Latest from Hope Obrien
UArizona’s rainforest in the desert is a testing ground for understanding methane
ORACLE – University of Arizona assistant professor Joost van Haren is leading a research project at the Biosphere 2’s rainforest. He and his team of five student engineers are working to better understand methane emissions from the Amazon rainforest.
Forest health in Arizona: Stressed by drought and pests, trees are losing resilience to changing climate
FLAGSTAFF – Many of Arizona’s forests and woodlands are in bad shape, experts say. They’re overgrown, stressed by drought and facing increased threats from wildfires. But stakeholders across the state are collaborating to restore the forests to health. Take a walk in the woods in the Coconino National Forest to see for yourself.
As metro Phoenix home prices rise, so does the number of people forced to rent
PHOENIX – Rising home prices in the Phoenix area are driving more people to rent rather than buy, and renters are worried that they won’t be able to keep pace with increasing rents.
Maya’s Farm first to be saved by Phoenix Farmland Preservation Program
PHOENIX – Three years ago, Maya Dailey risked losing the urban farmland she had spent seven years renting and cultivating. A conservation easement through Phoenix’s new Farmland Preservation Program, managed by the Central Arizona Land Trust, saved Maya’s Farm.
Phoenix fellowship cultivating the next generation of urban farmers
PHOENIX – The Phoenix Urban Agriculture Fellowship Program pairs urban farmers who are struggling to find apprentices with the next generation of urban farmers. Project Roots in south Phoenix is training one of nine fellows.
The sky isn’t the limit: Flight program in Goodyear, pioneering pilot inspire diversity in aviation
GOODYEAR – As United Airlines’ United Aviate Academy trains a new generation of pilots, the Goodyear flight program and pilots of the past inspire diversity in aviation.
Tuskegee Airmen, heralded Black aviators of WWII, honored at Luke Air Force Base
GLENDALE – The Arizona chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen gathered Monday at Luke Air Force Base for Arizona’s ninth annual celebration of the first Black aviators of the Army Air Corps during World War II.
Recycling solar panels is complicated. Here’s how one Yuma company does it.
YUMA – We Recycle Solar in Yuma is recycling solar panel waste, but there is more to be done to ensure a safe and eco-friendly process as solar power gains popularity worldwide and its waste grows.
Los expertos señalan a la obesidad, la dieta y el ejercicio para combatir el colesterol alto en la juventud
PHOENIX – Con los niveles de obesidad creciendo en los Estados Unidos, más expertos están analizando cómo pueden prevenir el colesterol alto en la juventud para ayudar a evitar serios problemas de salud en el futuro.
High price of gasoline may drive commuters toward other methods of transportation
PHOENIX – Rising gas prices mean changes for commuting around the Valley and beyond. Uber and Lyft have added fuel surcharges, and public transportation ridership has risen, as it usually does when fuel prices go up.
Experts target obesity, diet, exercise to combat high cholesterol in youth
PHOENIX – With childhood obesity levels on the rise in the U.S., more experts are looking at how to prevent high cholesterol in youth to help avoid serious health problems later in life.
Discovery of Pluto at Flagstaff observatory continues to inspire 92 years later
FLAGSTAFF – The Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff celebrated the 92nd anniversary of astronomer Clyde Tombaugh’s discovery of Pluto, which now is designated a dwarf planet.
Arizona Senate overrides education spending cap, avoids $1.2 billion in cuts to public schools
PHOENIX – In a 23-6 vote, the Arizona Senate passed SCR 1050 and overrode the Aggregate Expenditure Limit, an education spending cap that would have required a $1.2 billion cut in public school spending.
‘I didn’t have a clue’: Suns’ James Jones, Monty Williams reflect on race during Black History Month
PHOENIX – From conversations to murals,Phoenix Suns executives reflect on race during Black History Month.
Artists hope Black History Mural Project ‘educates, inspires, uplifts’
PHOENIX – The unveiling of a mural for the Phoenix Suns and Mercury at Footprint Center kicked off the 2022 Black History Mural Project. The Shining Light Foundation commissioned Arizona artists for 28 murals representing the 28 days of February, Black History Month.
Bipartisan bill to promote affordable housing introduced in Arizona House
PHOENIX – Arizona state Reps. César Chávez and Steve Kaiser introduced a bipartisan bill Wednesday that would address the state’s housing crisis by increasing the construction of affordable homes and providing aid to the homeless.
Pima County schools strained by lack of COVID-19 testing as FEMA sites open
TUCSON – FEMA has opened two COVID-19 testing sites in Pima County to ease the shortage of PCR and rapid COVID tests needed to keep schools open.
Recreational marijuana sales flying high a year after Arizona legalization
TEMPE – A year after Proposition 207 took effect, recreational marijuana use has fueled growth in the Arizona cannabis industry. The Arizona Department of Revenue estimates taxable recreational marijuana sales totaled more than $528 million in 2021.
6 Arizonans discuss the impact Ruth Bader Ginsburg had on their lives
PHOENIX – Six women residing in Arizona put into words the impact of the life and career of the woman many knew as the Notorious RBG.
Food banks receive government help to fill bellies during holidays
PHOENIX – St. Mary’s Food Bank and Local First Arizona partner with local governments to provide meals to those in need this holiday season.
Carbon free energy required by 2050 under Arizona Corporation Commission proposal
PHOENIX – The Arizona Corporation Commission has proposed that public utilities be carbon free by 2050, updating a plan enacted in 2006. If approved after hearings and public comment, it would help Arizona catch up with other Southwestern states that already have such regulations.
Biden claims ‘clear victory’ as Arizonans await final vote counts in razor-thin election
PHOENIX – Amid celebrations on one side, and vows to keep fighting on the other, Arizonans on Sunday awaited final vote counts even as President-elect Joe Biden claimed a “clear victory."
Presidential race called for Biden, Arizona plays key role
PHOENIX – Several national news outlets have called the presidential race for former Vice President Joe Biden, who is projected to become the 46th president of the United States. Arizona played a key role in the election.
Hundreds gather outside Maricopa election center for third day of protests
PHOENIX – As tensions continue to rise over the results of the 2020 election, supporters of President Donald Trump on Friday gathered outside the Maricopa County Tabulation and Election Center in downtown Phoenix. It was the third day of protests.
