Good morning, East Valley! In today’s edition: Mall redevelopment with Din Tai Fung, Paranormal Cirque, Arizona Balloon Classic, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

🏆 Most popular this week

Curated by popular demand — here are this week’s most-clicked events, local spots, and stories.

Retail hub set for revamp: Aldi’s Phoenix expansion continues as Aventus purchased three acres in Mesa’s East Valley for $2.4 million to develop a supermarket at Greenfield and Main at former 99 Cents Only site — see what’s planned for the site.

Fast-casual scene heats up: Wing Snob will open a second location this spring at East Gate Plaza in Mesa. The chain, known for its wings and sauces, joins a mix of dining and shopping — read the full story.

Expanded patios and layout changes: Chandler Fashion Center will undergo redevelopment in 2026, adding new restaurants including Din Tai Fung, refreshed event space, and a splash pad. Construction starts this month with minimal disruptions expected — see what’s planned and when.

Freshen up your space: If your living room still looks like 2020, Spice Up Your Home offers furniture, lighting, rugs, and one-of-a-kind decor. Designers are on hand for quick styling tips, a full refresh, or staging if you’re selling.

Hands-on learning for all ages: HD South is hosting January programs, featuring a floral imagery exhibition by Keron Psillas Oliveira and an Arduino dragster class led by local teacher Erik Gillman — check out the full lineup.

Revised rollout shifts local projects: Gilbert officials moved forward with a new schedule for quality of life projects, prioritizing parks while delaying the crime lab and public safety administration building to manage costs and construction — see what’s moving forward.

Are you overpaying? The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. I was paying over $300 for ONE car until I checked out various quotes, switched providers, and ultimately cut my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably losing money too — this free comparison tool makes it easy.

Gold & silver are hot: Gold just had it’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150% in 2025… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.

A new haircare solution: My hair’s been thinning and I’ve been quietly ignoring it, hoping it’ll fix itself. Plot twist… it hasn’t. When I finally started looking into what I should do, there were so many options I didn’t know where to start. I stumbled on Keranique, and its simplicity really sold me. One kit, no pills, no choosing products, and no confusion whatsoever. It’s also on sale with a money-back guarantee (although I doubt you’ll need it).

📆 Sneak peek at next week

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🍄 Mushroom Wreath Dream @ Pinot’s Palette | Monday (1/12) at 7:00 PM – Paint and sip your way through a whimsical Mushroom Wreath Dream at the Gilbert studio, because nothing says weeknight therapy like acrylics, cabernet, and cheerful fungi. No skills required, just a steady-ish hand, friends who heckle kindly, and a glass that stays topped.

🎪 Paranormal Cirque @ Phoenix Premium Outlets | Monday (1/12) at 7:30 PM – Phoenix Premium Outlets is trading coupons for cobwebs as Paranormal Cirque rolls into Chandler. Think acrobatics, illusions, and a little deliciously creepy theater under the big black tent. Grab a neighbor, find the good parking, and let your inner goth have a night out.

🧵 Stitch & Create Beginner Sewing Skills @ Southeast Regional Library | Wednesday (1/14) at 4:00 PM – Swap the doomscroll for a needle, some thread, and the quiet satisfaction of stitches in Gilbert. This beginner-friendly class teaches threading needles, tying knots, and simple hand sewing, week by week, with bite-size projects that build patience and creativity. Low stress, high cozy.

🎩 Science and Art of the Victorian Era @ Chandler Nature Center | Wednesday (1/14) at 5:30 PM – Trade your streaming queue for the Victorian heyday of natural history, where curiosity wore corsets. Explore American and European breakthroughs in science and the environment, and the art that sold them, from botanical illustration, meticulous taxidermy, and ornate dioramas.

🎤 Hello! A Tribute To Lionel Richie @ Apache Junction Performing Arts Center | Thursday (1/15) at 7:00 PM – Yes, it’s a tribute, but it’s the one Lionel actually blessed, with Malcolm serving up all the greatest hits. He has sung as “Lionel” on BBC, shared the Royal Box with the man, and knows every swoon cue. Expect sweet soul, smooth moves, and singalongs.

🎈 Arizona Balloon Classic @ Wild Horse Pass Corporate Center | Friday (1/16) at 12:00 PM – Arizona’s beloved hot air balloon spectacle returns to Wild Horse Pass, back where it belongs for its 15th run. Think colorful dawn launches, an evening glow, and a mellow way to sip coffee, snap photos, and look adventurous without breaking a sweat.

🏆 Dr. Martin Luther King Junior Awards Ceremony @ Chandler City Council Chambers | Friday (1/16) at 4:00 PM – This ceremony celebrates neighbors who walk the talk, honoring Youth Action, the Emma Arbuckle, and MLK Distinguished Achievement awardees. Expect an inspiring keynote and anthems to lift the room. Bring your polite clap, then stick around for a Vision Gallery reception to toast Chandler.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

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📻 East Valley report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 63°F – Low: 39°F – Precip: 0%

Sunny, with a high near 63. Northeast wind around 5 mph. Later: Clear. Low around 39, with temperatures rising to around 41 overnight. Northeast wind around 5 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 69°F – Low: 42°F – Precip: 0%

Sunny, with a high near 69. East northeast wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 42. East northeast wind 5 to 10 mph.

Most popular house this week

Rare 2-bed, 2.5-bath Trova on the #7 tee box of The Lakes Golf Course with unobstructed fairway views. Versatile den for work or hobbies, and patio columns were removed to maximize scenery. Stacked stone accents, vaulted ceilings, and a generous kitchen with an extended pantry. New roof plus newer furnaces and A/C for efficient comfort. The primary suite opens to the patio and features an oversized walk-in. The second bedroom was expanded by about eight feet.

A 2.5-car extended garage offers built-in cabinetry and space for a workshop. Outdoor perks include a courtyard, open view patio, L-shaped stacked-stone BBQ island, and mature lemon and grapefruit trees.

Take a peek inside →