In this dugout is the three-time defending state champions of softball, with a significant portion of the 2012 title team playing prominent roles again. Red Mountain is a No. 6 seed oozing with confidence, has gotten lights-out pitching from junior ace Bre Macha, went through the winner's bracket for a second consecutive year and outscored its opponents 30-4 in this tournament, including a win over its next opponent.

With the onslaught of Oscar contenders that debuted last November, there’s a good chance that a little-seen indie gem, “Starlet,” managed to fall off your radar during its short, theatrical run. Winner of the Special Jury Prize at the 2011 SXSW film festival, “Starlet” explores the unlikely friendship between a cheerful, aspiring actress (played by the winsome Dree Hemingway) and a cantankerous, elderly widow (the late Besedka Johnson).

It's not a big breakthrough.

AAA is urging party-goers to include a safe ride home in their Cinco de Mayo plans. However, should a motorist have too many margaritas and find themselves without safe ride home, AAA will provide a Tipsy Tow. Service will start at 6 p.m. Sunday, May 5, and will run through 6 a.m. Monday, May 6.

As “Opponents of Brewer’s Medicaid plan speak out” it rapidly becomes obvious that they are obsessed with forcing their personal, misguided value systems on we citizens.

Not so long ago, there was a certain image associated with being vegetarian. It usually involved Birkenstocks, lentil loaf and an agenda.

An eclectic group of four Valley women, the Heady Hoop Tribe aims to inspire others in the Phoenix area through the creative power of modern hoop dance.

FLAGSTAFF — Teeth-chattering. Axle-busting. Head-pounding.

“Hi, I’m Rachel from card member services.”

“When is the City of Mesa going to do something about the homeless downtown? They defecate and urinate in doorways of business and walking downtown is not a pleasant experience. It used to be a nice place, but that has changed.”

LOS ANGELES — Watching as a beloved dog is swept out to sea is heart-wrenching. Doing nothing seems unthinkable.

There’s no question about Ryan Castellani's bright baseball future.

Strong winds making their way across our state on Monday are kicking up more than just dirt and dust.

Exercise may not be too stimulating before sleep -- it may even be helpful, according to a recent survey conducted for the National Sleep Foundation.

A van carrying Arizona Department of Corrections officers rolled over after the driver lost control when a tire blew out on Interstate south of Phoenix, injuring at least one of the officers.

“Don’t call me Mister. Even in high school, my dad had my friends call him Eddie. There are no misters here.”

“Hi, I’m Rachel from card member services.”

“Hi, I’m Rachel from card member services.”

Noah Miller is in a perpetual fight with his own body.

“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?

With a banjo, a guitar, an upright bass and a mandolin — and four talented musicians to play them — Yonder Mountain String Band’s songs make you feel more like you’re spending a day in the Alabama woods rather than the Arizona desert.

All-Tribune First Team

Editor's Note: Our sibling site, YourWestValley.com, recently produced this series (story, column and video) on Sun City resident Jerry Zwack and his unorthodox new ride: a motorized tricycle he made from his couch.

I have a new favorite word. “Despite.”