1. On December 22, 1939, the Grand Canyon National Park was officially designated as a national park, protecting the stunning natural wonder for future generations.

2. On December 22, 1967, the Museum of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff opened its doors. The museum showcases the biological, cultural, and geological diversity of the region.

3. On December 22, 2010, Arizona Governor Jan Brewer signed into law a controversial immigration bill, Senate Bill 1070, that drew national attention and sparked protests. The law required police to determine the immigration status of anyone they stopped or detained if there was "reasonable suspicion" they were in the country illegally.

4. On December 22, 2014, the Arizona Cardinals clinched the NFC West division title for the first time since 2009 with a win over the Seattle Seahawks. The Cardinals went on to make it to the NFC Championship game that season.

5. On December 22, 2015, the Phoenix Suns fired head coach Jeff Hornacek after an 8-15 start to the season. Hornacek had led the team to the playoffs in his first year as coach, but the team struggled in his final season.