The NAU Review — Robotics on the Navajo Nation + can we forecast the next pandemic?

Igniting a love of STEM in Tuba City

They say success is nothing without someone to share it with. That’s certainly true in Tuba City, a small community on the Navajo Nation: Whenever any of its citizens score a big win, the town always shows up to celebrate. That’s why, armed with $50,000 from the National Science Foundation, researchers at NAU’s Center for STEM Teaching and Learning aren’t just partnering with Tuba City educators to improve STEM learning opportunities. They’re also working with town leaders to brainstorm ways to celebrate the kids’ success, from public robotics challenges to parades.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — APS Pledges ‘Responsible Growth’

At the recent annual conference of the League of Arizona Cities & Towns, APS President and CEO Ted Geisler reaffirmed the utility’s commitment to protecting reliability and rates for current APS customers while serving new companies and industries investing in the state.

The APS Pledge for Responsible Energy Growth comes at a time of increasing demand for centers that service cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and other data-driven “extra-large customers.”

The pledge is built on three principals, Geisler said.

Crews assessing new damage following second flash flood event at Grand Canyon National Park

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Grand Canyon National Park crews are assessing damage after an additional flash flood moved through Bright Angel Canyon Wednesday afternoon, damaging temporary water infrastructure being constructed as part of the park’s ongoing recovery from the Aug. 29 flood. 

There were no reported injuries. With severe weather approaching and flash flood warnings in effect, the National Park Service had reduced the number of personnel working in the canyon. Crews remaining in the area were able to reach safety before the flood moved through. The affected area remains closed to public access. 

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Coconino County announces voter registration deadline is Oct. 5 for General Election

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — The voter registration deadline for the November 3, 2026 General Election is Monday, October 5, 2026.

“Registering to vote and participating in elections is an important civic right that ensures your voice is heard. Now is the time to check that your registration is up to date and that you are ready for the upcoming General Election,” County Recorder Aubrey Sonderegger said.

To register to vote, an individual must be a U.S. citizen, 18 years old by Election Day, reside within Coconino County and have no felony convictions, unless civil rights have been restored.

Grand Canyon Community Update – Sep. 15, 2026

Efforts to restore the park’s water supply are advancing at the delta, where contractors used excavators to establish the footprint for the new water intake project. A wastewater treatment operator was also brought to Phantom Ranch to test the wastewater treatment plant as crews prepare to return the system to limited service. 

On the South Rim, the water treatment plant contractor is preparing to begin startup and testing once the new delta intake is able to provide raw water to the plant. The contractor is coordinating closely with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality as testing and the process to return the plant to service move forward. 

Coconino County — Voter registration deadline is Oct. 5 for General Election

“Registering to vote and participating in elections is an important civic right that ensures your voice is heard. Now is the time to check that your registration is up to date and that you are ready for the upcoming General Election,” County Recorder Aubrey Sonderegger said.

To register to vote, an individual must be a U.S. citizen, 18 years old by Election Day, reside within Coconino County and have no felony convictions, unless civil rights have been restored.

Coconino National Forest firewood permits now available online

FLAGSTAFF — Coconino National Forest firewood permits are now available online via the Forest Service’s new e-permit system at https://epermits.fs2c.usda.gov/

Permittees must possess a printed physical permit while harvesting and transporting products. The permit does not need to be attached to the load or displayed on a vehicle dashboard.

Load tags will not be issued with online permits. Collection is limited to dead and down materials only, and permits are only valid for the specific forest they are purchased for.

Choose your next creative adventure at Sedona Arts Center

Whether you’re exploring a new passion or building on years of experience, Sedona Arts Center offers inspiring classes and workshops for every skill level. Learn from working artists in a welcoming, hands-on environment while exploring painting, ceramics, jewelry, stained glass, photography, mixed media, and more.

Join us in the heart of Sedona and discover where creativity can take you.

The NAU review — Level up in 2026-27: get care on campus, become a Teams power user + more

ew year, healthier you

Campus Health Services isn’t just for students—it’s also for faculty and staff! Now is a great time to establish care at CHS, whether you’re looking to schedule annual physicals and immunizations, renew your prescriptions, explore preventive health resources or even access urgent care.

Oak Creek temporary closure lifts this week

SEDONA — The temporary closure of Oak Creek that has been ongoing since July will be lifted on Thursday (Sep. 17, 2026), allowing for the public to access the creek and nearly all recreation sites along Oak Creek.

Under a new forest order, the West Fork watershed, its trail, and Call of the Canyon will remain closed until Oct. 1, 2026, since that specific watershed had a higher percentage of fire damage and still poses a higher flooding risk.

Oak Creek has been closed to the public since the start of the Pocket Fire in June and remained closed after the fire danger was gone, out of an abundance of caution prior to monsoon so that if any flash flooding occurred no one would be injured or caught in it.

Flagstaff Festival of Science — Register early

In just under two weeks, the Flagstaff Festival of Science kicks off!

And the best part? All Festival events are FREE! 

While most events are open to everyone, some do require advance registration. We don’t want you to miss out on something you’re excited about because registration filled up—or because you didn’t know you needed to sign up ahead of time!

There are 32 events that require advance registration, from a full moon hike in Picture Canyon to tagging a Monarch butterfly and more.

We’ve highlighted a small sampling of these events below, so take a look, find something that catches your curiosity, and register early!

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Sept. 7-11, 2026

South Rim Water Update — September 11, 2026 

The August 29 flash flood caused extensive damage to water infrastructure in Bright Angel Canyon, including portions of the Transcanyon Waterline and the Bright Angel Creek intake. The South Rim remains under Stage 4 water restrictions and is relying on stored water while crews conduct repairs and advance temporary water-supply solutions. We know this has required significant adjustments in homes, workplaces and park operations, and we are deeply grateful to every resident, employee, business, partner and visitor who has helped conserve water during this difficult time. 

U.S. Forest Service, Arizona sign agreement to restore forests, protect watersheds, and support rural economies

WILLIAMS — The Kaibab National Forest and the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) are partnering to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health on nearly 14,000 acres of National Forest lands in northern Arizona. Through a new Good Neighbor Agreement (GNA), DFFM will administer forest restoration activities that help protect communities, strengthen water security for millions of Arizonans, conserve natural resources, and support the state’s forest products industry and rural economies.

City of Flagstaff Housing Commission needs applicants for 5 upcoming vacancies!

FLAGSTAFF — THe City of Flagstaff Housing Division’s recruitment for 5 seats on the Housing Commission, including 3 community resident seats. Applications can be found at this link and are due September 23.

Want to help shape housing in Flagstaff?

The Housing Commission advises City Council on housing policies, needs, and programs in our community. The City of Flagstaff Housing Division is seeking Flagstaff residents (within City limits) with experience in building, real estate, development, or community issues.

Tynkertopia holding 8th Birthday Bash on Sept. 19

Tynkertopia Logo

You’re invited to Tynkertopia’s
8th Birthday Bash!
We’re so excited to celebrate 8 years of Tynkertopia! Come join us for hands-on STEAM activities, outdoor games, cake, snacks, and drinks!
We’ll be partying from 2 to 4PM on Saturday, September 19th at Tynkertopia!
3330 Elder Dr, Flagstaff AZ 86004

See you there!

Coconino Center for the Arts — Don’t Miss the Opportunity to Savor the Night Sky (Sept. 27): Reservations Close (Sept. 15)

Set within the galleries and theater at Coconino Center for the Arts, NightVisions: Savor the Night Sky is a constellation of a chef-curated dinner, live music & dancing, musical theater, and stargazing.

Featuring:
Amber Hour social with cash bar celestial cocktails & mocktails
Harvest Moon Dinner served within the NightVisions: AMBER gallery exhibition. Catered by SOSTA, inspired by the texture and flavors of an autumn evening around the open fire.
Moonlit Melodies by Stargazer Collaborative Theater
Stargazing guided telescope experience by Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition
…and more!

Community celebrates with dance and musical performances during the unofficial Latino Entertainment Day at 2026 Coconino County Fair

FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County officials celebrated another successful County Fair with the local Hispanic community turning out for a variety of Latino-themed performances on Sept. 6 at the 77th annual Coconino County Fair.

“Thousands turned out to Get Your Kicks and Fair Fix at Fort Tuthill County Park this Labor Day weekend!” County officials stated. “Thank you to our incredible community, local businesses, and everyone who came together to make the 77th Annual Coconino County Fair one to remember. We hope to see you again next year!”

Entertainment on Sunday at the Main Stage included the morning dance performances by Ballet Folklorico de Colores — Flagstaff, the afternoon performance by Banda La Excepcional and the evening concert by Grupo La Kana. 

Flagstaff joins other cities in commemorated the 25th anniversary of 9/11

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff commemorated the 25th anniversary of 9/11 with a ceremony during the early morning hours of Friday, Sept. 11, 2026.

“Today, we remember and honor the heroes of September 11, 2001, who showed incredible bravery and sacrifice. Flagstaff stands united in reflection, paying tribute to the lives lost and the resilience of our nation,” the city stated on its Facebook page.

The event included the presentation of the Colors and the display of hundreds of flags. The 9/11 Flag Memorial Field honors the 2,977 people who lost their lives on 9/11/2001. 

Election Watch — AmigosNAZ weekly update— Tracking Your Ballot

PHOENIX – Secretary of State Adrian Fontes (on July 2, 2026) has launched a statewide PSA campaign reminding Arizona that voters in all 15 counties have the ability to sign up for BallotTrax, the real-time ballot status update system. In tandem, the Secretary has also launched a redesigned Arizona.Vote website, providing voters with an updated, user-friendly destination for official election information and voter services.

Discover Flagstaff — FALL-PAW-LOOZA Flagstaff Mall on Sept. 12, more events

FALL-PAW-LOOZA
Flagstaff Mall
Join us for an exciting time at the FALL-PAW-LOOZA to support Shadows Foundation and their new adoption network, R-FAN!

Food, Bar, Games, Giveaways, Vendors, Cornhole Tournament, K9 Demonstration, Pet Adoptions, Live Music, Kids Crafts Hosted by Flagstaff Walmart Locations, and More!

Shadows Foundation R-FAN will have puppies available for adoption from 2-5pm!

City of Flagstaff — Flagstaff minimum wage $19 per hour starting Jan. 1, 2027

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz — On January 1, 2027, the minimum wage in the City of Flagstaff will increase from $18.35 to $19.00 per hour for all workers.

On November 8, 2016 the voters of Flagstaff wrote and passed The Minimum Wage Act as a citizen’s initiative (Proposition 414). Accordingly, the City’s minimum wage is adjusted annually by the change in the cost of living.

Coconino County presents 22nd Annual Sustainable Building Tour on Oct. 3

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County’s Sustainable Building Program invites the community to explore innovative, resilient living at the 22nd Annual Sustainable Building Tour on Saturday, October 3.

Presented as part of the Flagstaff Festival of Science, this year’s free event features a dual-track tour showcasing practical, inspiring strategies for building and living sustainably across northern Arizona. Attendees can choose between two distinct experiences, or explore both:

Kaibab National Forest to begin fall prescribed fires

WILLIAMS — Kaibab National Forest is planning prescribed fire operations this month, beginning with Moonset Pit as soon as September 20, pending all required approvals. We estimate this work to continue through October as weather conditions allow. We use prescribed fires to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires.

There are numerous project areas across the forest in which crews may be working, including some in the Red Lake and Spring Valley areas, southeast of the Town of Tusayan, and the Jacob Lake and Demotte areas. Visit InciWeb for details and maps of planned burn areas.

Museum of Northern Arizona — Don’t Miss This Special Artist Conversation at MNA on Sept. 13

Join us Sunday, September 13 at 1pm, to hear from two renowned artists sharing stories and reflections on Artist Hopid. Neil David Sr. and Ed Kabotie’s father, Michael Kabotie, were two of the founding members of Artist Hopid, a groundbreaking collective founded in 1973 by five visionary Hopi artists: Michael Kabotie, Delbridge Honanie, Terrance Talaswaima, Neil David Sr., and Milland Lomakema.

Coconino County Parks & Recreation — Discover Summer Adventures with Our September 2026 Newsletter

The 77th Annual Coconino County Fair was a great success!

Thousands turned out to Get Your Kicks and Fair Fix at Fort Tuthill County Park this Labor Day weekend! Thank you to our incredible community, local businesses, and everyone who came together to make the 77th Annual Coconino County Fair one to remember. We hope to see you again next year!