Good morning, Mesa.

Attorney General Kris Mayes said two individuals pleaded guilty to felony charges after they created ghost children while living in Colorado to fraudulently claim over $110,000 in Empowerment Scholarship funds—sentencing is set for October 24 as further investigations continue.

Mesa Police arrested 39-year-old Ashley Lutton (accused of selling drugs to minors and abusing a 17-year-old boy) and booked her into jail on multiple felony charges.

Mesa Police Department’s traffic unit will support the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety DUI Labor Day Task Force from Friday, Aug.

29 until Monday, Sept. 1 using patrol hours from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Monday—aiming to remove impaired drivers from Mesa roads and keep streets safer during the holiday weekend.

Arizona mayors formed the Coalition for Protecting Arizona’s Lifeline on August 27 to work on securing water from the Colorado River—Mesa Mayor Freeman is among the leaders joining mayors from Phoenix, Tucson, and other cities.

The alliance will advocate for smart water management to support millions who rely on this vital resource.

Yesterday, Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman met with over 150 faith leaders to discuss teen mental health — stressing the urgent need for suicide prevention and community support after a tragic school shooting — and urged collaborative efforts to protect youth.

Key speakers Katey McPherson and Brian Cannon detailed strategies for early intervention to help teens before a crisis occurs.

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.

Filipino Night Market: Food and Culture Festival

4-9 p.m. — AZ International Marketplace — Free entry — Celebrate Filipino culture with delicious food from local vendors in a vibrant night market atmosphere.

Sunday Evening Recital: Amy & Alina Dampt

6:30-7:00 p.m. — Mesa Arizona Temple Visitors' Center — Free entry — Enjoy an inspired performance of beautiful sacred music by flutist and harpist duo Amy and Alina Dampt.

All-Star Sports for Toddlers

11:00 AM - 11:30 AM — Eagles Community Center — $14 Mesa resident / $16 Non-resident — A fun, non-competitive introduction to sports for toddlers aged 2-6.

Mesa Arizona Business Networking

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