Good morning, Mesa.

Mesa firefighters rescued a group of baby ducklings that fell into a storm drain on July 2 — the Engine 212 C Shift crew made the rescue and a local neighbor now cares for them as officials wait for their mother to return.

Beyond Words Bookshop opens today in downtown Mesa from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Former teacher Kelly Boggs, who began the pop-up in 2024 and secured a city grant for six months of rent and utilities, has completed renovations — offering kids’ books, middle-grade reads, gently used titles, and bookish goods at 40 N Macdonald.

At its July 1 meeting, the Mesa City Council approved a $150,000 increase to the contract for city libraries’ physical media (councilmember Francisco Heredia was absent).

A Mesa resident noted that hundreds of lights along Loop 202 from Power to Guadalupe have been out for years and urged city and DOT officials to address the issue — they also asked for details on how commercial projects near the airport are financed.

Maricopa County Assessor Eddie Cook said a new law signed this spring will qualify more veterans, widows and disabled people for a program that lowers property tax bills—he said about 11,000 property owners may join as the program now uses the Federal House Price Index instead of Arizona’s GDP.

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes is asking the federal government to protect babies from toxic metals in baby food by urging the FDA to set long-overdue testing rules—her office said this action may help stop lead poisoning and recalls in finished products.

The Mesa City Council will review a new series 12 liquor license application for The Salted Knot, a Mesa restaurant that serves breakfast and lunch.

The council will meet at 5:45 p.m. Tuesday, July 8 — the restaurant seeks the new license to expand its operations.

VANA Live with Honey Revenge, Daisy Grenade, and Nightlife

6-10 p.m. — Nile Theater — Tickets available — Experience a night of pop-rock energy with up-and-coming bands from Los Angeles.

Mesa Business Networking Event

10:30-11:30 a.m. — The HUB Grill and Bar — Drop-in fee $25 after two visits — Build connections and grow your business in a supportive community of entrepreneurs.

Autumn Live Performance

7-10 p.m. — Nile Theater — No refunds — Rock out with Autumn and CMB Ru in a lively performance at the Nile Theater.

VEX Robotics BattleBots and 3D Game Design

9 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Jake's Unlimited — Varies — Dive into robotics and game design adventures for young engineers.

Mesa Arizona Business Networking

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — The HUB Grill and Bar — $25 drop-in donation after two visits — Network with entrepreneurs and grow your business in a supportive community.

Imaginarium Mesa: Winter Wonderland

6-10 p.m. — Imaginarium Mesa — Ticket info unavailable — Immerse yourself in a magical light festival experience for all ages.

Weekly Coffee Chat at Panera

8 a.m. — Panera Bread — Free entry — Engage in casual conversations over coffee with the local community.

Mesa Arizona Business Networking

11:30 a.m. — The HUB Grill and Bar — Free entry — Connect with fellow entrepreneurs, business owners, and influencers in the heart of Mesa.

Jason Russell: Comedy at The Cellar

6 PM – 11 PM — The Cellar at 12West Brewing — 21+ only, 2 item minimum — Experience high-energy comedy with master impressionist Jason Russell over three unforgettable nights.

Justin Foster Live at JP’s Comedy Club

7-9 p.m. — JP’s Comedy Club — Ticket details vary — Experience the raw and ridiculous humor of Justin Foster as he shares personal stories that turn chaos into comedy.