Category: Cultural

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: July 28-August 1, 2025

As we look to the North Rim, we can all see that the Dragon Bravo Fire continues to burn. It likely will burn for a while longer given the extremely dry conditions and the lack of monsoon rains. Many of us have deep connections to the North Rim and the people and places that make that a special place.

We are in a time of transition, with our personal experiences at the North Rim, our professional lives within the Park, and with the daily transitions that are occurring. Transitions can be hard as we leave the known and comfortable and enter uncharted territory. That is how I feel about the North Rim. I’m sure many of you feel that way too. But, transitions allow us to think differently, allow us to be unconstrained in our ideas and possibilities. That is also how I feel, and I hope many of you feel that way too.

Sedona Arts Center to present ‘The Face of Time’ with opening reception on Aug. 1

OPENING RECEPTION THIS FRIDAY
at Celebrate Sedona!
Friday, August 1, 2025 | 4–6pm

In the Special Exhibitions Gallery and Theater Studio
at Sedona Arts Center
15 Art Barn Road, Uptown Sedona

Join us for a vibrant evening of art, music, and community as we kick off our 2025–26 season with Celebrate Sedona and the opening of our newest exhibition, The Face of Time. This juried show features powerful and diverse portraiture from artists across the country—exploring identity, memory, and transformation through the lens of time.

White Sage Fire Daily Update – Aug. 1, 2025

Firefighters are successfully repairing suppression lines. Resources continue to patrol the fire and backhaul equipment. A Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team of interdisciplinary professionals has begun evaluating fire impacts to determine rehabilitation needs and strategies. The Color Country Type 3 Team is coordinating closely with the North Kaibab Ranger District, BLM Arizona Strip District, and local cooperators to meet the needs of the changing fire conditions.

Dragon Bravo Fire Update for Aug. 1, 2025

Highlights: Infrared mapping confirmed updated acreage as the Dragon Bravo Fire continues pushing north, particularly into the burn scar of the 2006 Warm Fire. Air resources worked to slow fire spread in that area. Night operations focused on holding containment lines near Forest Road 610 and progressing south toward State Route 67.

Firing operations continued to steer the fire away from values at risk in Grand Canyon National Park and the Kaibab National Forest and minimize impacts to infrastructure, including the Kaibab Lodge area. Firefighters got a slight reprieve as cloud coverage helped to moderate fire activity.

U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) news updates for July 2025

Office of U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego

News updates for July 2025 (This Week)

• Gallego Introduces Resolution Reaffirming ICE Cannot Arrest or Deport U.S. Citizens

• Following Passage of Republican Tax Bill, Gallego Fights to Restore CFPB Funding, Protect Consumers from Scams

• Gallego and Homeland Security Democrats Push Justice Department to Produce Epstein Files

• Gallego’s Shadow Wolves Bill Passes Committee Unanimously

• Gallego, Fetterman Reintroduce Bill Allowing DACA Recipients to Join the Military

• Gallego, Justice Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect Americans’ Access to Quality Customer Service, Preserve U.S. Jobs

• ICYMI: Gallego Demands Answers from Delta CEO as Company Moves Toward AI Pricing Model

• Gallego Shapes Bipartisan Housing Bill in Senate Banking Committee

• Gallego, Colleagues Call for Large-Scale Expansion of Humanitarian Aid in Gaza and Resumption of Diplomatic Efforts to Secure a Ceasefire and End the War

• Gallego, Kelly, Stanton, Ansari Call on Trump Administration to Preserve Federal Support for College Readiness Programs in Arizona

• Gallego Backs Bill to Boost Supply of Doctors, Ensure Access to Medical Care

• Following Calls from Gallego, Kelly, Stanton, and Ansari, the Trump Administration Unfreezes Remaining $110 Million in Education Funding for Arizona

• Gallego, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Make Homeownership a Reality for Young Americans

• Gallego, Kelly Reintroduce Bipartisan Canadian Snowbirds Act to Boost Arizona Economy, Tourism

MORE…

U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) news updates for July 2025

Office of U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly

News updates for July 2025 (This Week)

• Kelly, Klobuchar, Collins Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Provide AI Guidelines for Election Offices

• Kelly, Senate Democrats Call for Large-Scale Expansion of Humanitarian Aid in Gaza and Resumption of Diplomatic Efforts to Secure a Ceasefire and End the War

• Kelly, Slotkin, Harder Reintroduce Ban Corporate PACs Act to End Corporate Influence in Politics

• WATCH: In SASC Hearing, Kelly Secures Commitment from Navy Nominee to Address Maritime Workforce and American Shipbuilding Gaps

• After Kelly, Stanton, Gallego, & Ansari Demands, Trump Administration Finally Releases $110 Million in Education Funds It’s Held for Weeks

• Kelly, Gallego Reintroduce Bipartisan Canadian Snowbirds Act to Boost Arizona Economy, Tourism

• Sens. Kelly, Murkowski, Warren and Reps. Ryan, Kiggans Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Lower Healthcare Insurance for Military Families

MORE …

Coconino Center for the Arts — Announcing New Professional Development Workshop Offerings – Digital Marketing for Artists and Nonprofits Next Saturday

Join us for the next workshop in our free Professional Development Workshop Series! Explore how nonprofits can leverage marketing strategies and AI tools to enhance outreach, engagement, and efficiency. Led by artist and designer Kayley Quick and marketing professional and theater leader Caitlin Burd, this session will provide practical insights into branding, content creation, and the evolving role of AI in nonprofit marketing. Whether you’re looking to streamline operations or strengthen your organization’s presence, this workshop will offer valuable takeaways for nonprofit leaders and creatives alike.

FREE Registration required

Art Classes and Workshops starting at Sedona Arts Center

Sedona Arts Center’s 
Fall Catalog of Workshops & Classes is here!

You can get a sneak preview online right now at SedonaArtsCenter.org, where you’ll find upcoming classes, events, exhibitions, and more. Keep an eye on your mailbox—printed copies are arriving this week!

Click Here to View Online

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Coalition joins other partners at Flagstaff back to school event. See our listing of upcoming events

COCONINO COUNTY — A warm summer day and a little wind didn’t keep parents and students away from the Coconino County Health and Human Services’ (CCH&HS) Back-to-School Health Fair held on Saturday, July 26 in Flagstaff.

More than 120 backpacks were presented to students who filled up their passports by visiting a variety of booths staffed by Arizona Poison Help, Arizona Trail Gear Girls, Chicano Por La Causa, Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth, Coconino County Emergency Management, CCH&HS Healthy Families, CCH&HS SafeKids, CCH&HS WIC, Flagstaff. Fire Dept., Denova Collaborative Health, Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library, North County Healthcare and NAU Talent Search — TRIO.

More back-to-school events are planned for Northern Arizona. Please see our listing below for upcoming events.

(INFORMATION UPDATED July 28, 2025)

Coconino Center for the Arts — Route 66: On The Road Free Youth Workshop – This Saturday!

Join us for a free youth art workshop led by artist and instructor Erika Tsouras: On The Road: Using Perspective to Draw a Realistic Road Scene! In this hands-on session, young artists will learn the basics of one-point perspective to create dynamic and realistic road scenes inspired by Route 66. Erika will guide students step-by-step through drawing techniques that bring depth and dimension to their artwork.

This is a free one-hour workshop and no experience is necessary! All supplies are provided.

Dragon Bravo Fire Daily Update for July 30

Highlights: Tuesday’s infrared mapping provided updated acreage as the Dragon Bravo Fire continues its northward push amid extreme fire behavior. Operations focused on holding Forest Road 610, improving indirect lines, and firing operations to protect values at risk. Southwest Complex Incident Management Team 2 is still taking a full suppression approach to the Dragon Bravo, while prioritizing firefighter and public safety.

The NAU Review — Meet NAU’s newest class of Flinn Scholars + the fungus among us

Two of Arizona’s best and brightest are headed to Flagstaff this fall. Cianna Brooks and Grace Smithson are part of the 20-person class of 2025 Flinn Scholars, a coveted merit-based award that covers eight semesters of tuition, fees, housing and meals and even provides funds for study abroad and professional development. Brooks and Smithson beat out 1,100 other high school seniors to score the Flinn Foundation-supported scholarship, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Learn more about these two impressive incoming students as they prepare for freshman year.

Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library — Happening at Your Library Week of 7/28/2025

View this email in your browser July 28th, 2025 Adult & All-Ages Events Book Clubs Youth Events Technology Help To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, please call 928-213-2330 (Downtown Library) or 928-213-2348 (East Flagstaff Library). Three…

Dragon Bravo Fire Update for July 28, 2025

Latest Update: Southwest Area Complex Incident Management Team Two has taken command of the Dragon Bravo Fire on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Containment has decreased to 13% following updated perimeter mapping and recent fire growth. Yesterday saw a significant push 3 to 4 miles to the north, particularly on the western flanks. Spot fires were confirmed in North Canyon, and extreme fire behavior was observed with pyrocumulus columns developing to heights of 24,000 feet.

Discover Flagstaff — Discover Summer Events with Flagstaff Happenings!

Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. “Flag Happs” is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights of the week.

VIEW ALL EVENTS THIS WEEK

United Way of Northern Arizona Awards Grants & Celebrates 20 Years of KinderCamp™

What a remarkable summer it’s been! Last month brought two exciting milestones for United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA) and the communities we serve.

We awarded more than $470,000 in Community Investment funds to 41 programs across northern Arizona, supporting critical services that strengthen our region. We also celebrated the 20th anniversary of KinderCamp™, our signature early childhood program that helps young learners take their first confident steps into kindergarten.

Coconino Leaders appointed to key federal advocacy roles with the National Association of Counties

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County leaders received bipartisan presidential appointments to various federal advocacy committees at the National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Conference earlier this week.

The conference is a gathering of representatives from over 3,000 counties to discuss federal policies that impact counties, attend workshops to share best practices, and collectively elevate county voices at the federal level. Coconino County appointments are in key federal advocacy areas that directly impact the relationship between the federal government and the County.

“NACo brings counties together to find solutions to shared challenges and improve the services we deliver every day,” said Chair and District 1 Supervisor Patrice Horstman. “Here in Coconino County, we’re proud to be leaders on the national stage who help shape policies that impact rural communities like ours. Through active roles on NACo committees, we’re making sure Coconino County’s voice is heard across the country and in Washington, D.C., and that the unique needs of our residents are front and center in national conversations.”

City of Flagstaff Beautification – Arts & Sciences News & Opportunities

The City of Flagstaff seeks proposals for large-scale, three-dimensional (3D) artworks for the 2026/2027 Multicultural County Park Sculpture Exhibition. The exhibition features five sculptures, existing or newly created, that reflect diverse cultural expressions including Indigenous, Black, and Latinx art. Selected artworks can advance essential perspectives and narratives and will invite interaction, conversation, and appreciation.

Application Deadline: August 1, 2025, 5 pm (Arizona Time)
Image: Changing Woman by Lance Yazzie (foreground) and Celestial Juggler by Joe Ray (background)

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: July 21-25, 2025

Message from Ed Keable, Superintendent of Grand Canyon National Park, on the Dragon Bravo Fire Response

On Saturday, July 19, we were honored to host Deputy Secretary Kate MacGregor, Acting Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks Kevin Lilly, and Acting NPS Director Jessica Bowron at Grand Canyon National Park. Their visit underscored the Department of the Interior’s and National Park Service’s strong support for our ongoing response to the Dragon Bravo Fire and their commitment to the future of the North Rim.

Museum of Northern Arizona — You can help us reach our goal today!

Thank you for your support of the Museum of Northern Arizona. This year, we are introducing many new hands-on activities at MNA – and we need your help!

From holding a fossilized dinosaur claw in your hands to making your own geology-inspired jewelry, hands-on activities provide a sense of connection that you just can’t get through a screen. That’s why we are asking you to help us reach our summer goal of raising $20,000 to support interactive elements at MNA!

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y’s free webinars offer parents a way to cope with busy summer

COCONINO COUNTY — With parents busy with a variety of Summer activities with their children (from at-home Summer education to summer travel), it may be a good time to take a deep breath, take care of yourself and find some ways to ease the stress for your children.

To help, Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth wants to remind everyone that we have a variety of free webinar training programs on our website.

Want to take a moment to take care of yourself? Visit our free Mindfulness (for adults) one-hour webinar.

Your child may also benefit from our free Mindfulness for Youth 45-minute webinar or our free Bullying and Cyberbullying one-hour webinar.

Our growing library of on-demand webinars are also designed to help you gain the tools you need to learn about trauma-informed care, tips to help strengthen family protective factors, examine the effects of historical trauma and adverse childhood experiences.

The NAU Review — ‘Buzzing toward a greener future’ and more news, events

Beekeeping is about more than making honey. According to assistant teaching professor Patrick Pynes, it’s also a powerful way to support biodiversity, strengthen local ecosystems and connect with nature. Every summer, Pynes’ Introductory Beekeeping Workshop teaches northern Arizonans how to take up this fun, sustainable hobby.
Watch the video & read the story

NEW art classes, workshops at Sedona Arts Center

Sedona Arts Center’s 
Fall Catalog of Workshops & Classes is here!

You can get a sneak preview online right now at SedonaArtsCenter.org, where you’ll find upcoming classes, events, exhibitions, and more. Keep an eye on your mailbox—printed copies will be arriving in the next week or so!

Click Here

Firefighters continue suppression work on Dragon Bravo Fire amid light rain and moisture Morning Update for July 21, 2025

Latest Update: Light rain showers and moisture could potentially aid firefighting efforts along the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park on the Dragon Bravo Fire. Fire activity is expected to persist as gusty southwest winds drive the fire through vegetation.

Arizona Office of Indian Education Biweekly Communication

OIE 2025 Annual Summit registration now open!

September 2-4, 2025

Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass, Phoenix, AZ

“Strong Roots, Soaring Futures.”

Session tracks include:

Teaching and Learning
Policy and Data
Culture and Wellness
Youth Advocacy and Engagement

Volunteers sought for tree planting on east side of San Francisco Peaks

“This planting is significant not only because of the visual aesthetics and cultural importance of the San Francisco Peaks, but also because it can help reforest areas that burned uncharacteristically hot and may not naturally regenerate for more than one hundred years,” said silviculturist Mark Nabel. “These planted trees will help reduce soil erosion and improve wildlife habitat while also restoring some of the timber base that was lost in these recent fires.”

Flagstaff locals and visitors had a chance to get themselves into ‘Good Trouble’ as part of nationwide day of action on July 17

From presenters urging everyone to work together during this uncertain political time, to lessons on how to focus on your protest message, be it in interviews with media or even your own protest sign, more than 140 people crowded together at Flagstaff’s Federated Church for a “Teach In” on Thursday, July 17 as part of the “Good Trouble Lives On” National Day of Action.

The day, which honors the passing five years ago of Congressman John Lewis, featured protests and other forms of action in more than 1,600 locations nationwide. The local program was organized by the Coconino Democrats, Indivisible Northern Arizona and Lived Black Experience.

In Flagstaff, the event featured opening remarks by via Zoom by Dr. Justin R. Mallett, vice president of Inclusive Excellence at Northern Arizona University.

“We have to start sharing our stories and sharing the work we are doing collectively,” he said. “..We have to let people know that these events are for everybody…They are there for all of us.”

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: July 14-18, 2025

Message from Superintendent Keable on Dragon Bravo Fire

The recent Dragon Bravo Fire has profoundly impacted our Grand Canyon community, particularly for our colleagues on the North Rim who have bravely faced this devastating event. Many have experienced traumatic conditions, with some losing their homes and cherished belongings. The challenges have not been limited to our North Rim team; South Rim employees and the Grand Canyon community in and out of the park have felt the weight of this fire, as many have deep personal connections to the North Rim.

The destruction wrought by the fire is hard to fathom, and we acknowledge the emotional toll it has taken on all of us. In response to this crisis, we are adjusting our park management structure to better serve the needs of our affected employees, and the complex demands of the Grand Canyon. I continue to focus my efforts as the Agency Administrator of the Complex Incident Management Team (CIMT), comprised of skilled professionals who are dedicated to addressing the ongoing fire.

To further stabilize our response, we have assembled a regional Incident Management Team that is focusing on vital areas such as coordinating mental and physical health resources and planning for the ongoing needs of those affected.

As we navigate this difficult time, we are bolstered by the strength, resilience, and dedication that defines the GRCA community. Together, we will overcome these challenges.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Back-to-School events already in the planning stage. See our listing here

COCONINO COUNTY — Yes, we know. Summer has just begun and at the Coalition we are still updating our parent-friendly Summer Camps, Summer Food and Summer Reading listings.

However, some eager folks out there are already getting ready for Back-to-School events and so have decided to get a head start and start listing and promoting upcoming activities.

Please check with individual programs to confirm times, dates, other information.

If your program would like to be added to this listing, please send an email to frank@coconinokids.org

(INFORMATION UPDATED July 14, 2025)

Bilingual report — City of Flagstaff Title VI Nondiscrimination Notice to the Public

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff hereby gives public notice that it is the City’s policy to assure full compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other related statutes and regulations including Title II of the ADA. The City of Flagstaff operates without regard to race, color, national origin, income status, sex, age, limited English proficiency (LEP), or disability and that no person shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity.

Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra — Last Chance to Claim Your Gift from FSO + Fitness Collective

At Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra, we believe in helping our community feel vibrant, connected, and fully alive. That’s why we’re sending one final reminder about Fitness Collective’s exclusive offer just for the FSO community—a custom, 3-week Fitness Jumpstart Program for just $99! 

One of our FSO board members, Cindy, has personally been training with Fitness Collective for several months. She says:

Coconino County named one of top digital counties in U.S.

“Technology touches everyone’s lives, shaping how we connect, work, learn, and experience the world every day. One of our key focus areas is digital transformation. Having instant access to information online, rather than driving hours for an in-person meeting, has been widely embraced by the public,” commented Matt Fowler, Coconino County Chief Information Officer. “We have an amazing team and to place in the Top 10, six years in a row, demonstrates the passion and dedication our staff provides our communities.”

Theatrikos Theatre Co. — Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, School of Rock and The Nerd Auditions!

Experience the theatrical event of the summer as Theatrikos brings the celebrated musical phenomenon, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, to the stage! From July 17 through August 10, witness this timeless tale from the legendary duo Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice.

Registration has opened for 2nd annual Northern Arizona Anti-Hunger Summit to be held on Sept. 4.

This summit is a collaborative platform to:

· Share innovative approaches to addressing food insecurity

· Learn from local leaders, policy experts, and those with lived experience

· Strengthen partnerships across Northern Arizona’s food systems

· Mobilize for sustainable solutions to end hunger in our communities

Whether you’re engaged in direct service, advocacy, education, or policy, your voice is essential. Together, we can shape a more equitable and food-secure future for all.

Sedona Arts Center — Art Classes and Workshops at SAC

Hands-On Hand Building
with Ben Roti
July 28-September 1, 2025 – Mondays 12-3pm

In this fun and creative class, suitable for both beginners and experienced ceramicists, you’ll learn a variety of hand-building techniques and explore your personal artistic vision in a welcoming, hands-on environment.

What You’ll Experience:

Foundational Techniques: Learn essential hand-building methods such as slab construction, coil building, and pinch pots, to create functional and decorative pieces.
Creative Projects: Each class includes demonstrations and hands-on practice in crafting items like bowls, mugs, vases, platters, and lidded boxes, plus optional advanced projects for experienced students.
Surface Design and Glazing: Explore texturing, stamping, slip decoration, and glazing techniques to finish your creations.

Thousands of visitors filled the streets of downtown Flagstaff for 2025 Fourth of July Parade

COCONINO COUNTY — Despite scattered rains the night before, thousands of visitors crowded into downtown Flagstaff on a beautiful morning to celebrate the 2025 Annual Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce/Nackard Pepsi 4th of July Parade on Friday, July 4, 2024.

The events began with a Guardian Air Transport helicopter flying overhead leading a parade featuring more than 100 entries. The Arizona Daily Sun reported between 15,000 to 20,000 people attended the annual event.

Members of the Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) joined the Coconino County parade entry which featured public safety vehicles, the Majestics Car Club of Flagstaff, marching bands and other entries.

Northern Arizona groups planning to join ‘Good Trouble Lives On National Day of Action on July 17

By Indivisible 

In one week, on July 17, people all across the country will gather together in honor of the late Rep. John Lewis to participate in the Good Trouble Lives On National Day of Action.

With MAGA Republicans continuing their ghoulish campaigns to terrorize communities, crush dissent, and tear families apart, it’s more important than ever that we stand up, speak out, and make some good trouble. 

What’s good trouble?

Coined by civil rights leader Congressman John Lewis, “good trouble” means coming together to take non-violent action to challenge injustice and create meaningful change. That could look like a candlelight vigil, a community event, a rally, or any other creative way you can think of to stand up and remind the world that we will continue to fight back against this authoritarian regime.

State awards City of Flagstaff $4M for regional wildland fire training facility

FLAGSTAFF — The state of Arizona has allocated $4M to the City of Flagstaff in its FY2026 budget for the construction of a regional wildland fire training facility. Local fire departments across northern Arizona are the front line of defense against wildfire and the construction of this facility will increase firefighter safety and improve wildfire response.

The construction of a permanent wildland fire training facility in Flagstaff will serve as the operational base for the Flagstaff Fire Department’s Wildfire Management Division, providing year-round high-quality and scenario-based training opportunities for local and regional fire personnel. The facility will also enhance coordination among municipal, state, and federal firefighting agencies. The City of Flagstaff has dedicated $650K for the design of the facility and the $4M provided by the state will be used for construction.

Grand Canyon National Park temporarily closes North Rim due to White Sage Fire

GRAND CANYON — Effective immediately, Grand Canyon National Park has temporarily closed the North Rim until further notice due to the White Sage Fire near Jacob Lake, Ariz. The White Sage Fire is located on BLM lands and is not currently burning within Grand Canyon National Park.

Due to the fire’s progression toward Jacob Lake, which is now under evacuation orders, all visitors on the North Rim are required to evacuate immediately. State Route 89A to Fredonia is closed. State Route 89A east toward Lees Ferry and Page remains open to traffic towards Lees Ferry. North Rim day use is also closed until further notice.

2025–2026 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) for Coconino County is now available for review

COCONINO COUNTY — The 2025–2026 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) for Coconino County is now available for review and highlights the ongoing efforts of the CHIP Action Teams focused on Transportation, Housing, Behavioral Health, and Food and Nutritional Security.

The updated plan is attached and available online at https://www.coconino.az.gov/DocumentCenter/View/68572

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: July 7-11, 2025

Dragon Bravo Fire on the North Rim

The Dragon Bravo Fire, located on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, continues to show moderate fire activity as it burns in a remote area south of the Basin near the W1 Road. Sparked by lightning on July 4, the fire has grown steadily over the past few days and is currently estimated at approximately 120 acres.

LULAC hails Federal Court Victory preserving Birthright Citizenship in the United States

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) (July 10) celebrates a landmark decision by U.S. District Judge Joseph Laplante of New Hampshire, who issued a ruling blocking the Trump administration’s executive order seeking to strip automatic birthright citizenship from children born in the United States to undocumented parents. This decision marks a crucial victory for members of LULAC, the first organization to file a lawsuit challenging the administration’s attempt to undermine one of the most fundamental rights enshrined in the U.S. Constitution.

“This ruling is a powerful affirmation that the rights granted under the 14th Amendment are not up for debate or political manipulation,” said Roman Palomares, LULAC National President and Chairman of the Board. “From the very beginning, LULAC has been the voice standing between injustice and the rights of those born on American soil. We will never allow the constitutional promise of citizenship to be erased or rewritten.”

Pew Research Center — Race & Ethnicity — Birthright citizenship, deportation worries and Trump’s 2024 voter coalition

Half of U.S. adults say people born in the United States to parents who immigrated illegally should have U.S. citizenship, while 49% say they should not. By contrast, nearly all say people born in the country to U.S.-born parents (95%) or to parents who immigrated legally (94%) should be citizens.

Related: Trump’s executive order on birthright citizenship draws more disapproval than approval

Sedona Arts Center — ‘The Big Gay Art Show’ showing through July 25

Celebrate bold creativity, inclusion, and artistic expression in this vibrant juried exhibition featuring work from LGBTQIA+ artists and allies. Presented in our Special Exhibition Gallery through July 25, the show also lives online, where you can explore and purchase works from anywhere.

Originally conceived by local artists and Sedona Pride supporters in 2012, The Big Gay Art Show has become a cherished tradition—uplifting diverse voices and fostering connection through the power of visual art.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y seeks to connect families with variety of food security programs countywide

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — From school districts to nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies, a variety of food assistances programs are available this summer for families throughout Coconino County.

The following is a listing compiled by CCC&Y of some of those programs. Contact individual organizations for more information on times, dates and locations.

​​​​​​​

If your program would like to be added to this listing, please send an email to frank@coconinokids.org

READ MORE

NAU Review — Wait, is that an Ironman suit? + meet the new SAC president and learn about

Robotic exoskeletons are the future of helping people with certain disabilities perform daily tasks, but they can be prohibitively difficult and expensive to develop. Mechanical engineering associate professor Zach Lerner, whose research has focused on developing this technology, led a team that created OpenExo, an open-source exoskeleton framework, which will open doors for researchers globally to help speed up life-changing robotic discoveries. Want to see the exoskeletons at work? Check out this video from NAU-TV.
Read the story

Sedona Arts Center — Summer Art Classes: Ignite Your Imagination

Ceramics: Independent Study*
with Ben Roti
July 28-September 1, 2025 – Mondays 3:30-6:30pm

*Designed for experienced ceramicists
This class offers a supportive studio environment for you to explore advanced throwing and hand-building techniques while working on personal projects. (Beginners are welcome in Ben/Lolo/John’s Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday classes or in the Pottery Wheel for Beginners on Saturdays.)

Native Americans for Community Action (NACA) July — Aug. 2025 E-Newsletter

NACA accepts & provides services to all ethnic groups and all ages while focusing on whole-family health care. We pride ourselves in focusing on Native American health care, with the whole person in mind. Specialty care referrals are available for all patients. Referrals are also available to Native American patients through the Indian Health Services facilities in Flagstaff and in surrounding areas.

Variety of 4th of July events to be held in Flagstaff, Fredonia, Tuba City, Tusayan and Williams

Events also planned for Fredonia, Page, Tuba City, Tusayan and Williams

COCONINO COUNTY — Thousands of visitors are expected to crowd into downtown Flagstaff to celebrate the 2025 Annual Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce/Nackard Pepsi 4th of July Parade on Friday, July 4, 2024.

Members of the Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC), see 2024 photos below, are expected to join the Coconino County parade entry as part of the 100-plus float event.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: June 30-July 4, 2025

Town of Tusayan Hosts July 4th Events on Friday

Employees, friends, and families are invited to join the Town of Tusayan for an Independence Day celebration on Friday, July 4, from 4–10:30 p.m. This free community event, themed “A Community of Unity,” kicks off with a parade at 4 p.m. and highlights Tusayan’s partnerships with Grand Canyon National Park and other local agencies.

Enjoy an evening filled with food, drinks, bike decorating, kids’ games, live music, a cornhole tournament, a Native dance performance, and great auction items. The night will close with a pet-friendly drone light show at dusk.

More information can be found in the attached flyer here.