I celebrated the longest day of 2026 in a really cool way.
On June 21, Burton Barr Central Library in Phoenix held its 31st annual summer solstice event.
The building, which opened in 1995, was designed with the first day of summer in mind. On this day at solar noon, the sun comes directly through pinpoints in the roof’s skylight, creating an effect on the fifth floor that makes the columns look like lit candles.
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The sun coming through pinpoints in the skylights at Burton Barr Central Library in Phoenix on June 21, 2026. (Jessica Swarner/The Copper Courier)
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Leading up to the phenomenon, the library hosted live music and gave away letterpress prints commemorating the event.
Architect Wendell Burnett, who helped design the library, spoke about the building’s history and explained how the special lighting came to be.
The event made me proud that such a cool building exists in Phoenix—and that it belongs to the public!
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On Monday, we talked about extreme heat in Arizona, and how it is a public safety problem.
In 2023, Maricopa County saw a record 645 heat-related deaths. Last year, there were over 400 heat-related deaths in the county—an improvement, but still many lives lost.
I asked if you felt your city or town was doing enough to prevent heat deaths, but I didn’t hear from anyone. Feel free to still send a comment my way—if I get enough, I’ll post them to the website later today!
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We’re running our Supporter Drive through June 30 and we need your help to keep reporting the local stories that matter most to Arizona.
Donate today to support The Copper Courier. Any amount helps us continue delivering trusted, community-focused journalism.
Not able to give right now? You can still support our work by sharing this newsletter with someone who cares about local news in Arizona.
Thanks for being part of The Copper Courier community!
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Here’s what’s going on around Arizona this weekend—plus a map so you can see where everything is!
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Flagstaff Piano Festival, through Saturday
- LFA 236: Torres vs. Uulu in Phoenix, Friday
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Glendale Eats Freedom Fest, Friday
- Coconino Campout in Flagstaff, Friday-Saturday
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Heritage Festival of Arts and Culture in Flagstaff, Friday-Sunday
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Elevate Music Festival in Scottsdale, Friday-Sunday
- After Dark in the Park in Phoenix, Saturday
- AZ Toy Con Mesa Mega Show, Saturday
- Red, White & Boom in Tucson, Saturday
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Firesky Farms Lavender Harvest and Wine Festival in Elgin, Saturday
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Desert Diamond Fireworks Display in Sahuarita, Saturday
- Summer Music Festival in Prescott Valley, Saturday
- ACRA Reunion Rodeo in Williams, Saturday-Sunday
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Northern Arizona Asteroid Day in Flagstaff, Saturday-Sunday
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Front Row Card Show in Glendale, Saturday-Sunday
- Jerome Music & Arts Festival, Saturday-Sunday
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Congolese Independence Day in Glendale, Sunday
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Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said she’s concerned that investments in data centers right now are worsening climate change and not meeting the needs of communities.
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When Buc-ee’s opened its first Arizona location in Goodyear on June 22, approximately a thousand people were lined up before the doors opened at 6 a.m.
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From new apartments and homes coming to the Valley to tips on renter-friendly upgrades, here’s a quick recap of helpful links for Phoenix renters.
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