Good morning, Mesa.

Mesa Public Library has named Arizona author Brooke Bessesen as its new Writer in Residence — she is hosting one-on-one writing consultations and workshops at Red Mountain Library from today until July to help local writers refine their skills.

Valley businesses AZ Chickens, Coop There It Iz, and Rent The Chicken now help local families try raising chickens for fresh eggs without full ownership.

Customers can rent ready birds, build custom coops in Mesa, or use a six-month trial—options that meet rising demand under new laws easing backyard farming—while owners report nearly nine times the usual interest.

Governor Katie Hobbs vetoed two bills on Tuesday, April 16th—one that would have required schools to share vaccine exemption details and another allowing college students to opt out of required immunizations—stating that existing communications already cover these exemptions.

Arizona regulators began a study into how expanding data centers are affecting the electric grid as Chair Kevin Thompson reviews whether current utility rate structures fairly cover the high energy use of these facilities, and critics argue that rising demands may shift more costs onto residential users—concerns that follow earlier rate hikes and forecasts of rapid growth. This review aims to balance economic opportunities with protecting ratepayers from higher energy bills.

Sunday Funday Big Patio Party

2-5 p.m. — Pedal Haus Biergarten — Free entry — Enjoy live music from Rhythm City Express in a spacious brewery setting.

Cactus Man Triathlon

6:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. — Tempe Beach Park — Registration fees applicable — Experience a day of athletic challenge and community spirit at this vibrant triathlon event.

Sturgill Simpson Concert

12-3 p.m. — Mesa Amphitheatre — Tickets starting at $160 — Catch Sturgill Simpson live in Mesa for an unforgettable musical experience.

One-Day Fascia Release Workshop

9 a.m.-4 p.m. — Eagles Community Center — No certification required — Explore hands-on techniques for fascia healing with expert Maria Alfieris.

Knights of the Abyss Live Show

6-10 p.m. — Nile Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the heavy sounds of Knights of the Abyss, a local deathcore band from Glendale.

CCN's Run to Fight Children's Cancer

6-7:30 a.m. — Riverview Park — Registration fee applies — Celebrate survivorship and honor those affected by childhood cancer at this community run.

Sunday Evening Recital by Miramar Ward Young Women

6:30-7:00 p.m. — Mesa Arizona Temple Visitors' Center — Free admission — Enjoy a variety of gospel-centered music performances by talented young women including piano, strings, vocals, and harp.

Parkinson’s Support Group (Mesa)

1:30-3:30 p.m. — Red Mountain Recreation Center — Free entry — Connect and share experiences in a supportive environment for Parkinson's patients and their care partners.

Mesa Networking Event

10:30-11:30 a.m. — The Summit at Sunland Springs Assisted Living — $25 drop-in fee — Connect with local entrepreneurs and business owners in a heart-centered community.

Enemies & Lovers: A Fantasy Book Event

12 PM – 11 PM — Mesa Convention Center — Ticketed event — Celebrate the enchanting world of fantasy tropes and meet authors at this immersive themed weekend.