Thursday, August 21st, 2025
Good morning, Mesa. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 21st of August.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Mesa Police are seeking help locating 14-year-old Demariys McElroy who went missing at 1 p.m. on August 17 near the intersection of Power Road and Brown Road—he is described as a black male with black and red hair, brown eyes, 5 feet 11 inches tall, and was wearing a black T-shirt, black pants, and a red and black backpack. Mesa Independent
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Mesa welcomes Luis F. Ruiz, Jr. as its new Arts & Culture Director; he served for five years as deputy director for Parks and Recreation and helped manage Mesa Convention Center operations. He will begin his role in October—bringing nearly 30 years of cultural experience—and lead venues like Mesa Arts Center, idea Museum and the Arizona Museum of Natural History. Mesa Now
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ New Frontiers for Lifelong Learning, a community education program for active seniors, will celebrate its 30th anniversary with an Open House on September 5 from 1-3 at Mesa Community College Red Mountain Campus — the event will share details on its non-credit classes and other senior-focused activities. Mesa Independent
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ New federal forecasts show the Colorado River will remain low and dry, which keeps the shortage declaration in place and forces water cutbacks in Arizona—state leaders and water agencies are still trying to work out a new water-sharing plan before current rules expire in 2026. KJZZ
FINANCE NEWS
- ➤ A $156,000 Fantasy 5 ticket was bought Monday at Mesa QuikTrip on University Drive, lottery officials said. They also announced that Wednesday's Powerball jackpot was estimated at $643 million with a cash value of $290.6 million. Mesa Independent
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Mesa City Council approved a three-year contract with Paradigm Traffic Systems on Aug. 18—seven council members voted in favor to install new traffic light controllers and video detection equipment for transportation. The new system aims to enhance traffic management across Mesa. Mesa Independent
- ➤ Arizona has allocated $2M in its state budget to study advanced air mobility infrastructure that may lead to flying cars and vertiports. State Sen. David Farnsworth—a Mesa lawmaker—backed the plan while expert David King of ASU warned that the noisy, large, drone-like vehicles may harm local neighborhoods. KJZZ
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Australian Pink Floyd Tribute Show
8:00-9:30 p.m. — Ikeda Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience a fine-tuned tribute to the legendary band Pink Floyd with one of the world's best tribute bands.
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Liana De La Rosa and Ali Hazelwood Discuss Gabriela and His Grace
7-9 p.m. — Mesa Arts Center — Ticket includes a signed copy — Dive into a historical romance between a rebellious heiress and a duke as bestselling authors share fascinating insights.
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Mesa Arizona Business Networking Event
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — The HUB Grill and Bar — $25 drop-in fee — Connect with local entrepreneurs and influencers to enhance your business growth.
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WHIRR / NOTHING Concert
8:00-9:30 p.m. — Nile Theater — Buy tickets — Experience an energizing night of music with WHIRR and special guests.
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Willow Canyon vs Dobson Football Game
7-11 p.m. — Dobson High School — Admission TBA — Catch the high school varsity football action as Dobson faces off against Willow Canyon in a non-conference matchup.
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Ken Carson Live Concert
8-11 p.m. — Mesa Amphitheatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience an electrifying night with hip-hop sensation Ken Carson performing hits from his chart-topping album More Chaos.
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Mesa Networking Event
11:30 a.m. — The HUB Grill and Bar — $25 drop-in fee for guests — Connect with entrepreneurs and grow your business in a supportive community.
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The Movement and Tribal Seeds Concert
5:30-7:30 p.m. — Mesa Amphitheatre — Check local listings for ticket prices — Experience the unique blend of rock and reggae from San Diego's favorite bands.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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