Kristy Westgard

With one of the youngest and fastest growing populations in the Valley, Gilbert has become the gateway for many restaurants looking to expand into the East Valley.

The collapse of Interstate 10 is more than just an inconvenience for many local businesses that use the highway regularly. It is also a big expense and it could trickle down to consumers.

A federal ruling on Tuesday now requires cities and counties that receive federal grants for fair housing to look more closely at their plans before they can receive those federal dollars.

A plan to thin Arizona forests is moving forward. The Four Forest Restoration Initiative is going to be accelerating in the next few months, despite some shifts in control.

Arizona Department of Housing Director Michael Trainor said the recession is the primary reason the fund has dropped from $30 million in 2008 to $2.5 million, where it remains today.

June 27 marks the beginning of Independents Week, an annual national celebration of local businesses. Local First Arizona spokesperson Erika Pederson says the “buy local” movement has experienced increased visibility since it became mainstream in 2014.