Daily editionFriday, May 8th, 2026
Good morning, Chandler.
The Good Day Chandler Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 8th of May.
Education
The board approved a lease so Cranes for Change can open the Next Steps Center offering mental health support at Hope Institute’s site near Perry High on Wednesday.
The center will offer therapy + suicide prevention and support services once it receives a license from the State Department of Health Services.
ABC 15Read more
Canvas is down due to a cyberattack that interrupted grading, with teachers reporting (hacker popups) while accessing courses, and its parent company investigating the issue.
Schools including ASU are working to resolve the disruption and check on any data concerns.
KJZZRead more
Government
Chandler employee Chandler Escalante received the Workforce Practitioner of the Year award from the Arizona Association for Economic Development at the Spring Conference in Tucson this past April.
The award honors his innovation (and community impact) in building strong workforce relationships.
Chandler IndependentRead more
Health
New analysis from the Urban Institute shows Arizona’s Medicaid coverage is projected to drop between 27 and 55% by 2028 as work requirements take effect under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (even with state mitigation efforts) and more robust data matches are needed.
KJZZRead more
Sports
Athletes are training for the Special Olympics Arizona 2026 Summer Games scheduled for later this year in Arizona.
Organizers expect local competitors to shine and community support to grow.
12 NewsRead more
Chandler Events
Pat Metheny Concert
Saturday, May 9th, 2026 · 7:30-9 p.m. — Chandler Center for the Arts — Tickets available — Experience jazz guitar mastery from one of the genre's most celebrated instrumentalists.
Chase Matthew Concert
Friday, May 15th, 2026 · 8:00-9:30 p.m. — Gila River Resorts & Casinos - Wild Horse Pass — Ticket info not provided — Enjoy an evening of live music with Chase Matthew.
Brian Hooks Stand-Up Comedy Show
Sunday, May 24th, 2026 · 8:30-10:00 p.m. — Mic Drop Comedy — Ages 18+ — Experience a night of laughter with Brian Hooks as he blends humor and heart in a personal comedy performance.
Meet You In Spring Asian Show
Saturday, May 30th, 2026 · 8-11 p.m. — Gila River Resorts & Casinos - Wild Horse Pass — Tickets available — Experience a vibrant showcase of Asian music featuring top performers from around the globe.
Live Music at The Perch Brewery
Friday, June 5th, 2026 · 8 PM-12 AM — The Perch Brewery — Free entry — Enjoy imaginative brews and live music at a rooftop bar featuring tropical rescue birds.
Live Music at The Casual Pint
Saturday, June 6th, 2026 · 4-7 p.m. — The Casual Pint of Ocotillo — Free entry — Enjoy live music while savoring craft beer and delicious food in a welcoming atmosphere.