‘Not normal at all’: Rising temperatures threaten saguaros, other native plants
Saguaros, agave and more native plants are feeling the effects of Phoenix’s record-breaking hot summer, which is increasingly common. As trees and plants die, scientists are assisting their evolutionary adaptability and working on new solutions.
‘Scoping’ results show new Colorado River rules will face a range of demands
A new federal government report shows Colorado River states are aiming to agree on a plan to cut back on water, but remain divided about how to share the shrinking supply among tens of millions across the Southwest.
Thousands gather in Flagstaff to witness annular solar eclipse
FLAGSTAFF — The annular solar eclipse on Saturday drew large crowds to the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff.
Water catchments across Arizona provide drinking water for wildlife
CAREFREE – Agencies such as Arizona Game and Fish maintain water catchments across the state. The agency noted wildlife used the catchments heavily amid record-breaking heat over the summer.
Phoenix funding trees and shade structures for underserved communities
PHOENIX – The city of Phoenix’s Office of Heat Response and Mitigation is working to fund trees and shade structures for qualified census tracts. Schools and neighborhoods can apply for funds to increase shade cover, in line with the city’s Tree and Shade Master Plan, which aims to increase city canopy coverage to roughly 25% by 2030.
Arizona’s extreme heat threatens ‘spectacular migrations’ of butterflies
SCOTTSDALE – Arizona experienced extreme heat this summer, which may affect butterfly migratory patterns. The prolonged heat means less food for butterflies and caterpillars.
Senators urged to step up after Supreme Court ruling on Navajo water rights
WASHINGTON - Witnesses told a Senate hearing the federal government has both a a legal and an ethical obligation to ensure water access for tribes. The Supreme Court this summer rejected a Navajo claim that the government needed to take steps to protect its water rights.
Tribal water infrastructure needs more than a one-time fix, senators told
The infusion of federal money for infrastructure projects is a welcome first step toward fixing deep problems with water systems on tribal lands, but it's only a first step, an Arizona official testified Wednesday.
SAG-AFTRA Arizona members rally as part of national strike for TV, film worker protections, higher wages
PHOENIX – The Arizona-Utah chapter of SAG-AFTRA held a rally in Phoenix on Sunday to support local actors, writers, and TV and film workers who are on strike. The national union has been on strike since July 14 in conjunction with the Writers’ Guild of America, which has been on strike since May 2. The strikes have stopped production on films and TV series.
Arizona added 2,374 clean-energy jobs in 2022, near pre-pandemic levels
WASHINGTON - Arizona added more than 2,300 clean-energy industry jobs last year, falling just shy of the state's pre-pandemic employment levels but matching the nation for job growth in the sector, a new report said.
Arizona snail found only in Quitobaquito Springs may be listed as endangered
PHOENIX – A snail native to Arizona may be listed as an endangered species after known populations dropped largely due to drought and border wall construction. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing the Quitobaquito tryonia snail, found only at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument in Pima County, be listed as an endangered species.
Appeals court again shoots down attempt to ban hunters’ use of lead shot
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Forest Service cannot be required to prohibit the use of lead shot by hunters in the Kaibab National Forest, a practice that environmentalists say can poison and kill wildlife, including critically endangered California condors.
