I’m not a vegan, but I like to incorporate plant-based meals into my diet for both health and environmental benefits. 

I also like to support vegan restaurants because the more healthy options there are available, the better for everyone. 

When I found myself needing a place to stop for lunch this week, I decided to check out Earth Plant Based Cuisine on Grand Avenue in downtown Phoenix. 

The asada burrito was packed full of yummy—and filling—ingredients. (Jessica Swarner/The Copper Courier)

I ordered the asada burrito, which comes with their version of faux meat, rice, beans, cabbage, and pico de gallo, along with salsa on the side. 

I was satisfied with the $13 price because the burrito was huge—half of it easily filled me up, giving me a meal for another day. 

Other items on the menu include wings made with seitan, carnitas tacos made with mushrooms, and vegan milkshakes. 

Have you eaten at a vegan restaurant?

Ernest Garcia II was worth $14.9 billion, according to the latest estimate by Forbes. (John Severson/The Republic via Reuters Connect)

By Laura Daniella Sepulveda, Arizona Republic

Nine Arizonans have landed on Forbes’ latest list of the world’s wealthiest people.

Forbes released its annual ranking of global billionaires on March 10, counting a record 3,428 people, which is about 400 more than last year. This year’s billionaire class is worth a combined record $20.1 trillion, up $4 trillion from 2025.

At the top of the list is South African-born businessman Elon Musk, who is once again the richest man in the world, according to the 2026 list. He increased his wealth from 2025 by an estimated $497 billion, roughly doubling his fortune and bringing it to a record $839billion.

Arizona‘s richest have grown their wealth in a range of fields, from used cars and e-commerce to baseball and stock trading. They live in Phoenix or surrounding cities like Paradise Valley, Scottsdale, and Tempe.

Local news is essential for democracy.

Our reporting cuts through false narratives, documents what’s actually happening in our communities, and provides voters with the clear, factual information they need—especially when the stakes are high.

Four unofficial and undisclosed long-term detention sites have been operating in Arizona, with some detainees spending over three months in “hold rooms” that are held to different standards than official detention facilities.

Explore festivals in Arizona this summer, from comic cons and pride parades to chili cook-offs, pirate weekends, art fairs, and more.

From federal housing decisions impacting Arizona to lower-cost furniture that will bring some style to your rental, here’s a quick recap of helpful links for Phoenix renters.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Jessica Swarner with stories from Martin Nieves Sanchez and USA Today Network via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Brook Bolen.

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