Saturday, May 17th, 2025

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Good morning, Mesa. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 17th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Today, the A New Leaf nonprofit closed its emergency shelter at La Mesita in Mesa due to federal funding cuts — a decision driven by reduced government support — and plans to convert the 16 long-time units into affordable housing. Officials say the new housing will serve about 64 residents — 37 of whom are children — as the nonprofit reallocates resources to other programs. ABC15 Arizona
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Ernest D. Chavez, an Arizona man, was indicted as one of 11 defendants for allegedly joining an online group that shared videos of extreme monkey torture (the chat group was called 'Dungeons and Monkeys') and he made several $40 payments in 2023 (helping fund the acts) while facing up to five years in prison if convicted. 12 News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ On May 15th, Mesa’s Neon Garden opened as hundreds gathered to see restored neon signs from former businesses, including Dairy Queen and Frontier Motel. Mayor Mark Freeman and local community leaders celebrated the project + architect Robert Wadsack explained the design features. The Arizona Republic
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A Mesa mental health provider and its founder have filed a lawsuit against AHCCCS — alleging a Medicare fraud cover-up and retaliation against a whistleblower — after the allegations emerged on May 16th. Mesa Independent
- ➤ Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes and attorneys general from 40 states and territories sent a letter to Congress on Friday opposing a House Energy and Commerce Committee amendment that would ban state regulation of artificial intelligence for 10 years+ they warned it would erase important safeguards+. KJZZ
- ➤ Mesa City Council will meet Monday, May 19 at 5:45 p.m. at 20 E. Main St. to consider a new series 6 bar license for Power Meeting Center — the council will make its recommendation on the proposal. Mesa Independent
SHOP NEWS
- ➤ TODAY'S SPONSOR We never have to worry about dead batteries and missed calls thanks to this portable power bank that can charge up to five devices at once. The Buy
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Mesa Today.
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Sunday Evening Recital Featuring Britney Freeman
6:30-7:00 p.m. — Mesa Arizona Temple Visitors' Center — Free entry — Enjoy a lovely evening of vocal performance by Britney Freeman.
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AGG 2025 Conference
7 AM – 1 PM — Delta Hotels Phoenix Mesa — Early Bird rates available — Engage in a week of education, excellence, and community in sunny Mesa, Arizona.
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Public Serpents: Live Music by TOB
7-8:30 p.m. — The Underground — Free entry — Enjoy a dynamic blend of punk, grunge, reggae, ska, rock, and hip-hop from Phoenix's own Thomas O'Brien.
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Mesa Arts Chamber Concerts: Chamber Strings
5:30-9:30 p.m. — Mesa Arts Center — Cost info not provided — Enjoy an evening of curated chamber music performed by small ensembles.
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Deafheaven Concert
6-11 p.m. — Nile Theater — $100/ea — Catch Deafheaven live in Mesa for an unforgettable night of music.
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Big Patio Party with Live Music by Jacobe
2-5 p.m. — Pedal Haus Brewery — Free entry — Enjoy spacious outdoor vibes with live tunes and craft brews in Downtown Mesa.
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Perfect Pooch Alumni Social Event
7:45-9:00 a.m. — Red Mountain Park — Free entry — Enjoy a group walk with fellow dog lovers to reinforce training skills in a beautiful outdoor setting.
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Engineering for Kids Summer STEM Camp
8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. — Slick City Action Park — Price varies — Explore the fun of design and physics in creative 3D printing and theme park management activities.
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Mesa Business Networking Event
10:30-11:30 a.m. — The Summit at Sunland Springs Assisted Living — $25 drop-in fee — Connect with local entrepreneurs and amplify your business growth in a supportive community.
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Major League Pickleball Phoenix
May 29- Jun 1 — Arizona Athletic Grounds — Ticket prices vary — Experience the excitement of Major League Pickleball returning to Mesa with competitive matches and community fun.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Mesa Today.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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Welcome to the Mesa Today, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Mesa, Arizona community. If you like the Mesa Today, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Mesa.
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