Meredith G. White
Verified
(She/Her)
As seen in:
AZCentral | The Arizona Republic,
MSN,
Yahoo Entertainment,
Yahoo Life,
FSU Wire,
Golfweek,
USA Today,
Yahoo News,
Yahoo News Malaysia,
Aol,
U.S. News and World Report
and
Covers:
Local arts and entertainment, national trending pop culture news and movie reviews.
✍🏻 Entertainment Reporter @azcentral 🎥 Phoenix Critics Circle Member 💌 mgwhite@gannett.com📍TN-LA-AZ
Articles by Meredith G. White
10 fun trunk-or-treat events for families to try in metro Phoenix
If you still haven't figured out your trick-or-treating plan, don't worry, it's not too late. In fact, if you're looking for a trick-or-treating alternative, there are plenty of trunk-or-treat options to explore all around the Valley. Trunk-or-treating is a great way to give the kids a trick-or-treating experience without running up to strangers' doors and asking for candy and many of the places putting on these trunk-or-treats also include other fun activities like face painting or train rides.
6 best pumpkin patches and corn mazes in metro Phoenix
If you still haven't snagged a pumpkin to carve into a festive jack-o-lantern for Halloween, don't worry. It's not too late. In fact, your pumpkin is almost guaranteed to survive until Halloween and maybe even for some time after. And luckily there are plenty of options for picking out your perfect pumpkin in metro Phoenix.
Crumbl is closing 57 stores across the US. Is Arizona affected?
|
Content creators may still be pumping out weekly taste tests of Crumbl's ever-changing lineup of flavors but even they can't save this cookie conglomerate from shuttering stores across the U.S.
By Meredith G. White Verified, Mariyam Muhammad Verified
|
AZCentral | The Arizona Republic
Verified
Crumbl is closing 57 stores across the US. Is Arizona affected?
Crumbl is closing 57 stores across the US. Is Arizona affected? Meredith G.
Beloved buffet closes stores. Will Arizona locations shutter?
Golden Corral offers a dizzying array of salad, soup, bread, entrees, veggies and dessert served buffet style. Golden Corral may have closed several locations over the past few months in Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Ohio and Texas, but according to the company they're still planning on expanding. Officials for Golden Corral confirmed to USA TODAY that there are six new restaurants in development and that it's possible those previously closed locations could re-open with new franchise owners.
Beloved buffet closes stores. Will Arizona locations shutter?
Golden Corral offers a dizzying array of salad, soup, bread, entrees, veggies and dessert served buffet style. Golden Corral may have closed several locations over the past few months in Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Ohio and Texas, but according to the company they're still planning on expanding. Officials for Golden Corral confirmed to USA TODAY that there are six new restaurants in development and that it's possible those previously closed locations could re-open with new franchise owners.
Beloved buffet closes stores. Will Arizona locations shutter?
Golden Corral may have closed several locations over the past few months in Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Ohio and Texas, but according to the company they're still planning on expanding. Officials for Golden Corral confirmed to USA TODAY that there are six new restaurants in development and that it's possible those previously closed locations could re-open with new franchise owners.
It's Arizona State Fair time. Here's what to expect
PHOENIX — The Arizona State Fair is back for another season, bringing all the classic fair fun to Phoenix right as the summer heat begins to finally melt away. For 2026, the theme is "A State of Wonder." Here's your ultimate guide: Where and when The Arizona State Fair location is 1826 W. McDowell Road in Phoenix. The fair opened Oct. 1 and ends on Sunday, Nov. 1.
A24 movies are returning to Harkins theaters in Arizona
In September, news broke that popular movie production company A24 and local favorite movie theater chain Harkins no longer had a partnership with one another. At that time, Harkins had already pulled screenings of the Anthony Bourdain biopic "Tony" and subsequently all of the company's upcoming releases — including Robert Pattinson's Chris Hansen and "To Catch A Predator" flick "Primetime" — were all removed from the coming soon section on Harkins' website.
Famed fashion designer returns to Phoenix Art Museum for special event
Fashion designer and television star Christian Siriano is returning to the Phoenix Art Museum for one night only. Here's how to attend. The great thing about the Phoenix Art Museum is that it is always expanding its programming. One of the ways it has done that over the years is by adding a fashion collection and the Arizona Costume Institute, which debuted 60 years ago.
A24 movies are returning to Harkins theaters. What to expect
In September, news broke that popular movie production company A24 and local favorite movie theater chain Harkins no longer had a partnership with one another. At that time, Harkins had already pulled screenings of the Anthony Bourdain biopic "Tony" and subsequently all of the company's upcoming releases — including Robert Pattinson's Chris Hansen and "To Catch A Predator" flick "Primetime" — were all removed from the coming soon section on Harkins' website.
30 metro Phoenix actors star in new Arizona-made rom-com
A locally made romantic comedy featuring dozens of Arizona actors is heading to the big screen. Here's how to watch the new movie. Longtime Valley resident and filmmaker Mark Bork is releasing a romantic comedy film called "Underneath the Glittery Moon," which features 30 Scottsdale actors. Not only does the film feature Scottsdale actors, but its executive producers Marilyn and James Dean, Jim and Tami Paxton, and Jason and Paige Vickers are all locals as well.
Is Spirit Christmas opening a location in Arizona for 2026? What we know
Meredith G. White, Arizona Republic Updated Fri, October 9, 2026 at 1:27 PM EDT 2 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Add Yahoo on Google If you love the Christmas holiday season and love a good stroll through the Spirit Halloween, I've got great news for you: Spirit Christmas stores are coming soon. Spirit Christmas, the sister to Spirit Halloween, opened its first seasonal locations in 2024.
Hallmark's 2026 Countdown to Christmas. See schedule, 34 new movies
This time of year, is typically reserved for all things spooky. That means haunted houses, pumpkin patches and corn mazes, and plenty of trick-or-treating, or trunk-or-treating. However, for some, it's the beginning of the Christmas season. At least, according to Hallmark it is. Yes, Hallmark's annual Countdown to Christmas will begin on Oct. 16. Of course that means a slew of brand-new holiday movies to enjoy all season long.
Why giant, colorful flower art is taking over Desert Botanical Garden
The Desert Botanical Garden has a brand-new, vibrant, larger-than-life exhibit opening Oct. 9, 2026, and running all the way until May 31, 2027. Super Bloom, which is by the duo known as Graphic Rewilding, takes what's beautiful and intricate about our unique desert blooms and expands them to showcase the otherworldly beauty of these unique plants and flowers.
I tried a spooky new Arizona haunted house. 1 thing was missing
Fear Farm decided to shake things up for 2025 and move from its longtime home in Glendale to a new lot in Scottsdale. While it looks like they plan to stay put for a while, they have added a new guest experience featuring one very recognizable, hockey-mask-wearing villain. Yes, Jason Voorhees has made his way from Crystal Lake to Fear Farm in Scottsdale for the 2026 Halloween season with the new Jason Universe: Survive the Night experience.
I tried a spooky new Arizona haunted house. 1 thing was missing
Oct. 8, 2026, 5:02 a.m. MT Fear Farm decided to shake things up for 2025 and move from its longtime home in Glendale to a new lot in Scottsdale. While it looks like they plan to stay put for a while, they have added a new guest experience featuring one very recognizable, hockey-mask-wearing villain. Yes, Jason Voorhees has made his way from Crystal Lake to Fear Farm in Scottsdale for the 2026 Halloween season with the new Jason Universe: Survive the Night experience.
National Taco Day 2026. All the deals and freebies in Arizona
It's Tuesday and it only makes sense that National Taco Day would fall on the best day of the week to celebrate the simple but great taco. Yes, National Taco Day is Tuesday, Oct. 6 and there are tons of chain restaurants celebrating the day by giving their customers free tacos or some really great discounts on tacos.
Leslie's Pool Supplies closing 26 California stores in bankruptcy
Oct. 2, 2026, 9:19 a.m. PT California pool owners could soon see fewer Leslie’s Pool Supplies locations in their communities. The Phoenix-based retailer, one of the nation’s largest sellers of pool chemicals, maintenance equipment, and backyard pool products, announced plans to close 76 stores nationwide as part of a Chapter 11 bankruptcy restructuring. California will be hit harder than any other state, with 26 locations slated for closure from the Bay Area to Southern California.
Leslie's Pools is closing 87 stores, including these 3 in Arizona
Popular pool retailer Leslie's Pool Supplies closed 11 stores across the nation on Sept. 30 and plans to shutter 76 more over the next two weeks, according to the Phoenix Business Journal. The popular pool supply chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy before announcing the closure of 87 locations across the country, although at the time of reporting it's uncertain which locations will be receiving their eviction notices.
Leslie's Pools closed 76 stores, including these 3 in Arizona
Popular pool retailer Leslie's Pool Supplies announced the closure of 76 stores across the nation on Sept. 30. The popular pool supply chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy before announcing the closures across the country, although at the time of reporting, it's uncertain which locations will be receiving eviction notices.
Leslie's Pools is close 87 stores, including these 3 in Arizona
Popular pool retailer Leslie's Pool Supplies closed 11 stores across the nation on Sept. 30 and plans to shutter 76 more over the next two weeks, according to the Phoenix Business Journal. The popular pool supply chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy before announcing the closure of 87 locations across the country, although at the time of reporting it's uncertain which locations will be receiving their eviction notices.
All the places to trunk-or-treat in metro Phoenix for Halloween 2026
If you're not into following your kid from one stranger's house in another neighborhood to another this Halloween, then maybe trunk-or-treating is the spooky activity you need. Trunk-or-treat is a community Halloween celebration where instead of running from house to house, ringing doorbells and collecting candy, they can instead go a designated location where there are several cars decorated for the season and people are handing out candy and other treats.
TJ Maxx is shuttering stores in 2026. Will there be any in Arizona?
TJ Maxx is shuttering stores in 2026. Will there be any in Arizona? Meredith G. White, Arizona Republic Updated Thu, October 1, 2026 at 12:58 PM EDT Those who love frequenting their local TJ Maxx to find deals on clothes, beauty items, home decor, kid's clothes, toys and more may have to travel a little farther to find one that's open.
TJ Maxx is shuttering stores in 2026. Will there be any in Arizona?
Oct. 1, 2026, 9:58 a.m. MT Those who love frequenting their local TJ Maxx to find deals on clothes, beauty items, home decor, kid's clothes, toys and more may have to travel a little farther to find one that's open. The popular retail chain has already closed three locations on the East Coast in both Maryland and Massachusetts this year, according to business magazine Fast Company, and there could be more closings coming across the country as the rest of the year rolls out.
How to get discounts and freebies at Arizona State Fair 2026 Original
Oct. 1, 2026, 5:00 a.m. MT I know you’re ready to head to the 2026 Arizona State Fair. Who wouldn’t want to indulge in thrilling rides, fun games with prizes, tons of delicious food options and of course the Coliseum Concert Series? However, all of that fun can really add up quickly when you look at the cost of general admission tickets, purchasing tickets for rides and games and even parking. And that’s not including the cost of food and drinks while you roam around.
Arizona State Fair 2026. How much ticket, wristbands, parking cost
A view of the Arizona State Fair in Phoenix on Sept 24, 2022. Can you see the Ferris wheel yet? Can you hear the carnival music or smell the savory scent of corn dogs or the overly sweet smell of fried dough doused in powdered sugar? Well, if you can that means that the Arizona State Fair is officially here. Yes, it's finally time for not only the weather to improve dramatically as we settle into fall here in the desert. It's also time to celebrate the annual Arizona State Fair.
Where to watch 'South Park' season 29, episode 2 on cable, streaming
On the most recent episode of "South Park," I mean, "South America," the arrival of e-bikes in the town sparked a turf war between rival biker gangs which caused a wave of violence in South America's streets that rendered the whole town, police included, powerless. This week's episode features Butters who becomes unhappy with the data centers billionaires are building in the vicinity, according to a sneak preview posted on the official "South America" X account.
Where to watch 'South Park' season 29, episode 2 on cable, streaming
"South Park" returned to Comedy Central on Sept. 16 with a new episode titled "South American Biker Gangs." On the most recent episode of "South Park," I mean, "South America," the arrival of e-bikes in the town sparked a turf war between rival biker gangs which caused a wave of violence in South America's streets that rendered the whole town, police included, powerless.
National Coffee Day 2026 deals. Where to get discounts in Arizona Original
Sept. 29, 2026, 5:01 a.m. MT For the coffee addicts out there, any day that gives them their buzz for free or for a good discount is a good day indeed. Lucky for them National Coffee Day has arrived and there are plenty of local restaurants offering deals. Celebrated every year on Sept. 27, National Coffee Day is a day meant for honoring coffee’s cultural importance and supporting those who bring your daily brew to life for you.
The best pumpkin patches and corn mazes around metro Phoenix
The best pumpkin patches and corn mazes around metro Phoenix Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead is a holiday to remind us that love transcends death Dia de los Muertos isn't Mexico's version of Halloween. Here's what to know about the celebration that honors the lives of those who have passed on.
2026 Arizona State Fair is almost here. Your guide to tickets and more
Riders are silhouetted against a vibrant sunset during the opening night of the Arizona State Fair. The Arizona State Fair is back for another season, bringing all the classic fair fun to Phoenix right as the summer heat begins to finally melt away. For 2026, the theme for the fair is "A State of Wonder" and it will be filled with all of the wonder and whimsy thanks to your classic fair favorites like funnel cakes and corn dogs, thrilling rides and fun games and prizes.
Why 'Phantom of the Opera' at ASU Gammage is still a must-see
(L to R)Jordan Lee Gilbert as Christine Daaé and Isaiah Bailey as The Phantom in Phantom of the Opera North American Tour. Andrew Lloyd Webber's iconic Broadway smash hit "Phantom of the Opera" returns to the ASU Gammage stage to celebrate 40 years of music, love and dramatic chandeliers. Yes, "Phantom of the Opera" has officially arrived at ASU Gammage. No matter if you've seen the show a hundred times or for the first time, it always leaves you awestruck and humming the entire drive home.
Toys 'R' Us is opening 120 new stores. Are any in Arizona?
Toys 'R' Us is opening 120 new stores. Are any in Arizona? Meredith G. White, Arizona Republic Tue, September 22, 2026 at 8:02 AM EDT Looks like Jeffery the Giraffe is making a comeback in 2026. Yes, the beloved '90s childhood store Toys 'R' Us may have filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2017 and consequently liquidated its U.S. business and closed all remaining stores, but it looks like it's making a return with a few modern changes.
Show More
loading
Actions
Get in touch with Meredith G.
Contact Meredith G., search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack