Mesa
Today
Thursday, May 21st, 2026
Good morning, Mesa. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 21st of May.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Southwest Shakespeare auditions for its ’26-’27 season are on May 30 at Mesa Arts Center for Whispers In The Dark, Richard III, and Amadeus; they will be held on the second floor at 1 E. Main St & signups are via a Google document. Mesa Independent
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Mesa families are feeling the effects of rising grocery costs after federal data showed prices jumped 0.7% in April, the biggest one-month spike in nearly four years, while Paz de Cristo Community Center offers food boxes & daily dinner at 5 p.m. to help ease the pinch. ABC15 Arizona
- ➤ NTT Global Data Center’s 2.3-million-sqft campus passed review last week when the Planning & Zoning Board recommended council approval for rezoning a 170-acre site at Pecos & Crismon roads. Council will introduce the project on June 8 with action on July 20. The Mesa Tribune
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The Maricopa Community Colleges board held a special virtual meeting Wednesday night at 5 p.m. to vote on Dr. Steven Bloomberg’s appointment as chancellor; he was selected after a national search and is set to replace outgoing chancellor Steven Gonzales pending final approval. KJZZ
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ A poll by Noble Predictive Insights found that 70% of Arizona voters said rising gas prices could sway their vote, with 90% expressing concern as prices average $4.82 a gallon — above national rates. The survey was published May 20 at 3:00 p.m. KJZZ
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ New research shows measles infections may be up to six-and-a-half times higher than the nearly 2,000 cases confirmed across the U.S. in early 2026, posing a threat to community health. Health experts advise Mesa families to update MMR vaccinations to help maintain herd immunity. 12 News
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ The Mesa Design Review Board discussed plans for a 13,231-sqft expansion of Banner Rehabilitation Hospital East at 57 E. First St. on May 12, noting that the project will take place on the 7.2-acre site at 1702 S. Pierpoint. Mesa Independent
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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.
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Mesa Arizona Business Networking
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — The HUB Grill and Bar — Membership required after two visits — Build real relationships and reliable referral networks in a committed, supportive environment.
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
There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.
~ Beverly Sills
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