Bakersfield lawsuit continues as Kern River water management that left fish dead comes under fire

LOS ANGELES – A portion of the Kern River in Bakersfield, California, has dried up leaving a mass grave of varying fish species behind. Multiple wildlife and nature advocates and nonprofits are continuing with a related lawsuit against the city over water control.


‘Toss the Tusk’ educates Phoenix Zoo guests on illegal ivory trading, allows ivory surrender

PHOENIX – An event aimed at educating the public on poaching and how to combat the illegal ivory trade, came to the Phoenix Zoo for the first time. Guests were encouraged to surrender ivory, which will be used for research and education.

Phoenix Zoo staff members set up a display of ivory tusks and trinkets to educate the public on ivory poaching during the “Toss the Tusk” event in Phoenix on Sept. 27, 2024. (Photo by Aryton Temcio/Cronkite News)

Phoenix says visits to heat relief centers skyrocketed during record-breaking summer, and 92% were from people experiencing homelessness

PHOENIX – City officials said Phoenix’s heat-relief network saved many lives this summer, particularly among the unhoused population.

Kate Gallego speaking at a podium with a pink and white design on a screen behind her.

Flourishing Los Angeles: Activists reclaim urban spaces through guerrilla gardening

LOS ANGELES – Guerrilla gardening empowers communities to reclaim neglected urban spaces and combat environmental issues. This movement promotes sustainable practices, fosters social change and environmental awareness while transforming the city’s concrete landscape. City officials urge going through the permitting process.

Man holding a block of substrate with yellow mushrooms in a mushroom cultivation room.

Arizona is launching PFAS mitigation efforts ahead of the EPA deadline. But critics say it isn’t enough

WASHINGTON – In response to persistent contamination from PFAS, a known “forever chemical,” the EPA, Arizona and other government agencies are coming up with strategies to maintain a clean water supply. Critics say what they are doing is not enough.


Arizona companies building tech to reduce carbon emissions

WASHINGTON – The U.S ranks second globally in the countries that emit the highest greenhouse gas emissions. Arizona companies have joined the move to reduce carbon dioxide emissions while seeking credit for carbon emitted.

Artistic rendering of the CarbonCapture Inc. manufacturing plant in Mesa. (Rendering courtesy of CarbonCapture Inc.)

Maricopa County combats heat with its heat-relief network; Phoenix reports serving 35,000

PHOENIX – Maricopa County opens several heat-relief centers every summer. These centers are vital to the community when the weather outside reaches unbearable temperatures; centers in Phoenix served more than 35,000 this summer.

The Burton Barr Central Library respite center stands in the blazing heat, and those seeking relief run to its doors to seek shelter. (Photo by Jalen Woody/Cronkite News)

Number of electric vehicles in Arizona has tripled, outpacing charging station installation

WASHINGTON – The number of electric vehicles in Arizona has tripled in the last 18 months, and the number of charging stations hasn’t kept pace.


Republicans falsely link illegal immigration to federal relief funds as Hurricane Milton slams Florida

WASHINGTON – As Hurricane Helene pushed disaster relief to the political forefront, former President Donald Trump and other Republicans have leveled false claims about FEMA diverting funds to help migrants.


Gila River Indian Community solar panel-over-canal project powers up on a hot October day

SACATON – A recent event held in Sacaton marked a historic milestone for the Gila River Indian Community. Its solar-over-canal project is the first in the Western Hemisphere.


Southern California transportation upgrades will support sustainable 2028 Olympics in LA

Railway extensions, highway expansions and walkable route additions will benefit Los Angeles and Southern California through the 2028 Olympic Games and beyond.

LA Metro sign in front of city buildings under a clear sky.

California panel calls attention to ties between Southwest climate crisis and cancer disparities

LOS ANGELES – A recent California panel highlighted the urgent connection between climate change and cancer disparities affecting marginalized communities in the Southwest. Experts underscored the need for equitable policies to combat these related public health challenges.

Speaker at a lectern with a projection screen displaying conference information at the 17th AACR Conference.