Phoenix disability creator Dani Medina shares her experience living with a rare chronic illness
PHOENIX – Dani Medina is a content creator, model and activist living with a rare health condition. She shares her health journey on social media and is a vocal advocate for disability awareness, LGBTQIA+, women and Indigenous rights.
Army control of U.S.-Mexico border buffer zone may funnel migrants to 62-mile stretch of tribal land in Arizona
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump’s order putting the Army in charge of a narrow buffer of federal land along the Southwest border will let troops detain people who cross illegally – a significant escalation in efforts to seal the border. But there’s a 62-mile gap in Arizona, tribal land with no wall that soldiers won’t patrol. Migrant advocates expect migrants and smugglers to flock to that region south of Tucson controlled by the Tohono O’Odham Nation.
Skoden Coffee & Tea combines traditional Native American cuisine with activism
PHOENIX – Skoden Coffee & Tea is an Indigenous-owned shop inside Central Records in Phoenix. While the shop includes traditionally inspired Native American drinks and pastries, its owner supports cultural activism.
Arizona’s Apache Generating Station is one of 66 coal plants to get EPA exemption from Biden-era toxic air pollution caps
WASHINGTON — The Apache Generating Station, an Arizona power plant that uses coal, received an EPA exemption from Biden-era standards on toxic air pollution. President Donald Trump loosened regulations and 66 plants nationwide received exemptions. Most power companies are phasing out coal by 2032, though that could change if Trump eases carbon emission standards.
Making their mark: How Homeland prints Indigenous identity into youth spaces
PHOENIX – Homeland, a Native-led collective, empowers Indigenous youth through fashion, art and culture. Using screen printing workshops and presentations, the group is establishing Native representation in classrooms and creative industries.
ASU Powwow bridges generations amid threats of Indigenous cultural erasure
TEMPE – The Arizona State University Powwow offers a space for cultural connection and tradition among elders and students amid DEI policy challenges. Despite external pressures, the event strengthens community and empowers Native pride.
Online cooking show, lifestyle blog encourage Indigenous ingredients in everyday meals
PHOENIX – Connecting Indigenous people with the food they ate before European foods were introduced into their diets is a movement gaining popularity. Two entrepreneurs are teaching others to incorporate Native foods into their daily meals.
Arizona ranks 3rd for missing Indigenous people. New bill hopes to change that with emergency alert system
PHOENIX – Arizona legislators have proposed a new alert system for missing Indigenous and endangered non-Indigenous people, which aims to address the state's high rates of missing and murdered Indigenous persons. The bill has passed the House with unanimous support and awaits Senate approval.
Change Labs offers Navajo entrepreneurs tools for business success
Change Labs is a nonprofit organization based in Tuba City that offers coaching, funding and other resources to Native entrepreneurs.
Science and health program for Native American youth to shut down in Northern Arizona
PHOENIX – Training in STEM and health fields in northern Arizona is in jeopardy of shutting down due to a wave of Trump’s executive orders targeting DEI. The summer program serves primarily people from nearby Indigenous communities and tribal nations, while also welcoming participants from other backgrounds.
Arizona Two Spirit Powwow empowers community amid growing anti-trans legislation
PHOENIX – The Arizona Two Spirit Powwow at South Mountain Community College creates a space for Native LGBTQ+ individuals to connect, empowering marginalized communities while challenging recent anti-transgender policies. This event celebrates culture, identity and unity across tribal nations.
Judge lifts deadline for federal workers to accept Trump buyout. How will it impact Arizona?
WASHINGTON – A federal judge set aside a deadline facing federal workers offered a buyout by the Trump administration as he weighs its legality. In Arizona, veterans, tribes, small businesses and national parks could see an impact.
