Good morning, Mesa.

On Sept. 24, 70-year-old Jeanne Young and 12 Mesa seniors earned orange and yellow karate belts at the Optum Community Center after six months of tailored training that boosted their balance, mobility, and strength (improvements that help with daily tasks).

Aldi is offering a $39 Thanksgiving meal bundle that feeds 10, including a 16-pound turkey plus traditional side ingredients to help Mesa residents save money while preparing for the holiday; the deal follows last year's slightly pricier option.

Salad & Go will return to Mesa as a Valley entrepreneur finalizes plans to operate the restaurant after acquiring its intellectual property & expansion rights to grow the brand across North America.

Harkins Theatres secured a deal with film studio A24 after previous negotiations stalled, and tickets for A24 movies will be available Friday, Oct.

16 in Mesa theaters.

Gilbert Public Schools reported a revenue drop of $7.5 million and increased expenses of $3.2 million due to lower student enrollment.

The finance report noted higher costs for utilities, special education tuition and fuel, while salaries fell and benefits remained flat.

Nearly 200 Arizona students saw Edgar Allan Poe come to life on stage today during a Halloween-themed field trip organized by Valley nonprofit ACT ONE and Southwest Shakespeare Company.

The performance gave students a chance to connect with classic literature and live acting amid the season's excitement.

Arizona recorded about 150 more wildfires this year with less damage thanks to recent rains, but experts warn that heavy fuel loads may spark future fires (state foresters advise homeowners to trim overgrowth).

A 4,392 sqft detailing building is planned at Superstition Springs Honda about 1,400 ft south of the southwest corner of East Southern Ave and East Superstition Springs Blvd. The Mesa Design Review Board approved the design and landscaping on Tuesday, Oct.

13.

The 2026 APP Arizona Open will run Nov.

12-15 at Arizona Athletic Grounds at 6321 S. Ellsworth Road in Mesa, where pickleball competitions for all skill levels will include food & drink, merchandise, giveaways, and a Championship Court for medals and cash prizes while honoring military members.