Category: Commentary

The NAU Review — How an NAU professor is helping safeguard Grand Canyon’s water from fire

by Community Contributor • August 19, 2025 • Comments Off

Protecting the Grand Canyon’s water from fire

The Dragon Bravo Fire could threaten the drinking water supply for millions of visitors and thousands of workers at the Grand Canyon, but not if Abraham Springer has anything to say about it. With rapid-response funding from the National Science Foundation, the NAU researcher is working with Grand Canyon National Park, the U.S. Geological Survey and other colleagues to protect Roaring Springs, the park’s sole water source.
Audrey O’Connell speaks to the camera
Fit it in a Minute
with Audrey O’Connell

Have you heard about the Training Development and Technology Adoption services? O’Connell, the lead technical training analyst, explains how the TDTA team creates training materials that support the NAU community. Can she fit it in a minute?

City of Flagstaff Beautification – Arts & Sciences — Community input sought for Spruce Wash Wedge Artwork

by Community Contributor • August 19, 2025 • Comments Off

We want to hear from you! The City of Flagstaff seeks community input for a landmark three-dimensional artwork to be installed at the promontory at East Cedar Avenue and North West Street as part of the Spruce Wash Wedge Detention Project. If you live on the Eastside, or have a strong connection to this area, this is your chance to share what makes this part of Flagstaff special.

An online survey, open now through September 9, invites participants to answer a series of experiential questions designed to spark factual, imaginative, and community-rooted responses. Insights gathered will help the artist team develop a site-specific, one-of-a-kind artwork that reflects the spirit of the Eastside.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — Introducing F3’s Community Speaker Series

by Community Contributor • August 18, 2025 • Comments Off

F3 is excited to introduce the first speaker in our new Community Speaker Series!

This series will focus on bringing people to Flagstaff who will provide important ideas about how we can build a resilient community.

F3’s speaker series is timed to coincide with the Flagstaff community’s review of the city’s Draft Regional Land Use Plan. Public review of the Plan started this month and will continue until May 2026, when Flagstaff residents will have the opportunity to vote on it in a special election.

Coconino County Board of Supervisors proclaimed Aug. 15 in honor of former County Manager Steve Peru

by Community Contributor • August 15, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — April 15, 2025 marks Steven Bonilla Peru Day! The Coconino County Board of Supervisors on Aug. 12 proclaimed this day in honor of former County Manager Steve Peru. Over 35 years at the County, he served twice as the County Manager and held a variety of leadership roles including Finance Director, Elections Director, Clerk of the Board and Deputy County Manager.

Peru was also awarded the inaugural Medal of Merit, an award recognizing outstanding and meritorious contributions to the people of Coconino County.

Indivisible Northern AZ announces ‘Rapid Response: Fight The Trump Takover’ from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16 at Flagstaff City Hall

by Community Contributor • August 15, 2025 • Comments Off

Trump told Texas Republicans to gerrymander the state to add congressional seats to the map. It’s a power grab pure and simple.

Texas is a test case and just the beginning. Trump and his enablers are deliberately working to steal the 2026 election (and beyond) by rigging the electoral maps in their favor well into the future.

This is disenfranchisement for the 21st century.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Aug. 11-15, 2025

by Community Contributor • August 15, 2025 • Comments Off

Brighty prepares for his journey to the South Rim, where he will be stored in the park’s Museum Collections until a decision is made on his future. Whether he will be restored to his former appearance or replaced entirely is still under consideration. (NPS Photo)

Coconino County Center for the Arts — Announcing CCA’s Fall Concert Season!

by Community Contributor • August 14, 2025 • Comments Off

We are thrilled to launch our fall concert season with an diverse array of local favorites and acclaimed touring artists, offering something for every music lover.

Listed below are the first concerts of the season, and we’ll be announcing even more performances and dates in the weeks ahead. We can’t wait to welcome you to the Coconino Center for the Arts for another season of unforgettable live music!

United Way of Northern Arizona to present 2nd Literacy Fair on Aug. 16, inaugural Youth Leadership Conference on Oct. 2

by Community Contributor • August 13, 2025 • Comments Off

We are very excited to announce two upcoming events designed to promote literacy and leadership skills for our youth.

Later this month, we’ll hold our 2nd Literacy Fair, building on the success of the first one we held with the Literacy Center in February.

Then in October, we’ll have our inaugural Youth Leadership Conference for dozens of 9th graders in northern Arizona. Kristen Strauss, our Manager of Youth Programs & Education Initiatives, has all the details about both events below.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — NAH releases new strategic plan

by Community Contributor • August 13, 2025 • Comments Off

The public learned this week that Northern Arizona Healthcare (NAH) discussed their five-year priorities during a meeting held last Thursday with city and county leaders in Flagstaff. There, NAH announced the completion of a 2030 strategic plan.

Many thanks to KNAU Arizona Public Radio and the Arizona Daily Sun for covering the meeting and publishing online stories yesterday and today to inform the public of this recent information. The Arizona Daily Sun article can be viewed in PDF form here and here.

Both news stories indicate that NAH continues to evaluate five sites for a new hospital location, including an expansion of their current building on Beaver Street. NAH indicates they do not plan to build a “medical village” at the selected site as was their previous plan.

Additionally, NAH stated that Flagstaff Medical Center is not a community hospital any longer, but rather is considered by NAH and others as a regional referral center.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Registration now available for 2025 CCC&Y Conference

by Community Contributor • August 8, 2025 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth is proud to present our most exciting and groundbreaking event yet — “Coherence Rising: Inner Alignment as the Catalyst for Systematic Change” on Tuesday, Sept. 9 at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff.

Join us in a beautiful setting that reminds us the universe is infinite and so is our potential.

We are joined by not one, but two amazing and powerful keynote presenters who share their expertise, gift for inspiration and profound insights.

In her morning presentation “Cohere. Connect. Conduct,” guest speaker Iyo Affo will weave together storytelling, science, spoken word and systems change to spark transformation within organizations and communities. Affo, a Culturalist and Trauma Specialist, will draw on personal experiences, neuroscience and the power of collective healing to talk about how self-healing communities and systems change can be the foundation for lasting transformation.

“It is such an honor that both of these women are crafting their presentations specific to this moment in time, this audience, and this venue for truly unique and beautiful experiences,” said Virginia Watahomigie, executive director of CCC&Y. “Yes, I am the host, but I am an eager participant- I cannot wait to be a part of this!”

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — Action Alert: Flagstaff Regional Plan available for review: Public hearings scheduled

by Community Contributor • August 8, 2025 • Comments Off

The Public Hearing Draft of the Regional Land Use Plan 2045 (Draft Regional Plan) was recently released by the City of Flagstaff online (PDF here; this is a large file and may take some time to download). A take home hard copy of the Draft Regional Plan can be requested by emailing Elsa Erling at elsa.erling@flagstaffaz.gov.

Coconino Center for the Arts — Sponsor a Theater Seat Today – Help Us Reach Our Goal!

by Community Contributor • August 8, 2025 • Comments Off

We’re thrilled to share that we’re so close to reaching our goal to purchase brand-new seats for the Coconino Center for the Arts theater—but we need your help to get us across the finish line!

The current seats have been in use for over 40 years, and it’s time for a much-needed upgrade. With our concert season fast approaching, our goal is to have all seats sponsored by September 27 so the new seating can be installed in November. The photo below shows the modern, more comfortable seats we’ll install with your support.

August at the Museum of Northern Arizona

by Community Contributor • August 6, 2025 • Comments Off

At the Museum of Northern Arizona, learning is at the heart of everything we do. As a new academic year begins, we’re excited to share opportunities designed to inspire curiosity and deepen connections to the Colorado Plateau.

First, we’re pleased to offer free admission to all Northern Arizona University and Coconino Community College students from August 15 through May 15. Simply present a valid student ID to explore exhibitions highlighting the science, art, and cultures of this remarkable region.

For younger learners, our elementary school tours offer hands-on experiences with real artifacts, interactive activities, and guidance from passionate educators and volunteers. Programs align with Arizona state standards, and grant funding is available to help with field trip costs.

To kick off the school year, we invite teachers and administrators to join us for Educators Night Out on August 20—a free evening to explore MNA, connect with peers, and discover how we can support your classroom goals.

For all lifelong learners, step out of the August heat and into the cool, welcoming environment of our exhibit galleries to explore the Museum’s latest offerings. Also, don’t miss a rare chance to go behind the scenes during our Easton Collection Center Open House on August 23.

Wishing you a month of discovery, inspiration, and meaningful learning!

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: July 28-August 1, 2025

by Community Contributor • August 1, 2025 • Comments Off

As we look to the North Rim, we can all see that the Dragon Bravo Fire continues to burn. It likely will burn for a while longer given the extremely dry conditions and the lack of monsoon rains. Many of us have deep connections to the North Rim and the people and places that make that a special place.

We are in a time of transition, with our personal experiences at the North Rim, our professional lives within the Park, and with the daily transitions that are occurring. Transitions can be hard as we leave the known and comfortable and enter uncharted territory. That is how I feel about the North Rim. I’m sure many of you feel that way too. But, transitions allow us to think differently, allow us to be unconstrained in our ideas and possibilities. That is also how I feel, and I hope many of you feel that way too.

Sedona Arts Center to present ‘The Face of Time’ with opening reception on Aug. 1

by Community Contributor • August 1, 2025 • Comments Off

OPENING RECEPTION THIS FRIDAY
at Celebrate Sedona!
Friday, August 1, 2025 | 4–6pm

In the Special Exhibitions Gallery and Theater Studio
at Sedona Arts Center
15 Art Barn Road, Uptown Sedona

Join us for a vibrant evening of art, music, and community as we kick off our 2025–26 season with Celebrate Sedona and the opening of our newest exhibition, The Face of Time. This juried show features powerful and diverse portraiture from artists across the country—exploring identity, memory, and transformation through the lens of time.

United Way of Northern Arizona Awards Grants & Celebrates 20 Years of KinderCamp™

by Community Contributor • July 25, 2025 • Comments Off

What a remarkable summer it’s been! Last month brought two exciting milestones for United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA) and the communities we serve.

We awarded more than $470,000 in Community Investment funds to 41 programs across northern Arizona, supporting critical services that strengthen our region. We also celebrated the 20th anniversary of KinderCamp™, our signature early childhood program that helps young learners take their first confident steps into kindergarten.

City of Flagstaff Beautification – Arts & Sciences News & Opportunities

by Community Contributor • July 25, 2025 • Comments Off

The City of Flagstaff seeks proposals for large-scale, three-dimensional (3D) artworks for the 2026/2027 Multicultural County Park Sculpture Exhibition. The exhibition features five sculptures, existing or newly created, that reflect diverse cultural expressions including Indigenous, Black, and Latinx art. Selected artworks can advance essential perspectives and narratives and will invite interaction, conversation, and appreciation.

Application Deadline: August 1, 2025, 5 pm (Arizona Time)
Image: Changing Woman by Lance Yazzie (foreground) and Celestial Juggler by Joe Ray (background)

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: July 21-25, 2025

by Community Contributor • July 25, 2025 • Comments Off

Message from Ed Keable, Superintendent of Grand Canyon National Park, on the Dragon Bravo Fire Response

On Saturday, July 19, we were honored to host Deputy Secretary Kate MacGregor, Acting Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks Kevin Lilly, and Acting NPS Director Jessica Bowron at Grand Canyon National Park. Their visit underscored the Department of the Interior’s and National Park Service’s strong support for our ongoing response to the Dragon Bravo Fire and their commitment to the future of the North Rim.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Northern Arizona communities make housing gains

by Community Contributor • July 21, 2025 • Comments Off

When ECoNA released its 5-year Strategic Plan in 2023, it confirmed something many of us already knew: northern Arizona is facing a critical shortage of workforce housing.

During the decade leading up to the plan, the average price of a single family home in our region soared – by as much as 294%, depending on the community. This surge has priced many out of home ownership and pushed rental prices higher, straining families and employers alike.

Northern Arizona groups planning to join ‘Good Trouble Lives On National Day of Action on July 17

by Community Contributor • July 11, 2025 • Comments Off

By Indivisible

In one week, on July 17, people all across the country will gather together in honor of the late Rep. John Lewis to participate in the Good Trouble Lives On National Day of Action.

With MAGA Republicans continuing their ghoulish campaigns to terrorize communities, crush dissent, and tear families apart, it’s more important than ever that we stand up, speak out, and make some good trouble.

What’s good trouble?

Coined by civil rights leader Congressman John Lewis, “good trouble” means coming together to take non-violent action to challenge injustice and create meaningful change. That could look like a candlelight vigil, a community event, a rally, or any other creative way you can think of to stand up and remind the world that we will continue to fight back against this authoritarian regime.

2025–2026 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) for Coconino County is now available for review

by Community Contributor • July 11, 2025 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY — The 2025–2026 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) for Coconino County is now available for review and highlights the ongoing efforts of the CHIP Action Teams focused on Transportation, Housing, Behavioral Health, and Food and Nutritional Security.

The updated plan is attached and available online at https://www.coconino.az.gov/DocumentCenter/View/68572

Coconino County Parks & Recreation — Weed Pulls, Fair News & Summer Fun. See What’s New!

by Community Contributor • July 11, 2025 • Comments Off

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions in Effect: Parks & Recreation has specific guidelines outlining what is allowed and prohibited during this time. Click here to review the details before your next visit.

LULAC hails Federal Court Victory preserving Birthright Citizenship in the United States

by Community Contributor • July 11, 2025 • Comments Off

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) (July 10) celebrates a landmark decision by U.S. District Judge Joseph Laplante of New Hampshire, who issued a ruling blocking the Trump administration’s executive order seeking to strip automatic birthright citizenship from children born in the United States to undocumented parents. This decision marks a crucial victory for members of LULAC, the first organization to file a lawsuit challenging the administration’s attempt to undermine one of the most fundamental rights enshrined in the U.S. Constitution.

“This ruling is a powerful affirmation that the rights granted under the 14th Amendment are not up for debate or political manipulation,” said Roman Palomares, LULAC National President and Chairman of the Board. “From the very beginning, LULAC has been the voice standing between injustice and the rights of those born on American soil. We will never allow the constitutional promise of citizenship to be erased or rewritten.”

Pew Research Center — Race & Ethnicity — Birthright citizenship, deportation worries and Trump’s 2024 voter coalition

by Community Contributor • July 11, 2025 • Comments Off

Half of U.S. adults say people born in the United States to parents who immigrated illegally should have U.S. citizenship, while 49% say they should not. By contrast, nearly all say people born in the country to U.S.-born parents (95%) or to parents who immigrated legally (94%) should be citizens.

Related: Trump’s executive order on birthright citizenship draws more disapproval than approval

Native Americans for Community Action (NACA) July — Aug. 2025 E-Newsletter

by Community Contributor • July 7, 2025 • Comments Off

NACA accepts & provides services to all ethnic groups and all ages while focusing on whole-family health care. We pride ourselves in focusing on Native American health care, with the whole person in mind. Specialty care referrals are available for all patients. Referrals are also available to Native American patients through the Indian Health Services facilities in Flagstaff and in surrounding areas.

U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) news updates for June 2025

by Community Contributor • July 3, 2025 • Comments Off

City of Flagstaff Beautification – Arts & Sciences — Call to Artists: 2026/27 Multicultural County Park Sculpture Exhibition, more news

by Community Contributor • June 27, 2025 • Comments Off

Application Deadline: August 1, 2025, 5 pm (Arizona Time)

Image: Artist Isaac Caruso pictured with his sculpture Wings of Ancestors. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — F3’s Online Auction Closes This Saturday!

by Community Contributor • June 26, 2025 • Comments Off

Help us raise $8,000 from our 30th Anniversary Online Auction. Place your bid online before the auction closes!

Starting bids are set at 50% of the Value of the Item. There are some great deals here!

This auction contains diverse,and unique items including: special experiences such as music concerts, guided tours, and interior design consultation; gift baskets for gardening and more; and gift certificates for personal training and doggy day care. Also jewelry, food, and wine.

Find all auction items at: bit.ly/F3Auction4mSJD7c

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — Removing Chemical Contaminants from Wastewater with Biochar

by Community Contributor • June 24, 2025 • Comments Off

The Flagstaff Water Group (FWG), composed of five local scientists deeply concerned about removing hazardous contaminants from Flagstaff’s reclaimed wastewater, is presenting information about how biochar can be used to remove chemical contaminants.

This presentation and discussion will take place this Wednesday June 25, at 7:00 pm at the Market of Dreams (2136 N. 4th Street). This event is free and open to the public.

United Way of Northern Arizona — A Month Full of Reasons to Celebrate

by Community Contributor • June 19, 2025 • Comments Off

June brings with it a spirit of celebration – around the globe, across the country, and right here in northern Arizona.

From today’s Juneteenth observance to international Pride Month, we are reminded of the power of visibility, freedom, and community. Closer to home, we just celebrated a major milestone in Holbrook with the funding of a new teen center that very soon will offer support and opportunity for young people.

Discover Flagstaff — Pride in the Pines (June 21), Flagstaff Beer Fest (June 21), more events

by Community Contributor • June 19, 2025 • Comments Off

Saturday, June 21
Pride in the Pines 2025
Thorpe Park

Join us as we come together in joy, resilience, and unwavering solidarity! 3rd Annual Flagstaff Pride Parade starts at 10 a.m. downtown before the festival.11 a.m.

Learn More

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — You’re Invited to F3’s 30th Anniversary Gala on June 28

by Community Contributor • June 19, 2025 • Comments Off

We’re looking forward to celebrating our 30th (1995-2025) Anniversary with you!

Coconino County District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez Quarterly Update

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2025 • Comments Off

Greetings from District 2! These past few months
have been uncertain and difficult for the County and
District 2. As we are approaching the end of FY2025,
I have been working alongside my fellow colleagues
from the Board of Supervisors to advance key
initiatives, support our communities, and ensure a
strong foundation for the year ahead. The Board of
Supervisors and I are looking forward to the start of
the next FY as we will continue to act upon our
community’s best interests. Thank you for reading
this new edition of the Official District 2 Newsletter
and for allowing me to serve as your District
Supervisor!
Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez

Children’s Action Alliance — (Resources) Protecting immigrant, citizen and mixed status families

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2025 • Comments Off

Children’s Action Alliance envisions Arizona as a state where all children and families thrive. When children live in fear, we are failing our children.

As federal immigration enforcement operations deploy tactics that raise legal, constitutional, and moral concerns, Children’s Action Alliance encourages partners to be informed and resourced to support the well-being and safety of immigrant, citizen, and mixed-status children and families in Arizona.

In preparation and response to federal actions, families and allies can seek and share valuable resources, including the following:

Sedona Arts Center — ACTION ALERT – Protect Arts Funding

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2025 • Comments Off

As you know, the funding arts organizations and artists receive from the Arizona Commission on the Arts is something we have to fight for at the Arizona Legislature every year. We need your help to keep funding intact in the FY2026 state budget.

Specifically, we need you to contact your legislator and Governor Hobbs TODAY.

If you are a leader of an arts organization, we also need you to engage your volunteers, board members, donors, audiences and patrons in contacting their state elected officials. Often, their voices as constituents of these elected officials are the most persuasive. Please forward this message to them.

Coconino County Parks and Recreation Pine & Peaks Post for June 12, 2025 — Fire Safety, Free Fun & Fresh Programs. See What’s New!

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2025 • Comments Off

Welcome to your go-to source for everything Parks & Recreation!
From exciting events to seasonal programs, we’ll keep you in the loop.

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions in Effect: Parks & Recreation has specific guidelines outlining what is allowed and prohibited during this time. Click here to review the details before your next visit.
Spots still open for Week 3 of Summer Camp! Fun at the Fort is blasting off with a Space Explorers theme next week, and we have room for new recruits. Sign up here to join the adventure.
New Programs Launching Soon! Archery clinics, culinary classes, Festival of Science activities, and more are coming your way. Stay tuned – our updated catalog will be live soon on our website.

Theatrikos Theatre Company is growing!

by Community Contributor • June 12, 2025 • Comments Off

We are thrilled to announce that we have secured a long-term lease on a dedicated rehearsal studio space right here in Flagstaff. This beautiful commercial space will become a hub of creativity and learning, allowing us—for the first time—to offer year-round classes and camps for youth and adults alike. It will also free up valuable space in our main building, giving all departments room to breathe and grow.

But we need your help to bring this vision to life.

Museum of Northern Arizona — Requesting your help with a survey

by Community Contributor • June 12, 2025 • Comments Off

Every year we strive to gain a better understanding of our audience—who visits the Museum of Northern Arizona exhibitions, who attends our programs, and how similar or different they are from the larger community we serve.

Would you take a few minutes to complete a survey for the Museum?

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y seeks to connect families with variety of food security programs countywide

by Community Contributor • June 11, 2025 • Comments Off

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — From school districts to nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies, a variety of food assistances programs are available this summer for families throughout Coconino County.

The following is a listing compiled by CCC&Y of some of those programs. Contact individual organizations for more information on times, dates and locations.

If your organization would like to be added to this listing, please send an email to frank@coconinokids.org

The NAU Review — Get keyed up this summer + dinosaurs …

by Community Contributor • June 11, 2025 • Comments Off

High notes and cool vibes abound at the annual Flagstaff Piano Festival. This year’s weeklong experience will bring together celebrated artists, young pianists, educators and music lovers between June 21-28.

LULAC urges public calm as National Guard troops ordered by Trump Administration arrive in Southern California

by Community Contributor • June 9, 2025 • Comments Off

“We are very concerned over the inflammatory language that the Trump administration is using to describe the environment in Los Angeles, which its actions have ignited,” said Roman Palomares, LULAC National President and Chairman of the Board. “Sending national guard troops into Southern California, without regard for the authority or knowledge of local or state officials, is a deliberate tactic that is only ramping up the anger,” he adds.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3)’s 30th Anniversary Auction: Items ready to view

by Community Contributor • June 6, 2025 • Comments Off

Celebrate F3’s 30th Anniversary by bidding on our online auction!

Help us continue our work by bidding on our exciting, diverse, and unique items including special experiences (from guided tours to personal luxuries), gift baskets (from personal care to gardening) and gift certificates (from design services to doggy day care). Bid on food, wine, jewelry, and more.

Everything is donated by local shops, businesses, restaurants, and individuals who generously contributed to this auction.

Help us kick-off of our next 30 years of community work in Flagstaff!

U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) news updates for week of June 2, 2025

by Community Contributor • June 6, 2025 • Comments Off

Gallego Supports Bipartisan Legislation to Combat Obesity Epidemic ••• Gallego Fights to Protect Key Consumer Protection Agency ••• Gallego, Baldwin Introduce Bill to Prevent Companies from Ripping Healthcare Away from Striking Workers ••• Gallego Fights for Program That Saves Arizonans Hundreds on Their Utility Bills ••• Gallego, Colleagues Call for Additional Funding to Keep Communities Safe

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — The Power of a Thriving University

by Community Contributor • June 5, 2025 • Comments Off

My heart sank as I read the article in the Wall Street Journal.

My alma mater, the Macomb campus of Western Illinois University, was featured as an example of America’s new “rust belt” – once-booming college towns now struggling because of dwindling enrollment rates. In the past 15 years, enrollment has dropped by 47 percent, and the bustling community I remember from my college days is quickly becoming a ghost town.

Macomb is hardly unique, and its story serves as a powerful reminder of how fortunate we are in northern Arizona, where one of the biggest drivers of our regional economy is Northern Arizona University.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: June 2-6, 2025

by Community Contributor • June 5, 2025 • Comments Off

Ongoing Power Outage on North Rim

The National Park Service (NPS) continues to work with the North Rim concessioner to address the power outage affecting the North Rim, which began Sunday evening, June 1, due to an equipment failure involving a transformer near the Grand Canyon Lodge. Power remains out at the Grand Canyon Lodge and surrounding concessioner facilities. Overnight reservations have been canceled since June 2.

The NAU Review — Hopping through cloud forests + where’s the AI in your classroom?

by Community Contributor • June 4, 2025 • Comments Off

How are you using GenAI?

NAU is integrating generative AI into its educational programs through innovative projects funded by the Office of the Provost’s TRAIL grants. These initiatives include using AI-enhanced ultrasound in physical therapy classes, AI tools in business analytics and AI-generated conversations with historical conservationists in environmental courses. The goal is to enhance learning experiences and better prepare students for a tech-driven future. (Editor’s note: Could you tell this summary was written by AI?)
Read the story

June at the Museum of Northern Arizona

by Community Contributor • June 4, 2025 • Comments Off

June marks the beginning of our busiest time of year with a multitude of events throughout the summer. Our beautiful location is special anytime of the year, but summer is especially wonderful here at the Museum of Northern Arizona.

This month sees the return of one of MNA’s most cherished traditions—the Heritage Festival of Arts and Culture, a celebration of living Indigenous culture and creative expression. We’re proud to welcome around 100 Native American artists from across the Colorado Plateau on June 28 and 29. I encourage you to come explore their exquisite works of jewelry, pottery, basketry, fine art, performances, and more. Our galleries provide an insight into the past and present of the Native communities on the Colorado Plateau, while the festival is a wonderful opportunity to talk with many artists from these communities and learn about their creative processes and influences.

U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) news updates for May 2025

by Community Contributor • May 29, 2025 • Comments Off

Kelly, Gallego, Stanton, Ansari Demand Answers from DHS and ICE After Arrests at Phoenix Immigration Court *** Kelly, Stanton, Gallego, Ansari Urge HHS and DOJ to Streamline Domestic Violence Victim Services Funding *** Kelly, Gallego, Stanton Warn of Devastating Impact of House Republican Plan to Slash Food Assistance, Raise Costs for Arizona Families *** MORE ***

City of Flagstaff Beautification – Arts & Sciences news and opportunities

by Community Contributor • May 29, 2025 • Comments Off

The City of Flagstaff seeks Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) for an artist to work with a design team to create a landmark 3D artwork within a roundabout at the intersection of N. Switzer Canyon Drive and N. Turquoise Drive.

The NAU Review — What are asteroids made of, anyway?, more news

by Community Contributor • May 28, 2025 • Comments Off

If an asteroid starts careening toward Flagstaff tomorrow, could it obliterate the city? That depends on whether it’s made of gravel, metal or something else entirely. With grant funds from NASA, two scientists at NAU—professor David Trilling and Ph.D. student Remington Cantelas—will use cutting-edge telescope technology to find and analyze 1,000 different asteroids that orbit near Earth to better understand what materials these celestial bodies are made of. In addition to helping scientists map out the solar system, their work could also help save Earth from destructive collisions.

U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) news updates for week of May 19, 2025

by Community Contributor • May 23, 2025 • Comments Off

• Gallego, Kelly, Stanton Warn of Devastating Impact of House Republican Plan to Slash Food Assistance, Raise Costs for Arizona Families

• Gallego Urges Commerce Department to Reconsider Tomato Trade Decision That Threatens Jobs and Raises Prices for Arizonans

• Gallego Pushes for More Federal Resources to Combat Fentanyl Crisis in Arizona

Native Americans for Community Action (NACA) May-June E-Newsletter

by Community Contributor • May 23, 2025 • Comments Off

Sedona Arts Center — May News

by Community Contributor • May 23, 2025 • Comments Off

You may have heard the news about National Endowment for the Arts grants and grant programs being terminated by DOGE recently.

While Sedona Arts Center has not been directly impacted by the current NEA grant terminations, we would be impacted by the elimination of the National Endowment for the Arts through our annual grant from the AZ Commission on the Arts. The entire field of arts and culture would be significantly impacted by this loss – be it research to the field, the millions of lives improved through participation in the arts, or the millions of jobs and the economic impact the arts have on America’s bottom line. The NEA’s funding is critical to us, but they provide our field so much more.

Coconino County seeks public input for Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

by Community Contributor • May 23, 2025 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY — The frequency and severity of disasters continue to rise across the country. To prepare for, and reduce these risks, Coconino County is updating our Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP).

The purpose of this plan is to evaluate the risk posed to the community by natural and man-made hazards and to identify actions that can reduce or eliminate those risks. This update is a joint project between Coconino County, the cities and towns of Flagstaff, Fredonia, Williams, Tusayan, and Page, as well as Northern Arizona University.

The NAU Review — Are you prepared in case of a wildfire? + learn what the Arctic might look like in the future

by Community Contributor • May 21, 2025 • Comments Off

Where to turn for help in the wake of a wildfire

With wildfires affecting communities throughout Arizona, residents need clear guidance and actionable steps to recover. NAU experts helped create a guide for individuals and communities navegating the aftermath of these devastating events.
Read the story

National Park Service — 2025 South Rim Firewise Cleanup Begins!

by Community Contributor • May 12, 2025 • Comments Off

We need your help in preventing wildfire severity! The 2025 Firewise Residential
Cleanup Weekend will occur now through May 25.
Please pile all pine needles and woody debris along your residential road in an
area accessible to vehicles for the crew to pick up. Park staff will be moving and
hauling debris the week of May 26.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — Greater Observatory Mesa Trails Plan at Council This Tuesday

by Community Contributor • May 12, 2025 • Comments Off

The City’s Parks, Recreation, and Open Space division is presenting the Greater Observatory Mesa Area Trail Plan to City Council this Tuesday in preparation for a future request to adopt the trail plan for implementation.

According to the Council’s agenda, the meeting will provide the City Council an understanding of the trail plan, and offer the opportunity to provide feedback on the plan in preparation for a future request to adopt the trail plan for implementation by the City via resolution.

Tuesday, May 13 City Council Work Session, starting at 3:00 pm

U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) news updates for week of May 5, 2025

by Community Contributor • May 9, 2025 • Comments Off

• Gallego Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Fight China’s Fentanyl and Human Trafficking

• Gallego, McCormick Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Boost Efficiency in Federal Housing Programs

• Gallego, Kelly Introduce Legislation to Ensure Fair Share of Energy Assistance, Lowers Costs in Hot Weather States

Grand Canyon National Park — 2025 Wildland Fire Season: Be Ready, Stay Informed, and Know Your Evacuation Plan

by Community Contributor • May 8, 2025 • Comments Off

As we enter wildfire season, this message provides important information for all Grand Canyon National Park residents and staff to help you stay prepared, informed, and ready. It includes seasonal wildfire outlooks, emergency planning guidance, evacuation procedures, and details on a new power shutoff program that may affect the park in 2025. Our unique location in the wildland-urban interface makes us especially vulnerable to wildfires and other emergencies that could require swift evacuation.

Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council to hold next hybrid meeting on June 4

by Community Contributor • May 6, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) holds its next public in-person meeting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 4 at the Grand Canyon Conference Room, 219 E. Cherry Ave., Flagstaff.

The public can also click the Zoom link below to Join the Meeting:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84746979878

Meeting ID: 847 4697 9878 Phone: + 1 (719) 359-4580

CHAC generally holds its first •Wednesday of every month via Zoom. Contact Areina Contreras at acontreras@coconino.az.gov or call 928-679-0886 for more information.

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