LOS ANGELES — The twins were 7, shy and scared. Talking was tough and describing what happened nearly impossible.

LAS VEGAS — To step into club XS at the Wynn Las Vegas is to enter the dreamscape of a modern artist with fetishes for gold and bronze and bodies in motion.

Behind the mask of Chandler High School’s mascot, Scruffy, Andrew Sanchez found his “voice.”

On May 5, 1862, a rag-tag force of vastly outnumbered Mexican soldiers held off well-provisioned French troops backed by heavy artillery in a battle to defend Mexican sovereignty.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Grace Potter & The Nocturnals know a little something about summer festivals after using the circuit to build their following.

“Rape is the only crime in which the victim becomes the accused. It is she who must prove her good reputation, her mental soundness, and her impeccable propriety” — Freda Adler, Criminalist.

The Phoenix Symphony gives a concert for kids, performing selections from “The Lion King,” “Carnival of the Animals,” and “Flight of the Bumble Bee,” among others. Arrive an hour early and participate in face painting, a zoo craft and the “instrument petting zoo.” Attendees are encouraged to dress up as their favorite animal or bring their favorite stuffed animal.

CHARLESTON, S.C. — Charleston is awash in history and Southern charm and becoming widely known as a culinary town. Each year it hosts major events ranging from the Spoleto Festival USA to the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition and the Family Circle Cup Tennis Tournament. But there are a lot of free things to do for visitors drawn to the city founded in 1670. Here are some suggestions:

Across the East Valley this week, educators, school leaders, elected officials, family and friends expressed their sorrow upon hearing about the death of Eddie Basha, Jr.

Nearly 10,500 fans gathered to bid a farewell to the 2013 Major League Baseball Spring Training season Thursday afternoon.

An Arizona judge on Friday refused to grant a divorce for a transgender Arizona man who gave birth to three children after beginning to change his sex from female.

A memorial service for Eddie Basha is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, April 6, at the ASU Gammage auditorium in Tempe.

Seeing what's happened elsewhere, the restaurant industry has convinced state lawmakers to prevent cities and counties from telling them how much they have to pay their workers.

Start marking your calendars with all the shows you plan to see this season. Arizona Theatre Company has announced its 2013-2014 lineup.

Arizona grocery magnate, education advocate, philanthropist, and one-time gubernatorial candidate Eddie Basha, Jr., passed away Tuesday afternoon.

Hardboiled and dyed, plastic and filled with coins, or chocolate and oozing white and yellow fondant, eggs are a hot commodity this time of year.

“The Incredible Burt Wonderstone” starts off with a recipe for grade-A comedy. The cast includes names such as Steve Carell, Steve Buscemi, Alan Arkin, James Gandolfini, and Jim Carrey. The director is Don Scardino of “30 Rock” while Jonathan M. Goldstein and John Francis of “Horrible Bosses” penned the screenplay. The premise regarding rivaling magicians offers endless comedic possibilities. So how is it that the final product is just mediocre?

State senators voted Wednesday to allow a teacher, administrator, custodian or even cafeteria worker at rural and some suburban schools to be armed.

It’s no surprise that Chelsea Bain has been attending NASCAR races since she was 5 years old. Her dad, Emmett “Buddy” Jobe, brought NASCAR to Phoenix International Raceway in 1987. Now, Bain is more involved in NASCAR than she ever has been, but not as a spectator — as a rockin’ country musician.

Christ the King Catholic Church of Mesa will host its 6th Annual charity golf tournament and luncheon this Saturday that will benefit the only shrine in Arizona dedicated to those who are affected by cancer.