It’s only been a week since the 1-cent sales tax went off the books, but area economists and businesses do not expect to see much if any increase in retail sales in the foreseeable future due in part to consumers having little idea the increase ended.

Individuals for and against the Loop 202 freeway expansion through the South Mountain area trickled in and out of the Phoenix Convention Center last week, offering passionate pleas to panel members as the Arizona Department of Transportation hosted a day-long public hearing.

There have been highs and lows from the 2012-2013 athletic year.

Wayne Brown spent decades working to improve Mesa, from its arts programs to its financial standing. Under his leadership on the city council and as mayor, the city saw a new spring training facilities built, a new convention center created and the establishment of the Mesa Arts Center.

It is with a heavy heart that the City of Mesa announces the passing of Mayor Wayne Brown on Tuesday, May 14. Brown served as Mayor from 1996 to 2000. He also served as a Councilmember from 1968 to 1976.

“Is the SRP monopoly spending thousands of advertising dollars (consumer electrical power payments) to promote SRP or to promote Mayor Scott Smith’s run for governor?”

At one time, the community of Gilbert had a great reputation. It had great schools and a proud economic future that led to Gilbert being one of the best communities to live in in the United States.

It’s time to privatize Gilbert.

The Draft Environmental Impact Study (DEIS) for the South Mountain Freeway was released on April 26, but as the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) continues to study putting the freeway down Pecos Road a group of Gila River Indian Community Landowners are stuck waiting for answers as their initiative — which could make it possible for the freeway to go on tribal land — is stalled by the Tribal Council.

Gilbert's Campo Verde High School will give diplomas to 455 students this year. Students earned more than $9.7 million in scholarships.

Gilbert Classical Academy will graduate 37 students in its Class of 2013.

Mesquite High School will graduate 446 students this year. Students have been awarded just over $6 million in scholarships.

Gilbert's Desert Ridge High School will graduate 580 students this year. Students have been awarded $7.3 million in scholarships.

Gilbert's Highland High School will graduate 715 students in its Class of 2013. The students have earned $10 million in scholarships.

I feel it has become an embarrassment to the community of Gilbert to have three very radical (Town) Council members. No other neighboring city councils have such radicals that would want to protest federal grants for seniors and the needy.

Owners of mental health facility planned for a site next a Gilbert elementary school announced it will seek a different location.

After a number of parents vocally stressed at Thursday’s Gilbert Town Council meeting that they think the proposed construction of a mental health facility in Gilbert is too close to a nearby elementary school, the Town of Gilbert is hosting a follow-up meeting later this month to specifically address the topic with local residents.

The Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority and D.L. Withers Construction agreed on a contract Monday to build two more gates and an additional outdoor courtyard at the airport’s Charles L. Williams Passenger Terminal at a cost of $4.8 million.

“Those three seconds I took my eyes off the road changed my life forever.”

Gilbert will gather to show appreciation and gratitude for two returning patriots during the next Operation Welcome Home ceremony at 6 p.m. Thursday.

How are the United Nations, the Arizona legislature, and our state’s schools linked?

Growth and expansion over the last few years has made Banner Health the leading employer in the City of Mesa.

An effort to broaden tax exemptions for religious organizations is facing bipartisan opposition in the Arizona House of Representatives.

Gilbert residents are invited to voice opinions and share ideas at the Parks and Recreation Master Plan open house Tuesday, March 5.