With cacti and strip malls obstructing the views at times, visitors could easily write Phoenix off as a place where water and culture are scarce. But this metropolis — which includes upscale Scottsdale and college town Tempe — is a nature lover’s oasis with pristine peaks and the vast Sonoran desert.

SIERRA VISTA — A U.S. Border Patrol agent killed last week in an apparent case of friendly fire was remembered Monday as a loving family man, while hundreds of uniformed law enforcement officers lined the streets to watch a procession of horses lead his flag-draped coffin to the funeral.

The U.S. Border Patrol agent killed last week in a shooting in southern Arizona apparently opened fire on two fellow agents thinking they were armed smugglers and was killed when they returned fire, the head of the Border Patrol agents' union said Sunday.

Eight school days ago, vehicles filled with kids and backpacks, stretched for blocks beyond Zaharis, a pulsating east Mesa elementary school. It nestles in the shadows of Red Mountain, camouflaged in lush sagebrush and cacti.

Landscaping with cacti has been an acquired taste for many gardeners, but it appears the appetite for the robust plants is growing. Lingering drought, watering bans and low-maintenance requirements are making cacti more popular.

The saguaro can only be found in Arizona. Have you ever wondered why or how they are able to survive for hundreds of years in our dry, arid climate? Ranger B will answer these questions and more during this quarter-mile hike along the Desert Hawk Trail. Water and closed-toe shoes required.

A man has suffered multiple injuries after falling from a cliff at Saguaro Lake, about 20 miles northeast of Mesa.

On the final day of Saguaro’s spring football practice last Thursday, Devin Brunetti toed the line of scrimmage as 90 of his closest friends looked on.

I guess you could call me a lunatic. Not in a bad way, really, I’ve just always been taken with the full moon. So when the “Supermoon” was making this year’s debut I knew I was going to try to get an image of it, despite having to be late to two of my best friends’ 50th birthday parties. I knew they would understand as they know my passion for my work.

On Friday, gardens around the country swing their gates open free of charge in celebration of National Public Garden Day — a day highlighting the work of public gardens in conservation, education and environmental preservation.  Valley gardens, including the Desert Botanical Garden and the Boyce Thompson Arboretum, join the national celebration by offering free admission all day Friday.

There are three things to look forward to when spring hits the Valley: baseball, weather and wildflowers.

There are three things to look forward to when spring hits the Valley: baseball, weather and wildflowers.

PHOENIX - The Arizona Commerce Authority is trying to determine whether departing CEO Don Cardon should be required to repay a $50,000 signing bonus he received from the quasi-governmental entity.

Monday night when we arrived home, I pulled out a 9′ inflatable, holiday polar bear - to put up in my living room. Last year we didn't put it up - I was afraid my then-infant would be smothered by it.

This holiday season, the fun begins at night, as residents enjoy the 20th anniversary of ZooLights at Phoenix Zoo.

Many of us move to the Valley of Sun from other places and don't understand how the desert climate changes the way we plant vegetables and flowers. Plants that grew back home may not grow here, so follows are some helpful tips to make gardening easier.

Many of us move to the Valley of Sun from other places and don't understand how the desert climate changes the way we plant vegetables and flowers. Plants that grew back home may not grow here, so follows are some helpful tips to make gardening easier.

Library expansion for an early childhood learning center at Chandler Public Library’s Sunset branch will be the recipient of the Friends of Chandler Library’s 2011 fundraising campaign. The Friends of Chandler Library will kick off the campaign with a public reception, featuring Chandler artist-photographer Sue Cullumber, on Tuesday Sept. 13 at 5:30 p.m. in the Copper Room, located on second floor of the downtown Chandler branch.