Mesa
Today
Wednesday, May 20th, 2026
Good morning, Mesa. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 20th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The City of Mesa seeks volunteers for the 2026 Willmeng Arizona Celebration of Freedom on July 4 at the Mesa Convention Center campus (263 N. Center St). Roles include splash zone, carnival games and info booths, with volunteers receiving perks like a commemorative t-shirt, free meal and raffle entry. Mesa Now
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Zumper data shows Phoenix metro one-bedroom rents are cooling, with Fountain Hills rents falling 10% and Glendale remaining affordable. A bipartisan bill that passed committee in February would soon offer up to $5,000 in emergency rental aid for eligible families, pending final legislative approval. Mesa Independent
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Future veterinarians in Mesa will work with professionals at Vistancia Animal Hospital and complete seven real-world case studies (to build practical skills) that prepare them for careers in veterinary medicine. Mesa Independent
- ➤ FAFSA rates in Arizona jumped nearly 20% for the class of 2026 — local education officials and nonprofits streamlined the process to help more students secure federal aid for college. Experts say the boost may lead to higher enrollment as the state continues its outreach efforts. KJZZ
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The city announced a summer energy assistance program for Mesa electric customers earning less than $36,958, which waives service and usage charges for the first 80 kwh. Eligible participants will save up to $24.50 per month on their July, August and September bills. Mesa Independent
- ➤ A new poll released Monday by Noble Predictive Insights shows GOP Congressman Andy Biggs widening his lead by 30 points over U.S. Rep. David Schweikert in the governor’s primary race + Schweikert insists his internal survey indicates a much closer contest. KJZZ
- ➤ Maricopa County’s annual Point-In-Time count recorded 9,726 individuals experiencing homelessness — a 0.1% decline from last year — with shelter numbers rising 14% and unsheltered counts falling 12%, indicating local shelter investments are making an impact. KJZZ
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Multiple Arizona marijuana establishments voluntarily recalled certain products due to possible Aspergillus contamination after routine lab inspections noted failed test records (including items from Arizona Golden Leaf Wellness and others). No illnesses have been reported, and consumers with pre-existing conditions are advised not to use these products. 12 News
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ On May 12, the Mesa Design Review Board reviewed design and landscaping plans for a five-story, 110,000 sqft hotel planned for Cannon Beach at the southeast corner of South Power Road and East Warner Road during its meeting at 4:30 p.m. at 57 E. First St + boardmember David Winstanley was absent. Mesa Independent
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ ASU baseball manager Willie Bloomquist named senior Kole Klecker to start game one of the Big 12 Tournament on Thursday against Cincinnati — following Klecker’s missed start due to food poisoning and ace Cole Carlon’s brief outing, Bloomquist said Klecker’s experience should steady the team for postseason play. 12 News
- ➤ Chandler dad Scott Smith started Backyard Kickball to give nearly 50 kids a chance to play kickball on Saturday mornings with no fees and simple rules. The nonprofit league will run a summer Monsoon Season with Friday night games to avoid peak heat. 12 News
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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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Pradabagshawty Live Concert
8-11 p.m. — The Underground At Nile Theater — Tickets from $146 — Experience the electrifying performance of Pradabagshawty in an unforgettable live event.
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Arankai Live Performance
3:30-7:30 a.m. — The Underground — Tickets from $48 — Experience an unforgettable live show from Arankai in Mesa.
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Music Bingo Night
6-8 p.m. — Encore at Eastmark HOA — Free entry — Test your music knowledge in a fun bingo game format!
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BRICK CONVENTION | LEGO Fan Expo
10 AM – 1 PM — Mesa Amphitheatre — Tickets required — Explore amazing LEGO creations, meet artists, and enjoy hands-on building activities.
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Harleys After Dark Party
5-11 p.m. — Desert Wind Harley-Davidson — Free entry — Enjoy a fun evening with complimentary dinner and drinks at this community gathering.
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Mesa Arizona Business Networking
11:30 a.m. — The HUB Grill and Bar — $25 for non-members after two visits — Engage in structured networking designed for real relationships among local entrepreneurs.
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Infected Rain Live
6-9 p.m. — The Rosetta Room — Tickets required — Experience an energetic blend of modern metal with Infected Rain.
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Jake Shimabukuro Concert
7:30 PM — Tom and Janet Ikeda Theater — Starts at $52.50 — Experience the magical sounds of the ukulele with virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro and special guest Henry Kapono.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
It's not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.
~ Edmund Hillary
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