Mesa
Today
Wednesday, September 17th, 2025
Good morning, Mesa. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 17th of September.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Former Tempe Mayor Neil Giuliano now leads Greater Phoenix Leadership and said business leaders in the Valley face challenges like worker shortages, aging infrastructure, and housing as they plan for future growth—drawing on past efforts to diversify the economy. KJZZ
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Local Mesa Arts Center will host the 19th annual Dia de los Muertos Festival on Oct. 25-26 with free cultural events and hands-on art activities at One East Main Street downtown. The festival will feature live performances such as an Aztec Dance show on Oct. 25 and a closing ceremony with Mayor Freeman and Consul General Jorge Mendoza Yescas on Oct. 26—ensuring a memorable community celebration. Mesa Now
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Kyrene School District plans to close up to nine schools over the next three school years because enrollment is dropping, a $7 million budget loss is expected, and the district may lose about 500 students each year. The board will vote on the proposal in December, and public meetings are scheduled for Oct. 16, Oct. 21, Oct. 28, Oct. 29, Nov. 5, Nov. 12 + Nov. 19 to discuss the plan. 12 News
- ➤ ASU Polytechnic students are using Dreamscape Learn to study biology in virtual reality and complete modules on topics like physiology and genetics—this approach mixes hands-on labs with immersive lessons. Early tests show that students who use Dreamscape Learn get better grades and are more likely to keep studying life sciences—teachers hope to add VR to other science courses soon. East Valley Tribune
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Maricopa County Parks and Recreation held butterfly monitoring training yesterday for volunteers to learn counting techniques and will have volunteers count butterflies at five parks on Saturday — the data will help scientists study declining species. KJZZ
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Mesa officials approved a ground lease with Culdesac for a 25-acre site at University and Mesa drives that will host 1,000 residential units and 50,000 square feet of retail. The developer must start construction within 24 months to boost downtown Mesa’s economic development—this project is expected to connect with light rail and spur further local investments. The Mesa Tribune
- ➤ The Mesa City Council will recommend a new series 10 beer & wine store license for 7-Eleven No. 43049 at 5:45 p.m. Monday, Sept. 22 at 20 E. Main St., and the recommendation will go to the Arizona Department of Liquor License & Control for Kyra 1 Inc. with agent Kevinder Singh Nijjar. Mesa Independent
- ➤ Arizona Senate President Warren Peterson said he will introduce legislation to rename a part of Loop 202 as the Charlie Kirk Memorial Loop 202 to honor the late activist who was killed on Sept 10 at a college event. His memorial service will be held at State Farm Stadium on Sept 21—planned changes aim to keep his legacy alive. 12 News
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Nearly every county in Arizona saw a drop in MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccination rates since 2019, and the state rate went from about 94% to 89%—well below the 95% needed for herd immunity. Mohave, Yavapai and Maricopa counties experienced the steepest declines, and local health officials urge residents to keep their children up to date on vaccines. 12 News
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Arizona travel writer Roger Naylor said he loves the cooler in-between season because mornings are pleasant and deserts cool down while summer crowds thin out — he added that some national parks are cutting hours after recent fires — which offers travelers a quiet time to explore the state. KJZZ
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Arizona Diamondbacks beat the San Francisco Giants 8-1 on Monday night as Geraldo Perdomo went 3 for 3 and Zac Gallen pitched six innings with two runs allowed—putting the team a half-game ahead of the Giants in the NL West. The Diamondbacks have won three straight and 12 of their last 18 games—leaving them 1 1/2 games behind the idle Mets for the wild card spot. 12 News
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Country & Latin Dance Party
4-7 p.m. — Creative Dance Collective — $20 CLASS + PARTY | $10 PARTY ONLY — Dance the afternoon away with social favorites like Salsa, Two-step, and more.
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Book Signing with Emily Chavez
6:30-8 p.m. — Half Price Books — Ticket includes book purchase — Meet Crochet or Cry creator Emily Chavez and get your copy of Spooky Tapestry Crochet signed.
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Mesa Networking Event
11:30 a.m. — The HUB Grill and Bar — $25 drop-in donation after two visits — A vibrant community gathering for entrepreneurs and influencers to forge impactful connections.
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Prayers Concert
5-8 p.m. — The Rosetta Room — Tickets available via Ticketmaster — Experience an evening of energetic music with Prayers.
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Fall Fest Presented By PS I Love AZ
10 AM – 4 PM — Arizona Athletic Grounds — Entrance fee with parking options — Kick off the fall season with over 150 local vendors and live entertainment.
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Sunday Evening Recital with Jessica Taylor and Daughters
6:30-7:00 p.m. — Mesa Arizona Temple Visitors' Center — Free entry — Enjoy uplifting gospel music performed by the talented Taylor family.
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Mesa Networking Event
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — The HUB Grill and Bar — $25 drop-in fee after two visits — A community gathering for entrepreneurs, business owners, and influencers seeking to expand their networks and grow their businesses.
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
Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
~ Jesus
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