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Hi Surprise, we made it to Thursday! In today’s edition: Arizona’s last drive-in, illuminated drones dance to music, a $7B chip expansion, and more.
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Retro cinema under stars: Arizona’s last drive-in is closer than you think. In Glendale, West Wind keeps 1950s vibes alive with big screens, radio sound, and year-round shows, plus discounted family nights on Tuesdays — read the full story.
Community steps up for educator: In nearby Glendale, a substitute teacher battling endocrine cancer received help when Arizona’s Family Surprise Squad donated $5,000 toward medical bills. Colleagues at Arrowhead Elementary rallied to support Denni Fleury — read the full story.
Local restaurateurs launch second spot: West Valley favorite Twist Hot Chicken opened a Tempe location on Jan. 24, bringing Nashville-style heat with sandwiches and tenders. The grand opening featured free chicken sandwiches and hot beignets — learn who’s behind it.
A journey of reflection: Dr. Alan Morinis brings a Mussar Shabbaton to Temple Emanuel in Tempe this weekend, with Valley Beit Midrash book talk on Feb. 9 as part of Temple Emanuel’s 50th anniversary — get all the details.
Gold & silver are hot: Last year was gold’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150%… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your IRA or 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.
Compare rates for free: Insurance prices drop all the time, but you’ll only know if you check. I assumed my rate was fine until I compared options and realized I was leaving real money on the table. It took a minute to check and instantly showed better offers for where I live. If it’s been more than a few months, you should probably run this comparison tool here.
One pet emergency can easily cost $7,000+ but pet insurance helps ease the financial and emotional burden. It’s something I wish I’d had after spending $10k on last-minute surgery for my cat (her name is Miss Stache). I learned my lesson and signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
*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
Inside Arizona’s chip buildout: Amkor Technology announced a big boost for Peoria, increasing its investment to $7 billion. The project adds a second advanced packaging and test facility and more cleanroom space, with more than 3,000 high-paying jobs expected. This expansion supports soaring semiconductor and AI demand near Surprise. Get all the details.
Star-studded desert showdown begins: The 2026 WM Phoenix Open starts today and runs through Sunday, Feb. 8. The full field is set, with big names like J.J. Spaun, Ben Griffin, and Collin Morikawa. Expect busy roads and plenty of buzz around the Valley, especially for fans heading from Surprise. Check out the full lineup.
Weeknight sushi upgrade: Ugly Tuna Sushi has anchored Surprise since 2019 with crowd-pleasing rolls, teriyaki for non-fish fans, and bracing fresh wasabi. When the craving hits and you’d rather stay close to home, this neighborhood spot delivers satisfying sushi without the trek.
Treasure hunt for a cause: Shop clothes, furniture, kitchen finds, and pet supplies at Sun Cities 4 Paws Rescue Thrift Store, and you’ll power a volunteer-run cat rescue. That quirky vase, vintage tee, or just-in-case casserole dish does more than look good… it helps cats.
A smart way to save on big purchases: When costs hit the tens of thousands, credit card and personal loan interest racks up fast. A HELOC lets you tap into your home’s equity as a flexible line of credit at a lower rate… all without refinancing your mortgage. I’ve been looking into this myself, and Figure’s HELOC stood out for its 100% online application, no in-person appraisal, and quick access to cash.
Your neighbors are Googling you:It’s an uncomfortable thought, but people search names all the time — employers, new friends, other parents at school pickup. If something negative, outdated, or misleading shows up on the first page, it can shape how people see you before you ever meet. BetterReputation helps push down unwanted search results so the first impression you make actually reflects who you are today. And if it’s not your name, you can help a friend or family member with that too.
Get clarity on financial decisions: Managing retirement, taxes, and investments alone can feel overwhelming, especially during big life transitions. Financial advisors provide holistic guidance, help reduce risk, and keep emotions away from costly decisions. I found a tool called Unbiased that matches you with the right financial advisor based on your personal situation so you can get a second opinion… it never hurts.
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📆 Around town this weekend
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
🏺 Learning Adventure: Pick and Press Clay Day @ The King and The Flower Pottery | Friday (2/6) at 9:00 AM – If you’ve been itching to trade scrolling for clay, head to The King and the Flower for a private desert garden tour, plant talk, and hands-on pottery to make a nature-inspired piece. Tickets are $25 per student 4 and up, adult required, space limited.
🍎 Sun City West Farmers Market & Artisan Craft Show @ Lord of Life Lutheran Church | Friday (2/6) at 10:00 AM – Friday in Sun City West means two things, fresh produce and the neighbor who sells salsa like insider trading. This year-round farmers market and artisan craft show is open to everyone, pet friendly, and gloriously local, with real makers, good vibes, and zero big-box energy.
🌿 Brittlebush Salve Herbal Workshop @ Blisstopia Retreats | Saturday (2/7) at 10:00 AM – Give your desert-worn skin a break and make Brittlebush salve with Lana and guest herbalist Dee Norleen of SunRae Herbals. Hear the plant’s backstory, stir your own jar, and leave ready for sun, wind, and the prickly realities of Sonoran life.
🧶 Made By Crafters Market @ Glendale Civic Center | Saturday (2/7) at 10:00 AM – Made By Crafters Market is popping up in Glendale with home-based artists demonstrating, showing, and selling their handiwork. Expect small-batch candles, quirky ceramics, stitched treasures, and neighborly banter. Skip the big-box aisles, snag something unique, and pretend it was a thoughtful plan all along.
🚒 Touch-A-Truck Safety Event @ Paloma Community Park | Saturday (2/7) at 10:00 AM – Nothing beats watching kids lose their minds over sirens you don’t have to apologize for. Touch-a-Truck turns Paloma Community Park into a fleet parade, with police cars, special units, city rigs, a petting zoo, bounce houses, and chit-chat. Bring coffee, shoes, and your inner five-year-old.
🌵 Indoor Succulents 101 @ SummerWinds Nursery | Saturday (2/7) at 10:00 AM – Bring your succulents and questions to Glendale for a free, no-nonsense crash course in keeping them alive indoors. Get the real deal on light, watering, soil, and containers, spot stretching, soft leaves, and rot, and finally outsmart that drama queen jade. Seating is limited, first-come.
🍿 Valentine’s Party in the Park @ Paseo Verde Park | Saturday (2/7) at 4:30 PM – Nothing says romance like a free movie under Peoria stars, a couple food trucks, and Disney’s ELIO, no prix fixe required. Free to enter, free to park, pet friendly. Bring chairs, a sweater, and the partner, kid, or dog who will share your fries.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Surprise report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 80°F – Low: 56°F – Precip: 1%
Sunny. High near 80, with temperatures falling to around 78 in the afternoon. East wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56. East northeast wind around 5 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 81°F – Low: 54°F – Precip: 2%
Sunny, with a high near 81. Southeast wind around 5 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 54. North northwest wind 0 to 5 mph.
This house is wild
An Ashbury plan with full fairway, mountain, and green views, plus vivid sunsets. Interiors feature new windows, neutral finishes, surround sound, and newer HVAC. The kitchen offers a large island and eating area, and a guest suite includes a private bath. Outside, find an extended awning shaded patio, play pool, fire table, built-in BBQ, and a golf cart garage.
Take a peek inside →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we genuinely think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week:
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