Heat deaths hit record in Maricopa County, but there are ways to stay safe
PHOENIX – Higher temperatures in Maricopa County have led to a record number of heat-associated deaths, according to a report released this month. Experts say people – visitors and Arizonans alike – should reconsider how to prepare for the heat to stay safe while outdoors.
Gila River tribe agrees to conserve water in return for federal compensation
The Gila River Indian Community has announced plans to conserve a large portion of its water supplies over the next three years and is seeking payment from a new federal program designed to incentivize such reductions.
Lights out: Oracle State Park hosts a star viewing party to celebrate Arizona’s dark skies
ORACLE – Cronkite News visited Oracle State Park near Tucson to see why amateur astronomers love observing the cosmos at the International Dark Sky Park.
Grand Canyon’s water ‘backbone’ to get major overhaul starting this fall
PHOENIX – The historic pipeline that brings drinking water from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon to the South Rim fails frequently. Work will begin this fall to overhaul sections of the pipe.
Camelback’s Cholla Trail reopens, providing more access to the highest peak in Phoenix
PHOENIX – Cholla Trail on Camelback Mountain’s eastern slope, which closed in March 2020, reopened in September with safety improvements and new amenities. The landmark is Phoenix’s highest peak and carries with it decades of history.
Empty Bowls event raises money to combat food insecurity, cut food waste
PHOENIX – Arizona nonprofit organization Waste Not raises funds to help food insecurity through its annual Empty Bowls event by selling handcrafted clay bowls. Proceeds go toward rescuing perishable foods from local businesses and delivering it to agencies that feed the hungry.
Iconic Strong Arm was one of many saguaros killed by climate change, deadly bacteria
Climate change is becoming a deadly threat to the iconic saguaro, which is found only in the Sonoran Desert. According to cactus expert William D. Peachey, extreme temperature fluctuations and more severe storms are making saguaros more susceptible to the deadly bacteria Erwinia cacticida.
‘It’s alright to be a fat bear’: Why Fat Bear Week is more than a beauty contest
WILLIAMS — Fat Bear Week started at Alaska’s Katmai National Park as a way to help people understand the importance of bears and healthy ecosystems. In northern Arizona, Bearizona has its own Fat Bear Week to show off the park’s black bears as they prepare for winter hibernation.
Tempe plans to reopen long dormant water reclamation plant amid grinding drought
PHOENIX – Tempe plans to use $60 million to reopen the Kyrene Water Reclamation Facility which closed in the aftermath of the Great Recession. The plant will help Tempe collect and recycle water as Arizona struggles with its worst drought in 1,200 years.
‘Good Samaritan’ bill aims to allow cleanup of abandoned, leaking mines
WASHINGTON - Arizona officials have high hopes for a proposed "good Samaritan" law that could help clean up some of the tens of thousands of leaking, abandoned mines in the state by removing legal liability for those who take on the job of mine remediation.
Gallego touts local efforts in Phoenix to battle climate change
WASHINGTON - Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego touted the city Thursday as a model for enduring extreme weather events, during a virtual panel on how local governments can help defend against the impacts of climate change.
Ghost in the machine? These rental cars are driven by remote control
LOS ANGELES – Anyone who sees this electric rental car whiz by might think it’s yet another self-driving test car. After all, there’s no one behind the wheel. But someone is driving the car – likely from several miles away. That’s what makes this business model stand apart from the many other self-driving vehicle operations.
