Rise and Shine, Phoenix: A Slam Dunk Wednesday and Skyline Surges

Morning Briefing: Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Good morning, Phoenix. As the sun rises over the Superstitions this Wednesday, January 21, there is a distinct sense of momentum in the air. Whether it is the energy from last night’s hardwood victory or the visible growth of our skyline, the Valley is hitting its stride in early 2026.

The Mood: Energetic and Upwardly Mobile

The current mood of the city is one of high-energy optimism. Citizens are waking up to the news that Phoenix is now ranked second in the nation—trailing only New York City—for the number of new hotel room openings projected for 2026. With over 3,600 rooms currently in the pipeline, the city feels less like a desert retreat and more like a global powerhouse. This growth is complemented by a crisp, classic Arizona winter; expect a beautiful high of 69 degrees today with clear skies, though you will want to keep a jacket handy for the 44-degree dip once the sun goes down.

Key Talking Point: Sky Harbor Goes Global

The primary conversation at the coffee shops today is the continued transformation of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Southwest Airlines has officially launched its new international partnership, now facilitating seamless transfers for China Airlines customers. This move, which connects international travelers to nearly 40 cities via Phoenix, marks a decade of sustained 30% growth for the airline in our city. As we become a major gateway for Trans-Pacific flights, the infrastructure of the Valley is under the spotlight. On that note, the City Council will hold a formal meeting today at 2:30 PM in the City Council Chambers to discuss official ordinances and resolutions, though the morning’s Transportation and Infrastructure subcommittee meeting has been cancelled.

Feel-Good Story: Booker Leads the Charge

The biggest smiles in town belong to Suns fans. Last night, the Phoenix Suns continued their dominant streak with a 116-110 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. Devin Booker was the man of the hour, dropping 27 points to help the team secure their 11th win in the last 15 games. The victory has the Valley buzzing with championship talk as we move past the midseason mark. If you didn't get enough basketball, you can catch the Valley Suns (the G-League affiliate) taking on the Stockton Kings tonight at Mullett Arena.

Local Flavor

• Craft Beer Expansion: Foodies are celebrating news that the owners of the beloved Tacos Chiwas are expanding into the brewery scene with the upcoming Mesa Brewing Company.
• Tonight’s Entertainment: For those looking for a laugh, "Drunk Romeo & Juliet" takes the stage at The Rose Theatre at 7:00 PM.
• History Note: Today marks the anniversary of the first confirmed COVID-19 case in the U.S. back in 2020, a sobering reminder of how far the city’s resilience has brought us in six years.