Happy Friday, Phoenix. In today’s edition: ZooLights, matinee: Francine Reed, the Temu lawsuit, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

📰 In the news

Concessions amid high filings: Metro Phoenix rents are falling and supply is up, yet landlords are on pace for about 84,000 eviction filings in 2025, roughly 4% below 2024’s record, with more rent concessions — see what’s driving the trend.

Phoenix expands global reach: China Airlines launched Phoenix Sky Harbor’s first direct link to Asia, debuting a Taipei nonstop that arrived Wednesday. The three-times-weekly service is billed as a historic boost to Arizona’s economy — read the full story.

Online marketplace under fire: Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes has sued Temu, alleging counterfeit goods and data harvesting that evades detection, with risks tied to Chinese law and potential government access to data — read the full story.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Identity theft is up 25%: Last year, Americans lost $12.5 billion to ID theft & fraud, and the stories behind those numbers are brutal. My friend just told me his dad’s on his fourth replacement credit card. Other folks have woken up to empty bank accounts or their personal info dumped online after a breach. Aura catches these kinds of attacks early by monitoring for new accounts, weird money movements, leaked data, and other red flags so you’re alerted before things blow up — learn more about it here.

Highlights this week

• Motorcycle ride supports kids with toy donations
• Experience Phoenix Festival of the Arts
• Merriment in Melrose benefits arts education
• Ballet Arizona’s Nutcracker enchants at Symphony Hall
• Caribbean brunch features DJs and vibrant musical vibes
• See why December’s the best time to try new hearing aids
• This pet insurance plan reimburses up to 90%

🫶 We got your back

Named for granddaughter: Sophia’s, a midcentury-modern brunch cafe off Seventh Street and Thomas in midtown Phoenix, is aiming to open this month. Created by Dave and Flor Aparicio Chamberlin with chef Aaron Chamberlin (Taco Chelo), it promises a seed oil-free menu and coffee bar. Standouts include breakfast fried rice, dulce de leche stuffed French toast, and chicken schnitzel topped with Caesar salad. Get all the details.

Season of second chances: Valley shelters are making it easier to bring home a furry family member. Arizona Animal Welfare League is waiving fees during Bissell Pet Foundation’s Holiday Hope event through Dec. 15, while Maricopa County Animal Care and Control offers reduced-fee adoptions through Dec. 7. It’s a push to ease overcrowding, especially for big dogs and long-stay pets. See event dates and locations.

Cozy bungalow beer fix: Phoenix staple Wren House Brewing pours crisp lagers, juicy hop bombs, and rotating one-offs in a snug house-turned taproom. It’s an easy midweek decompress spot or a relaxed catch-up with a friend, low-key and reliably good when you just want a great pint close to home.

Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I decided to take Hers’ online quiz. They recommended a Biotin + Minoxidil green-apple gummy that targets regrowth and overall hair health. The whole thing was surprisingly easy: just verify your identity and a licensed provider signs off. Here’s the quiz if you want to check it out.

Makeup that actually works: My sister and I were talking the other day about how the makeup we used in our 20s… just doesn’t work now that we’re in our 30s and 40s. Laura Geller’s entire makeup line addresses this shift, with formulas that smooth, brighten, and actually stay put. If you’re in the same boat, their curated kits are worth a look.

📆 Around town this weekend

All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

Today

🪐 Science With a Twist: Intergalactic After Dark @ Arizona Science Center | Friday (12/5) at 6pm – Slip into your cosmic best and blast off into a 21+ night where sci-fi worlds, deep-space mysteries, and hands-on discovery collide. With stellar surprises, interstellar vibes, and VIP perks like a welcome drink and Dorrance DOME showing, this is your chance to party among the galaxies—no spaceship required.

🎤 Ryan Hamilton @ Tempe Improv @ Tempe Improv | Friday (12/5) at 9:00pm – Tempe Improv is hosting Ryan Hamilton, the clean, quietly savage comic who went from rural Idaho to the Comedy Cellar, Fallon, and opening for Seinfeld. Expect razor-sharp observations, zero shock tactics, and a Netflix-polished Happy Face. Date night friendly, Mill Ave parking roulette included.

This weekend

🐶 Dog Yoga & Pictures with Santa @ Bouldering Project | Saturday (12/6) at 10am – Stretch it out while your pup gets their moment with the big man in red—talk about a win-win. After downward dogs (literal and figurative), browse holiday vendors and soak up all the cozy, tail-wagging cheer.

🖌️ Paint + Yap: Tote-bag Painting Workshop @ Coe House | Saturday (12/6) at 2:00pm – Whether your gift list is handled or hopeless, skip mall meltdown and customize a tote bag at this paint-and-yap workshop. Low-stress crafting, good chatter, and a present that is not another scented candle. Bring a friend, buy a ticket as a gift, leave smugly prepared.

🕵️ The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show – Tempe, AZ @ Embassy Suites Tempe | Saturday (12/6) at 6:00pm – If you’ve ever wanted to interrogate your dinner companions without being rude, this is your moment. The Dinner Detective turns a full-plated meal into a Tempe whodunit, with actors hiding in plain sight, unexpected twists, and you as a potential suspect. Come hungry, then sleuth.

🍹 Rum Punch and Brunch Sundays @ Ocho Rios Jerk Spot | Sunday (12/7) at 11am – The Valley’s only Caribbean brunch is serving island vibes all day long with rum punch flowing and guest DJs keeping the energy lifted. Come hungry, come thirsty, and come ready to vibe like it’s a mini vacation in the middle of Phoenix.

💈 Legends of the Blend @ Legends Event Center | Sunday (12/7) at 12pm – It’s a full day of fast fades, sharp shears, and head-turning talent as barbers and stylists go head-to-head in live battles. Expect nonstop energy, education, and serious style inspiration—all under one roof.

🎤 Matinee: Francine Reed @ The Nash | Sunday (12/7) at 3:00pm – Valley legend Francine Reed is back for a matinee that feels like a night out, minus the late bedtime. Smoky jazz, gutty blues, and a killer band that knows when to strut. Bring your college kid, student tickets are half price.

Next week

✨ ZooLights @ Phoenix Zoo | Monday (12/8) at 5:30pm – Think you’ve seen every twinkly display in town? ZooLights is back at the Phoenix Zoo with new lights, glowing lanterns, and extra activities, the whole nine. Rumor says a beloved favorite returns, so prep your cocoa, corral the crew, and practice your oohs.

🎙️ The Nash Vocal Ensembles – A Holiday Vocal Jazz Affair @ The Nash | Monday (12/8) at 7:00pm – Swap the mall carols for the real thing at The Nash, where three vocal ensembles and a swinging combo mix Winter Wonderland, I’ll Be Home for Christmas, and Great American Songbook gems. It’s warm, polished, and pleasantly grown-up. Bring your cheer, not your ugly sweater.

🕯️ Light in the Window @ Herberger Theater Center | Tuesday (12/9) at 12:10pm – Holidays call for more than jingles, so lean into a living room play where Lola and her Apo craft Filipino Christmas lanterns, sing in Tagalog and English, and share stories of faith, resilience, and family. Real glow, no big-box LEDs, just warmth, wit, and legacy.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 12/5 Ryan Hamilton @ Tempe Improv – 6:30 pm
• 12/6 Shucked @ ASU Gammage – 2 pm
• 12/7 Tis the Season @ Musical Instrument Museum – 9 am
• 12/7 Alice Wetterlund @ Tempe Improv – 6 pm
• 12/10 Jazz and Pop Vocal Workshop with Dennis Rowland @ The Nash – 7 pm
• 12/11 Claus & Effect: A Tropical Holiday @ Herberger Theater Center – 7 pm
• 12/13 Cozy Day Party @ Egyptian Motor Hotel – 3 pm
• 12/14 Scottsdale Symphonic Orchestra: A Season of Light @ Center for the Performing Arts – 4 pm

🏠️ Price is right – Phoenix edition

How it works: We’re going to give you some facts about a home for sale, including a picture of the outside, the kitchen, and one additional room. Your job? Guess how much it’s listed for (preferably before you click to find out).

Listed by: Suzanne Fuqua (eXp Realty)

Panoramic 9th-hole views steal the show from this Taliverde patio home on a premier lot, a remodel playground with real upside. Granite and stainless in the kitchen, a breakfast bar to a soaring dining space, and a sleek wet bar keep things social. Cozy den with fireplace and patio door flips to a third bedroom fast, plus room for a third bath.

Primary suite captures fairway scenery, with sitting nook, onyx counters, walk-in shower, tub, and dual closets. Travertine and bamboo floors, refreshed roof, newer A/C and water heaters, Pella windows, two-car garage. Stroll to Canal Trail and Adobe.

Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →