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Nature and Environment

Red fire retardant is visible on parts of the Santa Catalina Mountains as a result of firefighting efforts against the Bighorn Fire. June 2020.

One year after Bighorn Fire, Coronado National Forest fire risk remains high

Jun 11, 2021 Drought conditions have worsened over the last year.
The bright sun sets behind some trees near Soleng Tom Elementary School on Tucson's east side.

Border officials warn of heat dangers in south Arizona

Jun 10, 2021 An excessive heat warning for many parts of southern and central Arizona is expected to begin Saturday
Arizona Governor Doug Ducey sits for an interview with Arizona 360 in his office at the Arizona Capitol on Jan. 13, 2021.

Governor tours Arizona fires, calls for special session

Jun 10, 2021 Ducey wants the Legislature to approve extra money to ensure that firefighters have the resources they need
Lake Mead outside of Las Vegas.

Key reservoir on Colorado River expected to match record low

Jun 9, 2021 Dropping surface level at Lake Mead continues to drop
John Farley, director of fire test operations at the Naval Research Laboratory, tests the effectiveness of aqueous film-forming foam by spraying it on a gasoline fire. The test took place at the laboratory in Chesapeake Beach, Md. Oct. 25, 2019.

AZ Delegation members urge DOD to act on Tucson contamination

Jun 9, 2021 Letter cites chemical plumes emanating from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base and Air National Guard installation at Tucson International Airport
Rain clouds near Tubac, July 2019.

Monsoon or nonsoon? Hard to say

Jun 8, 2021 Forecasters say chances are even for good or bad monsoon this year.
Cracked mud flats appear on the surface of Quitobaquito pond on July 18, 2020.

Community organization donates $100,000 for Quitobaquito Restoration project

Jun 8, 2021 The National Park Service will use its own funds and those from donors to make improvements to the cherished desert spring.
The Bureau of Land Management used prescribed burns across many of its properties for habitat improvement and to reduce the risk of severe wildfires.

Arizona wildfires force more evacuations, highway closures

Jun 6, 2021 About 150 firefighters are battling the blaze that has been burning out of control across 53 square miles
From the "Good Food Finder" webpage: "Good food is all about taste and freshness. But choosing local means more than delicious and more nutritious food! Local food builds vibrant communities, supports farmers and food entrepreneurs, protects the environment, and fosters a robust local economy."

"Good Food Finder" wants to build roots between growers and consumers.

Jun 2, 2021 Also on Arizona Spotlight: Visit a place in the desert with more than a century of aviation history; current Tucson Museum of Art exhibition "4 x 4" celebrates Willie J. Bonner; more entries by 5th graders from The NPR Student Podcast Challenge.
The Bonito Rock Fire has been burning on the Fort Apache Reservation.

Grim western fire season starts much drier than record 2020

May 22, 2021 Measurements show soil and plants are much drier, making trees and brush more likely to ignite and fire to spread.
A still from "Tebanasu", directed by Atreyu Hasenstab, part of "I Dream in Widescreen 2021".

Exploring new horizons with "I Dream in Widescreen 2021".

May 6, 2021 Also on Arizona Spotlight: Meet two Tucsonans who took unconventional journeys to find healing; and The NPR Podcast Challenge seeks the voices of tomorrow.
A wind turbine.

TEP brings new renewable energy solar system online this month

May 4, 2021 With the addition of two new energy systems about 26% of TEP's power will be from renewable sources.
A scene from the Oak Flat campground, a site sacred to Apache peoples and the epicenter of lawsuits trying to block the development of a large copper mine.

Save Oak Flat Act has passed out of U.S. House committee

May 3, 2021 The act has passed through the committee along party lines and will next go to the House floor.
Navajo Nation family getting clean, drinking water at the local well during the COVID-19 pandemic.

New report looks into water insecurity in tribal lands across Colorado River Basin

Apr 30, 2021 A new report shows when it comes to clean water, its race that best predicts the haves and have nots.
2018's Hurricane Florence as seen from the International Space Station.

Hurricane predictors forecast busy 2021 season

Apr 27, 2021 UA group has been on target about storm predictions since 2014.
Old Main on the University of Arizona campus.

UA ready to have all purchased renewable power in May

Apr 27, 2021 The university says the move will cut greenhouse gases by a third and save millions in the long run.

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