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Things to do this weekend


Weekend plans? We’ve got your cheat sheet. Whether you’re craving cool art, rowdy Shakespeare, classic cars, or margaritas that give back, the Valley is serving up something for everyone this weekend and beyond. Read all about it here.

Feature stories


Sustaining a legacy. Just a short drive from Phoenix, The Farm at South Mountain offers a quiet contrast to the urban sprawl. Beneath rows of mature pecan trees, seasonal produce is grown on-site and incorporated into meals served at its restaurants.

Read all about it here.


Local heroes head to Texas. With people still missing after the deadly Fourth of July floods in Texas, a team of 48 Phoenix firefighters and five dogs headed east Tuesday night to help with the search. See their story here.


Get involved. With local nonprofits facing a steep decline in volunteer support this summer, Desert Foothills Volunteers is calling on community members to step up and lend a hand during its upcoming “Get Involved Gathering,” taking place from noon to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 22, at Desert Hills Presbyterian Church. Learn more here.

Community news and notes


Rides for teens. Waymo is rolling out a new option for busy Valley families: teen accounts that allow young riders ages 14 to 17 to travel independently in the company’s autonomous vehicles. Learn more here.


Home sweet home. A Valley nonprofit is giving second chances a new foundation—literally—as MOM’s House, a transitional home in Phoenix for women reentering society after incarceration, is set to receive a $100,000 renovation grant through the 2025 Lowe’s Hometowns project. Read all about it here.


Stay safe! As local students prepare to return to the classroom, the Queen Creek Police Department is reminding residents to prioritize safety on the roads, on sidewalks and online. Read the tips here.


In restaurant news... As Salt + Lime Modern Mexican Grill partners with Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation this month through its “Chips for Charity” program to help foster youth access enriching experiences, another Valley restaurant, Loving Hut, is launching a low-cost menu at its Tempe and Glendale locations, offering value-priced vegan dishes and drinks starting at $2.50 to make plant-based meals more affordable. Read the tasty news here and here.


The latest from Fountain Hills. From budgeting milestones to digital upgrades and park improvements, the Town of Fountain Hills saw notable developments in June as officials adopted a new fiscal budget, launched a first-of-its-kind AI assistant, and advanced park enhancements for the summer season. Learn more here.


Dollars and sense. Municipal budgets are now in place for the upcoming fiscal year in Carefree, Cave Creek and Scottsdale, with each community prioritizing public safety, infrastructure improvements and financial sustainability. See the results here.

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