Good morning, Mesa.

Arizona is joining a multi-state suit against the EPA to challenge the removal of a key finding that set limits on carbon pollution * Attorney General Kris Mayes said the move comes as extreme heat warnings affect the state with temperatures rising 20 degrees above normal.

Mesa approved on March 9 a 20-year contract with Arizona Electric Power Cooperative to supply solar power at $29.63 per MWh and energy storage at $11.65 per kW starting in 2027 for its 5.5-square-mile Electric Service Area (including downtown).

Treasurer Kimberly Yee said the Empowerment Scholarship Account marketplace platform must improve to protect taxpayer dollars after her office requested information on alternative systems that could boost ESA family reimbursements (aiming to curb mismanagement).

Due to record heat, the City has teamed with local groups to open Cooling Centers at Terros Health (Stapley Health Center), Friends at First, and A New Leaf to offer air conditioning and water.

The centers are open until Sunday, March 22 as the emergency heat warning continues.

Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman signed the National Wildlife Federation’s Mayors’ Monarch Pledge on March 19 at 3:32 p.m. to boost pollinator habitat, and Red Mountain Library will host a Spring Equinox celebration (free event) at the Monarch Haven (educational pollinator garden) on Saturday, Mar. 21 from 10 a.m. to Noon.

An EoS Fitness will be the primary tenant of a renovated commercial development at Power Village in Mesa that spans 10 acres and preserves existing landscaping.

The Mesa Design Review Board discussed the project on March 10 (Board member Denise Dunlop was absent), with Chair Dane Astle praising the upgrade.

Big Patio Party with Live Music by The Hourglass Cats

4-7 p.m. — Pedal Haus Brewery — Free entry — Enjoy live music in a spacious brewery atmosphere in downtown Mesa.

Gen X Comedy Takeover Tour

7:30 p.m. — Ikeda Theater — Tickets start at $56.50 — Celebrate nostalgia with vibrant voices of iconic creators in a night of humor and authenticity.

Varials Live Performance

6-9 p.m. — Nile Theater — Tickets from $66 — Varials brings an unforgettable night of music to Mesa, AZ.

Stella Standingbear Concert

8–11 p.m. — Nile Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience an enchanting night of music and cultural storytelling with Stella Standingbear.

The Ravi Shankar Ensemble Performance

7:30-9 p.m. — Piper Repertory Theater — Tickets available — Experience a multi-generational collective of world-class musicians dedicated to the legacy of Ravi Shankar.

Big Patio Party: Live Music Featuring Taide

4-7 p.m. — Pedal Haus Brewery — Free entry — Experience the electrifying sounds of The Taide Band fusing reggae, rock, and hip-hop live in the heart of Mesa.

Sweet Pill Live at Nile Theater

6-9 p.m. — The Nile Theater — Tickets available — Experience an energetic night with Sweet Pill's emotive emo/pop-punk performance.

Into the Woods

7:30 p.m. — MCC Performing Arts Center — Ticket cost varies — Experience the magical journey of wishes and consequences in this enchanting musical by Sondheim.

Hail the Sun Concert

6-8 p.m. — Nile Theater — Cost varies — Experience the progression of post-hardcore music with Hail The Sun in a vibrant live show.

Chris Conley Live Performance

6:30-9:30 p.m. — The Nile Coffee Shop — Cost info not provided — Enjoy an evening with the New Jersey sextet who have charted over three million sales worldwide since their reformation.