It’s time for our first weekend events list of the year! 

Some of you have asked for it to come earlier in the week. I’m going to take a quick poll and see what you prefer. 

Thanks for weighing in! Here’s this week’s list: 

What are you up to this weekend? Let me know!

A newsletter for Phoenix renters, written by someone who’s lived it—me! Rent Check PHX gives you news, resources, and real renter stories from across the Valley every other Wednesday.

Avelo Airlines is closing its base in Mesa and ending its controversial operations with the US Department of Homeland Security. (USA TODAY Network – Florida/Archive via Reuters Connect)

by USA Today Network via Reuters Connect

Avelo Airlines is ending its controversial operations with the US Department of Homeland Security to operate deportation flights by the end of January.

It will be closing its bases at airports in three US cities to focus its efforts on five others. The airline opened the base in Mesa nine months ago to support ICE flights.

“No more government flying,” Avelo spokesperson Courtney Goff said via email. “The program provided short-term benefits but ultimately did not deliver enough consistent and predictable revenue to overcome its operational complexity and costs.”

In May 2025, protests erupted at airports in 26 cities over the airline’s agreement with ICE to carry out immigrant deportation flights from Arizona.

Critics said the flights were inhumane and carried out without due process. Millions nationwide have protested ICE and Homeland Security for increased raids by masked officials and a perceived lack of public accountability.

Are you looking for a new rental in Phoenix? Here are some interesting listings we found this week.

Mark your calendars now for these Arizona festivals happening this spring and summer.

Here’s a look at eight international restaurant chains that made their Arizona debuts in metro Phoenix this year.

This is the LOOKOUT Lowdown, where once a month we’re highlighting stories from LOOKOUT, a nonprofit newsroom that serves Arizona’s LGBTQ community. 

Here are some of their latest stories: 

🎥 Arizona’s only LGBTQ+ film festival, which was founded at Paradise Valley Community College, was cancelled after President Trump threatened funding for programs related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Now it’s back as an independent event. 

🩺 HIV advocates warn that a new Phoenix ordinance banning “unsanctioned” medical care in public parks will result in harm, especially for unhoused people. 

🗣️ A recent conference at a church in Surprise lifted up spiritual counseling programs that critics say are conversion therapy by another name. 

Want more news like this? Sign up for LOOKOUT’s newsletter (which includes The Weekly Kiki, a great weekly events roundup!) and check out membership options. 

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Jessica Swarner with stories from USA Today Network via Reuters Connect, Jessica Swarner, and Copper Courier Staff. It was edited by Kimberly Lawson.

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