Last month, I went to one of my favorite annual events in the Valley: the Phx Zine Fest.

This two-day event brings together local writers, poets, and artists to sell their zines, which are booklets that people make and print themselves. 

The books and zines I brought home from the Phx Zine Fest on Sept. 26, 2026. (Jessica Swarner/The Copper Courier)

I took home a children’s book, a postcard, a sticker, and zines about AI, creosote, Star Wars, and gas stations. 

I’m always amazed with people’s creativity and tenacity in creating these works of art, especially when most of them have full-time jobs doing other things. 

If you missed the festival but are interested in zines, you can checked out Wasted Ink Zine Distro in Phoenix. 

A Maricopa County mail-in ballot pictured in 2020. (Rebekah Zemansky/Shutterstock)

In honor of National Voter Education Week, we’re running this special section that will help you get ready to vote in the Nov. 3 election. 

Today is important because it’s the last day you can register to vote if you want to cast a ballot this fall. Even if you’re already registered, it’s a good idea to check your status and make sure your information, especially your address, is up to date. 

Early voting begins this Wednesday. If you’re already on the Active Early Voting List (AEVL), you’ll receive a ballot in the mail soon. If you’d like to join the list or request a one-time early ballot, you have until Friday, Oct. 23 to do so. But why not cross it off the list ahead of time? 

If you want more info on registering to vote or voting by mail, check out our comprehensive first-timer’s guide to voting. Even if you’ve voted before, this is a good refresher on all of your options and the deadlines coming up. 

You’re election-ready. 🙌 Now help a friend get there, too—forward this email before Nov. 3.

Despite some healthy skepticism, the 2026 monsoon season performed relatively well across Phoenix and Arizona as a whole.

It takes a lot of time to stay on top of the news, so here’s a quick roundup of stories about renting and living in Phoenix.

Here are some one-bedroom apartments in Phoenix that are listed for the city’s average rent for that size: $1,300 a month.

Looking to meet new people and build community? Start with these Phoenix neighborhood events this month.

🪄 An Arizona magician came in second place on “America’s Got Talent”—and now he’s returning to ASU to finish his degree. (Arizona’s Family)

👻 Get into the spooky spirit with these Halloween pop-up bars and bar crawls in the Valley. (KTAR)

🏀 A Tucson athlete is training to compete in Shaquille O’Neal’s new sports league dedicated to dunking. (Cronkite News)

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Jessica Swarner with stories from Martin Nieves Sanchez, Sahara Sajjadi, Robert Gundran, and USA Today Network via Reuters Connect. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.

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