Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Good Morning! On this day in 2025, Arizona Highways magazine featured a snow-covered scene of the Chiricahua Mountains following a winter storm in southeastern Arizona.

A bear was spotted strolling through the wildlife hotspot of Madera Canyon on Sunday.

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School Leaders Ousted After Unreported Assault

Mesa Public Schools will not renew the contracts of a high school principal and athletic director accused of failing to promptly report an assault on a juvenile.

The assault took place after a February soccer game at Mesa High School, and one of the attackers allegedly threatened the victim with a gun.

Police say Principal Kirk Thomas and Athletic Director David Klecka delayed reporting the incident because they didn’t want police on campus. A school security guard said administrators prevented him from calling the police.

District officials said the non-renewal is not a disciplinary action and does not affect their current contracts, which run through June 30. Both remain on administrative leave.

Park Fees Increase for Non-U.S. Visitors

A federal policy has taken effect requiring international visitors to pay an extra $100 to enter the Grand Canyon and 10 other popular national parks.

Part of the Trump administration’s America First pricing plan, the new fee structure also increases annual passes for non-residents to $250, while U.S. residents continue to pay $80.

The rollout also includes America the Beautiful digital passes, mobile activation, and staff training to speed entry.

Meanwhile, the schedule of this year’s national park free days now includes more historically or presidentially significant dates and fewer public lands and civil rights observances.

Hobbs Eyes Short-Term Rental Fee

Gov. Katie Hobbs proposed a $3.50 nightly fee on short-term rentals to assist low-income people with housing costs.

The plan would create the Arizona Affordability Fund, starting with $20 million to help working families pay utility bills, lower energy costs, and expand affordable housing.

Hobbs called the fee a small ask of tourists, noting it would cost “less than a cup of coffee.” Airbnb officials said it could raise travel costs and hurt hosts and families.

Hobbs also proposed a Housing Acceleration Fund to give affordable housing developers low-cost financing and fast-track workforce housing construction.

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➤ Parker: The Parker 400 will take place this weekend with nearly 200 teams competing, launching a unified off-road auto racing series. (Photos)

➤ Peoria: The U.S. House of Representatives approved over $7 million in federal funding for law enforcement upgrades and veterans’ legal services in Congressional District 8, with the proposal now awaiting review by the U.S. Senate. (More)

➤ State: U.S. Navy veteran Bob Garvey says he was exposed to radiation during the 1966 Palomares nuclear cleanup in Spain and is now seeking disability benefits. (Watch)

➤ Sun Lakes: Some Arizona-based Pittsburgh Steelers football fans say they’re still waiting for thousands in refunds after a themed cruise they booked was canceled last year. (Watch)

➤ Statewide: The Arizona Department of Gaming will fund a statewide peer support and recovery program to help people struggling with gambling problems. (More)

➤ The Arizona Diamondbacks acquired eight-time All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado in a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals. (More)

➤ No. 1 Arizona men’s basketball hosts Arizona State tonight in Tucson. Arizona is 9-0 in home games this season, while ASU is coming off a gritty win against Kansas State. (More)

➤ Former Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt signed with the LSU Tigers in the transfer portal, officially ending his tenure in Tempe. (More)

➤ The Washington Commanders interviewed former Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon this week for their open defensive coordinator position. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: NBA | NHL | NCAAM | NCAAW | Soccer

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➤ Camp Verde town officials say there’s no movement on a possible BluSky AI data center, with no planning or permitting applications filed to date. (More)

➤ Phoenix Mahjong Club, a gaming-focused social club, opened its first permanent Scottsdale location with 15 automatic tables and room for 80 players. (Watch)

➤ A list of Az Business magazine’s top 100 lawyers for 2026 includes Amy Abdo of Fennemore and Andrew Abraham of Burch & Cracchiolo. (List)

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➤ After months of battling bone cancer, 12-year-old Peoria dancer Lily Santisi fulfilled her dream of becoming a Rockette for a day, thanks to Make-A-Wish Arizona. (Watch)

➤ State authorities dismantled a $750,000 car theft ring targeting high-end Mopar vehicles, arresting five people after months of investigation. (Photos)

➤ Local gardener Michael Overstreet—known as the Arizona Garden Nerd—explains why now is the perfect time to plant bare-root trees. (Watch)

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