Good morning, Mesa.

Arizona has one of the highest pedestrian death rates and cities across the Valley are installing HAWK signals—devices that flash yellow then solid red—to improve crosswalk safety.

Officials say proper training for drivers and pedestrians is needed so everyone knows how to react when these signals activate.

On April 23, Cyclic Materials invested over $20 million in its first Mesa facility to build a circular supply chain for rare earth elements and other critical materials — the move aims to boost local recycling efforts.

Independent Bookstore Day is set for April 26 and will see over 1,600 independent booksellers host events like author sessions plus pop-up shops across the valley.

Mesa readers can also visit Beyond Words Bookshop, a pop-up run by a Mesa teacher, for a local book celebration.

Gold Canyon resident and retired Mesa teacher Betty Mermelstein had three poems — 'Displayed,' 'Ignoring Beauty,' and 'Let the Sun Rise' — published in the Spring issue of The Blue Guitar Magazine, a project of The Arizona Consortium for the Arts.

Families interested in early enrollment for preK-6 will visit ASU Prep Polytechnic STEM Academy in Mesa on April 30 with tours at 10:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m., and the school invites families to explore enrollment options for the 2025-26 academic year.

ASU Prep Polytechnic STEM High School is inviting families to tour the campus to learn about early enrollment for the 2025-26 academic year — tours will be held on April 29 at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m.

The Arizona Department of Transportation announced that the eastbound lanes of I-10 near Chandler and Tempe will be closed today from 10 p.m. until Monday at 4 a.m. for pavement marking work — drivers should use Loop 202 or US 60 ramps to access I-10.

The governor signed HB 2945 today to fund emergency services for people with developmental disabilities and prevent home care cuts while setting a 40-hour weekly limit for parents.

The bill passed the legislature with strong bipartisan support (48–11–1 in the House and 28–1–1 in the Senate) and is now in effect.

Yesterday the Arizona Cardinals drafted Ole Miss defensive lineman Walter Nolen with the 16th overall pick in the NFL Draft — he joins a strong defensive line while the team holds six picks and will make its next selection on Friday.

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.