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Good morning, East Valley! In today’s edition: MLS and NWSL stadium plan, the Hello Kitty Cafe Truck, The Temptations, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
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.
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.
Chasing pro soccer dreams: Mesa approved creating the Palo District to lure MLS and NWSL teams, planning a stadium and mixed-use hub at the Fiesta Mall site, though expansion is not guaranteed — see what’s planned.
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.
Protect your nest egg: Savvy investors are turning to gold amidst today’s inflation, national debt, and market uncertainty for a reason. It holds its value when everything else feels shaky. Case in point: it’s up ~62% since this month last year. If you’re curious about adding it and other precious metals to your portfolio, American Hartford has a super helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free, and definitely worth a read — check it out here.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Community fun kicks off: Tempe Public Library is hosting events this month, including the return of Tempe FanCon, a second Inter-City Puzzle Tournament to see which city solves puzzlers fastest, and a chat with journalist and author Julia Hotz about her latest book, The God of the Woods. Check out the full lineup.
Handmade tortilla fix: Weeknights need comfort fast, and Tacos Chiwas wraps Chihuahua‑style favorites in handmade organic flour tortillas… think classic deshebrada verde or picadillo burritos from generations-old recipes. Comfort without leaving the East Valley, tonight.
Your weekly science fix: Shake up the midweek routine at Arizona Museum of Natural History, where roaring dinos, a thundering flash-flood room, gold panning, and hands-on galleries turn learning into play. Spark curiosity and wear out kids and grownups without leaving Mesa.
Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I discovered Keranique’s hair regrowth system. Everything with them is surprisingly easy: no quizzes, no pills, no choosing between dozens of products. Just grab the kit and follow the instructions. The best part? It’s $75 off right now, you’ll get three free gifts, AND you’ll get your money back if you don’t love the results.
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📆 Around town this weekend
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All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
💎 53rd Annual Flagg Gem & Mineral Show @ Mesa Community College | Friday (1/9) at 10:00 AM – Trade the mall sparkle for the real stuff at the 53rd Flagg Gem and Mineral Show, a free favorite at Mesa Community College. Expect local collectors, club displays, and vendors with fossils, crystals, and gear. Park off Dobson, bring curiosity, leave with something shiny.
🌅 Sparky’s Sunrise Hike @ “A” Mountain at ASU Hayden Butte Preserve | Saturday (1/10) at 7:30 AM – Shake off the holiday cobwebs with a sunrise trek up A Mountain. It’s free, family-friendly, and dog-approved, with views worth the early alarm, and yes, Sparky will be there for the obligatory photo. Bring water, neighbors, and your best uphill attitude.
🐱 Hello Kitty Cafe Truck @ Chandler Fashion Center | Saturday (1/10) at 10:00 AM – Think you’re above cute? The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck is parking at Chandler Fashion Center, by The Old Spaghetti Factory, tempting us with supercute treats and merch while supplies last. Bring your inner kid, your patience, and maybe a tote for regrets, and cupcakes.
🍵 Afternoon Tea and Tour @ The Lavender Farm at Chateau de Vie | Saturday (1/10) at 2:00 PM – Play tourist in Chandler with a guided mansion tour, then afternoon tea in the lavender farm’s Chateau. Think Provence without the jet lag, with signature lavender blends, finger sandwiches, scones, and desserts. Book by table, ages 12+, $150, limited spots at thelavenderfarms.com.
🎨 2nd Sundays on Mill @ Downtown Tempe | Sunday (1/11) at 10:00 AM – This month’s 2nd Sundays on Mill leans full DIY, with free hands-on workshops, interactive art, and creative make-it-yourself fun for all ages. Make soap, collage a vision postcard, ogle classic VWs, snag a free flower, then call mini golf your cardio, and lunch.
👪 New Year Family Flow & Play @ Gilbert Community Center | Sunday (1/11) at 10:30 AM – New Year reset calls for Gilbert family yoga, not another resolution you will ghost by February. Bring the kids, breathe, move, and laugh through a playful flow that actually feels doable. You reconnect, they wiggle, everyone earns brunch, and a calmer household.
🐧 Penguin Slide @ Painting with a Twist | Sunday (1/11) at 1:00 PM – Penguin Slide at Painting with a Twist is low-pressure painting fun where even your stick-figure talents pass. Bring your patience, your sense of humor, and the budding Picassos. Evening sessions are 13 and up, family and kids classes are best for ages 7+.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 East Valley report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 61°F – Low: 36°F – Precip: 73%
A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms between 11am and noon, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy. High near 61, with temperatures falling to around 56 in the afternoon. Southwest wind 0 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible. Later: A slight chance of rain showers before 11pm. Mostly clear. Low around 36, with temperatures rising to around 38 overnight. West northwest wind 0 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
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Tomorrow – High: 58°F – Low: 34°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 58. North wind 0 to 5 mph. Later: Clear, with a low around 34. North northeast wind around 5 mph.
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This 4,263 sq ft home in Kensington Estates offers 5 beds and 5.5 baths, with en-suite convenience in every room. A gourmet kitchen anchors the plan, with GE Monogram appliances, stacked cabinetry, and a prep kitchen pantry. Downstairs, a bedroom adds a kitchenette for extended stays. Wood-look luxury vinyl runs throughout. The split primary suite keeps things quiet, and a large loft works for media or play.
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