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

Plague death confirmed in Coconino County

COCONINO COUNTY — Health and Human Services (CCHHS) officials received confirmatory test results today, July 11, 2025, and have confirmed that a Coconino County resident has died from pneumonic plague, a severe lung infection caused by the Yersinia pestis bacterium.

The death is not related to a recent report of a prairie dog die-off in the Townsend Winona area, northeast of Flagstaff. This is the first recorded death from Pneumonic plague in Coconino County since 2007 when an individual had an interaction with a dead animal infected with the disease. 

“Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the deceased,” said Coconino County Board of Supervisors Chair Patrice Horstman. “We are keeping them in our thoughts during this difficult time. Out of respect for the family, no additional information about the death will be released.”

Beulah/University Realignment Project substantially complete. All roadways to open on Tuesday, July 15!

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff, their contractor, Eagle Mountain Construction, along with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), have reached substantial completion of the Beulah/University Realignment Project. With this work complete, all roads and the pedestrian underpass will be open and accessible to all users by the end of Tuesday, July 15. Remain alert as crews complete final clean-up operations throughout the coming weeks. Please be patient as you and your fellow motorists get used to the new roadway configuration and follow the marked signage to get to your destination.

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.

Early bird tickets now on sale for the 76th Annual Coconino County Fair!

FLAGSTAFF — Mark your calendars! The 76th Annual Coconino County Fair returns to Fort Tuthill County Park over Labor Day Weekend, August 29 – September 1, and early bird tickets are now officially on sale.

Fairgoers can take advantage of discounted admission and carnival wristbands by purchasing online at www.CoconinoCountyFair.com beginning July 1. Whether you’re going for the rides, the food, the music, or the exhibits, buying early is the best way to save!

Crews responding to small wildfire near A1 Mountain west of Flagstaff

FLAGSTAFF — Firefighters are responding to a small wildfire located near A1 Mountain roughly 6 miles west of Flagstaff.

Resources assigned to the Soggy Bottom Fire include six engines, a water tender and two hand crews.

The fire is between 5 and 7 acres with a moderate rate of spread through grass and timber.

It was first reported at about 2:30 p.m. (Wednesday, July 9) and its cause is under investigation.

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

Prairie Dog Die-Off reported in the Townsend Winona area

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) received a report today of a prairie dog die-off in the Townsend Winona area, northeast of Flagstaff.

A sudden die-off of prairie dogs and rodents can be an indicator of plague, an infectious disease that can affect humans and animals. The bacterium that causes plague, Yersinia pestis, is transmitted from the bite of infected fleas or by coming into contact with infected animals. Individuals can also become infected through exposure to sick pets.  

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.

Coconino County response to EMS service disruption in Fredonia

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County officials are taking swift action following the recent disruption of ground ambulance services in Fredonia and the surrounding communities in the County’s northwest and north-central regions.

The disruption occurred after the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) determined that Kane County, Utah EMS units are not certified or legally authorized to operate within Arizona. 

Concrete removal and pavement patching scheduled on roadways in early July

FLAGSTAFF — Road repair and maintenance projects continue around Flagstaff as part of the annual Road Repair and Street Safety Program. Concrete removal work is scheduled to occur during the week of July 7 on Beulah Blvd, Lucky Ln, and the east side of Switzer Canyon Dr. During the week of July 14, pavement patching work is scheduled on William Rd, Switzer Canyon Dr, Kaspar Dr and San Francisco St.

This work will impact select areas of the roadway and will result in temporary lane shifts, lane closures and/ or shoulder closures. The City and its contractor are taking all possible measures to minimize the impact of this work on local residents and businesses.

City of Flagstaff announces Lee Williams as Water Services Director

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff is excited to announce that Lee Williams has been selected as the City’s Water Services Director.

Lee has served for 13 years with the City of Flagstaff in Water Services and was the previous Water Operations Section Director. Prior to this role, he served as an Operations Supervisor and Plant Operator in the public sector, worked as an educator for six years, and worked for four years in private industry.  He has a bachelor’s degree in chemistry & mathematics and is a certified operator in water treatment, water distribution, wastewater treatment and wastewater collection. 

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.

Flagstaff City Manager Greg Clifton announces retirement; City to launch nationwide recruitment

FLAGSTAFF — This week, Flagstaff City Manager Greg Clifton announced to the City Council his intention to retire. To guide the transition, the City has engaged Duffy Group to conduct a nationwide, competitive search with opportunities for community input to help identify a city manager aligned with Flagstaff’s values.

Mr. Clifton joined the City of Flagstaff in August 2019 with more than 20 years of executive municipal experience. From the outset, he adopted a community-centered leadership style that emphasized collaboration across City divisions. Under his leadership, the City made significant strides in key areas including public safety, core services, climate resilience, public infrastructure, and economic vitality.

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

Latest news updates for June 2025

• Republicans Block Gallego Amendment to Stop Budget Bill from Gutting Substance Use Disorder Treatment

• Gallego Statement on War Powers Vote

• Gallego Fights for Tax Equality for Married Couples

• ICYMI: Senators Gallego and Kelly Facilitate the Safe Arrival of Arizona Teens Stranded in Israel Amidst Conflict in the Middle East

• Gallego Introduces Legislation to Cut Red Tape in Border Agent Hiring Process

• Senators Gallego and Kelly Announce the Safe Arrival of Arizona Teens Stranded in Israel Amidst Conflict in the Middle East

• Amid Rising Antisemitic Attacks in the U.S., Gallego Backs Bipartisan Legislation to Combat Hate and Strengthen Holocaust Education

• What They Are Saying: Congressional Republicans Plan to Make it Harder to Put Food on the Table

• On Dobbs 3rd Anniversary, Gallego Reaffirms Commitment to Protecting Reproductive Freedom

• Gallego Backs Bipartisan Bill to Help Homeowners Conserve Water, Save Money

• Gallego, Scott Introduce Checkpoint Act to Strengthen Border Patrol Operations and Combat Fentanyl Trafficking

• Gallego Releases Statement on Bombing of Iranian Nuclear Sites

• MORE…

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

Latest news updates for June 2025

• WATCH: On Senate Floor, Kelly Opposes Republican Budget to Cut Medicaid and Food Assistance to Fund Billionaire Tax Breaks

• Kelly Statement on Supporting War Powers Resolution to Prevent Unauthorized War with Iran

• Kelly, Shaheen, Collins Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Development of Sustainable Wood Products and Support Forest Products Industry

• Por si te lo perdiste: En “Despierta América”, Kelly destaca cómo las decisiones de Trump en el conflicto en Irán están poniendo al país en peligro

• ICYMI: On ‘Despierta América,’ Kelly Spotlights How Trump’s Decision-Making on Iran is Making Americans Less Safe

• Kelly Leads Resolution Recognizing June 30 as National Asteroid Day

• Kelly, Gallego Announce the Safe Arrival of Arizona Teens Stranded in Israel Amidst Conflict in the Middle East

• Kelly, Hawley, Hassan Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Rural Hospital Cybersecurity

• Kelly, Stanton: Arizona Teachers, Firefighters, Police Officers & Other Middle-Class Workers Will See Higher Costs Under Trump’s Tax and Tariff Plans

• Kelly Backs Legislation to Protect Children on Social Media, Hold Tech Companies Accountable

• Kelly Statement on US Strikes on Iranian Nuclear Sites

• ICYMI: In Tucson, Kelly Visits Rincon High School to Highlight How Republican SNAP Cuts Would Harm Arizona Kids and Families

• More …

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Back-to-School events already in the planning stage

COCONINO COUNTY — Yes, we know. Summer has just begun and 4th of July events have yet to kick off. 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