Leave it to mom to deliver the best news.

Washington -- While much of Washington is focused on the impact of Friday’s “sequestration” cuts, Mesa Mayor Scott Smith is worried that a proposed solution to that problem could end up seriously hurting cities.

Jim Jones heard a lot of “Why?” and “Are you crazy?” from his large family (among others), but it went in one ear and out the other.

By Tuesday night, both Gilbert and Mesquite high schools were expected to have finalized their respective football coaches in Tim Rutt (Gilbert) and Jim Jones (Mesquite).

Former Red Mountain coach and current San Tan Foothills assistant Jim Jones is expected to be Mesquite's new football coach.

Longtime football assistant Tim Rutt is expected to become Gilbert's new football coach, according to three sources with knowledge of the situation.

Mandy Patinkin in Concert: Dress Casual - The long-time Broadway, film and television performer, made famous by his role as Inigo Montoya in “The Princess Bride,” sings the music of Stephen Sondheim, Randy Newman, Harry Chapin and Rodgers and Hammerstein. Paul Ford accompanies him on piano.

"Parker" plays like the bloodiest promotional video ever made for Palm Beach tourism. Stabbings, explosions and furniture-smashing brawls occur at some of the ritziest (and name-checked) locations within the sun-splashed, pastel-soaked slab of Florida opulence. Kinda gives a whole new meaning to the idea of The Breakers.

It is a universally acknowledged truth that a Jane Austen story, with several film and television versions, must be in want of a musical re-write. At least Paul Gordon, the creative genius behind “Jane Austen’s Emma,” on stage through Jan. 20 at Herberger Center Theater, thinks so. His hilariously dazzling production, produced by Arizona Theatre Company, makes it difficult for Austen novices or fans to disagree.

Here come the hires.

The occupational tools for high school athletic directors do not include a fire extinguisher.

My name is Hunter Rodriguez. I was the quarterback for Desert Vista — last year’s state championship team.

I wanted to share a few positive thoughts regarding Coach Rodgers and the Gilbert High football program this season. All too often the media spectacle overshadows an enormous amount of hard work and dedication by these individuals, mostly from volunteers and had Gilbert had a better record, this would not even be a story.

Parents, players and staff members filled a Gilbert school board meeting Tuesday night to share their disapproval – or praise - of a football coach’s recent firing.

What a mess.

Gilbert football coach Leland Rodgers said he was fired by the school Friday afternoon.

It was just another record breaking night at the office for Yuma Catholic running back Kody Hazlett as he led the Shamrocks to a 49-8 victory over San Tan Foothills.

This is Week 9 of the high school football season, normally the time of year for slide rulers, calculators, mathematicians and prognosticators rule the roost. Schools and fans try and guess whether kids will be playing playoff football, and what has to happen or not happen for that to become a reality.

Many musical theater actors have Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma!” on their resumes. But not Peter Carrier and Jennifer Bell, who will perform in the musical at Arizona Broadway Theatre for the first time in lead roles of Curly and Laurie.