Good morning, Mesa.

In Metro Phoenix, gas prices increased by 50 cents per gallon in the last month and now hover at nearly $3.90 for regular unleaded—AAA cited a refinery shutdown and required blend changes as factors driving the rise.

Counties sourcing gas from out-of-state averages are lower as these supply issues continue to impact the Valley.

A Mesa-based biotechnology firm donated $2.2 million to ASU business school to fund a new learning lab—BioLab Sales and Innovation Lab—that will give students opportunities to work with sales organizations and compete in pitch events.

The donation was led by ASU graduates Jaime Leija and Bob Maguire.

The Arizona Teacher Registered Apprenticeship Program (AZTRAP) will let future educators gain classroom experience and earn at least $20 an hour as they work toward certification, with a one-year apprenticeship for those with a bachelor's degree and a four-year program for high school graduates. The program will be piloted in 2025-26 with $1.5M from the Maricopa County Workforce Development Board to help address a teacher shortage.

Ted Cooke, a longtime Arizona water manager, withdrew his nomination to lead the Bureau of Reclamation amid concerns from Upper Basin states that he might favor Lower Basin interests—leaving the agency without a permanent leader as officials work to resolve Colorado River water-sharing disputes.

Research fellow Rob Meade conducted a heat chamber experiment at the University of Ottawa — test subjects reached a core temperature near 103°F when exposed to about 89°F, showing that the body stops cooling itself at lower temperatures than once thought.

He plans to study how long-term heat exposure affects people in hot, dry areas like Phoenix as global temperatures continue to rise.

Carla Well-Knight, a 70-year-old Mesa resident receiving hospice care, earned floor seats to see Nine Inch Nails at PHX Arena through AARP's Wish of a Lifetime program—her kind actions in helping neighbors spurred the concert experience as she battles breast cancer.

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.