Along with the sunscreen, book, toys and snacks we haul to our waterside of choice this summer, we need a beach towel or two.

Not waiting for formal gubernatorial approval, foes of her Medicaid expansion already are moving to undo at the ballot box and in court what they could not block at the Legislature.

Forget chug-a-lugging for a quick buzz; these East Valley beer-sampling options offer a learned approach to discovering new brews and cultivating a classier palate for cold ones.

The Children’s Museum of Phoenix is turning 5 years old, and it’s throwing a party.

Tired of waiting for action, Gov. Jan Brewer forced lawmakers back to the Capitol late Tuesday to approve her budget and Medicaid expansion.

 In Spanish and English, the Senate pushed contentious immigration legislation over early procedural hurdles with deceptive ease on Tuesday as President Barack Obama insisted the “moment is now” to give 11 million immigrants in the United States illegally a chance at citizenship.

Tempe History Museum’s popular summer program is hosting hands-on activities, crafts and games. This week's theme is Ancient Artifacts, featuring archaeology-related fun from the Archaeological Research Institute at ASU.

Bartender Tony Conigliaro's new beverage book is called "The Cocktail Lab," and he's not speaking figuratively.

A veteran state lawmaker has quietly flushed his plans to have the state intervene in who can use which bathroom or locker room.

Humorist Dave Barry has said, "the greatest invention in the history of mankind is beer. The wheel was also a fine invention, but the wheel does not go nearly as well with pizza."

Southeast Regional Library invites children 10-18 to a summer craft event, where they’ll learn to make a rubber band car. All materials are provided for this free activity, but registration is required.

Unusually warm temperatures did not prevent thousands of potential homebuyers and their families from attending the grand opening of the new Eastmark community on Saturday.

Piece by piece, the world is becoming a little smaller in Mesa — about 100,000 times smaller. But, in this case, small is actually quite big — as in 40 stories tall, and with astonishing detail.

Piece by piece, the world is becoming a little smaller in Mesa — about 100,000 times smaller. But, in this case, small is actually quite big — as in 40 stories tall, and with astonishing detail.

If making Popsicle stick crafts, experiencing the outdoors and eating homemade ice cream were highlights of your childhood summers, you’ll be thrilled to know that you can repeat those joys with your kids June 8 to July 14 at Bass Pro Shops in Mesa.

Enjoy a free family day at the park, where you can soak up the sun, listen to live music, browse arts and crafts vendors, let the kids play in water inflatables, and nosh on a variety of foods and beverages.

Mesa Library offers free programs for kids of all ages to stay engaged with activities during the summer months. The variety of programs includes reading, bowling, art and music. The programs will take place at the Main Library, 64 E. First St.; Dobson Library, 2425 S. Dobson Road and the Red Mountain Library, 635 N. Power Road.

GLENDALE

The forecast for summer travel, 2013: Partly sunny.

An elderly woman crashed her car into a craft store in Mesa Tuesday morning, sending four people to the hospital, police said.

Gilbert's BounceU will participate Wednesday in a nationwide fundraiser for Make-A-Wish. The event will be held 4 to 8 p.m. at 1166 S. Gilbert Road, Suite 110. Each one-hour session will start on the hour.

Saying the Senate vote is not enough, Gov. Jan Brewer won't lift her vow to veto other legislation until lawmakers make more progress on her plan to expand Medicaid.

If you haven't been by the patio at Monti's La Casa Vieja in Tempe for a while, it's changed.