Happy Friday! I can’t believe it’s already time for the weekend again.
Today we’re bringing you a story about the American Lung Association’s annual “State of the Air” report.
Lots of you probably already know that Maricopa County’s air quality is not the best for a number of reasons, including our dusty, hot climate and wildfires.
This latest report ranked Phoenix as the fourth-worst US metro area for ozone, the primary component of smog.
So, if you had to guess—how many unhealthy ozone days do you think the county experiences in a year? This was a weighted average the report took from 2022 to 2024. See the answer in the story below!
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The air quality this weekend is forecasted to range from poor to unhealthy. It’s recommended that people sensitive to air quality reduce time outside to avoid negative health effects—and on days when it’s particularly bad, even healthy individuals should limit time outside.
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This is the LOOKOUT Lowdown, where once a month we’re highlighting stories from LOOKOUT, a nonprofit newsroom that serves Arizona’s LGBTQ+ community.
Here are some of their latest stories:
đź™… Stuart Shoen, a member of the family that owns U-Haul, is trying to stop a new gay bar from opening in Phoenix’s Melrose District. He uses the property next door to store his car collection.
🗳️ The man who leads The Stonewall Democrats of Arizona, a political action committee that aims to advance queer rights, has come under fire for racist and vulgar posts.
⛑️ Have you wondered what it’s like to be a street medic at protests? LOOKOUT spoke with two of them about their experiences in Phoenix.
Want more news like this?
Sign up for LOOKOUT’s newsletter (which includes The Weekly Kiki, a great weekly events roundup!) and check out membership options.
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We’ve had a lot of readers ask how they can get involved in their communities, so we’re introducing Arizona, Activated to let you know about upcoming opportunities.
Here’s one event to consider this week:
Second Saturday Garden Workday
When: Saturday, July 11, 6-8 a.m.
Where: KeepPhoenixBeautiful Garden, 1822 W. Pierson St., Phoenix
Description: “Looking for something to do on a Saturday morning besides sleep? Every 2nd Saturday of the month is a Garden Work Day at NATIVE HEALTH’s Traditional Garden at the KeepPhoenixBeautiful Garden, 1822 West Pierson Street in Phoenix. Gardening begins at 6:00 a.m. (summer hours) Participants can help tend the garden, plant or help pick the vegetable harvest! No reservations necessary. All are welcome!”
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Want more? We post weekly roundups of ways to get involved. Our friends at Collective Phoenix also keep a running list of events related to civics, advocacy, and volunteerism. You can follow them on Instagram for updates.
Share yours: What’s something you’ve done so far this year to better your community? Let me know, and I may share some responses!
Here’s how reader Juanita R. is getting involved:
đź’¬ “My grandson, my older daughter and myself have volunteered at food kitchens for the homeless, she has done bake sales for the trafficking shelters, I have donated water and snacks and whenever I am able, my grandson and I hand out water, homemade sandwiches, granola bars, homemade baked goods, or anything that we can offer. We have gone into a McDonald’s and ordered extra hamburgers. We have gone into Circle K and bought sandwiches to hand out. I know that we can’t help everyone obviously but if everyone carried a small ice chest or even an insulated bag with water to hand out to these people that are suffering in the heat … snack packs, fruit cups, granola, bars, cheese and crackers. Anything that won’t spoil, they will put away for breakfast. They will save it for a bad day. They, meaning the most vulnerable in our homeless populations.”
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In September, Mesa approved a deal with Culdesac that will bring 1,000 townhomes and apartments to long-vacant land.
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Dishwashers, cooks, and bartenders took to the picket lines on Wednesday to demand living wages, a pension, and fair staffing from Compass Eurest.
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From remote desert locations to bustling city centers, check out these stunning views of Arizona sunsets.
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Would you recommend this newsletter to your neighbor?
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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Jessica Swarner with stories from Sahara Sajjadi, Robert Gundran, and Tyler Francischine. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.
The Copper Courier is free for everyone. Your support makes our work possible.
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