Good morning, Chandler.

Hundreds of friends, family, and supporters gathered at a downtown Chandler restaurant on September 23 to celebrate what would have been Preston Lord’s 18th birthday.

Nick Lord, his father, took his turn in the dunk tank while Melissa Ciconte emceed and thanked guests for honoring Preston’s life.

Graveyard Shift Coffee lost its Mayo Clinic spot when a hospital said its name and logo were offensive—this loss removed a key business source for the coffee truck built to serve night shift hospital workers.

A Brookings Institution report finds that the Phoenix metro area is a star hub in artificial intelligence with strong firm data readiness and academic support—though low venture capital may slow the growth of new AI startups.

Chandler voters will decide on two City Charter amendments on November 4—one updating term limits for Council and Mayor and the other clarifying the City Manager's hiring and removal—while local council member Matt Orlando, who filed his mayoral candidacy for 2026, says the changes are meant to clear up ambiguities in local governance. The proposals aim to bring modern best practices to city administration and ensure transparent operations.

The westbound Loop 202 ramp to westbound I-10 near Chandler will be closed from 9 p.m. today until 9 p.m. Saturday for pavement maintenance, according to ADOT.

Drivers should plan detours using the Kyrene Road or 40th Street exit — using Chandler Boulevard to access westbound I-10.

Six student-athletes from Chandler Unified School District are taking part in the Messages of Hope campaign to raise awareness about teen suicide prevention in September (teen suicide prevention awareness month).

They join 40 teens from 24 schools statewide and have been urged by school mentors to share their struggles as support remains available through hotline numbers on student IDs and a local clinic.

Local Valley kid Hudson Tenuto is hosting his annual fundraiser to build autism awareness—he aims to complete 2,000 hits in batting practice by Oct.

11.

The chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has formed an advisory committee to bring NHL hockey back and named Andrea Doan to lead the effort, noting that past arena and ownership problems make the West Valley an unlikely home.

The committee will work to secure stable ownership and a new arena in downtown or the East Valley—steps seen as essential for the plan.

Grandparents Day Celebration

9 AM – 12 PM — Chandler Senior Center — Registration required — Bring your grandchildren for a joyful celebration dedicated to all the wonderful grandparents in our community.

Ledisi Sings Dinah Washington

7:30-9 p.m. — Chandler Center for the Arts — Tickets available via Ticketmaster — Experience the soulful sounds of Ledisi paying tribute to the legendary Dinah Washington.

Rocktoberfest

4:30-10 p.m. — Chandler Park — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate craft beer and live rock music at the inaugural Rocktoberfest festival.

Rocktoberfest Celebration

1-10 p.m. — Chandler Park — Early bird tickets available — Enjoy live music, craft beers, and fun competitions at Chandler's inaugural Rocktoberfest.

Javi Bailon Comedy Night

8:30-10:00 p.m. — Mic Drop Comedy — No refunds or exchanges — Get ready for a hilarious night with Javi Bailon!

Once Upon A Mic

7-10 p.m. — Mic Drop Comedy — Free entry — Enjoy mid-week eats and laughs while discovering emerging talent from the Phoenix comedy scene.

One Of These Nights: Tribute to the Eagles

8:00 – 9:30 p.m. — Gila River Resorts & Casinos - Wild Horse Pass — $39-$49 — Enjoy an engaging tribute to the legendary Eagles in an inviting venue.

Chandler Arizona Business Networking Event

11:30 a.m. — La Ristra New Mexican Kitchen — $25 drop-in fee — Network with entrepreneurs and influencers to build valuable business relationships.

The Machine - A Pink Floyd Laser Experience

7-9:30 p.m. — The Showroom At Gila River Hotels & Casinos — Tickets from $19 — Experience a mesmerizing Pink Floyd laser show performed by The Machine.

Live Show with Phan Duy Anh - Tung Yeu

8:00-9:30 p.m. — The Showroom At Gila River Hotels & Casinos — $70, $40 — Experience a vibrant live performance by Phan Duy Anh in an exciting casino venue.