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.

NEW YORK — It's May. Memorial Day and the end of the school year are in sight. Suddenly, you're thinking about a summer vacation. A little advance planning — and some insider tips — can save you a lot of money. Whether you're booking airfare, a car rental or a hotel room, there are questions you should ask first.

Among the not-so-favorite memories from high school, standing in front of the class to deliver a presentation ranks right up there. Remember, the clammy palms, racing heart, dry throat and jumbled nerves?

It’s May. Memorial Day and the end of the school year are in sight. Suddenly, you’re thinking about a summer vacation. A little advance planning — and some insider tips — can save you a lot of money. Whether you’re booking airfare, a car rental or a hotel room, there are questions you should ask first.

It is now being reported the Boston bombing suspect was unnecessarily ‘Mirandized’ in the midst of the FBI interrogations from which the FBI was obtaining important intelligence re present and future terrorist activities. The question now is; did the attorney general’s Boston representative jump the gun by rushing a Federal Magistrate and lawyers to the suspects hospital room to ‘file a criminal complaint’ and ‘Mirandized’? By doing so it placed the suspect into civil proceedings which we find out is not a necessary decision at this time. It has effectively limited further FBI interrogation(s).

Rebuffing the concerns of mayors from around the state about lost revenues, a Senate panel voted Wednesday to sharply revamp how sales taxes are assessed and collected.

Being a young person is never easy. Add to that the challenge of a mental illness and life’s hurdles can become skyscrapers.

Students at Mesa Westwood High School are getting a exposure to the art of spoken word thanks to Mesa Arts Center’s hosting of “Word Becomes Flesh,” a choreopoem performance that was held at the center last week and parts of which will be shown during spark! Mesa Festival of Creativity being held at the center March 16-17.

A Phoenix couple beat the odds for a second time Wednesday when they claimed their second BIG Arizona Lottery win.

Mesa and Chandler school districts may join the ranks of other districts in Arizona that are unable to sell voter-approved bonds in the future because of the recent housing crash.

By Cecily Markland

From “Snow White and the Huntsmen,” to “Mirror Mirror,” to “Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters,” to “Red Riding Hood,” the film industry has really been banking on adult-oriented fairy tales as of late.

When the 1985 yellow fire truck donated by Rural Metro pulled into the garage bay at EVIT, about a dozen students climbed on board eager to start their hands-on study of the big vehicle in Diesel Technology class.

WASHINGTON — Buying your own health insurance will never be the same.

Arizona parents, taxpayers and community members can learn more about education policy during a National School Choice Week forum hosted 6:30 p.m. Monday by the Americans for Prosperity Foundation.

People have always speculated about what might or might not happen in 2012, but this past year turned out to be one full of waiting.

Bargain-hungry Americans will need to go on a post-Christmas spending binge to salvage this holiday shopping season.

Over the last 10 years, Queen Creek has seen its share of change. Empty fields and vacant store fronts are now home to mega shopping centers, homes and a variety of small businesses tucked in between.

“Amazing Women Needed for High Paying Careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).” Now this is a message that grabs your attention! Exciting our future engineers, scientists and innovators is critical to the future of our economy, yet enticing women to these fields is falling behind. According to various sources, including “Economics and Statistics Administration,” women are underrepresented in these high-paying, creative fields. The numbers indicate that in the U.S., women have held only 25 percent of STEM jobs over the last decade. A 2011 report by the U.S. Dept. of Commerce found that only one in seven engineers is a female.

It’s weathered a lengthy recession and even threats of boycotts over Arizona’s controversial immigration legislation, yet the hotel and hospitality trade still remains one of the Grand Canyon State’s benchmark industries.

Have you ever said “thank you” through clenched teeth? The gift in that nicely wrapped box was so not what you wanted: comfy clothes instead of designer duds, or a kitchen gadget instead of a shiny piece of jewelry.

We’re well into the holiday season now. And while the holidays are joyous, they can also be expensive. In fact, at this time of year, many people make spending decisions they end up regretting. But you can enjoy the holidays and still stay on track toward your financial goals by following a few simple guidelines, including the following:

Over the past several years, you might have heard about socially responsible investing, sometimes known as “sustainable investing” or “ethical investing.” Probably the most common way to take part in this type of investing is through socially responsible mutual funds — but are these funds suitable for your overall financial goals?