Featured Stories
North Dakota Attorney General Issued an Opinion to Morton County Housing Authority
BISMARCK, North Dakota, June 30 -- The North Dakota Attorney General Office issued the following opinion:
* * *
The North Dakota Attorney General issued an opinion to the Morton County Housing Authority
Request: Karen Jordan requested an opinion from this office under N.D.C.C. Sec. 44-04-21.1 asking whether the Morton County Housing Authority (the Housing Authority) violated N.D.C.C. Sec. 44-04-18 by failing to respond to a records request to its management agent in his capacity as a Mandan Public School Board member.
CONCLUSIONS
It is my opinion that the Housing Authority did not violate
... Show Full Article
BISMARCK, North Dakota, June 30 -- The North Dakota Attorney General Office issued the following opinion:
* * *
The North Dakota Attorney General issued an opinion to the Morton County Housing Authority
Request: Karen Jordan requested an opinion from this office under N.D.C.C. Sec. 44-04-21.1 asking whether the Morton County Housing Authority (the Housing Authority) violated N.D.C.C. Sec. 44-04-18 by failing to respond to a records request to its management agent in his capacity as a Mandan Public School Board member.
CONCLUSIONS
It is my opinion that the Housing Authority did not violateN.D.C.C. Sec. 44-04-18 because a request for records had not been made to the Housing Authority.
Link to opinion (https://attorneygeneral.nd.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2026-O-13.pdf)
* * *
Original text here: https://attorneygeneral.nd.gov/the-north-dakota-attorney-general-issued-an-opinion-to-the-morton-county-housing-authority/
LCRA Awards More Than $1 Million in Community Grants
AUSTIN, Texas, June 30 -- The Lower Colorado River Authority issued the following news release:
* * *
LCRA awards more than $1 million in community grants
Applications for next round of grants will be accepted in July
Key Takeaways
* LCRA awards $1,081,239 in community grants this spring.
* To date, LCRA has awarded 2,218 community grants totaling more than $56 million.
* LCRA is accepting applications beginning July 1 for the next round of grants.
-
The Lower Colorado River Authority recently awarded community grants totaling $1,081,239 for projects in its service territory throughout
... Show Full Article
AUSTIN, Texas, June 30 -- The Lower Colorado River Authority issued the following news release:
* * *
LCRA awards more than $1 million in community grants
Applications for next round of grants will be accepted in July
Key Takeaways
* LCRA awards $1,081,239 in community grants this spring.
* To date, LCRA has awarded 2,218 community grants totaling more than $56 million.
* LCRA is accepting applications beginning July 1 for the next round of grants.
-
The Lower Colorado River Authority recently awarded community grants totaling $1,081,239 for projects in its service territory throughoutTexas.
LCRA Community Grants are awarded twice a year to volunteer fire departments, emergency responders, libraries, civic groups, museums and other tax-exempt nonprofit organizations, in addition to local governments, schools and economic development organizations.
To date, LCRA has awarded 2,218 community grants totaling more than $56 million. When combined with $250 million in community-raised matching funds, the program has invested almost $307 million in local communities.
Recent LCRA Community Grants helped fund 40 projects, including lighting upgrades to tennis courts in Mason and ballfields in Burton and Columbus; new playground equipment in Rochelle and Rocksprings; renovations to American Legion Halls in Bellville and Goldthwaite; and repairs to storm-damaged community spaces in Marble Falls and San Saba.
Many of the recent grants support first responders, including helping fund a major fire station expansion at Kerr County's Divide Volunteer Fire Department; a new lighted helipad in Industry; new utility task vehicles in Fulton, Ingram and Lexington; and new firefighting gear for departments in Kingsland, Runge and Spicewood.
Applications for the next round of LCRA Community Grants are available online beginning July 1 at lcra.org/grants and must be submitted by midnight July 31. Most grants are for $25,000 or less, but several grants of up to $50,000 and one grant of up to $100,000 also will be awarded.
Applicants requesting more than $5,000 must supply matching funds of at least 20%. Eligible projects must benefit or be available to an entire community and improve the value of a capital asset through building, renovating or purchasing equipment. Grants are not available to individuals, for-profit entities, professional associations, social service projects or limited-use facilities.
Visit lcra.org/grants for information on eligibility requirements or to apply for a grant. For more information, email grants@lcra.org or call 800-776-5272, ext. 3140 or ext.1627.
* * *
About LCRA
The Lower Colorado River Authority serves communities across Texas by managing the lower Colorado River, generating and transmitting wholesale electric power, providing clean water supplies, operating telecommunications infrastructure, and owning parks for outdoor recreation. LCRA delivers power, water and infrastructure that support the region's growth and quality of life. LCRA and its employees are committed to fulfilling our mission to enhance the quality of life of the Texans we serve through water stewardship, energy and community service. Created by the Texas Legislature in 1934, LCRA receives no state appropriations.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.lcra.org/news/news-releases/lcra-awards-more-than-1-million-in-community-grants/
Hawaii Health Dept. Shuts Down Four Food Establishments, Reopens Three
HONOLULU, Hawaii, June 30 -- The Hawaii Department of Health issued the following news release:
* * *
DOH SHUTS DOWN FOUR FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS, REOPENS THREE
The Hawai'i Department of Health (DOH) Food Safety Branch authorized the reopening of three food establishments after follow-up inspections confirmed that the food equipment cleaning and sanitization issues have been resolved.
The following four establishments previously received red placards and were closed on June 25:
* Walking Tacos Hawaii (owned by Walking Tacos LLC) operating at 1958 Kalakaua Ave.
* Walking Tacos Hawaii (owned by
... Show Full Article
HONOLULU, Hawaii, June 30 -- The Hawaii Department of Health issued the following news release:
* * *
DOH SHUTS DOWN FOUR FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS, REOPENS THREE
The Hawai'i Department of Health (DOH) Food Safety Branch authorized the reopening of three food establishments after follow-up inspections confirmed that the food equipment cleaning and sanitization issues have been resolved.
The following four establishments previously received red placards and were closed on June 25:
* Walking Tacos Hawaii (owned by Walking Tacos LLC) operating at 1958 Kalakaua Ave.
* Walking Tacos Hawaii (owned byWalking Tacos Hawaii) operating at 2002 Kalakaua Ave.
* Walking Tacos Hawaii 051 WFG (owned by Walking Tacos Hawaii LLC) operating at 4204 Diamond Head Road
* Waikiki Tiki Bar (owned by Waikiki Tiki Bar LLC) operating at 1958 Kalakaua Ave.
Inspectors conducted follow-up inspections on June 26 and reopened three of the four establishments as they are now using their support kitchen to properly wash and sanitize their food equipment. Walking Tacos Hawaii (Walking Tacos Hawaii) at 2002 Kalakaua Ave. remains closed.
The DOH Food Safety Branch protects and promotes the health of Hawai'i residents and visitors through education of food industry workers and regulation of food establishments statewide. The branch conducts routine health inspections of food establishments where food products are prepared, manufactured, distributed, or sold.
For more information on the department's placarding program, go to https://health.hawaii.gov/san/.
To view restaurant inspection reports, go to https://inspections.myhealthdepartment.com/soh.
* * *
Original text here: https://health.hawaii.gov/news/newsroom/doh-shuts-down-four-food-establishments-reopens-three/
Gov. Newsom Signs Historic Balanced State Budget, Cementing California's Fiscal Strength and Investing in the State's Future
SACRAMENTO, California, June 30 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on June 29, 2026:
* * *
Governor Newsom signs historic balanced state budget, cementing California's fiscal strength and investing in the state's future
Releases video message highlighting historic record of fiscal responsibility, economic growth, and transformative investments
What you need to know: Governor Gavin Newsom today signed California's 2026-27 state budget, delivering a balanced budget with no deficit this year or next while preserving historic reserves, investing in working families,
... Show Full Article
SACRAMENTO, California, June 30 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on June 29, 2026:
* * *
Governor Newsom signs historic balanced state budget, cementing California's fiscal strength and investing in the state's future
Releases video message highlighting historic record of fiscal responsibility, economic growth, and transformative investments
What you need to know: Governor Gavin Newsom today signed California's 2026-27 state budget, delivering a balanced budget with no deficit this year or next while preserving historic reserves, investing in working families,protecting the rights of Californians, and leaving California on its strongest fiscal footing in generations. In a video released today, the Governor reflects on how California proved that fiscal discipline and ambitious public investment are the foundation of the state's success.
-
Governor Gavin Newsom today signed California's 2026-27 state budget, enacting a balanced spending plan that protects Californians today while strengthening the state's long-term fiscal future. The Governor released a video message outlining the philosophy that has guided California's fiscal stewardship over the past seven years -- rejecting the false choice between responsible budgeting and making transformational investments in people.
A broadcast version can be downloaded here (https://govca.box.com/s/0a4n5yg8xn83srwck0z5uydnjsb6dqlm).
The budget is balanced, structurally sound, and leaves no projected deficit this fiscal year or next, all while preserving historic reserves and continuing investments that make California more affordable, more competitive, and more prepared for the future.
* * *
For decades, we've been told that government has to choose between balancing the books and investing in people. California proved that's a false choice. This budget reflects years of disciplined decisions that built historic reserves, paid down debt, strengthened our economy, and made transformational investments in education, healthcare, housing, infrastructure, and opportunity. We're leaving California stronger than we found it -- and leaving the next generation a state that's fiscally sound, economically dominant, and ready for whatever comes next.
- Governor Gavin Newsom
* * *
Rejecting the false choice
The 2026-27 budget reflects a governing philosophy that has defined the Newsom administration: responsible budgeting is not about cutting ambitious goals or vital programs -- it's about building the fiscal strength to invest in what matters.
Through Governor Newsom's policies, California has grown into a world-leading economy, expanding from $3 trillion to a $4.25 trillion GDP, attracting nearly two-thirds of all U.S. venture capital investment, building historic budget reserves, and contributed approximately $15 billion toward paying long-term pension liabilities -- all while making record investments in Californians.
The budget preserves nearly $30 billion in reserves -- and just over $35 billion when additional holding accounts are included -- ensuring California remains prepared for future economic uncertainty.
A budget that invests in Californians
The budget signed today continues California's commitment to investing in opportunity while maintaining long-term fiscal discipline.
Among its key provisions, the budget:
* Maintains a balanced budget with no projected deficit this year or next.
* Funds tax relief for California small businesses.
* Continues universal school meals, universal transitional kindergarten, expanded childcare, and free summer school.
* Delivers the largest single-year investment in special education in California history.
* Protects healthcare affordability and access.
* Advances housing reforms that reduce red tape and accelerate homebuilding.
* Continues historic investments in behavioral healthcare and Proposition 1 implementation.
* Invests in disaster recovery, wildfire resilience, infrastructure, workforce development, and public safety.
* Strengthens election administration while protecting against mis- and disinformation.
A legacy built for the long term
Today's budget marks the culmination of years of disciplined fiscal management that positioned California to weather economic uncertainty without abandoning the investments that improve people's lives.
During Governor Newsom's administration, California became the first state to provide universal free school meals, expanded universal transitional kindergarten, dramatically increased childcare access, delivered record funding for public schools, expanded healthcare coverage to historic levels, launched the nation's largest behavioral health transformation, made the largest infrastructure investment in modern state history, accelerated clean energy deployment, strengthened renter protections, expanded paid family leave and paid sick leave, increased wages for millions of workers, invested billions in affordable housing and homelessness response, and helped more students graduate college debt-free.
Those achievements were paired with responsible budgeting that built historic reserves, reduced debt, protected California's credit, and left the state's finances stronger than when the administration began.
As Governor Newsom said in today's video, California's experience demonstrates that "balancing the budget and doing big things take the exact same skill."
This budget reflects that belief -- protecting California's fiscal future while continuing to invest in the people, communities, and economy that make the Golden State a global leader. A fact sheet on the budget is available here.
The Governor today announced signing the following bills:
* AB 109 by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino) -- Budget Act of 2026.
* SB 110 by Senator John Laird (D - Santa Cruz) -- Budget Act of 2026
* SB 111 by Senator John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) -- Budget Act of 2026.
* AB 112 by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino) -- Budget Acts of 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025.
* SB 122 by the Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review -- Taxation.
* SB 125 by the Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review -- Medi-Cal: managed care organization provider tax.
* AB 150 by the Committee on Budget -- Early care and education.
* AB 152 by the Committee on Budget -- Human services.
* SB 164 by the Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review -- Health.
* SB 170 by the Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review -- Governor's Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 2025: codification.
* SB 174 by the Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review -- Courts.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/06/29/signedbudget/
Ga. A.G. Carr Indicts 16 for Gang-Related Assaults at Coffee Correctional Facility
ATLANTA, Georgia, June 30 -- Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr issued the following news release on June 29, 2026:
* * *
Carr Indicts 16 for Gang-Related Assaults at Coffee Correctional Facility
COFFEE COUNTY, GA - Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr today announced that his Gang Prosecution Unit has indicted 16 individuals in connection with a series of assaults that occurred at the Coffee Correctional Facility (CCF) on Dec. 13, 2025. As asserted in the indictment, all 16 defendants are members of the Bloods criminal street gang, and they were all in CCF custody at the time of the incident.
... Show Full Article
ATLANTA, Georgia, June 30 -- Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr issued the following news release on June 29, 2026:
* * *
Carr Indicts 16 for Gang-Related Assaults at Coffee Correctional Facility
COFFEE COUNTY, GA - Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr today announced that his Gang Prosecution Unit has indicted 16 individuals in connection with a series of assaults that occurred at the Coffee Correctional Facility (CCF) on Dec. 13, 2025. As asserted in the indictment, all 16 defendants are members of the Bloods criminal street gang, and they were all in CCF custody at the time of the incident.Specifically, they are alleged to have stabbed and assaulted multiple inmates in the facility. The victims sustained critical injuries and were transported out of CCF for life-saving medical care.
"Gang activity won't be tolerated in this state, no matter where it's found, and we appreciate our partners at GDC for working with us on this case," said Attorney General Chris Carr. "Together, we're taking down violent criminal networks, and we're prosecuting all those involved. This is exactly why we created our Gang Prosecution Unit, so we could serve as a force multiplier and keep Georgians safe."
This case was investigated by the Georgia Department of Corrections (GDC) Criminal Investigation Division - Southeast Region.
"Identifying and managing those participating in gang activity from behind the walls of our facilities is paramount in our commitment to public safety," said GDC Commissioner Tyrone Oliver. "Any criminal activity perpetrated inside of our facilities will not be tolerated, and we are grateful to our state and federal partners for their assistance in bringing this case to a close."
Coffee County Indictment
On June 18, 2026, the Attorney General's Gang Prosecution Unit presented evidence to a Coffee County Grand Jury, resulting in the indictment* of all 16 defendants.
Specifically, the defendants are facing the following charges.
Immanuel Scott, 19:
* 2 counts of Aggravated Assault
* 1 count of Aggravated Battery
* 6 counts of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
* 2 counts of Riot in a Penal Institution
* 1 count of Possession of Prohibited Items by Inmates
Joshua Shelton, 20:
* 1 count of Aggravated Assault
* 1 count of Aggravated Battery
* 2 counts of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
* 1 count of Riot in a Penal Institution
Jaylen Jones, 21:
* 2 counts of Aggravated Assault
* 1 count of Aggravated Battery
* 4 counts of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
* 2 counts of Riot in a Penal Institution
* 1 count of Possession of Prohibited Items by Inmates
Kentavious Jefferies, 24:
* 1 count of Aggravated Assault
* 1 count of Aggravated Battery
* 2 counts of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
* 1 count of Riot in a Penal Institution
Derrick Carlton, 26:
* 1 count of Aggravated Assault
* 1 count of Aggravated Battery
* 2 counts of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
* 1 count of Riot in a Penal Institution
Monquavious Russell, 27:
* 1 count of Aggravated Assault
* 1 count of Aggravated Battery
* 2 counts of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
* 1 count of Riot in a Penal Institution
* 1 count of Possession of Prohibited Items by Inmates
Joseph Melendez, 20:
* 1 count of Aggravated Assault
* 2 counts of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
* 1 count of Riot in a Penal Institution
Keshawn Williams, 20:
* 1 count of Aggravated Assault
* 2 counts of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
* 1 count of Riot in a Penal Institution
Jeremy Caldwell, 27:
* 1 count of Aggravated Assault
* 2 counts of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
* 1 count of Riot in a Penal Institution
Tony Landers, 22:
* 1 count of Aggravated Assault
* 2 counts of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
* 1 count of Riot in a Penal Institution
Kelby Durden, 22:
* 1 count of Aggravated Assault
* 2 counts of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
* 1 count of Riot in a Penal Institution
Kevin Wilson, 20:
* 1 count of Aggravated Assault
* 2 counts of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
* 1 count of Riot in a Penal Institution
Salahudin Haynes, 27:
* 1 count of Aggravated Assault
* 2 counts of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
* 1 count of Riot in a Penal Institution
Tomoresnephia Wright, 31:
* 1 count of Aggravated Assault
* 2 counts of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
* 1 count of Riot in a Penal Institution
Jason Priester, 22:
* 1 count of Aggravated Assault
* 2 counts of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
* 1 count of Riot in a Penal Institution
Sebastian Sanchez, 20:
* 1 count of Aggravated Assault
* 1 count of Aggravated Battery
* 4 counts of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
* 1 count of Riot in a Penal Institution
* 1 count of Possession of Prohibited Items by Inmates
Read a copy of the indictment (https://law.georgia.gov/document/document/061826-coffee-county-gang-indictmentpdf--UNPUBLISHED-document--DO-NOT-SHARE-this-URL--/download). No further information about the investigation or the indictment may be released at this time by the Attorney General's Office.
About the Attorney General's Gang Prosecution Unit
In 2022, with the support of Governor Brian Kemp and members of the General Assembly, Attorney General Chris Carr created Georgia's first statewide Gang Prosecution Unit.
Since it began its historic work on July 1, 2022, the Gang Prosecution Unit has investigated and prosecuted cases in Athens-Clarke, Barrow, Bibb, Bryan, Chatham, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Dougherty, Fulton, Gwinnett, Laurens, Lowndes, Muscogee, Richmond, Spalding, Thomas, Upson and Washington counties, with roughly 140 convictions secured across the state.
Carr's Gang Prosecution Unit is based in Atlanta, with regional, satellite prosecutors and investigators in Albany, Augusta, Columbus, Macon, Savannah and Southeast Georgia.
The Gang Prosecution Unit is housed in the Attorney General's Prosecution Division, which also includes Carr's Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit, his White Collar and Cyber Crime Unit, and his Organized Retail Crime Unit.
*Members of the public should keep in mind that indictments contain only allegations against the individual against whom the indictment is sought. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and it will be the government's burden at trial to prove the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of the allegations contained in the indictment.
* * *
Original text here: https://law.georgia.gov/press-releases/2026-06-29/carr-indicts-16-gang-related-assaults-coffee-correctional-facility
Arizona Supreme Court Upholds Voters' Right to Know Act
PHOENIX, Arizona, June 30 -- The Arizona Supreme Court issued the following news release on June 29, 2026:
* * *
Arizona Supreme Court Upholds Voters' Right to Know Act
The Arizona Supreme Court today ruled that the Voters' Right to Know Act may remain in place. The Court dismissed most of the plaintiffs' claims challenging the Act but allowed one claim to move forward.
Arizona voters passed the Act in 2022. The Act requires certain groups that spend money on electionrelated media to disclose "the original source of all major contributions used to pay, in whole or part, for campaign media spending."
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, June 30 -- The Arizona Supreme Court issued the following news release on June 29, 2026:
* * *
Arizona Supreme Court Upholds Voters' Right to Know Act
The Arizona Supreme Court today ruled that the Voters' Right to Know Act may remain in place. The Court dismissed most of the plaintiffs' claims challenging the Act but allowed one claim to move forward.
Arizona voters passed the Act in 2022. The Act requires certain groups that spend money on electionrelated media to disclose "the original source of all major contributions used to pay, in whole or part, for campaign media spending."The Act was designed to give voters more information about who is paying to influence elections.
In Center for Arizona Policy v. Arizona Secretary of State, two nonprofit groups and two anonymous donors challenged the Act under the Arizona Constitution. They argued that the Act violates Arizona's free speech and privacy protections.
The Supreme Court rejected the plaintiffs' broad challenge to the Act. The Court said the plaintiffs did not show that the Act is unconstitutional in all, or even most, of its applications. The Court also said donations used to fund campaign media are not private affairs protected from disclosure under Arizona's privacy clause.
The Court allowed one claim to move forward. The plaintiffs alleged that, as applied to them, the Act's disclosure rules may chill speech because people may not want to donate money to fund campaign media if their names will be made public and they fear threats, harassment, or retaliation.
The Court did not decide whether the plaintiffs will win that claim. It ruled only that they alleged enough facts for the claim to continue at this early stage in the case.
Because of that, the Supreme Court affirmed dismissal of the plaintiffs' facial challenges and privacy claims. It reversed dismissal of the plaintiffs' remaining as-applied free speech claim and sent the case back to the trial court for more proceedings on that claim.
Chief Justice Timmer wrote the opinion and was joined by Justices Beene and Montgomery and retired Justice Rebecca Berch who considered the case in place of Justice Maria Elena Cruz who recused. Justice King, joined by Vice Chief Justice Lopez and Justice Bolick, concurred in part and dissented in part.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.azcourts.gov/Portals/0/NewsReleaseArizonaSupremeCourtUpholdsVotersRighttoKnowAct.pdf
Ariz. State Reps. Nguyen and Bliss Meet With Pocket Fire Command, Urge Residents to Stay Prepared
PHOENIX, Arizona, June 30 -- The Arizona House Republicans issued the following news release:
* * *
Reps. Nguyen and Bliss Meet with Pocket Fire Command, Urge Residents to Stay Prepared
District 1 lawmakers receive on-site briefing as wind-driven fire expands north of Sedona
-
State Representatives Quang Nguyen and Selina Bliss met Sunday with Pocket Fire incident command at the Sedona Airport air operations base for a briefing on the fire's rapid growth, threats to nearby communities and the state and local response.
As of Sunday morning, the Pocket Fire had burned 5,547 acres, with 871
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, June 30 -- The Arizona House Republicans issued the following news release:
* * *
Reps. Nguyen and Bliss Meet with Pocket Fire Command, Urge Residents to Stay Prepared
District 1 lawmakers receive on-site briefing as wind-driven fire expands north of Sedona
-
State Representatives Quang Nguyen and Selina Bliss met Sunday with Pocket Fire incident command at the Sedona Airport air operations base for a briefing on the fire's rapid growth, threats to nearby communities and the state and local response.
As of Sunday morning, the Pocket Fire had burned 5,547 acres, with 871personnel assigned.
The fire was first reported June 19 about seven miles north of Sedona and is burning in steep, rugged terrain that limits where crews can safely attack it directly.
The fire more than doubled in size between Saturday evening and Sunday morning as strong winds pushed it northeast. Crews shifted resources toward threatened communities and continued using bulldozers and other heavy equipment to establish defensive lines.
As of Sunday afternoon, Oak Creek Canyon Zones 14 and 15, Kachina Village and Forest Highlands remained under SET status. State Route 89A remained closed to nonlocal traffic between Sedona and Interstate 17, and portions of the Coconino National Forest remained closed.
Representatives Nguyen and Bliss requested the briefing to hear directly from incident command, determine whether additional state assistance is needed and provide residents with current information. Fire officials thanked Yavapai County, Coconino County, the Arizona Department of Transportation, the Arizona Department of Public Safety and other agencies assisting with the response.
"This is our district, and we have a duty to know where the threat is moving, what crews need and whether the state can do more," said Representative Nguyen. "We came to hear directly from incident command and see the operation firsthand. The men and women fighting this fire are working in dangerous conditions, and we stand ready to help secure any state resources they need."
"SET means prepare now, not later," said Representative Bliss. "Pack medications, important documents and supplies. Account for family members and pets. Know where you will go, monitor official alerts and leave immediately if ordered. Do not wait for GO status to start preparing."
Unless fire conditions require a change, a public meeting on the Pocket Fire will be held at 7 p.m. Monday at Sedona Red Rock Middle School and High School, 995 Upper Red Rock Loop Road. Fire managers and local officials will provide an update and answer questions. The meeting will also be livestreamed on the Coconino National Forest Facebook page. Residents should monitor the page for schedule updates.
Out of respect to first responders who put their lives on the line, Representatives Nguyen and Bliss also honored three federal firefighters killed Saturday in a burnover incident while assigned to the Knowles and Gore fires near the Colorado-Utah border. Two other firefighters were injured.
The deaths came during a solemn period for Arizona's wildland fire community. June 26 marked 36 years since six firefighters were killed in Arizona's Dude Fire. Tuesday marks 13 years since 19 members of the Granite Mountain Hotshots were killed fighting the Yarnell Hill Fire on June 30, 2013.
"The deaths of three firefighters this weekend are a painful reminder of the dangers wildland firefighters face to protect others," Representatives Nguyen and Bliss said. "We mourn them, pray for the injured and remember the six lost in the Dude Fire and the 19 Granite Mountain Hotshots. At the height of fire season, the public must do its part: obey restrictions, prepare early and never interfere with crews on the line."
Residents should follow Coconino County Emergency Management, Coconino National Forest, InciWeb and AZ511 for current fire, evacuation, closure and road information. The Coconino County Pocket Fire Call Center is available at 928-679-8525 for questions about the fire, shelters and evacuation stages.
Officials urge the public not to fly drones near the fire. Unauthorized aircraft can ground firefighting planes and helicopters.
* * *
Quang Nguyen and Selina Bliss are Republican members of the Arizona House of Representatives serving Legislative District 1 in Yavapai County. Follow them on X at @QuangNguyenAZ and @SelinaBliss.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.azleg.gov/press/house/57LEG/2R/260628NGUYENBLISSPOCKETFIRE.pdf
