We’re in the thick of the holiday season now! As you can see below, there are lots of festive events going on this weekend, from markets and street fairs to parades and festivals. 

I’m headed to a Christmas concert tonight that I’m excited about. I have fond memories of going to the Maryland Symphony Orchestra’s holiday show as a kid, so I hope this puts me in a jolly spirit. 

Here’s where to find some cheer this weekend:

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

The Copper Courier is here to give Arizonans straightforward, easy-to-understand reporting about what’s happening across the state. As our year-end drive continues through Dec. 16, reader support shapes what we’re able to cover in the year ahead.

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Arizona will have the eighth-highest state minimum wage in the country in 2026. (Mohamed Shaffaf/Unsplash)

by USA Today Network via Reuters Connect

In 2026, for the first time, Arizona‘s minimum wage will surpass $15. Arizona joins 18 other states that have announced wage increases in the new year.

Arizona‘s hourly minimum wage will increase from $14.70 to $15.15 on Jan. 1, 2026. The base wage for tipped workers will increase from $11.70 to $12.15.

Arizona will have the eighth-highest state minimum wage in the country next year, based on available data. That’s an increase from 2025, when Arizona had the 13th-highest minimum wage.

Arizona‘s minimum wage has been tied to the cost of living since 2016, meaning that the wage adjusts each year. Since 2016, the minimum wage has increased by more than $7.

The 2026 minimum wage was calculated based on the increase in inflation from August 2024 to August 2025, according to the Industrial Commission of Arizona.

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We took a tour of the historic Monroe St. Abbey in downtown Phoenix. Here’s what we learned, plus lots of photos showing you what it’s like inside.

If Christmas spirit had a ZIP code, it would probably forward its mail straight to north Phoenix because The Biggest Little Christmas in Phoenix just snagged a very big win.

If you’re searching for a place to rent, you should be aware of rental scams. Here are some tips for avoiding them.

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.

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

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