Picketing

Civil rights leader and labor organizer Dolores Huerta died Wednesday at age 96. Co-founder of the United Farm Workers union, Huerta coined the rallying cry "Sí, se puede!" during a 1972 Phoenix protest against an anti-labor law and spent decades advocating for farmworkers, women, and civil rights, including later campaigns against SB1070 and for the Equal Rights Amendment.

Arizona officials across parties and government, including Gov. Katie Hobbs, Sens. Ruben Gallego and Mark Kelly, Reps. Yassamin Ansari, Greg Stanton and Adelita Grijalva, Attorney General Kris Mayes, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, and Councilmember Betty Guardado, praised her lasting influence on the state and nation. A candlelight vigil was held outside Phoenix City Hall in her honor.

SEIU Local 1000, representing more than 100,000 California state workers including auditors, nurses and counselors, held a one-day statewide strike after its contract expired June 30 without a new deal. The union accuses Gov. Gavin Newsom's administration of bad-faith bargaining, pointing to a four-day return-to-office mandate, limited raises capped near 3%, and inadequate healthcare contributions, while seeking a 20% pay increase over three years. Members picketed in cities including Sacramento, arguing remote work saves the state money and improves work-life balance. Newsom, once backed heavily by the union, has pushed wage reductions amid budget deficits. CalHR says it remains open to negotiating a "fair and responsible agreement."

Thomas Fahmy, a congressional staffer for Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), was struck by lightning while walking to a dentist appointment in Staten Island's Castleton Corners neighborhood during a storm. Doorbell camera footage captured the moment: a flash and thunderclap as Fahmy, carrying an umbrella, collapsed to the ground. He described intense burning, tingling, numbness, and severe pain in both feet.

After lying on the ground for several moments, Fahmy called out for help. A neighbor, Stefanie Homan, heard him and let him into her yard while calling an ambulance. He was taken to Staten Island University Hospital and, remarkably, suffered no burns despite the pain. Fahmy later attended church to give thanks and bought a Mega Millions lottery ticket afterward. Malliotakis praised the neighbor and hospital staff who assisted her "valued" staff member.