Between Día de los Muertos, Halloween, and fall festivals, Arizona’s calendar is packed full of events this weekend.

I’m out of town for a wedding, but if I were around, I’d be going festival-crazy. Festival or not, I hope you are able to get outside and enjoy the weather for a bit!

Here are some things happening:

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

P.S. Check out our video series “Proudly Local” for reviews of local, woman- and LGBTQ-owned businesses, and “The Copper Budget” for tips on affordable living and low-cost activities in Arizona. 

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.

Balbino Mayora and his son during his son’s graduation from Sunnyslope High School in Phoenix. (Courtesy of Davina Maes)

by Sahara Sajjadi

Balbino Mayora has lived in Arizona for nearly 25 years. He fixes cars for a living at his shop, Balbino’s Garage, which he opened in 2006. He considers himself a proud American—he’s a business owner, father of two US citizens, and a willing taxpayer.

But on Aug. 26, his life came crashing down.

Phoenix police officers came to his shop that day and arrested him without telling him what his charges were, according to his fiancée, Davina Maes.

It was unclear to Mayora why he was being apprehended. He was taken to a police station in downtown Phoenix. After hours of being held, he was charged with five counts of registration to avoid emission control.

It was news to both Mayora and Maes, but they didn’t think much of it. Mayora was held overnight at a jail before being taken to court the next day. At court, a judge instructed Mayora to adjust the registration of his vehicles, Maes said.

Mayora walked out of the courthouse believing it would be a simple fix. As he was leaving, however, ICE officers apprehended him and loaded him into a van.

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

I finally visited a foot spa in Phoenix, and it surpassed my expectations. Here’s everything you need to know about the experience.

A new report imagines how Phoenix could expand its housing supply by converting empty office space into co-living apartments. 

Reach 125,000+ Arizonans who care about their communities! Sponsor Copper Courier’s Dec. 6 Special Edition, “How to Get Involved and Give Back this Holiday Season.” Book by Nov. 21, 2025, and save 20% off your placement.

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Jessica Swarner with stories from Sahara Sajjadi, Jessica Swarner, and USA Today Network via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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