Hola! In these brutally hot months, we hope you are still finding ways to enjoy the desert beauty and the fauna that adapts and thrives. From slinky sand-hued lizards and spirited spotted Gila woodpeckers to busy thirsty bees and fiercely territorial emerald-and ruby-painted hummingbirds.
Watch for more reporting this summer on how the heat affects the most vulnerable among us.
For now, please read and share our latest coverage from your communities. A local author transporting you to the salt lakes for a deep dive on waterways of the West. A mother who survived domestic violence and is saving others. Then take a trip up ‘A’ Mountain for a historic behind-the-scenes experience of what it takes to put on a Tucson fireworks show and keep everyone safe.
Gracias for making Arizona Luminaria part of your week. We are always grateful to hear from you. We appreciate your support as we temporarily send one newsletter a week so our teammates can take some time off during the steamy desert summer.
In today’s newsletter:
💧Tucson author on the ways water connects us all. “Salt lakes can seem like anomalies in the landscape, but what is really important about them is that they are the end point of a lot of the West’s water systems.” Learn more about her new book. | Lee en español.
❤️🩹Sylvia Arana volcó sus experiencias de abuso y dolor en la escritura, además de crear un grupo de apoyo para padres con hijos encarcelados y dedicarse a dar conferencias públicas. Conoce más sobre su vida y sus libros. | Read in English.
🎆From the crew launching nearly 1,000 shells to a shortage of firefighters, days of preparation came together for what may be the last of one of Tucson’s shining, historic holiday traditions. Dig into a visual-driven story. | Lee en español.
Featured stories
Salt lakes and queer identity anchor this Tucson writer’s new book
The Great Salt Lake that gave Salt Lake City its name, or the Salton Sea, might seem far away from the Sonoran swathes of Tucson. But Tucson author and Arizona […]
Lagos salados e identidad queer son el eje del nuevo libro de esta escritora de Tucson
El Gran Lago Salado, que dio su nombre a Salt Lake City, o el Mar de Salton, puede parecer muy lejano de las extensiones sonorenses de Tucson. Pero la autora […]
Tras años de violencia doméstica y con sus hijos en prisión, una madre crea libros y red de apoyo
Ocho años pueden parecer sólo un número. Para Sylvia Arana no lo eran. Los convirtió en días. Uno por uno. Contó 2,920 jornadas de golpes, miedo, silencio y violencia doméstica. […]
She survived domestic violence and the incarceration of her children. Now she helps others.
Eight years may seem like just a number. For Sylvia Arana, they were not. She turned them into days. One by one. She counted 2,920 days of beatings, fear, silence […]
The last show: Behind Tucson’s final Fourth of July fireworks on ‘A’ Mountain
While people spend the afternoon gathering for Fourth of July celebrations, Kevin Luckenbill and his team of pyrotechnicians are up at the top of “A” Mountain, also known as Sentinel […]
Tras escena del último show pirotécnico del 4 de Julio en montaña “A” de Tucson
Mientras la gente pasa la tarde reuniéndose para las celebraciones del 4 de Julio, Kevin Luckenbill y su equipo de pirotécnicos trabajan en la cima de la montaña “A”, también […]
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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is proposing to eliminate a requirement that states provide public notice and comment periods for air quality permits issued to smaller industrial facilities. Under the proposed rule, states like Arizona would have full discretion over whether to notify the public or accept comments before approving construction or modifications at “minor sources,” which include facilities that fall below federal thresholds for major environmental review. The public can request a virtual hearing by July 12 and submit comments for 45 days after the rule’s July 7 publication in the Federal Register. Read the proposed rule.
Do you still have a mail-in ballot at home? Mail it back by Tuesday, July 14. Or find a ballot drop box. Primary Election Day is July 21. Get ready to vote with Arizona Luminaria’s voter guides.
The Pima County Board of Supervisors will hold a study session at 1 p.m. Tuesday to discuss the county’s climate action efforts, a mobile food market program threatened by federal budget cuts, and initiatives addressing homelessness and public safety. Then the board will meet at 5 p.m. to vote on appointing a new county treasurer following the resignation of Brian Johnson, who stepped down amid sexual harassment allegations. The board will also consider a resolution backing the Tohono O’odham Nation’s lawsuit to stop construction of a border wall on tribal lands. See meeting agendas and watch on YouTube.
The Arizona Chapter of the National Safety Council will hold a training on how employers can protect workers from heat-related illness. The webinar will take place from noon to 1 p.m. on July 22 and explore how to help employees acclimatize to heat, choose appropriate protective equipment and more. Register here.
Monsoon & Moonlight Arts and Vintage Market and Silent Auction will take place Saturday, July 25 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Historic Fourth Avenue Coalition Space. All of the proceeds go toward The Homing Project, a non-profit dedicated to building micro home communities for the unsheltered. There will be a micro home on site for visitors to see in person as well as an art auction.
Get a free car seat when you participate in a car seat safety workshop. The Pascua Yaqui tribe will conduct the class on July 29 from 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. about car seat requirements, common dangers, and proper installation. Registration is required. Email Michelle.Valencia@tusd1.org or call 520-232-8684.
Attorney General Kris Mayes has sued the federal department of housing to block changes to how they would fund permanent housing projects, a move she says is unlawful. A recent set of Trump administration rules seeks to limit federal funding for long-term homelessness programs. Tucson is among the localities who fought the funding shift in court. Mayes’ is joined by attorney generals and governors from more than 16 states including California, Colorado, Connecticut.
The Southern Arizona Volunteer Management Association is accepting nominations for its 2027 Volunteer Awards, which recognize individuals, organizations and youth for outstanding volunteer service and leadership across Southern Arizona. Nominations must be submitted by 5 p.m. July 31, and winners will be honored during the association’s annual awards breakfast.
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