Dry soils plague Colorado River Basin, absorbing runoff needed downstream
ASPEN, Colorado – The amount of moisture held in the ground can play a big role in how much water makes it down to rivers and reservoirs in the Colorado River Basin – and eventually into the pipes that feed homes and businesses.
Colorado River tribe aims to establish ‘one unified voice’ in policy talks
The Fort Yuma-Quechan Indian Tribe is situated at a nexus in the Colorado River Basin. The tribe is also at a policy nexus on the river. With irrigated agriculture part of the tribe’s past and present connection to the river, the Quechan tribe is intimately tied to future policies on the Colorado River. KUNC’s Luke Runyon interviewed the Fort Yuma-Quechan Tribe’s president Jordan Joaquin to hear his perspective on future policy talks that will be with President Joe Biden's administration.
Phoenix explorer, entrepreneur will be on first civilian crew to go into space
PHOENIX – A Phoenix professor will be among the crew members to fly on the first all-civilian space flight that SpaceX launches this fall.
PPE trash, plastic – and feces – mar many beaches and scenic spots across the Southwest
LOS ANGELES – Face masks, plastic bottles and other items are showing up more and more in nature since the beginning of COVID-19 as people go outdoors.
Neighbors hope for relief from crematorium smoke as COVID-19 deaths decrease
PHOENIX – Maricopa County’s air quality department lifted regulations for crematoriums to operate past sunset. Public records show county residents have filed nearly 20 complaints about smoke coming from across the county.
Tribal leaders ask for more funding, less meddling for water projects
WASHINGTON - Arizona tribal officials told a Senate committee Wednesday that the federal government can help address a crisis with water infrastructure on their lands through more funding, and less meddling.
Mohave County, Navajo officials push to broaden ‘downwinder’ coverage
WASHINGTON - Federal law compensates people who lived downwind of nuclear test sites, including many residents of northern Arizona - but not in most of Mohave County. Arizona officials told a House panel its time to change the boundaries and right that wrong.
Why this Japanese musician performed on Piestewa Peak every morning for a year
PHOENIX – Ken Koshio specializes in the ancient Japanese taiko drumming, and for a year, he committed to welcoming the start of each day at the top of Piestewa Peak. His performance often drew an audience.
Chiricahua leopard frogs face habitat challenges as Phoenix Zoo works to save them
PHOENIX - Chiricahua leopard frogs, native to Arizona, have been named a threatened species since 2002, but a Phoenix partnership is trying to help.
Despite steep decline, monarch butterflies aren’t as endangered as other species, agency says
PHOENIX - The number of monarch butterflies continues to decline, and conservationists fear not enough is being done to protect the species.
A Colorado River showdown is looming. Let the posturing begin.
A showdown is looming among the states that rely on the Colorado River for drinking and irrigation water. Negotiations are set to start on the river's future among worsening drought conditions.
Thrift shops and sustainable fashion outlets thrive during the pandemic
PHOENIX - While most businesses have been suffering during the COVID-19 pandemic, thrift stores across Arizona have been experiencing success.
