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Nature and Environment

Narwhal whales live in social groups called pods and live in the Arctic ocean. Experts disagree on the purpose of males' tusks.

Does the narwhal's famous tusk help it catch fish?

Mar 13, 2025 Intriguing video of narwhals using their tusks to mess with fish has scientists speculating about what this behavior might mean.
Montezuma Castle National Monument in Camp Verde, Arizona.

Federal lease terminations threaten five National Park Service facilities in Arizona

Mar 10, 2025 Cuts could disrupt visitor experiences, scientific research and park operations.
Looking out of an EcoFlight plane over the Sky Islands in Southern Arizona on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025.

BLM opens Environmental Assessment for Copper Creek Mine Project to public comment

Mar 7, 2025 Located in Arizona’s rugged Sky Islands, the proposed copper mine could impact ecosystem and water resources.
A pile burn in lost Dutchman State Park.

The Buzz: Preventing catastrophic wildfires

Mar 7, 2025 A look at how wildfires became more intense, and what we're doing to combat it.
Mountain lions can be cornered by hounds in crags and at the edge of rocky cliffs.

Arizona bill to protect hunting with dogs fails by narrow house vote, will be reconsidered

Mar 6, 2025 Lawmakers narrowly rejected a proposal to safeguard hound hunting while conservationists push for stricter regulations.
Photo titled, "Majestic Sunrise," taken at Zion National Park by Tim H. Murphy.

Two new books that bring important histories to light.

Mar 5, 2025 Kirsten Miller talks about her novel "Lula Dean's Little Library of Banned Books"; and Mike Stark shares the natural history "Starlings The Curious Odyssey of a Most Hated Bird".
Supporters say a new Santa Cruz River Urban National Wildlife Refuge would enhance the Tucson metropolitan area and beyond. Currently, paths along the river are popular for pedestrians, bicyclists and other users.

Pima County publishes 2023 Multi-Species Conservation Plan report

Feb 28, 2025 The county’s latest report highlights habitat protection, invasive species removal and wildlife monitoring.
An electric side-loader garbage truck lifts a trash can in Tucson, Ariz., on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025. This truck was paid for by the City of Tucson using environmental services funds and will participate in a pilot-program to be utilized on a residential refuse and recycling route throughout the city.

Tucson launches first electric garbage truck in move toward 2030 EV fleet goal

Feb 27, 2025 City officials want to cut emissions to improve public health.
Saguaro National Park

Saguaro National Park visitor centers to close Mondays amid National Park Service layoffs

Feb 21, 2025 Two visitor center staff laid off ahead of busy tourism season.
Established in 1924, the Chiricahua National Monument is up for redesignation to national park status. The monument could become Arizona's fourth national park.

'It was the very beginning of my career': National Park Service layoffs impact Southern Arizona

Feb 19, 2025 National park job cuts spark concerns over conservation, tourism and the future of public lands.
Local elected officials, public health and climate advocates talked about the benefits of electric vehicle provisions, tax credits and health benefits in Tucson, Ariz., on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2024. From left to right: Arizona State Director of Climate Cabinet Nick Arnold, political and policy director of Rural Arizona Engagement Antonio Ramirez, chair and co-founder of Arizona Health Physicians for Climate Action Dr. Brian Drummond and Tucson councilmember Kevin Dahl. In a statement from the Mayor of Tucson Regina Romero, the city has received $40 million from the Inflation Reduction Act to expand its EV fleet and infrastructure.

Tucson leaders push for support to expand clean energy

Feb 18, 2025 Climate change is straining healthcare systems– advocates say clean energy can help.
Bobcats in the wild.

Meet your feisty neighborhood felines in the Tucson area

Feb 17, 2025 Bobcats (Lynx rufus) are surviving and flourishing in urban settings, despite real challenges.
Squad members from the Aviation Center of Excellence from Fort Novosel, Alabama, compete in the grenade assault course during the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command Best Squad Competition on Fort Huachuca. August 28, 2023.

AZ House lawmaker asks that feds waive Endangered Species Act for military

Feb 12, 2025 Gail Griffin's bill would send a letter with the request to the president and both chambers of Congress.
The entrance of the South32 Hermosa mine site, a critical minerals project that looks to source manganese and zinc.

ADEQ approves South32 Hermosa Project expansion for tailings storage

Feb 10, 2025 South32 secures amendment to Aquifer Protection Permit.
Views from the Santa Rita Experimental Range.

Environmental groups challenge air quality permit for Copper World mine

Feb 9, 2025 Appeal argues Arizona regulators failed to enforce stricter pollution controls.
Red Butte in Coconino County, Wednesday, Aug. 30. Known as "Wii'i Gdwiisa," in Havasupai, the sacred grounds are protected under President Joe Biden's Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni- Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument.

Interior Secretary’s new order sparks concerns over national monument protections

Feb 7, 2025 Environmental advocates warn the policy shift could threaten protected public lands in Arizona.

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