Good morning, Scottsdale.

Beginning Thursday, August 7, the City of Scottsdale will launch a new trolley route—operating from 9 a.m. to noon on a 30-minute loop—that connects the Scottsdale Food Bank, Granite Reef Senior Center and Vista del Camino Community Center to improve access to food and support services for seniors and residents facing food insecurity.

Scottsdale has been honored with three prestigious 2025 Arizona Travel Awards—recognizing Scottsdazzle as Best Statewide Community Event, June Days as Best Big Market Destination Marketing Campaign, and the Arizona Indigenous Culinary Experience as Best Big Market Under-the-Radar Activity—and city officials say the awards highlight its commitment to creating memorable visitor experiences. Local events draw over 30,000 visitors and generate nearly $74 million in local tax revenue.

A study by GOBankingRates found Scottsdale, Prescott, and Lake Havasu City are among the 30 most expensive cities to retire in—Scottsdale ranked 6th with an estimated annual cost of about $81,525—and the report used U.S. Census and economic data to compare costs for housing, food, and health care.

Alpha School, an AI-focused private school from Texas, will open a new site in north Scottsdale near Grayhawk Park on August 13 to serve 25 students from kindergarten through 8th grade with a tuition of $40,000 a year—its first phase in an expansion plan that will add campuses in over a dozen cities nationwide.

State transportation officials announced that southbound Loop 101 will be closed from 10 p.m. Friday until 5 a.m. Monday between Princess Drive/Pima Road and Shea Boulevard for bridge work as part of a freeway widening project—additional closures at the Scottsdale and Hayden on-ramps and the westbound Loop 202 off-ramp at Price Road in Chandler have prompted detours using State Route 51 and Dobson Road.

Scottsdale United Methodist Church in Old Town submitted an application on August 1 to build 82 workforce apartments on its 4.8-acre property along Miller Road to boost its flagging congregation.

Community members expressed mixed opinions (some supporting affordable housing while others are concerned about neighborhood growth) as the proposal moves forward.

On July 31, the Diamondbacks traded pitcher Merrill Kelly to the Rangers in exchange for left-handers Kohl Drake and Mitch Bratt and right-hander David Hagaman.

Analysts rated the deal as B plus for Arizona and A minus for Texas, with experts viewing the trade as a win for Texas.

Aloft Live! with James Mills

5-8 p.m. — Aloft Scottsdale — Free entry — Enjoy cocktails and light fare while soaking in live music from James Mills of People Who Could Fly.

Scottsdale Networking Event

12:00–1:00 p.m. — Arizona School of Real Estate & Business — $25 drop-in fee after two visits — Build connections and enhance your business in a supportive community atmosphere.

Scottsdale Health and Wellness Expo

10 a.m.–3 p.m. — Hilton Scottsdale Resort & Villas — Admission details not specified — Explore diverse health and wellness activities and services at this engaging event.

Book Release Celebration with Lisa Gardner

6:30-8:00 p.m. — The Poisoned Pen Bookstore — Free entry — Isabella celebrates the release of Lisa Gardner’s new book, KISS HER GOODBYE.

Aloft Live: Music by Mike Spero

5-8 p.m. — Aloft Scottsdale — Free entry — Enjoy cocktails and light fare while listening to live music in a vibrant atmosphere.

Scottsdale Arizona Networking Event

12-1 p.m. — Arizona School of Real Estate & Business — $25 drop-in fee — Forge powerful connections and grow your business in a heart-centered community.

Live Music with James Mills at Aloft Scottsdale

5-8 p.m. — Aloft Scottsdale — Free entry — Enjoy cocktails and light fare while tapping your feet to live music from James Mills.

PlumpJack & CADE 5 Course Wine Dinner

— — Caesars Republic Scottsdale, a Hilton Hotel — $163 early bird, $195 regular — Indulge in a five-course wine dinner featuring exceptional pairings from Napa Valley's finest.

Scottsdale Networking Event

12-1 p.m. — Arizona School of Real Estate & Business — $25 drop-in fee — Build powerful connections and collaborate for business growth in a heart-centered community.

Aloft Live! Featuring Brady Grey

5-8 p.m. — Aloft Scottsdale — Free entry — Enjoy cocktails and light food while listening to live music in a relaxed atmosphere.