All schools in the Phoenix Union High School District have increased enrollment this year, leading to record student body numbers for the entire district. The rise in students may be attributed to the recession's affect on the housing market and families as well as more positive public opinion of the district.

The Downtown Phoenix Partnership wants a bigger budget so as to increase their influence, but that means raising taxes for local businesses. The DPP is also looking to expand their cultural events and expand their boundaries on top of maintaining their current programs.

Best-selling science fiction author David Brin participated in a panel of ASU faculty and administrators to discuss how technology and journalism would operate in the future, based on his most recent novel "Existence."

Local mural artist Justin Queal takes pride in his award-winning work around the city. "Public art helps shape the experience of the community," he says.

The Phoenix Center for the Arts nearly closed its doors in 2011, but it remained open as a nonprofit and continues to educate and inspire Phoenix residents daily.