Mesa News

West Mesa residents endure rising aircraft noise as FAA delays flight-path decisions
MesaAug 10

West Mesa residents endure rising aircraft noise as FAA delays flight-path decisions

Homeowners near Sloan Park on Mesa’s West Mesa are reporting a surge in low-altitude aircraft noise as nearby airports and flight schools expand operations. Federal review and re-design of approach and departure routes remain stalled, leaving residents uncertain when—or if—noise relief will arrive.

Mesa

Infineon to Shut Mesa Semiconductor Plant, Eliminating 98 Jobs

Infineon Technologies America is closing its semiconductor manufacturing facility at 550 West Juanita Avenue in Mesa and will lay off 98 employees as the site winds down operations by Sept. 30. The company is shifting production of its 6/8-inch frontend epitaxy wafers to external foundry partners and filed a formal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification with the state on Aug. 3.

Aug 9 · Mariam Delgado
Mesa

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs Under Pay‑to‑Play Probe as Election Nears

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs is the subject of a pay‑to‑play corruption investigation being led by Attorney General Kris Mayes, a fellow Democrat, who has said the probe is near its conclusion and results will come before the November election. The inquiry centers on a group‑home operator that received a large rate increase from the state after making substantial political donations; Mayes herself has faced scrutiny over payments to her legal fund from a national Democratic group.

Aug 9 · Mariam Delgado
Mesa

Tempe Councilman Asks Arizona Supreme Court to Block Bundled Election Measure

Tempe councilman Randy Keating has asked the Arizona Supreme Court to remove Proposition 144 from the fall ballot, arguing the measure improperly combines several distinct election changes into a single up-or-down vote. Supporters of the proposal say the provisions are tied together by a common purpose — election integrity — and a Maricopa County judge already found the package sufficiently related to remain on the ballot.

Aug 8 · Carl Brown
Mesa

Mesa board approves permit to expand La Jolla Villas from 7 to 15 units

The Mesa Board of Adjustment voted unanimously on Aug. 5 to approve a substantial conformance improvement permit allowing the La Jolla Villas apartment complex at 1500 E. Dana Ave. to add eight units, more than doubling the development. The approval, taken as part of a consent agenda, includes a landscape plan listing several trees and shrubs and is documented in city planning materials.

Aug 8 · Anne Radmore

Latest Stories

Hobbs Moves Toward a Bipartisan Ticket, Reportedly Eyeing Former Mesa Mayor John Giles
MesaAug 7

Hobbs Moves Toward a Bipartisan Ticket, Reportedly Eyeing Former Mesa Mayor John Giles

Insiders say Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs is preparing to select former Mesa Mayor John Giles as her running mate for lieutenant governor as she seeks re-election. Neither Hobbs nor Giles has publicly confirmed the report, and the governor will face Republican nominee Rep. Andy Biggs in November.

The Maine Announces 8123 Fest 2027 at Mesa Amphitheatre with Two Nights of Distinct Sets and Full Lineup
MesaAug 7

The Maine Announces 8123 Fest 2027 at Mesa Amphitheatre with Two Nights of Distinct Sets and Full Lineup

The Maine will mark their 20th anniversary by headlining the 2027 edition of 8123 Fest at Mesa Amphitheatre on January 15–16, performing unique sets each night. The festival, curated by the band, includes The Band Camino, Andrew McMahon and the Strings Attached Quartet, The Academy Is…, The Aces, The Summer Set and more, along with side shows, a pop-up shop and a charity day on January 18.

Mesa cuts posted speed limit in historic Lehi neighborhood after years of complaints
MesaAug 6

Mesa cuts posted speed limit in historic Lehi neighborhood after years of complaints

Mesa City Council has lowered the posted speed limit in the Lehi neighborhood from 35 mph to 30 mph following years of complaints from residents about dangerous driving on narrow, rural roads. Homeowners and local equestrians say the change — approved unanimously on July 27 — is a step toward greater safety for people, animals and students who use those streets.

Aaron Farinacci’s Record Revisited: The 2010 Death of His Father and His Arrest in Connection with the Spokane-Area Old Trails Fire
MesaAug 6

Aaron Farinacci’s Record Revisited: The 2010 Death of His Father and His Arrest in Connection with the Spokane-Area Old Trails Fire

Aaron Farinacci, a man now in custody in an Arizona jail, has a criminal record that includes a 2010 killing of his father. Authorities are investigating his possible connection to the Old Trails fire in the Spokane area while forensic teams comb through a charred home for evidence.

Mesa officer kills man accused of attacking ex‑wife and children; neighbors, multiple 911 callers report violence
MesaAug 5

Mesa officer kills man accused of attacking ex‑wife and children; neighbors, multiple 911 callers report violence

Mesa police shot and killed a man the evening of Aug. 3 after multiple 911 callers said he assaulted his ex‑wife and children with a shovel and was damaging vehicles. An officer encountered the man carrying an ax, gave verbal commands and then fired; the East Valley Critical Incident Response Team is investigating with the Gilbert Police Department leading the probe.

Five-time champion Brett Warner helps build pickleball in about 30 Arizona schools
MesaAug 5

Five-time champion Brett Warner helps build pickleball in about 30 Arizona schools

Brett Warner, a five-time national pickleball champion and Mesa resident, has helped establish roughly 30 school-based pickleball clubs across Arizona through PURE Pickleball & Padel. The effort creates opportunities for inter-school competition, ongoing play through a newly launched academy, and a potential pathway to collegiate play.

Waymo Is Bringing Thousands of Chinese‑Built Electric Vans to U.S. Streets Despite Consumer Restrictions
MesaAug 4

Waymo Is Bringing Thousands of Chinese‑Built Electric Vans to U.S. Streets Despite Consumer Restrictions

High tariffs and security limits keep Chinese-built electric cars off U.S. dealership lots, yet thousands of the same vans are being imported for use in autonomous ride services. Waymo has been bringing in Zeekr CM1e vans—branded internally as the Ojai—and converting them in Arizona for use in multiple American cities.

Transport Troubles Persist at EVIT After Funding Feud Is Settled
MesaAug 4

Transport Troubles Persist at EVIT After Funding Feud Is Settled

A settlement between the East Valley Institute of Technology and nine school districts resolved a yearlong fight over funding, but transportation problems have continued into the start of classes. Parents, district leaders and EVIT officials report late or missing buses, unfamiliar drivers and ongoing adjustments to routes and service.

Late-night stabbing in Gilbert leaves three dead, including suspect; officer-involved shooting under review
MesaAug 3

Late-night stabbing in Gilbert leaves three dead, including suspect; officer-involved shooting under review

A late-night stabbing at a residence near Lindsay and Elliot roads in Gilbert on Aug. 1 resulted in three deaths, including the suspect, and one non-life-threatening injury. Officers encountered victims with obvious injuries after responding to a call about a stabbing in a detached building; an officer fired after the suspect ran into the home and entered a bedroom.

Mesa’s Zur Kate Delivers Bavarian-Style Schnitzel and Old-World Comfort
MesaAug 3

Mesa’s Zur Kate Delivers Bavarian-Style Schnitzel and Old-World Comfort

Tucked into a quiet Mesa strip mall since 1983, Zur Kate German Restaurant has built a steady following by serving traditional Bavarian dishes, led by a widely praised schnitzel. Regulars and first-time visitors alike point to the restaurant’s authentic flavors, cozy decor and occasional live accordion music as the elements that transport diners out of Arizona and into a German neighborhood eatery.

Corona del Sol High School addresses recent increase in rat sightings on campus
MesaAug 2

Corona del Sol High School addresses recent increase in rat sightings on campus

School officials say work is underway to control a recent uptick in rat activity at Corona del Sol High School in Tempe. Maintenance crews from both the high school and the district office responded immediately after the first sighting, and Principal Nathan Kleve sent a letter to parents notifying them of the situation.

Mesa entrepreneur turns conversations sparked by a hoodie into fan-focused app
MesaAug 2

Mesa entrepreneur turns conversations sparked by a hoodie into fan-focused app

A Dallas Cowboys sweatshirt and repeated friendly encounters inspired Mesa resident Taylor Acton to create Fancav.com, a free platform connecting sports fans to local watch parties. The startup launched this month after Acton used product management experience and AI coding assistants to build an initial version designed to help transplants and long-time residents find fellow fans.

Mesa traffic stop yields more than three pounds of meth, fentanyl and heroin; suspect arrested after home search
MesaAug 1

Mesa traffic stop yields more than three pounds of meth, fentanyl and heroin; suspect arrested after home search

A traffic stop in Mesa led police to seize more than three pounds of methamphetamine, nearly 100 grams of fentanyl, heroin and thousands in cash. A 24-year-old man was arrested and booked on multiple felony charges, with bond set at $25,000 and a scheduled court appearance on Aug. 5.

Mesa widow pushes for tougher speeding penalties after Army Ranger husband killed in crash
MesaAug 1

Mesa widow pushes for tougher speeding penalties after Army Ranger husband killed in crash

A Mesa woman is pressing lawmakers for stricter penalties on speeding after her husband, an Army Ranger who survived the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu, was killed in a February 2025 crash. The driver, a 23-year-old man alleged to have been driving 113 mph, is expected at a hearing this week where a plea deal could be offered.

Phoenix-area eateries flagged in latest Maricopa County inspections for food safety lapses
MesaJul 31

Phoenix-area eateries flagged in latest Maricopa County inspections for food safety lapses

A weekly roundup of Maricopa County Environmental Services inspections names several Valley restaurants with multiple 'risk factor' violations, including improper temperature control and employee behavior that could affect food safety. The report also lists local establishments that earned perfect inspection scores.

Molly Miller launches 'Molly’s Momentum' to rebuild ASU women’s basketball
MesaJul 31

Molly Miller launches 'Molly’s Momentum' to rebuild ASU women’s basketball

Arizona State coach Molly Miller has unveiled Molly’s Momentum, an initiative intended to strengthen the Sun Devils’ women’s basketball program through community engagement, NIL opportunities and sustained supporter investment. Sixteen months after taking the job, Miller says the most important progress has been cultural — a player-led identity rebuilt from the locker room outward.

Pianist Wayne Bethanis Brings Sebastian Temple’s ‘Happy the Man’ to No. 1 on New Age Chart
MesaJul 30

Pianist Wayne Bethanis Brings Sebastian Temple’s ‘Happy the Man’ to No. 1 on New Age Chart

Wayne Bethanis’ instrumental piano arrangement of Sebastian Temple’s hymn “Happy the Man” climbed to the top of the Tucson-based New Age Notes Top 10 chart in July 2026, six weeks after its release. The Downtown Los Angeles-based pianist said the recording, dedicated to his late grandmother Kathryn Bethanis, allowed him to reintroduce a 1960s Catholic folk staple to a contemporary audience.

Judge Weighs Plea Agreement in Case Involving Man Dubbed the 'Train Bandit'
MesaJul 30

Judge Weighs Plea Agreement in Case Involving Man Dubbed the 'Train Bandit'

A 21-year-old from Mesa has pleaded guilty to burglary in a Kingman courtroom, but the judge presiding over the case signaled he may reject the plea agreement as too lenient. The arraignment took place July 28 at the Mohave County Law and Justice Center.

EVIT and East Valley school districts announce agreement focused on hands-on career training
MesaJul 29

EVIT and East Valley school districts announce agreement focused on hands-on career training

The East Valley Institute of Technology and local East Valley school districts have reached an agreement that centers on career and technical education. Images from the EVIT campus highlight its health services building and a woodshop classroom featured in the announcement.

Regional Best Projects Winners Highlight Community Impact, Technical Achievement Across Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico
MesaJul 29

Regional Best Projects Winners Highlight Community Impact, Technical Achievement Across Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico

The winners of the Southwest region's annual Best Projects competition have been announced, recognizing design and construction excellence across Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico. Nearly 100 entries were reviewed by an independent panel of judges, with winners to be featured in the October print edition and celebrated at a November awards luncheon in Phoenix.

Mesa man accused of killing girlfriend after 911 call that she was unresponsive
MesaJul 29

Mesa man accused of killing girlfriend after 911 call that she was unresponsive

A Mesa man has been arrested and charged with kidnapping and first-degree murder after reporting his girlfriend unresponsive. Investigators say the victim had visible bruises and officers found evidence at the home that led to probable cause for the arrest.

Fort Collins veteran awarded $500,000 after DUI arrest despite clean blood test
MesaJul 28

Fort Collins veteran awarded $500,000 after DUI arrest despite clean blood test

A Colorado military veteran has secured a $500,000 settlement after he was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence following a crash he witnessed, even though his blood test showed no alcohol. The case joins four others alleging similar arrests by the same officer; all five had charges dismissed by breath or blood tests.

Evenflo recalls about 60,000 REO by Revolve360 car seats after safety test finds headrest hazard
MesaJul 28

Evenflo recalls about 60,000 REO by Revolve360 car seats after safety test finds headrest hazard

Evenflo has announced a recall of roughly 60,000 REO by Revolve360 child car seats after a safety test found the seats did not meet federal requirements and the headrest can shift unexpectedly, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. The recall covers specific REO styles and model numbers; a remedy is being developed and owners will receive notification letters starting Aug. 17.

The Arizonan who bolts new climbs into canyon walls
MesaJul 27

The Arizonan who bolts new climbs into canyon walls

Aaron Collins, a combat veteran and mountain guide from Mesa, spends his own money and time installing bolts and creating new sport-climbing routes on public rock in central Arizona. His work — from drilling and hammering to choosing lines and naming first ascents — helps shape how climbers experience the state’s canyons.

Monsoon Cells Push Toward Phoenix; Gusty Winds, Blowing Dust and Flash Flood Warning Reported
MesaJul 26

Monsoon Cells Push Toward Phoenix; Gusty Winds, Blowing Dust and Flash Flood Warning Reported

Monsoon storms moved into parts of the Phoenix metropolitan area Saturday evening, producing gusty winds, blowing dust and pockets of rain. Officials issued a flash flood warning for portions of Yavapai County and warned of strong outflow-driven wind gusts across lower elevations.

Tuesday, October 6, 2026
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