NEW YORK - Gangs, drugs, easy access to guns and a disturbing tendency among young people to pull guns to demand respect were among the causes authorities cited in trying to explain this year's increase in murders in New York and many other major cities after years of decline.

Chandler Mayor Boyd Dunn charged taxpayers more than $1,300 to stay at the swanky Rittenhouse Hotel during an urban planning conference in downtown Philadelphia last spring.

HOBOKEN, N.J.  — Even in the state of "The Sopranos" and "On the Waterfront," where corruption seems institutionalized, the arrest of a neophyte mayor in office a mere three weeks stands out.

Chandler Mayor Jay Tibshraeny delivered his 2013 state of the city address last week, touching mostly on the subjects of employment, neighborhood sustainability, outreach and transparency and better health.

The Mesa Chamber of Commerce is exploring a potentially dicey ballot issue that would grant the city’s mayor a greater role in economic development.

Eleven people have stepped up to run for office in Tempe this spring, and some might catch attention more for their quirks than for their political ideas.

Gay rights activists said Wednesday’s sit-down with Scottsdale Mayor Mary Manross was a good first step toward reversing the perception that the city is hostile to the gay community.

NEW YORK - The city's crippling three-day transit strike ended Thursday when union leaders - facing mounting fines, possible jail terms and the wrath of millions of commuters - voted to send their 33,000 members back to work without a new contract.

NEW YORK - The city's subways rumbled to life just after midnight Friday, ended a crippling, three-day strike that brought nation's largest public transportation system to a standstill.

NEW YORK - Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla, paid tribute to victims of the Sept. 11 attacks Tuesday as they began a weeklong tour of the United States - a trip the British press predicted would cause little excitement among Americans.

NEW YORK - Federal officials on Friday were winding down their onsite investigation of the crash of New York Yankees pitcher Corey Lidle's plane into a skyscraper and said they were reviewing rules that allow small aircraft to fly in Manhattan's crowded airspace.

NEW YORK — An Arizona congressman who believes it's a security risk to prosecute suspected Sept. 11 terrorists in Manhattan apologized Tuesday for suggesting New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg's family could be in danger with such a high-profile case in town.

Mesa's Scott Smith became the 1,000th U.S. mayor to sign a climate protection agreement pledging the city will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and make progress on other environmental issues.

Goodbye YouTube, hello "Tonight Show." Newark Mayor Cory Booker, who has garnered national attention for his passionate defense of New Jersey's largest city, is taking his act to the "Tonight Show."

NEW YORK - The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is going on the road to New York - the city that spawned hip-hop and gave Bob Dylan and the Ramones their start.

NEW YORK - The New York Times editorial board has endorsed Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton and John McCain in the presidential primary race.

NEW YORK - Ben and Jen finally made it to City Hall, but it had nothing to do with a marriage license.

Wayne Pomeroy prides himself on saying he’s always had a job.

Wayne Pomeroy prides himself on saying he’s always had a job.

Last year, Chandler Mayor Boyd Dunn thwarted a plot to divert a truckload of rubberized asphalt needed to complete the Loop 202 Santan Freeway. No, not really.

POMPANO BEACH, Fla. - Mayor John Rayson has seen powerful storm winds toss his boat into the trees. He’s noted the fish he catches are smaller and less plentiful. He worries about a home perched just above sea level as ocean levels rise.

A few years ago, cities wanted to be wired.

A few years ago, cities wanted to be wired.