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Wednesday, December 17th, 2025

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Good morning, Mesa. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 17th of December.

COMMUNITY NEWS

  • A Mesa wildlife rescue recently freed a skunk with a swollen face after its head got stuck in a dumpster; experts spent nearly an hour using vegetable oil + towels to free the animal before care and release at the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center.  12 News

EDUCATION NEWS

  • Mesa Police installed four new speed cameras near Highland Junior High (6915 E. Guadalupe Road) and Eastmark High (9560 E. Ray Road) on Dec. 5. The council approved the project following community concerns, and a 30-day warning period will end Jan. 4.  Mesa Independent
  • The Kyrene School District board voted to close 4 elementary schools and 2 middle schools amid a drop in enrollment. Student numbers fell from about 20,000 to 12,000 (a statewide trend) prompting the decision.  12 News
  • A 20-foot mural made up of self-portraits by every student and staff member now adorns the hallways at Superstition Springs Elementary. Art teacher Betsy Baker led the project, which arranged over 900 paint chip pieces to form a colorful gradient that celebrates creativity and community.  Mesa Independent
  • Kyrene Elementary School District will vote on closing up to eight schools to offset rising costs and declining enrollment. The board is considering recommendations from a community committee formed since January to keep students with their classmates.  KJZZ

GOVERNMENT NEWS

  • Maricopa County's Air Quality Department declared no-burn days for Saturday, Sunday and Monday to help reduce smoke trapping in the winter inversion as residents are warned to avoid burning wood and using leaf blowers on these days (penalties apply).  KJZZ
  • Arizona Attorney General’s Office announced a settlement with Hyundai and Kia letting owners of nearly 200,000 vehicles (from 2011 onward) get a free ignition cylinder protector upgrade and file for up to $4,500 for stolen cars. Future models will include the anti-theft upgrade, and claims are due by March 31.  KJZZ

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • Pottery Workshop at Rebel Wine Lounge

    7-9 p.m. — Rebel Wine Lounge — Contact for pricing — Unwind and create your own pottery in a fun and relaxing atmosphere.

    Fri, 12/19/25

    View event
  • Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland

    7:30-10:30 p.m. — Ikeda Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magic of Cirque Musica with holiday hits and breathtaking performances for the whole family.

    Sat, 12/20/25

    View event
  • Mesa Memory Café

    1-2:30 p.m. — Oakwood Creative Care Hub — Free entry — Enjoy coffee and cognitive activities in a supportive environment for those with memory impairment and their families.

    Tue, 12/23/25

    View event
  • HeatSync Labs: Coffee & Coworking

    9 AM – 3 PM — HeatSync Labs — Free entry — Bring your projects and get excited at this collaborative hackerspace in Mesa.

    Wed, 12/31/25

    View event
  • Josh Bierman Live Performance

    4-8 p.m. — Pedal Haus Biergarten — Check venue for details — Experience the soulful sounds of AZ native singer-songwriter Josh Bierman and his dynamic band.

    Sat, 1/10/26

    View event
  • Arizona Balloon Classic

    4-9 p.m. — Wild Horse Pass Stadium — Entrance fees may apply — Experience stunning hot air balloon displays and delicious food at this family-friendly event.

    Fri, 1/16/26

    View event

REAL ESTATE

SUBMIT LISTING

No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.

JOB BOARD

SUBMIT JOB

No new job posts today. You can submit one here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUBMIT

No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT

The truth is found when people are free to pursue it.

~ Franklin D. Roosevelt

About 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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