While bar-hopping on Roosevelt Row earlier this month, I stopped into the new Tropic Thunder on Second Street.
I knew it was tiki-themed, but I didn’t realize just how much effort went into the atmosphere until I stepped in.
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Tropic Thunder will surprise you with its unique, colorful. interior. (Jessica Swarner/The Copper Courier)
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From the thatch roofs, ropes, and mood lighting to the giant skull throne, I did forget that I was in Phoenix for a minute.
The bar, which opened in January, sells cocktails made with rum, citrus, and some cheeky ingredients like “snake venom” and “human flesh.” If you’re not into tiki drinks, you can find other cocktails, beer, and mocktails.
I had a nice time there, and I recommend popping in for at least one drink to see inside.
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It’s become a lot harder for many Arizonans to afford health insurance this year. Our reporter Sahara Sajjadi has the story:
“Last year, Republicans and the Trump administration declined to extend Biden-era ACA subsidies that offered relief to 22 million Americans, including hundreds of thousands of Arizonans. Now, Arizonans are feeling the pinch.”
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By March, more than 50,000 Arizonans dropped off ACA plans within a few weeks.. (Pexels)
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“According to data from the Kaiser Family Foundation … 357,144 Arizonans signed up for Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans for the 2026 year by the Jan. 15 deadline. But by March, more than 50,000 Arizonans dropped off within a few weeks.
“One retired public school teacher in Scottsdale, Eric Kurland, saw his and his wifeās planās coverage rise dramatically, from an original $327 per month in 2024 to the cheapest plan being $2,218 a month in 2026. The couple opted out altogether and began exploring alternative coverage options.”
What do you think? Has your health insurance been affected? Let me know, and I’ll include some responses in Wednesday’s newsletter!
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The ground floor of the Phoenix tower will include a 1,300-square-foot grocer, cafƩ and wine bar called Del Ray.
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From news on foreclosures in Maricopa County to tips on using unusual items for storage, hereās a quick recap of helpful links for Phoenix renters.
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From gay bars to drag bingo and more, check out these colorful Pride Month events across Arizona to get involved and feel upliftedāno parade required.
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šø A man found and returned a credit card left at a Payson gas pump. And why did that make the news? The lost card belonged to none other than local rock legend Alice Cooper. (12 News)
š¶ This drop-in childcare center in Phoenix and Peoria charges $11 an hourābelow the average cost of a babysitter. (ABC 15)
ā½ļø Here’s where to watch World Cup games in Tucson, along with food and drink specials. (Tucson Foodie)
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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Jessica Swarner with stories from Sahara Sajjadi and Dorothy Scott. It was edited by Crystal Niforos
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