Good morning, Mesa.

Mesa residents are invited to support the 12News Summer of a Million Meals campaign by streaming the local news on the 12News app—an effort to help feed community members in need.

Mesa police booked suspect Mario Mazon Montes (27) on suspicion of second degree murder after he shot 40 year old Blake Hurlbert when Hurlbert approached his car window at the Home Depot parking lot on July 7, and surveillance video showed Montes following Hurlbert's truck while his bail was set at $500,000 with an ankle monitor.

On Wednesday, the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office raided an illegal marijuana grow near 40th Street and McDowell that detectives said was one of the largest in over a decade—hundreds of marijuana plants and processed product were seized and three people were detained while authorities investigate claims that the operation shipped product to other states and also raided a second Mesa facility.

Host and creator Shankar Vedantam will present seven key insights from the Hidden Brain podcast on Saturday, Aug.

23 at 6 p.m. at the Ikeda Theater at Mesa Arts Center—tickets start at $57.

Metro Phoenix fell to No. 94 on RentCafe’s list of best U.S. cities for renters from 72nd last year due to rising living costs, slower job growth, and worsening air quality—though the area still offers many upscale and new apartments.

Mesa Community College has launched a new faculty training program to embed global content into courses—selected instructors receive a $1,000 stipend as part of four one-hour monthly virtual sessions.

The program, extended from a successful 2024 pilot, will help students develop key international skills.

Mesa City Council voted 5-0 on July 8 to amend the city code by adding zoning rules for data centers in Mesa.

The changes set clear guidelines that will help shape future data center development.

Mesa City Manager Scott Butler announced a leadership change by promoting Marc Heirshberg to Assistant City Manager effective immediately and naming Brent Stoddard to start in August and former Police Chief Kenneth Cost to join in early September—these appointments aim to strengthen Mesa’s municipal operations.

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.

Family Paint Party

5-7 p.m. — The HUB Grill and Bar — Cost varies — Unleash creativity at this family-friendly paint night for all ages.

Botzee Robotics & Aerospace Engineering Flight Camp

Half-day or full-week options — UPTOWN JUNGLE FUN PARK — Pricing details available — Explore drone technology and rocket science through hands-on activities and Minecraft challenges.