For nearly two hours on Monday night, stories were shared, laughs were loud and Kleenex was out in full force.

Indie-folk artist Jay Nash will be performing in the Valley’s very own The Rhythm Room Wednesday, May 22 with fellow performer David Ramirez.

Calling a woman's rights "unalterably clear,'' a federal appeals court on Tuesday struck down Arizona's nearly year-old ban on abortions at 20 weeks and beyond.

The singing, dancing, fiddle-playing girls group performs in Chandler.

A “Celebration of Life” service to honor respected educator and leader among state high school sports circles Art Wagner is scheduled for Monday night at 6 p.m. at the Higley Center for the Performing Arts in Gilbert.

State senators approved their version of a new $8.8 billion budget Thursday -- but not before adding millions of dollars to the original Republican plan.

Here is a collection of thoughts and stories from those who've crossed paths (personally or professionally) with former Higley district athletic director Art Wagner, who died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound on May 15.

Gilbert district schools will continue to offer free, full-day kindergarten next school year following a vote Wednesday night by the governing board.

The same jury that convicted Jodi Arias of murder one week ago took less than three hours Wednesday to determine that the former waitress is eligible for the death penalty in the stabbing death of her one-time lover.

Higley Unified School District athletic director Art Wagner, 43, was found dead near Higley High School Wednesday morning, according to the Gilbert Police Department. Police say the matter is still under investigation, but believe Wagner died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Urban AZ’s first Spoken Word Showcase brings together a range of poetic performers, along with R&B artists Dwele and Bilal with a band, at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, May 18 at Celebrity Theatre in Phoenix.

Senate Republicans are proposing a nearly $8.8 billion spending plan for the coming year, a tiny -- 1.6 percent -- hike over current levels.

Using their talents for hilarious, family-friendly improvisational comedy, Jef and Shurlin Rawls of Mesa hope to lift spirits while lightening the load for a family in their neighborhood with an event they are calling a “FUN-draiser.”

One week after a 2-2 vote by the Gilbert Unified School District governing board put into question future discussion about a budget override ballot issue, an agenda was posted showing the board will vote on the matter Wednesday night.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and this week is Women’s Health Week. It’s an opportune time for you (or the women in your life) to assess both your physical and mental health.

A free all-day workshop for women in Phoenix this Saturday, May 18, aims to offer a way to “unlock one’s true potential as a catalyst for lasting love, stronger relationships and a greater sense of fulfillment,” says event promoter, Jan Hemming.

The 12-member International Care Ministries children’s’ choir will perform in the Valley next week as part of their current North American visit. International Care Ministries is a partner of Feed My Starving Children, which has a packing site in Tempe.

The 2013 Academy of Country Music Female Vocalist of the Year performs along with Dierks Bentley, Randy Houser, Joanna Smith and the Pistol Annies.

This hit ’80s band, responsible for songs “Heart and Soul,” “The Heart of Rock and Roll,” and “The Power of Love,” performs in Chandler.

PHILADELPHIA — A Philadelphia abortion doctor was found guilty Monday of first-degree murder and could face execution in the deaths of three babies who authorities say were delivered alive and then killed with scissors at his grimy clinic, in a case that became a flashpoint in the nation's debate over abortion.

Most of us already realize “normal” is relative. Yet, we are only human. And as such, we can scarcely stop ourselves from the very-human behavior of seizing every available opportunity to try to quantify and define the term.