Mesa Independent

Arizona gas prices still sliding as national prices rise Gas prices rose slightly across Arizona the week of July 9, according to a AAA spokesperson. Independent Newsmedia/Jason W. Brooks Weeks of sliding gas prices nationwide have concluded as the future of the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran remains uncertain, according to a spokesman with AAA. But in Arizona, the average for a gallon of regular gasoline is down 7 cents from the week of July 2, AAA stated in a news release.

Deadline to submit is Aug. 12 Gambel’s quail, which inhabit Arizona’s desert regions, are pictured in this photo shared by Arizona Game and Fish. (Photo by George Andrejko, AZGFD) The Arizona Game and Fish Commission is soliciting nominations for its 2026 Commission Awards. These awards recognize local residents who have contributed significantly to the conservation of the state’s wildlife, its outdoor heritage, and the mission of the Arizona Game and Fish Department. There are 13 award categories.

Phoenix attorney details precautions and responsibilities Posted Friday, July 10, 2026 12:00 pm Benjamin Taylor Submitted photo/Taylor & Gomez Law By Benjamin Taylor | Phoenix OPINION — For many families in Arizona, summer means more time spent gathering around the backyard pool. Whether you're planning a summer cookout, a pool party or a casual afternoon swim, pool ownership carries both personal and legal responsibilities.

The Mesa Public Schools Governing Board discusses the agenda during their Dec. 11 meeting. (Mesa Public Schools) The Mesa Unified Public School District is the largest in Arizona with over 50,000 students and covering over 100 square miles spanning the city of Mesa. The district has elementary, middle and high schools as well as specialty schools for gifted students and students looking to focus on a particular discipline like math, science and the arts.

Recreation includes tennis leagues and camps. Metro Creative Registration is open for Mesa residents for the 2026 fall season — August, September, October.

The median sale price for Mesa homes held mostly flat in June 2026, just down 0.6% to $486,250, according to data from Phoenix Realtors. Richard H. Dyer Home sales in the Greater Phoenix housing market — including Mesa — continue to outperform national trends as prices remain steady, affordability improves and buyer activity shows signs of stabilizing. Closed sales increased 4.8% in Mesa for the first half of 2026 compared to last year, and the number of days on the market declined 1.5% to 65.

Official ballot drop box locations and hours are available at locations.maricopa.vote. Drop box locations are established for each election and may change based on site availability and accessibility, so voters are encouraged to confirm their preferred location before heading out. Ross D. Franklin/Associated Press file The Mesa City Clerk’s Office reminds voters to verify the location and hours of an official ballot drop box before returning an early ballot for the July 21 Primary Election.

Greater clarity can ease emotional suffering Stephanie J. Smith Submitted photo/Center for Death Education OPINION — Most families enter end-of-life situations with deep love and good intentions, but very little understanding of what the dying process actually looks like. An international cohort study from the iLIVE Project (EU Horizon 2020, Meier et al.) found that low end-of-life preparedness is associated with significantly greater emotional suffering among patients and caregivers.

Posted Thursday, July 9, 2026 3:06 pm Join us for a free evening of resources, interactive activities, and fun! Explore CPLC support services, pick up free backpacks, and come see what Avance High School has to offer.

Posted Thursday, July 9, 2026 7:55 am Families interested in a new learning environment for the 2026-27 academic year are invited to attend a campus tour to learn more about ASU Preparatory Academy.