Tuesday, December 16, 2025

Good Morning! On this day in 1938, the community of Window Rock hosted the first Navajo Tribal Fair, shown here in 1951.

Arizona may have missed the sweater weather memo. Phoenix's high of 82 degrees on Sunday set a daily heat record amid above-normal temperatures statewide.

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AI Regulation Sparks Debate

Arizona is at the center of a growing debate over artificial intelligence regulation as the Trump administration calls for a single national framework to prevent conflicting state rules.

Last Thursday, Chandler rejected a proposed $2 billion AI data center, joining other Arizona cities opposing similar projects over water, environmental, and neighborhood concerns.

Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke said he understands concerns about the patchwork of AI regulations across the country, but that many AI-related decisions—such as approving data centers—are primarily local land use matters.

President Trump, in an executive order signed last week, said streamlined regulations are the key to keeping the U.S. competitive in the global AI marketplace.

Watershed Restoration Begins

Trout Unlimited launched the $1.8 million Thompson-Burro Meadow Restoration Project near Alpine to restore streams, reconnect wetlands, and revive water habitats.

The project aims to repair damage from the 2011 Wallow Fire, boost groundwater storage, and strengthen the watershed that feeds the Phoenix Valley and surrounding areas.

Improvements planned include wood log jams, sod plugs, and native vegetation to increase drought and wildfire resilience.

The project comes as Colorado River states remain deadlocked on water-sharing, fueling concerns over declining river levels and potential federal intervention.

Secondhand Stores Surge

Arizona's secondhand retail market has expanded to a $955 million a year industry, with strong growth since 2020.

The trend mirrors a broader national rise in secondhand shopping as consumer habits shift amid economic uncertainty and growing interest in sustainability.

Major players like Goodwill have seized the opportunity, opening new, modernized locations, while luxury resale, independent shops, and national franchises have also expanded statewide.

Beyond cost savings, thrifting is increasingly seen as a recreational experience, with events and curated stores drawing in new shoppers.

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➤ Deer Valley: No injuries were reported in a low-impact taxiway collision between two aircraft at Deer Valley Airport on Sunday morning. (More)

➤ Statewide: Law enforcement will increase security at Hanukkah events following a deadly attack in Australia. (Watch)

➤ Statewide: Pedestrians in Arizona are nearly twice as likely to die in road crashes compared to the U.S. average, a AAA study found. (More)

➤ Maricopa: The fire department said a pungent, gas-like smell reported in several neighborhoods is harmless and caused by ongoing water treatment activities. (More)

➤ Phoenix: Echo Canyon Trail at Camelback Mountain reopened after a two-month closure for storm-related safety repairs, including the stabilizing of loose boulders. (More)

➤ Seligman: A seat on the school board for the Seligman Unified School District opened following a member's resignation, with a Jan. 2 deadline for applicants. (Details)

➤ Arizona men's basketball remained No. 1 in the nation in the latest AP rankings. (Full Poll)

➤ The Arizona Diamondbacks signed pitcher Merrill Kelly to a two-year, $40 million contract. Kelly returns to the team after being traded to the Texas Rangers last year. (More)

➤ Arizona State football coach Kenny Dillingham is on Michigan's list of top potential head coaching candidates, following last week's firing of Sherrone Moore. (More)

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➤ Forbes announced Phoenix as the host city for its 30 Under 30 Summit from 2026 through 2028, with the event expected to draw between 5,000 and 10,000 participants a year. (More)

➤ Some businesses in Nogales report sluggish holiday sales, citing fewer shoppers from Mexico crossing into Arizona due to longer border security delays and rising prices. (Watch)

➤ State Attorney General Kris Mayes accused Kinder Morgan of potentially violating state law, amid disputes over the location and approval of the company's Haystack Ranches compressor site now under construction. (Watch)

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➤ Crowds lined Lake Havasu's Bridgewater Channel for the annual Boat Parade of Lights, showcasing holiday-themed boats and festive activities. (Photos)

➤ Super Late Model drivers will compete for $25,000 prizes at next month's 2026 Wild West Shootout in Casa Grande. (More)

➤ The annual Gwyn Noble Holiday Shopping Experience in north Phoenix donated up to $350 each to more than 300 children to buy toys, clothes, and books. (Watch)

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