Critics have dubbed Dwight Yoakam a music sponge for transcending the country genre and absorbing different musical styles, making his brand of hip, honky-tonk music accepted among rock audiences. His latest album -- his first original recording in seven years -- is a testament to that.

Mill Avenue has always been a hot spot for tourists, students, and locals alike. With the constant flow of people and changing demographics, it is typically no surprise when a new restaurant or bar opens.

America’s Taco Shop is dedicating a day to Phoenix Children’s Hospital with its second annual Carne for a Cause event on March 23. That day, 20 percent of proceeds from each purchase will be donated to the hospital.

Rolling out a sleeping bag, pitching a tent and cooking food over a campfire. If anything to do with camping makes you anxious, Arizona State Parks is here to help.

Pancheros Mexican Grill, a fast-casual Mexican restaurant, is opening Jan. 29 in Chandler, and they’ll sell $1 burritos to mark the occasion.

A night without dishes is always welcome in our book, and so are kids-eat-free deals. The latest on our radar is at TQLA, the recently opened tequila bar and Southwestern kitchen at Dana Park in Mesa. The deal is good, on Mondays, for one free child’s entrée when an adult purchases an adult entrée.

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama won re-election Tuesday night despite a fierce challenge from Republican Mitt Romney, prevailing in the face of a weak economy and high unemployment that encumbered his first term and crimped the middle class dreams of millions.

DENVER — President Barack Obama and Republican Mitt Romney come face to face for the first time in this presidential campaign Wednesday night for a nationally televised debate that will give millions of Americans a chance to size up two fierce competitors in a moment of high-risk theater.

Blue Adobe Grille (144 N. Country Club Drive, Mesa, [480] 962-1000). The carne adovada plate is the highlight of the New Mexican dishes found at this award-winning establishment. There’s an excellent selection of Southwest infused seafood as well, including lobster tamales with mango salsa and raspberry chipotle. $$

New federal guidelines aim to make school lunches more nutritious this year by requiring all students to take a fruit or vegetable with their meal. More whole grains and less saturated fat, trans fats and sodium are also part of the regulations.

The new Adam Sandler movie, 'That’s My Boy' makes a valiant attempt at being one of the most depraved movies ever made. Move over John Waters.

Chandler libraries are participating in a summer reading program for children 18 and younger, as well as adults.

A new Chipotle Mexican Grill, set to open May 23, brings the promise of strong business and delicious burritos to the Village at Las Sendas shopping center.

Consider the poor meat pie. Historically speaking, it hasn’t always had the best associations attached to it.

Louisville, Ky. -  Yo quiero Taco Bell breakfast burrito!

Louisville, Ky. -  Yo quiero Taco Bell breakfast burrito!

The much-buzzed-about gourmet food trucks that seem to orbit mostly around Phoenix will inch eastward this weekend for the Street Eats Food Truck Festival, hosted by Food Network chef Tyler Florence.

You know, this place really is a wonderful place to spend the holidays. There are so many events and charities unique to our community this time of year. Festival of Lights is the obvious one that comes to mind, but on this Christmas morning, I'd just like to take a moment to reflect on a few of the wonderful things Ahwatukee does to spread some holiday cheer.

With the prices of electronics so low these days, many of us will find shiny new computers under the tree this year.

Christmas is coming, the rush is on and all I can think about is making sure we have tamales for the big Christmas dinner.

Christmas is coming, the rush is on and all I can think about is making sure we have tamales for the big Christmas dinner.