Farmers markets bloom as vendors educate, bring local produce to customers

PHOENIX – Farmers markets are gaining more attention from Valley residents, helping small businesses reach customers and find their footing in a competitive market.


Tribulations and triumph: Phoenix theater troupes explore diversity and community

PHOENIX - Theater starts with an idea – a dream, a passion or a problem. Diverse theater in Arizona takes another step, giving voice to communities that otherwise get little attention on stage.


That’s a no to ‘ho, ho, ho’: Committee rejects Christmas tree on Camelback Mountain

PHOENIX – A nearly decade-old practice of hauling a Christmas tree to the top of Camelback Mountain may be halted, with a Phoenix committee saying a need to leave the recreational area pristine triumphs over tradition.


Residents discuss drawbacks, benefits of life on federally owned land

WASHINGTON - An Arizona rancher and state legislator told a congressional committee Wednesday that he has been "held hostage" for years by the red tape that accompanies federal ownership of lands in the West.


Phoenix to begin first phase of Grand Canalscape Project

PHOENIX – The ancient Hohokam civilization first built Phoenix's canal system more than 600 years ago. In the fall, Phoenix officials plan to start a project they hope will revive and improve the Grand Canal.


Arizona environmental chief, physician differ on role of EPA

WASHINGTON - Arizona's top environmental official told separate House and Senate committees Tuesday that the federal government needs to back off and let states take care of environmental regulation on their own.


Parker saloon owner turns to solar for power, but keeps other technology at bay

PARKER – The moment you take a sharp right turn off State Route 95 and onto Cienega Springs Road near Parker, there’s no such thing as a pit stop along the 5-mile journey. The bumpy, winding road leads to The Desert Bar, a secluded, booze-friendly landmark that’s been a staple in the area for more than 34 years.


May 19, 2017 Newscast

Cronkite News special: Sustainability initiatives in Arizona


Water Hole: No running water on Navajo Nation reservation

MONUMENT VALLEY – On the outskirts of Monument Valley, touching the Arizona-Utah border, a water well is encased in a brick building behind a barb-wired fence. A few cattle graze nearby, mooing to occasionally pierce the quiet.


Advocates fear Superfund budget cuts further delay cleanup of sites

WASHINGTON - In the nine years since the former smelter near her house in Dewey-Humboldt was added to the Environmental Protection Agency's list of toxic Superfund sites, Rose Eitemiller said she's seen some progress. But not much.


Everything old is renewed again as architects renovate historic buildings

PHOENIX – Old buildings have a story to tell.


Innovative farming: Harvesting exotic plants in the Southwest

SCOTTSDALE - Glacier lettuce. Thai Lavender Frog Egg Eggplant. Tigerella Tomato. The rare plants are among those grown at Brother Nature Farms in Scottsdale.