Good morning, Mesa.

Two inexperienced hikers hiked South Mountain Tuesday in over 100-degree heat before calling 911 when they became lost and overheated.

Phoenix fire rescued them with an air hoist helicopter — they were transported to a hospital for further treatment — and officials said the rescue shows how dangerous night hiking can be.

The FBI data shows that violent crime has decreased overall across the nation and in Arizona, but numbers in Mesa—along with Phoenix and Goodyear—show an increase in violent crime even as property crimes have fallen statewide.

Today, meat prices are at record highs because of a severe cattle shortage that has ranchers enjoying current gains but fearing future price hikes—drought and a 50% import tax on Brazilian meat worsen the supply issue.

Mesa Community College with the City of Mesa unveiled the new Mesa College Promise billboards along US 60 near Dobson Road and the college campus today—designed to raise $400,000 annually—to fund tuition for eligible Mesa residents.

A team of ASU Polytech students known as Red Dirt Girls was awarded a grant from Mesa Youth Climate Action Fund for research on desert soils conducted from February to May.

Their study will guide local climate efforts + they joined other youth groups in sharing nearly $100,000 in funding.

Kyrene School District is considering merging its dual language schools — or opening a gifted academy — as enrollment is expected to drop from 20,000 to about 11,000 or 12,000 over the next five years and the district faces a $7 million funding loss; the board will vote on the proposal on Dec. 16 as part of long range planning.

A new study finds that state and local governments will save about $100 million over the next decade by replacing aging fleet vehicles with electric ones—though the study does not include infrastructure costs.

Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Dewain Fox ruled that state school funding did not meet constitutional standards after finding many schools unsafe due to issues like leaking roofs and excess carbon dioxide levels—lawmakers plan to appeal the ruling.

Laboratory tests confirmed canine distemper in coyotes and foxes in Maricopa County, raising health concerns for unvaccinated dogs.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department urged residents to avoid wildlife plus supervise pets to prevent exposure.

Shapel Lacey Stand-Up Comedy

6-7:30 p.m. — Mic Drop Comedy — Ages 18+ — Enjoy a night of laughs with the unique and original comedic voice of Shapel Lacey.

Pizzas, Pipes, and Pinoys!

3:30-5:30 p.m. — Organ Stop Pizza — No cover charge — Escape the heat while enjoying delectable pizzas and the spectacular sounds of the world's largest Wurlitzer Theater Pipe Organ.

Mesa Arizona Business Networking

11:30 a.m. — The HUB Grill and Bar — $25 drop-in donation — A vibrant community event for entrepreneurs and business owners to connect and grow together.

Notes From Neptune Live

6-9 p.m. — Cellar Pub — Free entry — Enjoy smooth grooves and local brews in this cozy underground music venue.

Australian Pink Floyd Tribute Show

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Ikeda Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience a fine-tuned tribute to the legendary band Pink Floyd with one of the world's best tribute bands.

Liana De La Rosa and Ali Hazelwood Discuss Gabriela and His Grace

7-9 p.m. — Mesa Arts Center — Ticket includes a signed copy — Dive into a historical romance between a rebellious heiress and a duke as bestselling authors share fascinating insights.

Mesa Arizona Business Networking Event

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — The HUB Grill and Bar — $25 drop-in fee — Connect with local entrepreneurs and influencers to enhance your business growth.

WHIRR / NOTHING Concert

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Nile Theater — Buy tickets — Experience an energizing night of music with WHIRR and special guests.

Willow Canyon vs Dobson Football Game

7-11 p.m. — Dobson High School — Admission TBA — Catch the high school varsity football action as Dobson faces off against Willow Canyon in a non-conference matchup.

Ken Carson Live Concert

8-11 p.m. — Mesa Amphitheatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience an electrifying night with hip-hop sensation Ken Carson performing hits from his chart-topping album More Chaos.