Does San Tan Valley belong in Pinal? Or should it be in the same district as Queen Creek in southeast Maricopa County? That’s one of many questions being looked at by the Independent Redistricting Commission as it looks to create more competitive legislative districts.

Are you an avid reader of the Maricopa Monitor? We’ve selected our top Maricopa stories for the year. They include everything from the city’s decision to not outsource its dispatch services to the Census results identifying Maricopa as the most populous city in the county.

In Casa Grande, police arrested a man who allegedly pointed a gun at another person and kicked the driver-side mirror off a vehicle during an argument. See the full story.

The holidays are coming up soon. Very soon. If you’re looking for a fun way to wow your guests the day after Christmas, check out this french fry recipe, which takes leftover mashed potatoes and turns them into something a little more smiley.

Want more recipes and updates on local entertainment news? Don’t miss the A&E Blast, delivered today at 3 p.m.