Good morning, Mesa.

A free Halloween edition of Cockpit Close-Up will be held on Saturday, Oct.

25 from 8-11 a.m. at Falcon Field's historic World War II hangar at 4626 E. Fighter Aces Drive in Mesa—families in costume can trick-or-treat with Mesa departments and local businesses while viewing private aircraft presented by WOFF.

The national Wreaths Across America Remembrance Day will be held Dec.

13 at Mesa’s Mariposa Gardens Memorial on S. Power Road and at Mountain View Cemetery on E. Main St with ceremonies starting at 10 a.m. and wreath laying at 10:30 a.m. — the free event invites community members and youth volunteers to help sponsor wreaths for over 2,300 veteran graves.

Higley Unified officials broke down their spending of override funds at an Oct.14 presentation, showing that 34% went to teacher pay, 22% to elementary specials, 21% to keeping class sizes, 13% to special programs and kindergarten, and 10% to classroom resources—meeting state law.

The governing board will put a seven-year override extension on the Nov.4 ballot to avoid future cuts that would affect more than 80 jobs and key academic programs—if approved, the district’s tax rate remains at $1.28 per $100 with an average cost of $11.17 per month for homeowners.

Mesa Community College is expanding its Construction Trades Program at its Southern and Dobson Campus by redesigning learning spaces and creating a unique 1.5-acre laydown yard—Mesa Mayor Mark Freeman attended the grand opening.

The college is also growing its data center operations program and will add new courses in masonry, HVAC, and solar in the 2025-26 school year to help fill a local workforce shortage.

New data from the Arizona Department of Education shows most third- through eighth-grade students are failing standardized tests with only a 40% pass rate in English and 33% in math.

Education leaders blame funding cuts and delayed test results — and note that 21 Maricopa County school districts will ask voters in November to approve measures to boost school funding.

The Scottsdale Saguaros granted $250,000 to the Banner Health Foundation to support Banner Children’s Community Clinics in Mesa and Tolleson — sites that provide free exams and treatment — and the Children’s Healthmobile, which serves uninsured children in San Tan Valley and Maricopa neighborhoods.

Since COVID-19, more Arizonans have experienced POTS symptoms like a fast heartbeat and dizziness when standing; naturopath Schrand at Live Well Wellness Center advises people to stay hydrated, try acupuncture, and build strength with gentle exercise.

He explains that treatments such as IV fluids two or three times a week—especially in the heat—can help maintain blood pressure and ease daily symptoms.

Eastmark High School’s football team is advancing its winning season as head coach Jason Lyons builds a strong culture amid rapid growth in Queen Creek and Mesa — the Firebirds, which include grades 7 through 12, improved from a 5-5 record to 5-3 and are focused on reaching the playoffs. The program has grown quickly since opening three years ago, driven by the area’s rising population and new student talent.

Salsa PR - Pre Halloween Party

8:30-10:30 p.m. — Señor Sushi Mesa — Ticket purchase required — Enjoy a lively pre-Halloween celebration with the best of old school and contemporary Salsa music.

Mesa Networking Event

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. — The HUB Grill and Bar — $25 drop-in fee — A purposeful networking opportunity for entrepreneurs, business owners, and influencers seeking meaningful connections.

Jim Bob's Burger Pop-Up

All day — Worth Takeaway — Varied prices — Enjoy delicious burgers and unique merch all Halloween weekend!

Demun Jones Meet and Greet

6:00 – 6:30 p.m. — The Rosetta Room — Free autographed merch included — Hang out with Demun, snap a pic, and enjoy exclusive merchandise.

Mesa Networking Event

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. — The HUB Grill and Bar — $25 drop-in fee — Network with entrepreneurs to amplify your influence and grow your business.

TRSH Concert

6-9 p.m. — The Underground — Tickets starting at $70 — Experience an unforgettable event with TRSH performing live in Mesa.

Forward! To the Moon Planetarium Show

5-10 p.m. — Mesa Community College Planetarium — Reserved tickets required — Experience a captivating planetarium show exploring lunar adventures at Astronomy Night.

Mesa Night Market

4-9 p.m. — AZ International Marketplace — Free entry — Explore a vibrant showcase of local food and anime vendors at this diverse Asian food festival.

The Jins Live Performance

7-8:30 p.m. — The Underground — Tickets from $95 — Experience an unforgettable live music event with The Jins at The Underground in Mesa.

Dixon Dallas Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Rosetta Room — Ticket prices vary — Experience the captivating sounds of emerging country artist Dixon Dallas in an intimate setting.