Historically left out of Western water talks, tribes intend to have greater influence in future

GREELEY, Colo. – Native American tribes have senior rights to about 20% of the water in the Colorado River Basin, but they aren’t using all of it. Some tribal leaders say they intend to exert those water rights, which would have repercussions throughout the Southwest.


Water transfer from Colorado River to central Arizona faces stiff opposition

PHOENIX - Queen Creek wants to buy an annual entitlement to Colorado River water from a farming and investment company that owns land in far west La Paz County. The proposed water transfer is already drawing criticism and concern.


Arizona poll: Republicans, Democrats far apart on immigration, gun control, climate

PHOENIX - A Morrison Institute for Public Policy poll shows Republicans’ and Democrats’ have “separate thoughts” on immigration, climate change, affordable housing and gun control, among other issues. The poll may also reveal the growing political power of independents in Arizona.


Native Americans have the most difficulty accessing clean water, report says

DENNEHOTSO – Unregulated drinking water sources are the greatest public health risk on the Navajo Reservation, according to the EPA.


Phoenix recycling will end unless rates are hiked, officials warn

PHOENIX — The public works department for Phoenix explained to the city council this week if solid waste rates don’t increase, cuts to programs like recycling will need to be made.


Ants are experts at avoiding traffic jams, researchers find

PHOENIX – The secrets of ant cooperation could help ease congestion on roads and wherever there are dense flows of particles or bits of information.


Navajo pull backing for tribal energy company over coal mine purchases

WASHINGTON - The Navajo Nation said Tuesday it is canceling indemnity agreements for the Navajo Transitional Energy Co., fearing the tribe's finances could be "placed in a state of uncertainty" by the company's recent purchase of three coal mines.


On Virginia’s Eastern Shore, wild horses are an asset, not a headache

CHINCOTEAGUE, Va. - While Western communities struggle to control wild horse populations that are overwhelming the federal lands they roam, a small town out on an island off Virginia's Eastern Shore has turned the presence of wild horses from a problem to an asset.


Pinal County’s future water shortfall leaves some developers in limbo today

PHOENIX – A new model from the Arizona Department of Water Resources for Pinal County predicts that demand for water will outstrip availability over the next 100 years, leaving some developers wondering whether they can build at all.


SRP confirms that last day for Navajo Generating Station just days away

WASHINGTON - The Navajo Generating Station will shut down for good in a matter of days, the plant's owners said, , once the plant burns through its remaining supply of coal. It's the final chapter in a two-year fight to save the aging plant, the affiliated Kayenta coal mine and their hundreds of jobs,


Leftover pumpkins feed hungry animals instead of landfills

PHOENIX – Every year after Halloween, pumpkins get thrown in the trash, but MacDonald's Ranch finds better uses for leftovers from their pumpkin patch.


Water from air: ASU professor’s technology produces clean drinking water around the globe

PHOENIX – Zero Mass Water, a company created by ASU professor Cody Friesen, uses solar panel technology to produce clean water from the air for local schools and underserved communities across the globe.