Daily
Scottsdale
Thursday, January 1st, 2026
Good morning, Scottsdale. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 1st of January.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ American Airlines announced seven new direct routes from Sky Harbor to boost leisure and business travel. Seasonal flights from May 21 include Bozeman (near Yellowstone) and Kalispell, while daily service to Abilene, McAllen and Rapid City plus Anchorage flights resuming on May 21 offer new travel options. The Arizona Republic
- ➤ La La Land Kind Cafe opens its first Arizona location at Kierland Commons, offering coffee and matcha drinks. A soft opening with 50% off lasts through Jan. 2 and a grand opening on Jan. 3 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. is at 15210 N. Scottsdale Road. Scottsdale Independent
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Scottsdale Art Week returns to WestWorld from March 19 to 22 with an Opening Night Vernissage on Thursday, March 19. The event (presented by Scottsdale Ferrari) features live music, art previews and award presentations that benefit Phoenix Art Museum and honor local art leaders. Arizona Digital Free Press
- ➤ Western Spirit opens Curt Walters' Resilience exhibit on Jan. 17 at Scottsdale’s Museum of the West, featuring 20 paintings that span his career and include award-winning works portraying the Grand Canyon. The exhibit runs until Apr. 12 (according to chief curator Andrew Patrick Nelson). Arizona Digital Free Press
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Scottsdale schools face a renewed debate over religion in classrooms as a Turning Point USA club at Saguaro High School sparks controversy while state Sen. Farnsworth (R-Mesa) plans to propose teaching alternatives to evolution during the legislative session. School officials say current law protects faith and free expression. Scottsdale Independent
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Central Arizona Project’s (CAP) water expert said snowpack is at 67 percent of median with Lake Powell inflows forecast at 73 percent so far this water year, raising concerns about water supplies and prompting recommended water-saving measures for residents. KJZZ
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ ADOT officials say several freeway improvement projects will begin this year and continue into next, including the Loop 101 widening in Scottsdale that will be substantially completed early next year. Work in nearby Chandler and Gilbert will wrap up in 2027 (funded by a half-cent sales tax approved in 2024). Scottsdale Independent
- ➤ Residents planning New Year celebrations with consumer fireworks must follow Arizona law that permits use solely on private property during designated dates and times—Scottsdale fines start at $275 for violations. The Arizona Republic
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A new rapid test for Valley Fever developed in Phoenix will be available at local hospitals later in 2026 and cuts diagnosis time to 10 minutes (a move that helps doctors begin treatment faster), according to ASU’s Dr. Thomas Grys. ABC15 Arizona
- ➤ The Indian Health Service and Ak-Chin Indian Community announced plans in Scottsdale for a new 60,000 sqft health facility near Maricopa to expand primary, dental, and radiology care for tribal members and neighboring tribes. The facility is expected to be ready in about two years. KJZZ
- ➤ Scottsdale doctor Dr. Raquel Espinol founded Paradise Natural Medical Center to offer integrative endocrine care shaped by her personal thyroid journey. She is now accepting new patients and providing comprehensive lab assessments (through March). Scottsdale Independent
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Keyboard Conversations: Chopin — The Romantic
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Virginia G. Piper Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the romantic brilliance of Chopin through lively polonaises, enchanting nocturnes, and more.
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The Sound of Simon & Garfunkel
3-6 p.m. — Virginia G. Piper Theater — Cost details not provided — Experience a nostalgia-filled afternoon of Simon & Garfunkel classics followed by dinner in Old Town.
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Arizona Balloon Classic
4-9 p.m. — Wild Horse Pass Stadium — Prices vary — Experience breathtaking balloon ascensions and dazzling evening glows amidst food, music, and family fun.
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Songs from Film - A Revue
2:00-3:30 p.m. — ASU Kerr — Check local listings for ticket prices — Enjoy an intimate revue of songs and musings from iconic musicals and unforgettable cinema classics.
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Aloft Live! featuring Chris Yak Acoustic
5-8 p.m. — Aloft Scottsdale — Free entry — Enjoy a laid-back live acoustic performance by Chris Yak while sipping cocktails and light fare.
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Jourdan Rolland Music Event
2-6 p.m. — Continental Golf Club — Free entry — Enjoy a lively mix of genres from this engaging Arizona musician.
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Scottsdale Book Festival
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM — Scottsdale Civic Center — Free entry — Experience a vibrant celebration of books and storytelling with over 200 authors and live entertainment.
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PVSchools Community 5K Fun Run/Walk
9:15-10:00 a.m. — Horizon HS Football Field — Registration fee — Participate in a fun-filled 5K to support the local community and promote fitness.
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