Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 16th of July.
Good morning, Mesa.
Families of those killed in a November Mesa plane crash, including a 12-year-old, have filed four claims demanding $343 million from the city—saying that basic safety barriers were not installed at Falcon Field to avoid the tragedy.
Mesa Police are seeking help to locate 14-year-old Damarius James McElroy who went missing on July 13 at 1 p.m. near Signal Butte and Broadway roads while on foot; he was last seen wearing a black T-shirt and shorts and is described as African American with black and red hair (brown eyes, 5 feet 7 inches tall, 240 pounds).
Kylee Perez, 16, who had been missing since June 27 from the area of Higley and Southern after leaving her home at about 11:20 a.m., was found safe on July 15—Mesa police confirmed.
Fifteen-year-old Israel Castillo, missing from Phoenix since July 28, 2024, and 14-year-old Preston Eastburn, missing near Power Road and University Drive since July 12, were found safe but not together, Mesa police said.
A 17% tariff on Mexican tomatoes will soon raise prices by about 8.5% and may disrupt the supply chain, potentially risking jobs in Arizona warehouses and border inspections.
Florida growers celebrated the move while experts warned that local producers might switch crops—altering market supplies as farmers reassess their acreage.
An application by Steven Rice of Pinnacle will be reviewed at a July meeting of the Mesa Design Review Board regarding a proposed 45,000‐square‐foot industrial development in Mesa.
The board will focus on the project's look and landscaping as part of the evaluation.
Experts from Mesa-based Cyber Dive explain that the real risk for kids online is secrecy — not just screen time — and they urge parents to talk with their children about how to safely use their phones.
The guide details risky apps, signs of problematic behavior, and practical steps to help bridge the digital gap.
Mesa Councilmember Julie Spilsbury has been appointed to the new Community Initiatives Coordinating Committee of the MAG Regional Council for a three-year term ending in June 2028—she will work with local and tribal partners to coordinate human service initiatives across the region.
Imaginarium Mesa: Winter Wonderland
6-10 p.m. — Imaginarium Mesa — Ticket info unavailable — Immerse yourself in a magical light festival experience for all ages.
Weekly Coffee Chat at Panera
8 a.m. — Panera Bread — Free entry — Engage in casual conversations over coffee with the local community.
Mesa Arizona Business Networking
11:30 a.m. — The HUB Grill and Bar — Free entry — Connect with fellow entrepreneurs, business owners, and influencers in the heart of Mesa.
Jason Russell: Comedy at The Cellar
6 PM – 11 PM — The Cellar at 12West Brewing — 21+ only, 2 item minimum — Experience high-energy comedy with master impressionist Jason Russell over three unforgettable nights.
Justin Foster Live at JP’s Comedy Club
7-9 p.m. — JP’s Comedy Club — Ticket details vary — Experience the raw and ridiculous humor of Justin Foster as he shares personal stories that turn chaos into comedy.
Family Paint Party
5-7 p.m. — The HUB Grill and Bar — Cost varies — Unleash creativity at this family-friendly paint night for all ages.
Botzee Robotics & Aerospace Engineering Flight Camp
Half-day or full-week options — UPTOWN JUNGLE FUN PARK — Pricing details available — Explore drone technology and rocket science through hands-on activities and Minecraft challenges.
Joanna Ruth Meyer: While the Dark Remains
7-9 p.m. — Changing Hands Bookstore — Free entry — Explore the depths of magic and revenge in debut adult fantasy 'While the Dark Remains' with author Joanna Ruth Meyer.
Mesa Business Networking Event
10:30-11:30 a.m. — The HUB Grill and Bar — $25 drop-in fee — Connect with local entrepreneurs and influencers to accelerate your business growth.
Incite Live in Concert
6-7:30 p.m. — The Rosetta Room — Tickets starting at $88 — Incite promises an unforgettable evening of live music in the heart of Mesa.
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