, Mikey Weinstein, wants Christian military service members who openly talk about their faith in uniform to be charged with treason, which is a crime punishable by death according to military law.

Travelers accustomed to chain eateries like Chili’s and Paradise Bakery now have a chance to experience local offerings such as Cowboy Ciao, La Grande Orange and Barrio Cafe at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

The Maricopa County Community Colleges Governing Board will consider raising property taxes within the limit permitted by the state May 21.

The Notre Dame baseball team forged a lead late and held on in the final inning to keep its season alive for one more game in a 4-3 win over No. 1 Seton Catholic in a Division II baseball elimination game on Tuesday night at Camelback Ranch-Glendale Stadium.