NEW YORK — Shoes are having a 21st century moment as they've pushed from mere accessory to the center of the fashion stage.

Something new is bubbling up in the world of cocktails as canny mixologists skip the soda and turn to sparkling wine as their new go-to mixer.

Another test passed with flying colors for young Desert Ridge and possibly more questions for Mountain View after only week two.

"Sparkle" is like a box of July Fourth sparklers. It sizzles briefly whenever people open their mouths to sing, flames out, then flashes to life again when someone lights another musical sparkler.

The city of Phoenix Fire Department wants residents to leave fireworks shows to the professionals.

You wouldn’t know it by seeing all the fireworks tents that have sprung up at major intersections across the Valley, but fireworks aren’t legal in some East Valley communities.

This time of year, it’s hard to miss the displays of fireworks on sale at grocery stores or inside parking lot tents.

With a greater concern of residents shooting off fireworks in the aftermath of three devastating wildfires throughout Arizona, East Valley police departments responded to a high volume of complaints, but any damage caused by July 4 revelers appears to be minimal.

AAA Arizona is recommending that residents go to fireworks shows for the Fourth of July instead of setting off their own fireworks.

AAA Arizona is recommending that residents go to fireworks shows for the Fourth of July instead of setting off their own fireworks.

Guest commentary by Tom Patterson

Saying the measure has ``too many loopholes and flaws," Gov. Jan Brewer late Friday vetoed legislation which would have allowed guns into virtually all public buildings.

If you want to celebrate with sparklers you may have to mark your calendar.

The state Senate on Monday narrowly rejected a bill that would give local governments the authority to ban sales of fireworks made legal under a state law that took effect last year.

The state Senate on Monday narrowly rejected a bill that would give local governments the authority to ban sales of fireworks made legal under a state law that took effect last year.

The state Senate on Monday narrowly rejected a bill that would give local governments the authority to ban sales of fireworks made legal under a state law that took effect last year.

Tribune editorial

True to their nature, fireworks stands burst onto the scene in Ahwatukee Foothills shortly after a change in state law lifted a ban on them, and in a flash, they were gone after the holidays.

Tribune editorial

Residents of some East Valley communities can at last legally ring in the new year with the flash and crackle of fireworks - but officials in Mesa, Tempe and Chandler are reminding their residents fireworks are illegal.

Fireworks displays have begun cropping up in some grocery stores in Ahwatukee Foothills, but buyers may have a hard time finding a place to light them up.

The Phoenix City Council cleared the way for sales of some commercial fireworks within the city limits through a voluntary agreement with several fireworks companies last week.

If people inside Mesa’s borders celebrate the new year with fireworks, they will be doing so illegally.