Good morning, Mesa.

Stewart Title is hosting an open house & Acoustic Nites fundraiser for Fest in the Hills that will feature live music, an auction, food, drinks & dancing.

Arizona Superintendent Tom Horne said schools should use the AI tutoring app Khanmigo to help teachers give students one-on-one support without replacing them—he noted the cost is about $15 per child per year for 160,000 Title 1 students.

This approach, he said, uses the Socratic method to guide students to answers and improve learning outcomes.

More than 80 community members spoke at a Kyrene School District board meeting about possible school closures prompted by a forecast drop in enrollment and a $7 million funding loss.

Superintendent Laura Toenjes said the board will hold more hearings — the district needs to address empty classrooms and stretched resources before making a final decision.

Canyon Lake east of Mesa will be closed for 16 weeks as Tonto National Forest, Salt River Project, and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation lower the water level by 54 feet—this routine 20-year safety inspection lets experts reach underwater equipment while keeping water delivery steady.

Arizona prison officials admitted they released prisoner David Cramer two decades early in June because of fraudulent court filings by his family (the mistake led to his re-arrest in August).

State agencies and the Attorney General’s Office are investigating the error and improving review processes to prevent a repeat in the future.

Country & Latin Dance Party

4-7 p.m. — Creative Dance Collective — $20 CLASS + PARTY | $10 PARTY ONLY — Dance the afternoon away with social favorites like Salsa, Two-step, and more.

Book Signing with Emily Chavez

6:30-8 p.m. — Half Price Books — Ticket includes book purchase — Meet Crochet or Cry creator Emily Chavez and get your copy of Spooky Tapestry Crochet signed.

Mesa Networking Event

11:30 a.m. — The HUB Grill and Bar — $25 drop-in donation after two visits — A vibrant community gathering for entrepreneurs and influencers to forge impactful connections.

Prayers Concert

5-8 p.m. — The Rosetta Room — Tickets available via Ticketmaster — Experience an evening of energetic music with Prayers.

Fall Fest Presented By PS I Love AZ

10 AM – 4 PM — Arizona Athletic Grounds — Entrance fee with parking options — Kick off the fall season with over 150 local vendors and live entertainment.

Sunday Evening Recital with Jessica Taylor and Daughters

6:30-7:00 p.m. — Mesa Arizona Temple Visitors' Center — Free entry — Enjoy uplifting gospel music performed by the talented Taylor family.

Mesa Networking Event

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. — The HUB Grill and Bar — $25 drop-in fee after two visits — A community gathering for entrepreneurs, business owners, and influencers seeking to expand their networks and grow their businesses.

Twilight in Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Ikeda Theater — Cost info not provided — Experience the beloved film Twilight with live musical accompaniment for a night of unforgettable nostalgia.

Sunday Evening Recital with the Applegate Family

6:30-7 p.m. — Mesa Arizona Temple Visitors' Center — Free entry — Experience gospel-centered music featuring vocal and instrumental performances by the Applegate family.

Between The Buried And Me Concert

6-9 p.m. — The Nile Coffee Shop — Ticket prices vary — Experience the intricate sounds of a progressive metal band in a historic venue.