Happy Monday, everyone!

Today in “Jess Tries New Things,” I wanted to tell you about a bar I visited this past First Friday. 

After walking around downtown and finding lines at several bars (looking at you, Sazerac) and others closing relatively early, my group ended up at Teddy’s Preserve at Central and Roosevelt. 

My friends got some fancy-looking martinis—one had to ask a waiter *how* to best drink his, because it came with a shot of something on the side.  

I, on the other hand, simply ordered a bowl of waffle fries. 😂 They came with homemade ketchup and were absolutely delicious. 

My glorious bowl of fries

The interior of the bar is worth mentioning, too—my group sat in soft, cozy chairs that were a welcome alternative to uncomfy barstools. 

Overall, we enjoyed hanging out at Teddy’s, and I would go back!

Have you been to Teddy’s? Do you have a favorite First Friday hang? Let me know in a reply to this email!

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Republicans met at Party Headquarters on Dec. 14, 2020, to sign a falsified document alleging they were the state’s duly appointed slate of electors. (Image via Twitter)

💬 “I ask people for patience, for understanding.”

— Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes

It’s been three years since Republicans in seven states—including Arizona—attempted to overturn the 2020 election results by sending falsified documents to Congress.

Since then, fake electors in Georgia, Michigan, and Nevada have been charged with crimes ranging from conspiracy to election interference. In Wisconsin, fake electors settled a civil lawsuit where they admitted their efforts were “part of an attempt to improperly overturn the 2020 presidential election results.”

But what about the fake electors in Arizona?

In November, Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes announced a broad investigation into the actions of the state’s fake electors.

In an interview with The Copper Courier, Mayes revealed that her office had been working on the case since she had assumed office in January 2023—her predecessor, Republican Mark Brnovich, had not opened an investigation, so she had to start from scratch.

The investigation comes as several other grand jury indictments have been announced by the attorney general’s office, including charges brought against two Cochise County Supervisors for conspiracy and interference with an election officer.

Read the full story, including a timeline of fake elector investigations in other states, here. 

Rendering courtesy of International Dark Sky Discovery Center

💬 “Dark skies are an increasingly important part of Arizona’s tourism offerings.”

— Lisa Urias, executive director of the Arizona Office of Tourism

An observatory, planetarium, and the largest telescope in the Phoenix metropolitan area are all soon coming to Fountain Hills—just southwest of Saguaro and Palisades boulevards.

The nonprofit International Dark Sky Discovery Center is set to break ground on a facility in March 2024.

In addition to the observatory and planetarium, the 23,000-square-foot center will have a theater with 150 seats and additional areas with hands-on learning experiences and educational displays.

Fountain Hills became a Dark Sky Community in 2018—the 17th in the world. 

These are towns, cities, or municipalities recognized by the Tucson-based International Dark Sky Association for their dedication to lowering or eliminating light pollution, which makes it difficult to see the stars and planets in space.

Read the full story here.

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Jessica Swarner. The Copper Courier is happily free to read for everyone. Your financial support means a lot to us. Donate here.

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