Little America trails will soon be closed to public use, and Tony O'Brien, Little America VP, joins The Jeff Kennedy Show to discuss the upcoming changes. The decision to restrict public access was not taken lightly, and the decision stems from a growing combination of environmental, safety, and liability concerns including: illegal camping, unregulated trail use, 911 emergency calls, and legal liability. Little America sees this trail closure as a proactive way to reduce fire danger, minimize emergency call, and support overburdened first responders during fire season. Hotel guests will continue to have access to the private trails, the intent is not to eliminate use - but to manage it safely and responsibly.

It's Public Works Wednesday, and The Jeff Kennedy Show visited with Scott Overton, Director of Public Works at the City of Flagstaff and Jen Brown, PW Section Director to discuss the exciting project underway in the city buildings. The projects include: the City Hall HR remodel and ADA update of restrooms, Aquaplex Siding, and City Hall HVAC. Jen covers the scope and scale of the Facilities team's work across the City of Flagstaff, and Scott covers the department plan and program large-scale facility repairs and upgrades. 

Kim Robinson, Project Coordinator for the LBE, visits with The Jeff Kennedy Show to share about the upcoming Juneteenth Celebration. The Juneteenth Celebration in in downtown Flagstaff is set for June 22nd, and visitors can expect live music, poetry, vendors, local artists and performers and more! Juneteenth has gained more national recognition in recent years and Kim has noticed more growing awareness and participation here in Flagstaff. Kim further discusses how the community can get involved by volunteering, attending, or even setting up a vendor booth.

Jeff and Monica visit with Artistic Director of the Flagstaff Piano Festival, Silvan Negrutiu, to discuss the upcoming festival. June 21st through June 28th, participants can expect musical training, sessions on performance anxiety, competition prep, and even career development. June 22nd there will be a performance up at Lowell Observatory and then on June 28th there will be a performance up at Arizona Snowbowl. Dr. Negrutiu discusses some of his personal experiences and lessons in performance anxiety, and how to use those tools in day to day life. 

Jeff and Monica visit with Director of Clinical Partnerships, Kimberly Frick and Dr. Heather Ashby of the NAU Nursing Exploration Camp. The event is June 25th through June 27th at Northern Arizona University for high school students looking to explore the possibility of Nursing as a profession. Students can see what to expect in the profession, how many varieties of nursing there are as well as hands-on scenarios. NAU's vision also includes preparing nurses for a complex and ever-changing healthcare environment, and campers will be able to get a taste of that personal, connected learning environment during their visit. Parents will also find tools to help support and engage their students in preparing for college.

Young Voices contributor, Victoria Churchill, joins The Jeff Kennedy Show to discuss how the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear challenges to assault-style weapons bans in Maryland and Rhode Island - effectively allowing those bans to stand. Many gun rights advocates are calling this decision a silent endorsement or state-level bans, we discuss with Victoria her view regarding this, and if she feels the Court's inaction sets a precedent, or if this is more of a strategic pause. 

Jeff and Monica discuss the LASS & CAP Projects with Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett. We delve into the overall vision behind 'Framing our Future Together' and why it is important to host this kind of community conversation. The public talk will include current zoning, what is around particular parcels and ways the city might want to partner in the future, considering gentle density. The conversation moves to affordable housing, Habitat projects and the Starter Home initiatives as well as SNAP cuts and how that will affect local food insecurity. 

Jeff and Monica visit with Young Voices contributor, William Barclay, to discuss his recent op-ed: "Liberals Embrace Islamic Extremism in Canada". Canadian immigration policies have created vulnerabilities not only for Canada but for the U.S. as well, and Barclay explains how these policies are enabling extremists to reach American soil. William Barclay discusses how we should now be equally concerned about our northern border - and what that means for places like Flagstaff, Phoenix, and the Four Corners region.

Jeff and Monica sit down with Wildland Fire Captain, Neil Chapman, to talk about fixing forests and fighting fire. Neil Chapman covers the issue of how the suppression of fire has changed the structure of our forests, and how low intensity frequent fires can aid in the proactive strategy of maintenance. You can receive a free fire risk assessment by reaching the fire admin office at 928-213-2500. The team will teach you ways that you can be fire-wise with your home, aiding in the insurability of your home.

Jeff and Monica visit with Executive Director of Sunshine Rescue Mission, Kathie Knapp, to discuss the reopening of Sunshine Rescue Mission. Monday June 2nd the Mission reopened for use, and Kathie discussed the importance of having a deep heart for the brokenhearted, why the focus of the Mission has always been on life change and helping people up and out of homelessness.