Mesa
Today
Saturday, May 23rd, 2026
Good morning, Mesa. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 23rd of May.
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Increasing jet fuel prices are driving up aerial wildfire fighting costs as contracts adjust to rates rising from $6.34 to $7.95 per gallon — officials warn that high costs could lead to extra taxpayer spending. The Forest Service says operations will not slow down. 12 News
- ➤ Air traffic control at Mesa Gateway Airport will shift to FAA staffing as part of a pilot program selected on May 22. The program, one of only two in the nation, is expected to improve training & streamline operations over the next 29 to 44 months. The Arizona Republic
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Local college dean Pat Gentile, a breast cancer survivor (she lost her hair during chemotherapy), felt a surge of confidence when a stranger complimented her natural look at a convenience store on May 22, helping her overcome her fear of being seen without a wig. The kind words encouraged her to return to work with renewed courage. KJZZ
- ➤ A study from ASU finds that parents practicing self-compassion have fewer depressive symptoms and better stress regulation. Researchers observed caregivers of twins over eight years (almost 40% near or below poverty) and say self-compassion can be developed with regular practice. KJZZ
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Residents can cool off as all eight of Mesa’s public aquatic facilities open today with special grand opening hours from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at each location — offering lap swimming, recreational water play and family-friendly amenities. 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
Adventure may hurt you, but monotony will kill you.
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Reveal the authorAbout Mesa Today
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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