Good morning, Mesa.

Facing a projected budget shortfall and declining student enrollment, Mesa Public Schools will cut dozens of jobs after prior staff reductions this year—Superintendent Matt Strom said 43 administrative and certified specialist positions will be eliminated to save over $3 million.

Residents in the valley won big when a $1 million Powerball ticket was sold at Circle K in Chandler and a Fantasy 5 ticket won $156,000 at a QuikTrip in Mesa.

Lottery officials said Monday’s winning numbers were 15, 46, 61, 63 and 64 — the next drawing is today.

Late Monday, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals issued a temporary injunction that stopped the planned transfer of Oak Flat — a site sacred to generations of Apaches — from the U.S. Forest Service to Resolution Copper.

The move would have allowed a major copper mining project to start less than 24 hours later, but the court order halted the change before it took effect.

On Aug. 18, the Mesa City Council approved a contract with Tek84 using a BuyBoard cooperative arrangement to buy a full body scanner—valued at $191,000—for the Mesa Police Department.

The contract runs until May 31 with a renewal option for up to two years and is funded by opioid settlement funds.

New data from the Bureau of Reclamation shows the Colorado River and its reservoirs are in formal shortage, with Lake Powell at 27% full and Arizona and Nevada set for water cutbacks in 2026—policymakers are under pressure to put long-term water rules in place.

Experts warn that ongoing drought and a warming climate will keep the region's water supply in crisis until serious conservation measures are adopted.

Arizona State Troopers have long faced underfunding and outdated radio communications and dilapidated facilities—Jeff Hawkins said troopers struggle with safety and slow response times because of low pay and limited staffing—he warned that urgent funding is needed to upgrade equipment and improve services.

A 235,600-square-foot industrial development called Gateway Park is planned on 17.7 acres about 650 feet from East Ray Road and South Hawes Road in Mesa.

The Mesa Design Review Board discussed the design and landscaping on Aug. 12—two industrial buildings of 117,800 square feet each are planned.

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.

Mesa Networking Event

11:30 a.m. — The HUB Grill and Bar — $25 drop-in fee for guests — Connect with entrepreneurs and grow your business in a supportive community.

ANCIIENTS Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — The Underground — Ticket prices vary — Experience an evening of mesmerizing tunes by Dearest as they perform their hit songs.

Stamp & Scrapbook Expo Mesa

Various hours — Mesa Convention Center — Admission fee may apply — Explore an extensive range of crafts, workshops, and shopping opportunities at this vibrant arts and crafts fair.