LULAC commemorates Cinco de Mayo by calling on all Americans to defend the Constitution and uphold civil rights

By MosaicNAZ May 5, 2025Events, local, news

Nation's Oldest and Largest Latino Civil Rights Organization Honors the Lessons of History and Urges the Nation to Stand Against Injustice in All Its Forms *** Washington, D.C. – On this Cinco de Mayo, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) commemorates the historic victory of the outnumbered and outgunned Mexican forces who, against all odds, defeated the French army at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Their triumph was not merely military. It stood for national dignity, justice, and self-determination despite overwhelming power. Today, LULAC calls upon every American to reflect on that legacy and its enduring meaning for our nation at this pivotal moment.

Coconino County Treasurer Sarah Benatar provides update to community on impact of Trump administration funding cuts

By MosaicNAZ April 30, 2025Events, local, news

Using a powerpoint presentation and her own personal experience working with Latino governmental leaders nationwide, Coconino County Treasurer Sarah Benatar made a powerful case that local leaders and residents should be prepared for a number of local impacts coming out of the Trump Administrations funding cuts to governmental programs nationwide. Benatar made her remarks on April 21, 2025 at the Indivisible Northern AZ Community Gathering in Flagstaff. She started her presentation with the impact Trump's Tarriff Tax will have on local government and consumers. Quoting former Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, "It's the worst self-inflicted wound that I have ever seen." In her power point she said: "The real damage has already been done. This back-and-forth has shaken confidence in the U.S., left lingering uncertainty, created volatility in the markets, and left the world rattled."

Sen. Gallego Visits Northern Arizona, Phoenix, to Address Medicaid Cuts, Tariffs, VA Layoffs, and More

By MosaicNAZ April 30, 2025Democracy, Events, local, news

ARIZONA – Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) took his fight against Republican-led cuts to Medicaid, the Trump Administration’s cuts to the VA, and the impacts of Trump’s ongoing trade war home to Arizona. Over the last two weeks, Senator Gallego embarked on a statewide town hall tour to address the real-world consequences of this administration. He visited Flagstaff, the Yavapai Apache Nation, and Phoenix, where he heard directly from Arizonans on how the chaotic and detrimental decisions from the Trump Administration are impacting their daily lives. While in state, the Senator also participated in a bipartisan panel discussion hosted by the Arizona Chamber of Commerce, visited small businesses impacted by Trump’s tariffs, and underscored his commitment to fighting for legislation that prioritizes Arizona.

‘DISAPPEARED: PORTRAITS OF ABSENCE’ exhibit offered haunting images of missing lives at Culture Connect AZ in Flagstaff

By MosaicNAZ April 30, 2025Diversity, Education, Events, Immigration, local, news

FLAGSTAFF — As visitors walked into Flagstaff's Historic Ice House and strolled down the hallway they were quickly greeted with beautiful yet heart-rending images that lined the corridor. There were mothers clutching photos of their sons or daughters, young women holding photos of their boyfriends, a brother holding images of his two siblings. All had one thing in common. All those pictured had disappeared. The images were part of the bilingual exhibition "Disappeared: Portraits of Absence, Songs of Resistance," part of an evening of powerful music and art dedicated to honoring the victims of forced disappearance and the global movements seeking justice, held on Friday, April 4, 2025. The images were first displayed at the Coconino Center for the Arts and at the NAU Riles building in 2024. During the reception visitors had a chance to view the images up close, read the information, listened to a variety of music and share their thoughts with others gathered at the event. The exhibit, which focuses on the mothers of “disappeared” people in Mexico, was presented by Culture Connection AZ and the Martin-Springer Institute at NAU.

Northern Arizona Interfaith Council scheduled to hold meetings on May 8

By MosaicNAZ April 30, 2025Events, Immigration, local, newsNo Comments

FLAGSTAFF — The Northern Arizona Interfaith Council is scheduled to hold meetings on May 1 and 8. Send email to confirm event at naic.iaf@gmail.com

U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) news updates for week of April 28, 2025

By MosaicNAZ April 29, 2025Uncategorized

Gallego Visits Northern Arizona, Phoenix, to Address Medicaid Cuts, Tariffs, VA Layoffs, and More ... Gallego Backs Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Recover Millions in Unused Funding for Hoover Dam ... ICYMI: Gallego, McCormick Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Increase Affordable Housing Supply ... Gallego Presses Insurance Experts on Home Insurance Hikes in Arizona ...

American Immigration Council — As refugee numbers around the world climb, Trump doubles down

By MosaicNAZ April 28, 2025Diversity, Immigration, local, newsNo Comments

Trump Administration Abruptly Stopped Processing Green Card Applications Filed by Asylees, Refugees. A FOIA Request Seeks Answers The public needs further clarity as to why the government targeted particularly vulnerable populations and how it plans to implement this suspension. The suspension will likely lead to extreme delays or denials of green cards for asylees and refugees with little explanation to the American people or the applicants.

LULAC Special Edition Newsletter – April 25, 2025

By MosaicNAZ April 26, 2025Democracy, Diversity, Education, Immigration, localNo Comments

Dear LULAC members and allies, It’s been a productive week for LULAC and the communities we serve. I’m proud to share that we scored a major legal victory in our fight to protect voting rights – a federal judge granted our request to halt the President’s “Election Advisory Committee” executive order. This special edition newsletter is dedicated to that win and other key developments impacting our community this week. Thank you for standing with us as we continue to champion the rights

Arizona Office of Indian Education bi-weekly update

By MosaicNAZ April 26, 2025Diversity, Education, local, Native American, newsNo Comments

The Office of Indian Education (OIE) strives to meet the educational and cultural needs of the Native American students across Arizona. With bi-weekly highlights, our goal is to provide consistent communication, share valuable resources, and highlight meaningful opportunities that may benefit Indigenous communities, including educators, students, and parents. NEW: To view ongoing updates to this email, please click the "View in browser" link at the top of this email.

Large group of protesters at Flagstaff City Hall joins National Day of Action on April 19. With updated related news stories

By MosaicNAZ April 21, 2025Democracy, Events, Immigration, local, newsNo Comments

FLAGSTAFF — Local residents once again turned out in force during a National Day of Action rally held on Saturday, April 19, 2025 at the Flagstaff City Hall. With a crowd that easily exceeded 1,000 people, local residents once again assailed the Trump administration with an event that coincided with the anniversary of the first shots of the American revolution in Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, along with weekend activities designed to recognize Earth Day, which will be officially to be recognized on April 22. To recognize those events, a number of protestors carried "No to Kings" signs, as well as a variety of climate change banners, signs and Earth Day flags. The local event was initially promoted by the Coconino County Democratic Party, with additional support from a variety of groups from Indivisible of Northern Arizona, 50501, Catch Fire Movement, Women's March and others.

Flagstaff residents brave rain, snow to attend U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego’s Veteran Townhall on April 18. With updated related news stories

By MosaicNAZ April 18, 2025Democracy, Education, local, newsNo Comments

FLAGSTAFF — The chance of heavy rain or snow did not deter local residents of the opportunity to ask questions about the impact of recent federal funding cuts on local veterans during the U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego's Veteran Townhall held on Friday, April 18 at the American Legion Mark A. Moore Post 3 in downtown Flagstaff. During the event, which drew upwards of 60 people, local veterans were able to ask what steps are being taken to protect local veterans who have lost their federal jobs or are seeing a reduction of veterans services due to federal program funding cuts. Following the town hall, Gallego addressed a number of questions from local media include KAFF Country, AmigosNAZ and AzFamily. Please see related news: KAFF News — Senator Gallego Addresses Veterans in Downtown Flagstaff KAFF News — Senator Ruben Gallego Visits Local Coffee Shop To Talk About Tariffs SEE MORE PHOTOS, VIDEOS FROM THE TOWN HALL TO COME NEXT WEEK

Capacity crowd turns out for Arizona Attorney General’s Flagstaff Town Hall on April 15. With updated related news stories

By MosaicNAZ April 16, 2025Democracy, Diversity, Education, Events, Immigration, local, newsNo Comments

FLAGSTAFF — With issues ranging from federal funding cuts to local health care, highway construction, homeless shelters, food services, wildfire and flooding prevention projects to staffing cuts at local universities and national parks — Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes said she wanted to hear it all so she can include the feedback of myriad lawsuits being filed by nearly two dozen state attorneys general against the Trump administration. Coconino County residents provided that information and much more during Mayes's Flagstaff Town Hall held on April 15, 2025, at the Coconino Center for the Arts. With a capacity-stretching standing-room-only crowd approaching 300, local government officials, former government workers, community service providers and others shared a variety of stories on how the administration financial cuts and funding delays have impacted the region. The most heart-wrenching stories came from local residents and veterans who are on the verge of or have lost their government jobs and are forced to fend for themselves as they try to pay for housing, food and medical services, with many saying they will be forced to leave Flagstaff and region to find jobs elsewhere.

Arizona Office of Indian Education bi-weekly update

By MosaicNAZ April 14, 2025Democracy, Education, local, Native American, newsNo Comments

Dear Partners in Education, The Office of Indian Education (OIE) strives to meet the educational and cultural needs of the Native American students across Arizona. With bi-weekly highlights, our goal is to provide consistent communication, share valuable resources, and highlight meaningful opportunities that may benefit Indigenous communities, including educators, students, and parents. Sincerely, The Office of Indian Education

Tribal Reglia Graduation Toolkit

By MosaicNAZ April 14, 2025Diversity, Education, local, newsNo Comments

Research, recommendations, and resources — The Arizona Department of Education's Office of Indian Education is thrilled to launch the Tribal Regalia Graduation Toolkit for Students and Families! This invaluable resource has been developed through extensive collaboration with Tribal Leaders, State Leaders, community partners, and Indigenous families. It is a heartfelt effort designed to honor and protect Native American graduates during this significant milestone.

American Immigration Council — USCIS Stops Processing Some Green Card Applications

By MosaicNAZ April 14, 2025Democracy, Diversity, Immigration, local, newsNo Comments

Trump Administration Terminates CHNV Program, Impacting More Than a Half-Million Immigrants The Department of Homeland Security announced in the Federal Register that it was revoking humanitarian parole for hundreds of thousands of immigrants living in the United States legally under the Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan parole program (CHNV).

LULAC newsletter: April 11, 2025

By MosaicNAZ April 14, 2025Democracy, Events, Immigration, localNo Comments

Dear LULAC Members, Now more than ever, staying informed is empowering. Despite the challenges our Latino community faces, we continue to make strides together. From national policies to local victories, let’s celebrate our resilience and stay engaged in the fight for our rights. This newsletter is your resource to stay engaged, empowered, and inspired. Juntos, seguimos adelante – together, we move forward. Thank you for being part of the LULAC familia and for all you do to advance our cause. ¡Adelante!LULAC National

‘THE FUTURE IS INDIGENOUS: Messages to the Seventh Generation’ exhibit at Coconino Center for the Arts through June 7

By admin April 12, 2025Diversity, Education, local, newsNo Comments

Contemporary Indigenous Perspectives is a dedicated biennial exhibition for artist voices in the Indigenous community. Curated by Jihan Gearon, THE FUTURE IS INDIGENOUS: Messages to the Seventh Generation (through June 7) includes work by Zefren Anderson, Corey Begay, Averian Chee, Jihan Gearon, Jay Redhouse, Monica Wapaha, and Janet Yazzie. There is no doubt we live in challenging times. The impacts of climate change are being felt by more people than ever before. We are witnessing major challenges to long held frameworks and systems – like colonization, capitalism, patriarchy, and white supremacy – as well as the backlash to these challenges. Much like Mother Earth, these frameworks have reached their limits. Today’s context calls for abilities, skills, and frameworks that most of us have not been equipped with. Thankfully, they are available and ready for us to pick up.

Busy signal? Many callers not impressed with Rep. Eli Crane’s ‘Telephone Town Hall’

By MosaicNAZ April 10, 2025Democracy, Events, local, newsNo Comments

NORTHERN ARIZONA — Many constituents were not happy with the process of Rep. Eli Crane's (R-Ariz.), “Telephone Town Hall,” held live on April 9, 2025 from Washington, D.C. In his Facebook page, Crane stated "Thank you to the more than 8,000 constituents who took the time to join me for tonight's Tele-Town Hall. It's an honor to represent you in Washington, DC." However, even Crane admitted there were problems with the effort. "For anyone who wasn’t able to join, here is a full unedited recording." Those who couldn't get into the Tele-Town Hall voiced their displeasure on his Facebook page "We have also called multiple times saying it wasn’t active, I gave up after 30 minutes. I don’t even believe you held this. How long was the town hall? 10 minutes? Or zero minutes. You are a fraud and don’t represent anyone but MAGA voters. That isn’t your job, you represent all of us. You are what is wrong with this country right now, blindly following Trump and letting our country be trashed!"

Rep. Eli Crane to hold ‘Telephone Town Hall’ on April 9. Separate alternative live town hall with Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes set for April 15 in Flagstaff

By MosaicNAZ April 9, 2025Democracy, Events, local, news1 Comment

COCONINO COUNTY — Rep. Eli Crane, R-Ariz., announced this week he will hold a "Telephone Town Hall" from 5 to 8.m. Wednesday, April 9 live from Washington, D.C. "When the event starts, call (888) 886-6602 to ask questions, share comments, vote in polls, or just listen in!," Crane stated on his Facebook page. After receiving harsh pushback from constituents — with video clips shared on national media — Congressional Republicans nationwide have be urged to either avoid live town halls altogether or use video/telephone town halls so they can better control who is asking questions. As a result, many have opted to hold empty-chair town halls in Republican districts. Most of Crane's Facebook page respondents were quick to criticize the virtual event with some using chicken images.

More than 2500 protest against Trump/Musk in Flagstaff

By MosaicNAZ April 8, 2025Democracy, Diversity, Events, local, newsNo Comments

Northern Arizona community declares “Hands Off” to Trump and Musk By Indivisible Northern AZ FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — More than 2500 Northern Arizona residents had one simple message for President Trump and Elon Musk: keep your hands off the programs that middle class families rely on. They gathered in Flagstaff Saturday (April 5, 2025) to protest against the administration’s overreach. Local co-sponsors were: 50501, AZ LD7 Democrats, Arizona List, AZPAC, AZ Students Association, Catch Fire, Coconino County Democratic Party, Indivisible Northern Arizona, and Women’s March Flagstaff. Sherrie Smith said, “The Trump regime is killing our democracy. We have to be vocal and visible in our disapproval. We must stand up for those he is trampling, disappearing and cheating. I will continue to engage in protest.”