Panama faces water crisis as drought impacts canal, tourism, agriculture
GATÚN, Panama — A prolonged drought has affected Gatun Lake, jeopardizing the Panama Canal's operations and threatening tourism, agriculture and drinking water supplies for millions of Panamanians.
New rules for using purified wastewater give Arizona cities more options
PHOENIX – With dwindling water supplies, cities throughout Arizona are exploring multiple ways to meet residents’ water needs. In March, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality gave municipalities a new tool: Wastewater treated by advanced purification can now flow directly from local water systems into residents’ taps.
Where water and wildlife meet, volunteers answer Earth Day’s call at 10th annual Lower Salt River cleanup
MESA – The 10th annual Earth Day Salt River Cleanup drew hundreds of volunteers and numerous organizations in a collective effort to help protect one of Arizona's most valuable water sources.
Population of endangered Mount Graham red squirrels grows with help from Arizona organizations
PHOENIX – The population of endangered Mount Graham red squirrels has recovered through collaborative efforts from the Arizona Game & Fish Department, the University of Arizona, the Phoenix Zoo and the Forest Service.
Arizona’s Apache Generating Station is one of 66 coal plants to get EPA exemption from Biden-era toxic air pollution caps
WASHINGTON — The Apache Generating Station, an Arizona power plant that uses coal, received an EPA exemption from Biden-era standards on toxic air pollution. President Donald Trump loosened regulations and 66 plants nationwide received exemptions. Most power companies are phasing out coal by 2032, though that could change if Trump eases carbon emission standards.
Protecting the bald eagle: Arizona Game and Fish climbs cliffs to count, band and measure spring hatchlings
PEORIA – Arizona Game and Fish Department employees teamed up with nest watchers from the Southwestern Bald Eagle Management Committee to band and perform veterinary checks on a trio of eaglets at Lake Pleasant last month. This area is a long-time home to many eagles, with about half a dozen more nests in the area.
Arizona AG Kris Mayes joins lawsuit against John Deere amid fight for farmers’ right to repair
PHOENIX – Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes recently joined the Federal Trade Commission’s lawsuit against John Deere. She and other attorneys general are fighting for farmers’ right to repair their own equipment.
Trucks with uranium cross Navajo Nation, reviving long-standing fears
PHOENIX — After a six month pause, Energy Fuels starts the rehauling of uranium ore through the Navajo Nation up into its White Mesa Mill. While the tribe has an agreement in place, some community members say they will continue the fight to protect their land and people.
The cherry blossoms have budded, bloomed and blown away for another year in Washington
WASHINGTON – The annual Cherry Blossom Festival draws over 1 million visitors every year to Washington, D.C., eager for a glimpse of the brief but spectacular show of pink.
NOAA cuts could hamper forecasts for haboobs, monsoons and wildfires in Arizona, raising extreme weather risks
WASHINGTON – NOAA, which handles weather forecasts and atmospheric information, faces cuts under President Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s DOGE. Many Arizonans — including construction workers, concrete workers and homeless people — may be impacted by worse forecasts for monsoons, haboobs and wildfires.
For older adults taking medications, summer heat can be especially dangerous
PHOENIX – Older adults are more vulnerable to heat, not just because of their age and risk of chronic conditions, but the multiple medications they might be taking. Experts and research recommend more awareness for providers and patients.
Arizona battles rising wildfire threat in ‘never-ending kind of year’ as state grows hotter, drier
PHOENIX – At a media briefing, Gov. Katie Hobbs and Arizona fire officials warned of increasing wildfire risks. Officials urged residents to take precautions as firefighters face longer hours battling more intense flames across the state.
