Mesa
Today
Friday, May 1st, 2026
Good morning, Mesa. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 1st of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) helped nearly 4,000 individuals find temporary shelter and support across the Valley and held a telethon yesterday at 5:30 a.m. to raise funds for its programs. 12 News
- ➤ Valley mother Sarah Paul reunited with her former CPS caseworker Barbara Daw-Sanders nearly 20 years after leaving foster care to thank her for the support that changed her life; they now plan to keep in touch (they live only three miles apart) and share future holidays together. 12 News
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Gas prices in Maricopa County remain high as drivers pay an average of $4.76 per gallon for regular gasoline, 46 cents above the national average due to international supply disruptions. Local officials are pressing for an EPA waiver (which could save up to 50 cents per gallon) that may begin today. 12 News
- ➤ Arizona faces a tough economy as nonprofit leaders report $200 million less in state spending since January, rising gas prices, and significant SNAP cuts impacting community needs. Valley of the Sun United Way plans to distribute special grants to help local food providers and other nonprofits respond to these challenges. KJZZ
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Researchers at BeSpoke Economics say declining enrollment in East Valley schools is driven by lower birth rates and a rising shift to charter schools. Districts including Gilbert, Higley and Chandler face enrollment challenges as families increasingly choose alternatives (influenced by factors like commute and program quality). East Valley Tribune
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ ADOT is doing construction on four freeways from today to Monday, affecting northbound State Route 51 (closed from 9 p.m. today to 5 a.m. Monday), westbound Loop 202, southbound Loop 101, and westbound US 60; drivers should use alternate routes and follow work zone precautions. 12 News
- ➤ The Arizona appellate court ruled that state law does not require periodic groundwater reviews near the upper San Pedro River since the Legislature did not specify review timing & left the decision to the Department of Water Resources. Environmental groups remain unsatisfied. KJZZ
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Maricopa County Heat Relief Network is open today, offering 200 cooled spaces until Sept. 30 across cooling centers, respite sites, hydration stations, and donation drop-off points. Residents can use the interactive map or call 2-1-1 for help, while local agencies register to add their space to the network. 12 News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ MLS owners recently met to discuss selling the Vancouver Whitecaps amid uncertainties over the stadium lease and revenue challenges — discussions include Phoenix as a potential destination if the team relocates. KJZZ
- ➤ Turkey’s men's national soccer team will set up their training camp at Arizona Athletic Grounds ahead of the 2026 World Cup starting June 11, drawing local Turkish fans & business interest in Mesa. ABC15 Arizona
- ➤ Runner Sarah June set the fastest known time on the 247-mile Maricopa Trail when she completed her ultramarathon in three days, 12 hours, and 17 minutes. She paced herself with planned breaks for rest and food on the challenging course that loops metro Phoenix. KJZZ
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Three Bad Jacks Live in Mesa
6-9 p.m. — The Rosetta Room — Cost info unavailable — Enjoy a thrilling night of rockabilly mayhem with Elvis and Three Bad Jacks.
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Arizona Author Book Festival
10 AM - 3 PM — Warehouse215 — Free entry — Enjoy a day of author talks, giveaways, and book signings for all ages.
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Manic Hispanic Concert
6-10 p.m. — The Rosetta Room — Tickets start at $54 — Experience the unforgettable live performance of Manic Hispanic in Mesa.
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Mesa Business Networking Event
11:30 a.m. — The HUB Grill and Bar — Network with local entrepreneurs — Join a vibrant community for business owners and influencers.
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Riverdance 30 | The New Generation
— Fri, May 8 – Sun, May 10 — Ikeda Theater — Ticket pricing varies — Experience the spectacular fusion of Irish dance and music in this celebration of the beloved performance.
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Amor Eterno - A Mother's Day Mariachi Concert
7 p.m. — Piper Repertory Theater — $59.50-$79.50 — Celebrate Mother's Day with an unforgettable mariachi concert filled with vibrant music and captivating dance.
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Mesa Arizona Business Networking
11:30 a.m. — The HUB Grill and Bar — $25 for drop-ins after two visits — Connect with entrepreneurs and business owners in a structured networking environment focused on building lasting relationships.
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Ram Miriyala Live in Concert
7-10 p.m. — Ikeda Theater — $39 - $149 — Experience a night of soulful Telugu melodies with Ram Miriyala's electrifying live performance.
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The Power Card Show – Summer Splash
5 PM – 5 PM — Mesa Convention Center — Check event page for costs — A multi-day collectibles event uniting card enthusiasts and vendors from across the Southwest.
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The Cab Concert
6:30-9 p.m. — Nile Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the emotionally rich sound of The Cab, a pop-rock band from Las Vegas.
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