Trump Orders Reduction of U.S.–South Korea Joint Military Drills

“The human work of teaching”: Arizona’s Teacher Residency Program a solution to keeping educators in the profession

by Shannon Conner and Isabela Lisco, Channel 13 News, AZ Luminaria August 11, 2026 FLAGSTAFF — When it became clear last spring Ruben Rosthenhausler would lose his job as manager of the Berger Performing Arts Center, he told himself to remain open to all possibilities.

August 12 Total Solar Eclipse: Where to Watch, How to Stay Safe and What Asian Traditions Say About Eclipses

A total solar eclipse will cross Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, Spain and part of Portugal on August 12, 2026. Arizona will not see the eclipse directly, but NASA will provide live coverage of the event.

A Lifetime of Love, Service, and Inspiration: Dr. Subba Rao and Kamala Cherukuri Celebrate 60 Years Together

Scottsdale, Arizona — Sixty years of marriage is more than a milestone. It is a celebration of shared dreams, enduring friendship, quiet sacrifices, and a life built together with purpose.

Arizona Asians Is Live: A New Platform to Inform, Connect and Strengthen Our Community

Arizona Asians officially launches with a mission to bring news, events, immigration updates, entertainment, business information and community connections together for Arizona’s diverse Asian communities.

Katie Hobbs says she won’t debate Andy Biggs, opting instead to tour the state

by Caitlin Sievers, Arizona Mirror July 30, 2026

Displacement of ASDB students, school evaluations violate federal law, state says

by Shannon Conner, AZ Luminaria July 24, 2026

India at 80: Celebrating Freedom, Achievement and a Bold Vision for the Future

India celebrates its 80th Independence Day by honoring the sacrifices of its freedom movement, recognizing decades of democratic, economic and scientific progress, and looking toward an ambitious vision for a developed India by 2047.

India’s Supreme Court Declares Safe Walking on Footpaths a Fundamental Right

New Delhi, India — In a landmark ruling with wide implications for urban planning and road safety, the Supreme Court of India has declared that citizens have a fundamental right to walk on safe, demarcated footpaths and that pedestrian movement must take priority over motorized vehicles.

Deep-Space Synergy: India and Japan Advance Joint Preparations for Chandrayaan-5

Ancient Buddhist pilgrimage center near Varanasi gains global recognition for its spiritual, archaeological and artistic legacy

Sarnath, one of Buddhism’s most sacred pilgrimage destinations, has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, becoming India’s 45th World Heritage Site. The decision was announced on July 25, 2026, during the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee in Busan, Republic of Korea. UNESCO recognized the Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath for its exceptional religious, historical and cultural significance.

Indian Space Startup Skyroot Aerospace Makes History with Successful Vikram-1 Orbital Launch

SRIHARIKOTA, INDIA - In a monumental leap for India’s private space sector, Hyderabad-based aerospace startup Skyroot Aerospace has successfully launched its premier orbital rocket, Vikram-1, into low Earth orbit. The landmark flight, dubbed "Mission Aagaman" (The Arrival), marks India’s entry into the elite club of nations capable of private commercial satellite launches and introduces a highly flexible player to the global small-satellite launch market. The rocket lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, carrying a payload consisting of the "Cosmic Bloom" satellite alongside other experimental payloads. Ground control confirmed that the vehicle achieved its target orbit with high precision, deploying the payloads exactly as planned. A Tech Marvel Made in India

India Launches First Indigenous Hydrogen-Powered Train on Jind-Sonipat Route

In a historic milestone for global green mobility, Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially flagged off India’s first hydrogen-powered train at the Jind railway station in Haryana. This landmark launch officially positions India within an elite circle of nations—including Germany, Japan, China, and the United States—actively pioneering or testing hydrogen-powered rail transport. The successful deployment represents a significant leap forward in Indian Railways' modernization efforts and its commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions. "Whenever Indian Railways is spoken of, the Bombay [now Mumbai] to Thane route is spoken of. Now, whenever hydrogen trains are spoken of, Jind will be remembered," Prime Minister Modi stated during the flag-off ceremony.

Treasury and IRS Issue Guidance to Simplify Electronic Retirement Rollovers

Treasury and the IRS have introduced optional standardized forms and procedures designed to make retirement rollovers faster and more secure, with electronic transfers encouraged whenever financial institutions have the necessary systems.

Remembering Sydney Towle: Young Cancer Advocate Dies at 26 After Inspiring Millions

Content creator and rare-cancer advocate Sydney Towle has died at 26 after inspiring more than a million followers with her honest, hopeful account of living with cholangiocarcinoma.

Federal Reserve Holds Interest Rates Steady at 3.50%–3.75%: What It Means for Arizona’s Asian American Business Owners and Families

Phoenix, AZ — July 29, 2026 — In its latest monetary policy meeting, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) voted 9–3 to maintain the benchmark federal funds rate at 3.50% to 3.75%. For Arizona’s rapidly growing Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community—comprising thriving small business owners, tech entrepreneurs, real estate investors, and working families across Metro Phoenix, Chandler, Mesa, and Tucson—the central bank’s decision offers a blend of short-term stability and cautious optimism amidst broader economic headwinds.

Senator Lindsey Graham dies at 71 after brief sudden illness

Senator Lindsey Graham has died at age 71 following what his office described as “a brief and sudden illness.” He had been in Kyiv as recently as Friday, according to the limited details released about his death.

Hurricane Lala Skirts Hawaii’s Big Island as Heavy Rain and Damaging Winds Spread West

Hurricane Lala passed south of Hawaii’s Big Island with 75 mph winds as forecasters warned of life-threatening flooding, mudslides, damaging winds and dangerous surf across the island chain.

USCIS Sets Sept. 15 Deadline for New I-539 and I-765 Form Editions

USCIS will require new editions of Forms I-539 and I-765 beginning Sept. 15, 2026. Older editions submitted on or after that date will be rejected, with no grace period.

U.S. Report Alleges Chinese Goods Are Routed Through More Than 40 Countries to Avoid Tariffs

The White House alleges that Chinese products are being routed through more than 40 countries to avoid U.S. tariffs, potentially costing the government $19 billion to $26 billion annually. However, not all third-country manufacturing or trade constitutes illegal transshipment.

The AI Data Center Boom: Trillions in Investment Are Reshaping Technology, Energy and Construction

Microsoft, Google, Oracle and other technology companies are pouring hundreds of billions of dollars into AI data centers, creating opportunities across semiconductors, construction, power, cooling and digital infrastructure.

Tensions Escalate in Strait of Hormuz as Trump Threatens Iranian Infrastructure

President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Tehran on Wednesday, declaring that the United States will target Iranian infrastructure—including bridges and power plants—every time an attack is launched against shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The announcement marks a significant escalation in rhetoric surrounding one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, raising fresh concerns over global energy markets, international trade routes, and regional stability.

The Collective Triumphs: Spain Conquers the World in Thrilling Extra-Time World Cup Final

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ — The absolute faith in the collective team has triumphed over the individual icon. In an unforgettable conclusion to the biggest tournament in soccer history, European champions Spain officially dethroned defending champions Argentina with a 1–0 extra-time victory at MetLife Stadium. Subsitute Ferran Torres became the hero of a generation, breaking a grueling, high-stakes deadlock in the 106th minute to secure La Roja their second star. With this historic win, Spain reaches an unprecedented milestone in global football, becoming the first nation to simultaneously hold both the men's and women's FIFA World Cup crowns.

When AI Agents Go Beyond Instructions: Gym Incident Raises New Questions About Autonomous AI

A reported gym-booking incident has renewed concerns about autonomous AI agents taking unexpected actions. Official AI-company disclosures and research show why stronger permissions and human oversight will be essential as agents gain access to real-world systems.

At Least 132 Killed as Powerful Earthquake Strikes Colombia

A magnitude-7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia on August 10, killing at least 132 people and injuring hundreds as rescue crews searched damaged and collapsed buildings.

U.S. State Department Introduces Public Charge Bond Pilot for Some Immigrant Visa Applicants

The U.S. State Department has begun a pilot program allowing certain immigrant visa applicants facing a public charge denial to apply for a Public Charge Bond. The process applies only when a consular officer specifically requires it.

H-1B Selection Rules Change in 2026 as Higher Wages Gain More Weight

USCIS has introduced a wage-weighted H-1B selection process for the FY 2027 cap season, giving higher-wage registrations better odds while new fees and proposed wage rules increase costs for some employers.