KNAU update for Dec. 13 — Less Funding for Enviornmental Agencies, Sleigh Rides, and more

Special holiday programming continues next week on Classical KNAU with stories, song and humor. “Tinsel Tales” Monday at seven features the classic David Sedaris “Santaland Diaries,” one of NPR’s most-requested stories. We’ll also have the late Jonathan Winters reading “A Christmas Carol” Friday with specials from both Joshua Bell and Mark O’Connor. Complete listings at KNAU.org.

Settle in for cozy and nostalgic music weeknights through Christmas Eve from 7 to 9 on Classical KNAU and streaming at KNAU.org.

Biosphere 2, operated by the University of Arizona, was built 30 years ago as an experiment in space colonization, but now the ecosystems inside are perfect for climate change research. Unlike in the real world, scientists can control the elements. Learn more at KNAU.org.

Music plays a major part in the holidays as the songs of the season can evoke strong emotions and memories. On Sunday, the Master Chorale of Flagstaff performs its annual holiday concert, and since songs are essentially poems set to music, we figured it would be fun to feature some holiday music in this week’s Poetry Friday segment. Learn more at KNAU.org.

By day the archway echoes the shape of a rainbow: by night, it mimics the Milky Way. The monument is also a certified International Dark Sky Sanctuary, a designation reserved for rare, remote locations with little or no light pollution. Learn more at KNAU.org.

Arizona is one of 40 states that saw workforce reductions in their pollution control programs since 2008. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality lost 151 positions, nearly a third of its staff. The agency’s budget also dropped by 29 percent. Learn more at KNAU.org.