Commentary, Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Local, News, Politics

‘American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez’ to be shown Sept. 3-10 during Sedona International Film Festival

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SEDONA — The Northern Arizona premiere of “American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez” comes to Sedona for a one-week run (Sept. 3-10), starting with a screening at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3 as part of the Sedona International Film Festival.

The opening night screening will be followed by a Q&A with director David Alvarado and producer Everett Katigbak. The Sundance audience favorite tells the story of Luis Valdez, the man who built El Teatro Campesino out of the fields of California and turned the figure of the pachuco and the history of the Zoot Suit Riots into influential American stage art.

Narrated by Edward James Olmos in character as El Pachuco, featuring Dolores Huerta. It began on a flatbed truck at the Delano picket lines, with farmworkers performing their own strike, before it ever reached a stage. A Mexican American story on the big screen, brought to Sedona by the festival that keeps this red rock town in love with film.

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Business, Cultural, Entertainment, Events, Family, Government, Local, News, Seniors, women, Youth

Coconino County Fair welcomes community, education and traditions this Labor Day weekend (Sept. 4-7)

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COCONINO COUNTY — This Labor Day weekend, northern Arizona’s biggest annual celebration returns with more than ever. The 77th Annual Coconino County Fair is September 4-7 at Fort Tuthill County Park in Flagstaff, marking a convergence of milestones – Route 66 at 100, Coconino County at 135, Flagstaff’s Dark Sky designation at 25 and America at 250.

With more than 35,000 attendees expected across four days of rides, live music, livestock shows, fine arts food and family fun, the Coconino County Fair is northern Arizona’s largest Labor Day weekend event and one of its best community traditions.

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Commentary, Cultural, Education, Family, Finance, Local, News, Youth

United Way of Northern Arizona — Thank you, Dolly

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On Tuesday, we experienced a moment of collective heartbreak with the passing of Dolly Parton. 

In addition to losing a talented singer, songwriter, actress, author, philanthropist, and entrepreneur, we also are in mourning for the woman who seemed to transcend an increasingly divided world. Several years ago, The New York Times famously captured her near universal appeal in a story headlined “Is There Anything We Can All Agree On? Yes: Dolly Parton.”

United Way of Northern Arizona is proud to be a partner in one of her most impactful philanthropic efforts – Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.

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Commentary, Education, Family, Health, Local, News, Opinion

Guest contribution — Overdose prevention starts with awareness, support and access

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On Aug. 31, communities around the world recognize International Overdose Awareness Day, remembering those lost to overdose and drawing attention to the importance of prevention. This year marks 25 years since the day was first observed in 2001, a reminder of the ongoing work to reduce overdose deaths, break down stigma and connect people with support.

For many people, the impact of substance use goes beyond their health. It also affects those around them, including family, co-workers and their communities. And when we see someone struggling, it is not always easy to know what to say or where to turn.

That is why prevention often starts with something simple: paying attention, talking openly and making sure people know that help is available.

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Cultural, Education, Events, Family, Government, Local, News, Seniors, women, Youth

Homolovi State Park in Winslow hosting first Arizona Family Campout Sept. 5-6

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ARIZONA — Registration is now open for the inaugural Arizona Family Campout to be on Sept.5-6 at Homolovi State Park, Winslow.

Arizona Family Campout weekends are designed for families with kids that have little or no experience camping. We welcome campers six (6) years of age and older. We will introduce you to fun experiences you can share with your family and inspire you to continue to explore the great outdoors from one of our campgrounds! You will learn how to set up a tent and an introduction to cooking outside, plus you will get to try some fun activities you can do while camping! No pets allowed.

Join us on a family campout to learn the ropes of camping and experience all the fun of being outdoors!

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Business, Commentary, Cultural, Entertainment, Events, Family, Local, News, Public Safety, Seniors, women, Youth

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Aug. 24-28, 2026

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Grand Canyon Music Festival Concerts Continue this Weekend

The Grand Canyon Music Festival showcases a variety of music types, including classical, contemporary (modern composers and new works) along with Jazz and Blues.

All performances take place in Shrine of the Ages Auditorium. Evening performances are scheduled to take place on Fridays and Saturdays – beginning this Friday, August 21, and running through Saturday, September 5. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Admission is by donation, with a suggested donation of $20. 

Details: https://grandcanyonmusicfest.org/concerts/

Friday, August 28 (7:30 p.m.) Cellist Karlos Rodriguez, pianist Silvan Negruƫiu, and harmonica player Robert Bonfiglio perform works Inspired by Friendship. Concert Repertoire: J.S. Bach Suite No. 3 in C Major, BWV 1009 – Benjamin Britten Suite No. 3 for solo cello, Opus 87 – Alberto Ginastera Danzas Argentinas, Opus 2 – Heitor Villa-Lobos Concerto for Harmonica – Dmitri Shostakovich Sonata for Piano and Cello, Opus 40

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Business, Education, Family, Government, Local, News, Youth

Coconino County Superintendent seeks applicants for school governing board vacancies

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COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget is inviting community members to apply for appointment to local school governing boards. Applications are now being accepted to fill five vacant governing board seats that remain unfilled following the 2026 election cycle. Appointments to these positions will serve terms ending December 31, 2028.

The following school districts have one vacant seat available:

Grand Canyon Unified School District #4
Chevelon Butte School District #5
Fredonia-Moccasin Unified School District #6
Tuba City Unified School District #15
NATIVE (Tuba City)

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Business, Commentary, Cultural, Education, Events, Family, Local, News, Science, Technology, Youth

Flagstaff Festival of Science — Plan your Science Adventure with us!

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The Wait is Over!

At long last,

the schedule for

the Best 10 Days of the Year is here! 

From learning about our elections center to checking out cool cars,

exploring our amazing Earth to marveling at the vastness of outer space,

creating science-inspired art to racing robots—

there’s something for everyone to discover!

Start planning your very own science adventure by

exploring the schedule for the

2026 Flagstaff Festival of Science 

or downloading our app.

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Business, Family, Finance, Government, Home, Local, News

Coconino County — Switch Together solar co-op deadline Sept. 18

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COCONINO COUNTY — As part of our sustainability initiative, Coconino County is a partner in Switch Together, a group buying program for solar installations. Switch Together uses a group buying model to help residents save money on home solar installations.

The most recent auction secured a discount of 17 percent, which translates to an average discount of $5,200. The program is supported in partnership with nonprofit Solar United Neighbors. Switch Together makes rooftop solar installations more affordable, while also offering solar education through online resources and in-person events.

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Business, Commentary, Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Family, Local, News, Seniors, women, Youth

Sedona Arts Center — Celebrating our volunteers & an extraordinary year at Sedona Arts Center

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September is almost upon us—can you believe it? This summer has flown by. While our Gallery Shop has been unusually slow this summer due to the impact of the Pocket Fire, the rest of Sedona Arts Center has been anything but quiet!

Have You Seen Beyond the Frame?

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Business, Commentary, Cultural, Education, Family, Finance, Government, Local, News, Seniors, women, Youth

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Building careers at home, building ties abroad

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I was honored to be part of a panel discussion at the recent League of Arizona Cities and Towns Annual Conference, which focused on whether Arizona’s workforce development pipeline was robust enough to support the phenomenal growth the state has experienced.

Representing a rural region, my perspective was slightly different.

Northern Arizona already produces a tremendous amount of highly educated talent; nearly 56% of Flagstaff residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The challenge is keeping that talent here.

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Business, Commentary, Cultural, Education, Events, Family, Finance, Government, Health, Immigration, Local, News, Opinion, Politics, Public Safety, Seniors, women, Youth

Get the latest news updates from U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) including ‘ICYMI: On KTAR, Kelly Calls Out Trump for Targeting Military Families, Business Owners for Deportation Instead of Criminals’

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Click below for the latest news updates from the:

Office of U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly

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Cultural, Education, Events, Family, Government, Health, Local, News, women, Youth

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Fall events for families right around the corner. See remaining back-to-school events here

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COCONINO COUNTY — Back-to-School events in Coconino County — including fall enrollment, freshman orientations for parents and students, meet the teacher events, school supply distributions and youth sports physicals — will soon conclude, but local organizations are already planning for a variety of youth events this upcoming Fall.

The Coalition will continue to update this resource list. If you have a program you want us to include, please send an email to frank@coconinokids.org. Thank you.

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Business, Cultural, Events, Government, Local, News, women, Youth

City of Flagstaff seeks community input on Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Events (PROSE) Master Plan

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FLAGSTAFF, Ariz – The City of Flagstaff has launched the PROSE Master Plan campaign to develop a new Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Events Comprehensive Master Plan. This year-long process will include numerous opportunities for residents to share their ideas and vision for the future, including:

Intercept survey at Science in the Park on September 26

Community Workshop #1 at the Flagstaff Aquaplex on October 22

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Business, Finance, Government, Local, News, Public Safety

Coconino County — Federal Economic Injury Disaster Loans available to businesses impacted by Pocket Fire. (Help available at sites in Flagstaff, Sedona)

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COCONINO COUNTY — Federal Economic Injury Disaster Loans are now available to businesses impacted by the Pocket Fire.

Coconino County received a Declaration of Economic Injury from the Small Business Administration (SBA) which opens the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program to businesses impacted by the Pocket Fire.

The EIDL program provides 30-year loans with an interest rate as low as four percent. Principal and interest payments are not required in the first year of the loan to help businesses survive the loss of tourism. The program is available to all businesses in Coconino County and Yavapai County, as well as neighboring Gila, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave and Navajo counties, San Juan and Kane counties in Utah and Tribal Nations.

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Local

City of Flagstaff — Notice of Neighborhood Meeting – Symmetry Specific Plan and Related Applications

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FLAGSTAFF — A virtual neighborhood meeting will be held on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. to discuss proposed land use applications for approximately 293.85 acres located northeast of Pine Canyon Estates along the J.W. Powell Boulevard alignment.  The proposal includes adoption of a Specific Plan to guide development of a nature-oriented, master-planned community that may include housing, retail, dining, and lodging opportunities.  The applications also include related zoning map amendments and a Minor Regional Plan Amendment to relocate a future suburban activity center. 

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Business, Elections, Government, Local, News

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Don’t Miss the City Council Candidate Meet & Greet on Aug. 24

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We are excited to announce that a coalition of business groups, including the Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona, will co-host a Flagstaff City Council Candidate “Meet & Greet” at Coconino Community College on August 24.
Mitch Strohman will emcee the forum, which will focus on issues of importance to the business community. Candidates will answer questions from each of the organizations sponsoring the event: ECoNA, the Flagstaff Downtown Business Alliance, the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce, and the Northern Arizona Association of Realtors. Attendees will also be able to submit questions for candidates.
Six candidates are vying for three seats on the City Council this year: Austin Aslan, Nancy Baca, Patty Hansen, Khara House, Lori Matthews, and Drew Stanley. Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett is running unopposed. Election Day is November 3.

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Business, Cultural, Entertainment, Events, Family, Local, News, women, Youth

Discover Flagstaff — Explore Flagstaff’s Events This Week!

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Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. Flag Happs is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights of the week.

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Business, Government, Local, News, women

Coconino County appoints acting Deputy County Manager

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COCONINO COUNTY — Cynthia Nemeth, Parks and Recreation Director, has been appointed acting Deputy County Manager following the resignation of Eric Peterson.

“Cynthia is well suited for this interim leadership role at Coconino County,” County Manager Andy Bertelsen said. “Her steady, collaborative approach will ensure that we continue to deliver the high-quality services our residents rely on.”

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Business, Commentary, Cultural, Education, Family, Government, Local, News, Public Safety, Seniors, women, Youth

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Aug. 17-21, 2026

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Grand Canyon Music Festival 43rd Season Starts this Weekend

The Grand Canyon Music Festival showcases a variety of music types, including classical, contemporary (modern composers and new works) along with Jazz and Blues.

All performances take place in Shrine of the Ages Auditorium. Evening performances are scheduled to take place on Fridays and Saturdays – beginning this Friday, August 21, and running through Saturday, September 5. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Admission is by donation, with a suggested donation of $20. 

Details: https://grandcanyonmusicfest.org/concerts/

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Business, Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Family, Finance, Local, News, Youth

Flagstaff Festival of Science — Call for Donations: Bedtime Stories needs your help!

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he Flagstaff Festival of Science is raising funds for our Bedtime Stories project, now entering its fourth year! This special program brings science, storytelling, and local voices together to create meaningful learning experiences for young children and their families.

Each year, we work with local and regional authors to film them reading their science-themed children’s books. These read-alouds are then made freely available on YouTube, giving families an opportunity to tune in for a science-filled bedtime story from the comfort of home.

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Business, Family, Government, Health, Local, News, Public Safety

South Rim Services Expand as Water conservation measures continue at Grand Canyon National Park

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GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Grand Canyon National Park is continuing to ease water conservation measures as water supply levels improve.

Water spigots in Mather and Desert View Campgrounds have been turned on. Camper Services, operated by Delaware North, will reopen to the public on Friday, August 21.

Fire restrictions at Mather and Desert View Campgrounds have been lifted; however, campfires are only permitted in established campfire rings. Visitors and residents are reminded to use caution and practice responsible fire use at all times.

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