Click below for the latest news updates from the:
Office of U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego
Category: Commentary
Get the latest news updates from U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) including ‘ICYMI: Kelly Warns Trump Is Sending Americans into Harm’s Way Without a Plan or Goal’
Get the latest news updates from Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes including ‘Attorney General Mayes Sues Trump Administration to Stop Latest Round of Illegal Tariffs’
Click below for the latest news updates from the:
Office Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes
The NAU Review — Using existing tools to boost student success
Across Arizona, public educators know how to help their students succeed, but they often think they can’t make meaningful change without permission from the state. Permission Granted, a new tool co-developed by NAU’s Arizona Institute for Education and the Economy, aims to show schools there’s more flexibility than they think—and they can use it to their advantage to adjust bell schedules, launch career-readiness initiatives and more.
The Flagstaff Festival of Science announces ‘Driven by Curiosity’
The Flagstaff Festival of Science proudly announces its 2026 theme, “Driven by Curiosity,” celebrating the exploration and innovation that propel discovery and shape our world. The 10-day festival will run September 25 – October 4, 2026, bringing together scientists, educators, students, and lifelong learners for engaging programs across Flagstaff and beyond.
The Festival will open on September 25 with the W. L. Gore & Associates Keynote Presentation in NAU’s Ardrey Auditorium by technology leader Kirk Dunsavage, whose talk explores the intersection of science, engineering, and the human spirit of exploration.
The NAU Review — March agenda: Learn to write, make a delicious treat + sign your kids up for summer camp
From first cue to final bow, Jacks take the lead
Students in NAU’s theater program don’t just perform—they also produce. Every theater production runs entirely on student power, with Lumberjacks stepping into the spotlight, building sets, programming lights, mixing sound, patching costumes, promoting shows and managing the chaos. It’s all about teamwork, community and hands-on learning.
Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) Flagstaff Community Forum to be held 5-7p.m. Feb. 25
Meet concerned, like-minded neighbors who care deeply about creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive community for everyone. Learn about the progressive organizations working locally to strengthen Flagstaff, protect civil rights, and promote equity.
You’ll also hear from City Council candidates Patty Hansen and Austin Aslan about their vision, priorities, and commitment to thoughtful, community-centered leadership.
Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library Weekly Newsletter 2/9/2026: Check It Out!
Coconino County Parks & Recreation — Recreation Catalog, See What’s New
Recreation Program Catalog
The 2026 Recreation Program Catalog (January – June) is now online! Register for upcoming programs and sessions. There are various classes listed including beginner and intermediate archery clinics, culinary classes, disc golf clinics, and the popular youth summer camp, Fun at the Fort.
City of Flagstaff Beautification – Arts & Sciences news and opportunities
The City of Flagstaff announces a public art opportunity for artists, graphic designers, and illustrators to create a design for the Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library Bookmobile. This project is an opportunity to enhance the visual landscape by using the bookmobile as a canvas for meaningful and relevant visual expression. Artists are encouraged to use a variety of media, including digital imagery, painting, drawing, photography, collage, etc. to develop their proposed designs that will be transferred to vinyl wraps. The artist whose design proposal is chosen will each receive a payment of $4,000.
Application Deadline: February 24, 2026, 5:00 pm (Arizona Time)
Coconino Center for the Arts — NightVisions: AMBER Call for Entry and Other Opportunities
NightVisions: AMBER is an international juried art exhibition that seeks to explore and celebrate our deep connections with the night. In its 9th iteration for 2026, this long-standing collaboration between Coconino Center for the Arts and the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition celebrates the 25th anniversary of Flagstaff’s designation as the world’s first International Dark Sky City. This special anniversary-year exhibition expands upon the established NightVisions: Cultural Interpretations of the Night Sky concept with a focused thematic exploration of amber lighting, aligning with the critical role that amber spectrum lighting plays in Flagstaff’s dark-sky conservation.
The NAU Review — The future of nursing in Arizona + a new film partnership
In Arizona, Native Americans represent 5.3% of the population but just 1.1% of registered nurses. Charmaine Begay is determined to change that. A first-generation student from Crystal, New Mexico, Begay is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in nursing through NAU’s American Indian Nursing Program and helping shape a future in which Indigenous communities get care from providers who understand their culture and values.
Culture Connection AZ welcomes you to 2026. Call to Artists open now for ‘Resilience Revisited’
CALL TO ARTISTS — Culture Connection AZ is hosting an exhibition during the month of March in honor of Women’s History Month. Titled Resilience Revisited: The Women Continuing the Legacy, the exhibition will honor both the experiences of women in Northern Arizona, and specific women who have carried on the legacy of the groundbreaking women honored in the original Resilience exhibition.
INDIVISIBLE reports No Kings coalition to hold ‘Eyes on ICE: Document and Record’ virtual training on Jan. 26
On Saturday, federal agents horrifically shot and killed 37-year-old Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse who cared for veterans, in the Eat Street neighborhood of south Minneapolis after brutally beating him in front of witnesses.
Enough is enough. Exercising our Constitutional right to document and record ICE and other federal agents is more important than ever.
This call will give you the tools to exercise your rights in a moment when federal agents are terrorizing our communities and using excessive force.
Coconino County Planning and Zoning Department updates Winter 2026
Happy New Year!
Thank you for staying connected and engaged with planning projects and information in Coconino County! Planning helps to guide the future of our communities. In this newsletter the Planning and Zoning Department has two important updates to share:
Indivisible Northern Arizona announces ‘Ice Out For Good’ rapid response protest on Jan. 23 at Flagstaff City Hall. See national reports
FLAGSTAFF — On Wednesday, January 7th, an American citizen was killed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This killing is part of a broader pattern of unchecked violence, impunity, and abuse carried out by federal immigration enforcement agencies against members of our communities.
A broad coalition of groups across the country is calling for coordinated Ice Out For Good actions on Friday, January 23rd in solidarity with Minnesota, and to demand accountability, honor the life lost, and make visible the human cost of ICE’s actions.
Click here for a link to details about the event.
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: January 12-16, 2026
Waterline Repairs Continue After Multiple Failures in the Inner Canyon
This week, a series of three pipeline breaks along the North Kaibab Trail has temporarily disrupted water service in the inner canyon. Two of the breaks occurred within 50 feet of each other just north of the Box, with a third near the Xanterra mule corral at Phantom Ranch.
United Way of Northern Arizona — What Happens When We Listen to Youth
When we listen to youth, powerful things happen.
That’s why one of the core commitments of your United Way of Northern Arizona is bringing our community together around programs and projects that provide local youth with the opportunity to achieve their full potential.
I’m excited to share two items that will make a difference to teens this winter. The first is the grand opening of The Bijou Teen Center in Holbrook, a project for youth by youth that has been several years in the making.
The NAU Review — Gearing Lumberjacks up for life after college
A day in the life
After a long pause, HRM’s Job Shadow Program is back, immersing students in the nonstop rhythm of hotel and restaurant operations. During the winter break, students stepped into industrial kitchens, executive offices and behind front desks to witness how hospitality comes to life.
The NAU Review — Be part of the change
Change starts with you
You don’t need special skills to make a difference; all you need is the willingness to help. The volunteers at the Flagstaff Family Food Center have been helping change people’s lives for 34 years, distributing more than 7.4 million pounds of food to the northern Arizona community last year alone. In this month’s volunteer video highlight, see how you can be part of the change.
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: January 5-9, 2026
Winter Emergency Notification Reminder
As of this writing, Desert View Drive and Hermit Road have CLOSED due to hazardous road conditions. Road closure information is always available by calling the park’s Road Line at 928-638-7496 (please, do not call Dispatch). As winter weather returns, residents are also encouraged to sign up for emergency notifications.
Grand Canyon NPS Everbridge alerts are a great way to receive real-time updates about power outages, road closures, weather-related events, and other emergency situations.
You can decide how you would like to receive notifications, whether this is through text, email, or by phone call. Sign up now by following this link.
Theatrikos Theatre Co. — Meet the cast of Route 66 to the Grand Canyon!
The road stretches wide.
The laughter is warming up.
And the full company of Route 66 to the Grand Canyon has officially taken shape.
Commissioned to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Route 66, this world premiere production is a fast paced, family friendly comedy that brings the Mother Road to life through zany humor, audience interaction, and heartfelt storytelling. It is infused with the legendary spirit of Northern Arizona.
Coconino Center for the Arts — January concerts & more
Saturday, Jan 31, 7:30 pm
Jake Allen has toured globally, is endorsed by Takamine Guitars, and has shared stages with guitar legends such as Andy McKee and Mike Dawes. As a solo artist, Allen utilizes impeccably timed live looping to create a captivating one-man show, with his hypnotic command of the guitar bringing every inch of the instrument to life.
Ryan David Green has been called “a full blown shredder” by Acoustic Guitar Magazine. A graduate of Boston’s prestigious Berklee College of Music, his instrumental “Time Is Not What You Think It Is” was awarded 1st place in the 2024 American Songwriter Song Contest and his original compositions have received numerous film and TV placements, including shows on E!, Lifetime, and ABC Family/Freeform.
Creative Opportunities at Sedona Arts Center
Next Steps in Stained Glass Techniques: Copper Foil Overlay
with Sonja London-Hall
January 24–25, 2026
Native Americans for Community Action (NACA) Jan. – Feb. 2026 E-Newsletter
The NAU Review — Happy new year! What’s new in science, hospitality & health
Meet Earth’s biggest sodium seekers
While it’s easy for us humans to get plenty of sodium in our diets, some of the world’s largest land animals have access to a pinch too little. A new study from NAU researchers showed that elephants, rhinos, giraffes and other large plant-eaters can only get enough salt in a few specific areas of the world, limiting their population growth.
United Way of Northern Arizona — You’re Invited! Bijou Grand Opening January 9th
We are excited to announce the Grand Opening of the Bijou Teen Center in Holbrook on January 9th. More than two years in the making, this center is a shining example of what our community can achieve through collaboration.
The seeds for the teen center were planted back in 2023, when a youth-led mental health survey of northeast Arizona teens revealed a strong desire for a safe, inclusive space they could call their own. Multiple partners then worked together to transform that dream into a reality.
April 1 — Culture Connection AZ to hold Grand Opening Trivia Extravaganza fundraiser
United Way of Northern Arizona — Join Us & Have Your Giving Go Further in NAZ
As we approach the end of the year, we wanted to share a snapshot of what’s been happening at United Way of Northern Arizona — and invite you to be part of what comes next.
In 2025, our community came together in powerful ways to support children, families, and individuals across Coconino, Navajo, and Apache counties. Through collaboration with nonprofit partners, educators, service providers, and caring neighbors, we made meaningful progress on some of the challenges facing northern Arizona.
Flagstaff Festival of Science — Your Year End Donation – Matched!
Season’s Greetings!
As we wrap up 2025, we reflect with deep gratitude on the 36-year journey of the Flagstaff Festival of Science and the many lives changed because of supporters like you.
Each year, the Festival shines a spotlight on the incredible research, innovation, and discovery happening right here in our community. Through more than 100 free events—lectures, field trips, hands-on activities, and school programs—we connect people of all ages to the excitement of science.
Coconino County Center for the Arts — Your Year-End Donation is needed now to support youth arts
Dear Friends,
There’s still time for a year-end donation to ensure arts engagement for youth at Coconino Center for the Arts.
Creative Flagstaff has been awarded a $15k grant from the Robert Lehman Foundation toward our $30k initiative to expand educational programs and build permanent infrastructure for youth access to the visual arts at CCA, which includes:
Sedona Arts Center — Learn something new. Make something beautiful
Check out our 2026 Catalog of Workshops and Classes now online…
Discover hands-on workshops in painting, ceramics, photography, jewelry, and more. Whether you’re just beginning or expanding your skills, Sedona Arts Center offers a welcoming place to grow creatively.
United Way of Northern Arizona — Holiday Wishes
All of us at United Way of Northern Arizona wish you and your loved ones a joyful and peaceful holiday season. May this time be filled with meaningful moments, safe travels, and time spent with the people who matter most.
We are deeply grateful for your continued support and partnership. Together, we will keep strengthening our communities and creating opportunities for youth, families, and neighbors across Coconino, Navajo, and Apache counties in 2026 and beyond.
Happy Holidays and best wishes for the New Year!
Liz Archuleta and the UWNA Team
Gina Santi Photography — Image of the Month – December 2025
Stonehenge is a world-famous prehistoric monument in Wiltshire, England, built around 5,000 years ago, which features strategically arranged standing massive stones in a circular pattern. On the winter solstice, December 21, the sun sets to the southwest, aligning without a glitch with the central axis of the monument, indicating the arrival of the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library Weekly Happenings 12/22/25
Office of Indian Education — Biweekly Communication – Last one of 2025!
This special section highlights the outstanding achievements of Arizona teachers and schools in 2025. These accomplishments reflect not only individual talent but also the collaborative spirit that drives educational success across schools and classrooms serving Native American students. (Note: This is not an exhaustive list and is presented in no particular order. Some achievements may be missing due to reporting timelines or limited availability of information.)
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Dec. 15-19, 2025
Lodging Reopens as Transcanyon Waterline Work Continues
As 2025 comes to a close, overnight lodging on the South Rim has resumed and some water restrictions have eased. This progress comes after park water utility crews successfully completed complex repairs to the existing pipeline and resumed pumping water without identifying additional breaks.
Hotels operated by Xanterra—including El Tovar, Bright Angel Lodge, and Maswik Lodge—as well as Delaware North’s Yavapai Lodge and Trailer Village, are now welcoming overnight guests, with reservations open. While water storage is improving, the park will continue operating under enhanced water conservation measures until storage tanks reach adequate capacity. Dry camping remains in effect, campground spigots are still turned off, and fire restrictions continue across the South Rim and inner canyon.
United Way of Northern Arizona — Turn your Arizona taxes into local impact
This holiday season, I wanted to take a moment to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our community. Your partnership, collaborative spirit, and generosity are what make northern Arizona so special and why we make this region our home.
I’d also like to invite you to consider a gift to United Way of Northern Arizona that will not only help support our youth and families but also give you a break on your taxes.
There are many ways to give and each has its benefits.
Flagstaff Festival of Science — Your Support Opens Doors to Discovery!
View online Did you know the Flagstaff Festival of Science is the longest-running, entirely free science festival in the world? Fondly known as the Best 10 Days of the Year, it’s made possible by donors who believe science should be…
Sedona Arts Center — Happy Holidays From our Family to Yours
As the year comes to a close, all of us at Sedona Arts Center want to say thank you. Your support—whether through attending exhibitions, taking classes, supporting our artists, or simply believing in the importance of creative expression—makes this place…
United Way of Northern Arizona — Meet the People Driving This Year’s Campaign
Workplace fundraising is truly the beating heart of our Annual Campaigns, and they simply wouldn’t be possible without the incredible dedication of Workplace Campaign Coordinators.
These champions inspire their colleagues, organize creative events, and help share the message of what it means to Live United.
From the government and education sector to businesses of all sizes, their leadership ensures that our community continues to come together to support youth opportunity, healthy communities, and meeting the basic needs of our neighbors in Coconino, Navajo, and Apache counties.
Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Working to Streamline Development in Flagstaff
For the past four years, the city of Flagstaff has been leading transformative work in an attempt to address two City Council-declared emergencies: the critical need for approximately 8,000 more housing units by 2031, while also striving to achieve carbon neutrality by the end of this decade.
Much of the work to address these issues is coming out of the city’s Planning and Development Services Division, led by Director Michelle McNulty in partnership with the Housing and Sustainability Divisions.
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Dec. 8-12, 2025
Good news—Phantom Ranch (reopened Dec. 11)! Crews repaired the damaged section of the Transcanyon Waterline and began pumping water again on December 8. South Rim water tanks are slowly refilling, and if that progress continues, we expect to reopen South Rim lodges in the near future.
All existing water and fire restrictions remain in effect. This includes:
• No overnight lodging inside the park
• Dry camping only (no spigot access at Mather Campground)
• No outdoor wood or charcoal fires
• Continued conservation measures for residents and employees
Give the Gift of Coconino Center for the Arts
Give the Gift of CCA This Holiday Season
This year, share the joy of creativity, connection, and community. Whether you’re celebrating a loved one or treating yourself, gifts from Coconino Center for the Arts last far beyond the season. Because the gift of celebrating the arts gives all year long.
Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — Council vote on the renewal of controversial Flock camera contract on Dec. 16
F3 believes that there are too many concerns and questions at this time for the City Council, in good faith, to approve an amended contract with Flock. There is ample evidence around the country of misuse of the data and extremely lax security measures to protect people’s privacy. We will be urging the City Council, as we did prior to the Flock discussion in October, to stand against this type of surveillance, cancel the contract with Flock and remove all cameras leased by the city. Please read our summary of the issue below and consider writing or speaking to the council in opposition.
The NAU Review — Special commencement edition
More than 2,600 students graduate in two ceremonies at the Skydome on Friday. Read on for everything you need to know, including parking and traffic patterns and how to get up-to-the-minute updates.
Flagstaff STEM City publishes December 2025 Newsletter
We’re excited to bring you the latest highlights, updates, and opportunities from across our vibrant STEM community. Each month, you’ll receive a newsletter that celebrates local innovation, showcases upcoming events, and connects Flagstaff to the broader national STEM landscape.
From hands-on activities and inspiring student projects to professional development and community partnerships, our goal is to keep you informed and engaged in the many ways STEM continues to shape our schools, city, and future.
Thank you for being part of our mission to make Flagstaff a hub for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Together, we’re building curiosity, creativity, and opportunity for learners of all ages.
Museum of Northern Arizona — Give the Gift of Discovery!
Many of you have already given to MNA’s year-end matching campaign – thank you! Your support is critical to sustaining MNA’s mission, and for that we are very grateful.
If you haven’t yet made a year-end gift to MNA, there’s never been a better time. Your donation before December 31 will be doubled through a matching fund created by a group of generous anonymous donors.
A gift to MNA is an investment in learning and discovery. Your generosity supports our many programs and exhibitions for visitors of all ages, connecting them to the art, science, and culture of the Colorado Plateau region.
NAU Review — How one Lumberjack travels the world for work
Making medicine better for all
As an undergraduate at NAU, Ashley Martinez took a chance and reached out to a faculty member who looked like her. A few years later, she’s thriving as a graduate researcher whose work could contribute to more effective and sustainable drugs, better vaccines and more. Martinez’s work continues thanks to the National Science Foundation’s Graduate Research Fellowship Program, one of the most prestigious awards in the nation.
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: December 1-5, 2025
South Rim Water Update – December 2, 2025
Grand Canyon National Park continues to address the significant breaks along the Transcanyon Waterline (TCWL). As announced, additional water restrictions and a temporary suspension of overnight guest lodging on the South Rim will begin Saturday, December 6.
This short-term measure will help conserve limited water supplies while repairs continue. The park remains open for day use, and overnight lodging in Tusayan and other gateway communities is unaffected.
Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — Thank You For Your Support on Giving Tuesday
Thank you for your support on Giving Tuesday!
If you missed us on Tuesday, you can still support our work through the end of the year by becoming a member/renewing your membership, purchasing gifting memberships for friends and family, or giving an end-of-year donation.
We are actively growing our membership with a goal of 500 members. Our collective voices carry more weight with decision-makers, leading to greater influence as we advocate for a livable Flagstaff.
Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra announces upcoming events
Join Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra and NAU’s Community Dance Academy this weekend, December 5 and 6, for The Nutcracker Ballet—a beloved holiday tradition filled with color, wonder, and joy.
With three performances to choose from, there’s a perfect time for every family and every holiday schedule. Let Tchaikovsky’s shimmering score and Clara’s enchanted journey bring delight your weekend.
We’d love to celebrate the season with you. Reserve your seats today.
Yes, I’ll be there!
Culture Connection AZ — Together We Build Connected Communities
We’re excited to launch The Connected Communities Monthly Challenge! This special campaign invites our supporters to build $400 per month in steady, sustaining gifts. And here’s the exciting part: when we reach this goal, an anonymous donor will contribute an additional $5,000 to amplify your impact.
Coconino Center for the Art — This Giving Tuesday: Help Us Fund Youth Arts Engagement & Accessibility at CCA
This Giving Tuesday, Creative Flagstaff is rallying our community to support a major initiative for Youth Arts Engagement & Accessibility at Coconino Center for the Arts. Thanks to a generous commitment from the Robert Lehman Foundation, we’re already halfway to our $30,000 goal—and with your help, we can bring this transformative space to life.
Guest commentary — Indivisible updates + actions: the Black Friday blackout (Nov. 27 through Dec. 1), a message to Trump’s corporate collaborators, more…
This week, we’re getting out votes for a massive special election in Tennessee and calling on you to put the pressure on three of Trump’s biggest corporate collaborators. Before we jump into your to-dos, here’s Ezra to explain why We Ain’t Buying It this weekend (Nov. 27 through Dec. 1)!
Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Happy Thanksgiving from ECoNA
On behalf of the leadership of the Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona, I want to express our sincere appreciation for you and for the communities we proudly serve.
Local businesses, government partners, and dedicated individuals make ECoNA’s work possible, and each of you plays a vital role in sustaining a thriving northern Arizona.
December events at the Coconino Center for the Arts
BECOME A MEMBER Exhibitions Concerts & Events Workshops Just a Reminder We’re taking some time to make things shine! The gallery will be CLOSED through Dec 2 for facility improvements, including new wall-to-wall carpeting and contemporary seating in the theater.…
Museum of Northern Arizona — Your Donation, Doubled!
We have exciting news to share! Thanks to an anonymous group of donors, your donation to MNA between now and December 31 will be doubled – doubling your impact as we prepare for big things in 2026.
With your help, MNA is poised to share our mission with more people than ever, expanding our work to create new exhibitions and educational programs, plus increasing access so that more people can visit the museum. The impact of your gift today will be doubled as you support:
Donate
New exhibitions in the coming year, including an expansion of MNA’s katsina doll display, plus three new exhibitions in our rotating galleries.
Programs to encourage more visitors to MNA, such as discounted admission of $10 on Sundays for Northern Arizona residents; subsidies for school field trips; and free admission for local college students.
Longstanding MNA traditions such as the Heritage Festival of Art & Culture, plus new initiatives including Indigenous demonstrations, interactive activities, and tours and talks related to rotating exhibitions.
The NAU Review — Puppy love at NAU
Paws in training
Karen Sealander, a professor in the Department of Educational Specialties, brings her dog to work every day, though not strictly for puppy snuggles. For more than 20 years, she has helped raise service dogs in training as a volunteer puppy raiser for the national nonprofit Canine Companions. From teaching them how to sit in a classroom full of people to training them to stay when an NAU food bot blocks their path, her work has infused NAU with a happy helping of puppy love.
STEM City Newsletter – November 2025 Edition
We’re excited to bring you the latest highlights, updates, and opportunities from across our vibrant STEM community. Each month, you’ll receive a newsletter that celebrates local innovation, showcases upcoming events, and connects Flagstaff to the broader national STEM landscape.
From hands-on activities and inspiring student projects to professional development and community partnerships, our goal is to keep you informed and engaged in the many ways STEM continues to shape our schools, city, and future.
Thank you for being part of our mission to make Flagstaff a hub for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Together, we’re building curiosity, creativity, and opportunity for learners of all ages.