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Nature and Environment

Tom Buschatzke (front) signs a water conservation deal with other Colorado River water managers, Dec. 15, 2021. "I thought we had very robust conversations with the California representatives," he said of the January 2023 negotiations.

Was California consulted in recent Colorado River negotiations?

Mar 11, 2023 Leaders in other states disagree with that characterization.
The Uncle Sam Mine, prior to the completion of work to seal it.

The Buzz: Arizona's abandoned mines

Mar 10, 2023 Many groups look to locate, seal and clean up old mines, which likely number in the hundreds of thousands.
Bobcats are relatively common mammals in Arizona and many other states.

Bobcat Encounters in Southern Arizona: One Animal is Killed

Mar 9, 2023 Investigators are offering a reward of up to $500 in one case
Water in the Colorado River system fills Flaming Gorge Reservoir on June 26, 2021.

Feds pause some Flaming Gorge water releases amid a snowy winter for the Colorado River

Mar 9, 2023 After states in the Colorado River's Upper Basin filed a request with the Bureau of Reclamation.
Telescopes atop Kitt Peak during the summer.

Winter snow slows space exploration in southern Arizona

Mar 6, 2023 Mountaintop astronomers are sometimes stranded by heavy snow at telescope sites.
The Green River flows beneath the Flaming Gorge Dam in Utah.

Proposed pause on reservoir releases prompts Arizona and Lower Basin states to respond

Mar 2, 2023 Those states essentially agreed with the idea of suspending water releases, but said water managers should wait a few months.
Snow in Colorado's Elk Mountains in May 2022.

Water report suggests diversification for Arizona agriculture

Feb 27, 2023 It's in response to mandatory Colorado River cutbacks triggered by drought.
Dr. Justin O. Schmidt, University of Arizona entomologist, in the AZPM radio studio.

Tucson's "King of Sting," Justin Schmidt, dies from Parkinson's disease

Feb 20, 2023 Schmidt is known for allowing himself to be bitten and stung by insects to learn about their sting's affects.

DPS: Crash that closed I-10 likely caused by issue with truck driver

Feb 16, 2023 Officials also say toxic gas released in the crash has likely dissipated.
Eric Balken, executive director of Glen Canyon Institute, walks along a sandbar once submerged by Lake Powell. As the reservoir drops to record lows, areas that were underwater for decades have begun to emerge.

Lake Powell drops to a new record low as feds scramble to prop it up

Feb 15, 2023 The reservoir is currently about 22% full, and is expected to keep declining until around May.

Interstate 10 open after 26-hour closure due to HAZMAT situation

Feb 15, 2023 Leaking nitric acid from a commercial truck caused toxic fumes to spread through the area.

Health officials warn of prolonged exposure to gas from recent acid spill on I-10

Feb 15, 2023 The gas released from the nitric acid can cause some lung issues if exposure lasts longer than 15 minutes.

I-10 remains closed Wednesday morning due to deadly crash. Air quality remains an issue in the area

Feb 15, 2023 The incident involves a crashed commercial truck that was carrying nitric acid.
Kris Mayes, a Democratic candidate for Arizona attorney general, smiles before a debate against Republican Abraham Hamadeh on Sept. 28, 2022.

AG Mayes withdraws Arizona's part investigating investment firms and sustainability practices

Feb 14, 2023 The investigation started under the previous attorney general, Mark Brnovich.

Crash involving hazardous material fire closes Interstate 10 east of Tucson

Feb 14, 2023 I-10 is closed in both directions between Kolb and Rita roads. People warned to avoid the area.
A skier cruises down Snowmass ski area, where January brought heavy snow to the mountains that supply the majority of the Colorado River's water. Scientists say this could provide a temporary boost to shrinking reservoirs.

The Rockies are having a snowy winter, but not all of that water will make it to the Colorado River

Feb 13, 2023 A snowy January is not enough to overcome conditions caused by years of below-average moisture in the region.

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